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When Seth finally ended the call, he set her phone on the island. He wasn’t pleased. “What happened?”
“When we moved you out of that shithole you and your dad lived in, we asked you what other outstanding bills you had,” Beck reminded, face stern. “You didn’t mention this one.”
“I just forgot about it,” she said. “When it came, it was one of many. Most I stashed in the desk we cleared out, but that one I shoved in my school bag when it arrived so Dad wouldn’t see, then it slipped my mind. I swear.”
Seth wasn’t sure he believed her.
Beck analyzed her, eyes narrowed, before he finally nodded. “Okay, we’ll take your word. You had a lot going on, little girl. And everyone forgets things.”
The doctor had a point. Seth softened and moved in behind her. “It’s finished. They’ll never call you again.”
She turned to him, apology all over her face. “I’m sorry that my problems have been never ending for you two. And that I’ve messed everything up so much your natural assumption was that I’d purposely kept the truth from you.”
She looked so painfully young and earnest.
He softened, his heart clutching. He brushed a kiss over her trembling mouth. “When you received that bill, you didn’t know Beck and I would take responsibility for whatever financial problems you faced. I understand you tucking it away and forgetting it. But if you withhold anything from us intentionally, you know the consequences.”
“A spanking?”
“For something little like not telling us you don’t like horror movies when we’re pumped to take you to the next slasher flick, probably,” Beck said. “But…”
Seth wasn’t about to let that explanation go unfinished. “For major things, Heavenly, we’d have far more serious conversations. People can’t be in relationships with partners who aren’t honest. That’s even more true in BDSM. We rely on it, along with trust and open communication. Without that, what do we really share? And why should we go on?”
“You’d leave me?” She sounded stricken.
That face tugged at him.
He cupped her shoulders. “It’s not a threat. I just need you to understand our expectation and why your previous behavior is totally unacceptable now.”
She nodded miserably. “I understand. I’m sorry.”
He hated her sounding so small and defeated. “We’re not disappointed in you today. You’re human. If you forgot, you forgot.”
With a shaky nod, she tried to put on a happier face.
“Good girl.” Beck leaned down to kiss her.
“You sure you don’t want any company while you grocery shop?”
“I’ll be fine. Raine texted me earlier. She mentioned that River will probably call you this morning to catch up after our trip so you’ll be ready for Monday morning. I won’t be gone long.”
Beck cradled her jaw. “Sure you’re all right?”
“Yeah.” She sniffled. “I don’t know why that call made me so emotional. I guess it reminded me of all my problems and of Dad and…”
“I’m sure. We also didn’t let you get a lot of sleep last night.” Beck smiled.
“But I liked that.” She snuggled herself against him.
Seth flanked her, wrapping his arms around her waist. “We did, too.”
They embraced in the middle of the kitchen, letting stillness and silence envelop them for long moments. Then Heavenly gathered herself, along with her purse and car keys, waving as she headed out to Seth’s SUV.
The moment the door closed behind her, Seth turned to Beck. “What the hell?”
“Yeah.” The surgeon pulled at the back of his neck. “On the one hand, I have a feeling we’re going to step into more medical shit she couldn’t manage with her dad.”
“She was in over her head.”
