Page 48 of Beauty
It’s been almost five years. I should have given up by now. I’m never going to find the book. And even if I did, would I really call him?
Garreth is a good man. He doesn’t ask for much. He hops a jet to visit when I have time and he never pressures me to step away from work. He’s content with what I have to offer. If there’s another person in this world who understands the importance ofhard work and running a business, it’s him. He puts just as much energy into his whiskey company as I put into my designs.
Designs. Just the thought causes a pit to open up in my stomach. The time and energy I’ve put into my business no longer matter. Not after the bad investment decision I made. When I asked Beckett for a recommendation, I never imagined that it would cost me everything. While the authorities are working on locating my money, I’m not holding my breath. If the scam had only impacted me, I wouldn’t even care. Maybe that makes me sound spoiled, but money is replaceable. I’ve had several successful years. I could have several more. Unfortunately, the money I invested belonged to the co-op I created for up-and-coming artists, which means all their money got caught in this scheme too. It’s bad.Really bad.
“I wish you’d let me handle it.” With a squeeze of my hand, Garreth pulls me against his chest and kisses my forehead.
I step back, and he releases me, wearing a concerned frown.
“No.” My tone is firm, and I can’t help the rush of annoyance that hits me. This isn’t the first time he’s offered to help. He’s a good man. And I appreciate it. But I won’t change my mind.
“Would you at least consider allowing me to tell Beckett about us?” He maintains an even expression, though I know he’s itching to do it. He’s wanted to tell him since we became exclusive over a year and a half ago.
There’s no reasonable excuse not to tell him, or the rest of my brothers. Garreth may be fourteen years older than me, but none of the guys would care about that—especially Gavin, whose wife is close to twenty years younger than he is. Garreth is wonderful, and my brothers would all be thrilled that I’m happy.
Yet I’m still not ready to admit to our families and friends that we’re together.
I’m an asshole.
I suck in a breath and put on my proverbial big-girl panties. “After the wedding,” I promise. “I don’t want anything to take away from Brooks and Sara’s big day.”
Grinning, he leans down and presses his lips to mine. “Whatever you want.”
I close my eyes and will myself to sink into the kiss. To relax and think of only Garreth.
But no matter how hard I try, every time Garreth kisses me, I think ofhim.
SIXTEEN
NOAH
There’s justsomething about weddings. About how two people decide that against all odds, they’re going to give it a shot.
The first time I met the woman standing at the altar with Brooks, I knew they’d make it. It’s the way my friend lights up around her and how fiercely protective she is of him. Sara couldn’t care less about the millions he has in the bank. She’s enamored. It’s evident in the way she looks at him, the way she talks about him, and in the respect she has for one of the kindest, most caring men I know. And it’s more than obvious that his heart beats wildly for her.
It’s the way they smile at one another like they’ve won the lottery as Beckett Langfield pronounces them husband and wife.
And the way she leaps into his arms with the biggest of smiles. And how his full attention remains fixed on her as he carries her up the aisle.
It’s hard not to believe that soulmates exist in the presence of Brooks and Sara.
“Now, that’s a wedding,” I say, holding out a hand to Hannah. We stayed in our seats as we waited for the aisles to clear, but it looks like our row is next.
Hannah shocked the shit out of me when she announced that she was pregnant. My stepsister has never been one for relationships. What was even more surprising was the identity of the father. Daniel Hall, my teammate, is often referred to as Playboy by fans and commentators. He’s young, really young, and though I don’t know him well yet, I admit that I judged him based on his nickname and reputation. I was sure he wouldn’t take her pregnancy seriously, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Hall is all-in, and he’s just as head over heels for Hannah as Brooks is for Sara.
“I don’t know.” Hannah sighs as she takes my hand and lets me help her up. “The way Ava and War did it was ridiculously romantic.”
“Didn’t their marriage start out as a contract?”
“Well, yes.” She shrugs. “But it was just the two of them at city hall. I love the simplicity of it. Doing away with the whole pomp and circumstance so it’s nothing more than two people pledging to do their best for one another.”
“That is beautiful, Han,” I tease. “Spoken like a true romantic.”
She lets out a throaty laugh, the sound a bit too loud for the moment. That’s Hannah to a T. She’s got a big personality. “I’m an author, not a romantic. I don’t actually believe in all that stuff.”
With a smirk, I shake my head. “Sure you do. You write love stories about the most improbable couples. You create characters who overcome their traumas, then end up finding the love they deserve without having to change who they are.”
It’s what I’d wish for myself if I thought I had a chance at any of that.
