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The limo first drops Axel and Blaire at their hotel. As soon as they exit, Beckett pulls me onto his lap and starts kissing me again. His hands find my breasts and his lips move down my neck as he mumbles, “I’ve wanted you for so long.”
I pull away from him and he looks at me in confusion. “What’s wrong?”
I take a deep breath. “I’m sorry if I misled you back there, but it was an error in judgment.”
He shakes his head. “Our deal is over. There’s nothing holding us back. I’m so attracted to you. You don’t feel the same?”
I rub his gorgeous face with my hand. “It’s not that. Iamattracted to you. Very much. Beckett, I told you, we live in two different worlds. I’ve endured so much hurt in my life, most of which was caused by me making poor, impulsive decisions. I can’t let this be another. I have a history of trying to make the wrong person fit into what I imagine for my life. I know I’m not the right person for you. You’re way out of my league.”
“I don’t agree. Stop saying that. You’re amazing. I’d be lucky to have you.”
I shake my head. “I’m sorry. I can’t.”
I hate the look of hurt on his face. He turns his face, unable to maintain eye contact with me, mumbling, “Coward.”
Maybe I am a coward, but a lifetime of bad decisions and disappointment does that to a person.
“Were you just using me this whole time? You’re justlike everyone else in my life. You’re right, it’s best for you to go.”
I know he’s lashing out in pain. That seems to be his M.O. But there’s no point in disputing it. It’s time for me to leave. If him being angry with me makes it easier for him, then so be it.
We sit in silence for the last few minutes of the drive. It’s filled with tension, and I hate that these are our final moments together.
We pull into his driveway and Nico opens the car door for us.
Beckett turns to him as we step out of the car. “You can go home, Nico. I don’t need you for the rest of the night.”
“Are you sure, Mr. Windsor?”
“Yes. The front gate security is enough. Please manage the transportation for my mother and Andie from New York in the morning.”
“I was planning on it. Have a good night. You too, Ms. Tremaine.”
I catch him by surprise when I hug him. “I’m heading out tonight, Nico. I won’t be back. It’s been a pleasure knowing you.”
He squeezes me back and whispers in my ear, “He’s a good man.”
I whisper back, “I know.”
“He cares about you.”
I pull back and give a small nod as Nico leaves.
Beckett and I walk into the house, and I immediately head upstairs to grab my bags. When I return downstairs, he’s still standing by the front door looking lost.
I place my bags on the ground, wrap my arms around his waist, and kiss his cheek, taking in his scent one last time. “Goodbye, Beckett.”
He simply nods as he begins to open the door for me, but just as quickly as he opens it, he closes it. “Stay with me tonight. Not because of some stupid deal or any obligation. Stay with me because you want to be with me. The real me. Not Beckett Windsor, the billionaire. Not Beckett Windsor, the man who can open doors and introduce you to the right people. Just me. A man who wants you. The authentic you. Exactly as you are.”
My eyes fill with tears. I want it too. I just know how this story ends, and it’s not a fairytale. I look up at his blue eyes. “You’re an amazing man and wonderful father. You’ll find the right woman one day. The one who belongs in your world. Then you’ll know that what I’m doing is right.” I kiss his cheek one last time. “Goodbye, Beckett.”
I open the door myself and walk out to my car, unable to look back, and pack my trunk like I’ve done so many times before. I get into the driver’s seat and just sit for several long minutes. I’m questioning myself, but how can I trust my feelings when they’ve always been off target?
I’m tempted to call Reggie, but I know she and Sam had a big date tonight. I don’t want to interrupt them.
Looking down at the keys in my hand, I notice that Beckett’s house key is still on it. I carefully remove it. I should bring it back inside. I’ll do so quietly. I’m sure he’s already gone up to bed.
I slowly turn the key and open the door. As I step into the house, I suck in a breath and fall back against the door, closing it.
