Caroline’s smoky voice filled Beth’s heart with icicles. “Jared, what are you doing?” But just then she seemed to realize what was wrong.
Now, both Caroline and Jared were frozen as they stared back at Beth. At least they both had the decency to look ashamed. But there was nothing they could say to deny what they’d done. The guilt that washed Jared’s face was as good as any confession. And the horror on Caroline’s face was almost comical.
Beth finally remembered to take a breath, and with it came reality. The world came crashing back at alarming speed as she fumbled to disconnect the call. Beth heard Jared call her name, but she didn’t wait to hear more. He immediately tried to call her back but she turned her phone off before throwing it away from her like it was poisonous. Then she sunk to the floor.
Beth closed her eyes and gulped in shaky breaths as the tears came. She couldn’t get the image of Caroline’s arms circling Jared’s chest out of her head. Shuddering against the pain, Beth opened her eyes. With them closed she could see nothing but the deceitful scene playing over and over. She tried reasoning with herself. She shouldn’t be this upset. She’d been calling to break up with Jared. She shouldn’t care that he was cheating on her with her best friend.
But she did. Beth felt broken and betrayed.
Parker had tried to tell her, but she refused to see the truth. She hadn’t wanted to believe him. That was the sad thing about life; most of the time, people only saw what they wanted to. They preferred the perfect picture they create in their heads, the illusion of how things should be. And Beth was no exception. Perhaps that’s why this had happened. Beth thought Jared was good for her and that she wasn’t good enough for Parker. She’d been scared to see the truth.
Hugging her knees, Beth folding in on herself, no longer trying to stop her tears. As despair began to swallow her, Parker’s strong arms wrapped around her. He knelt behind her, his arms enfolding her against his chest. Beth leaned into him, letting him lift her to her feet.
“What happened?” he asked, worry carving every angle of his beautiful features.
Beth looked up at him through her tears. Parker wasn’t wearing his glasses and in the moonlight, his face shone like it was made of stardust—pale and opalescent. Strangely, in Parker’s arms, things didn’t feel quite so bad. The tightness in her chest instantly loosened as his warmth spread through her.
“Beth? What’s wrong?”
“It’s over,” she whispered.
Parker’s brow furrowed. “With Jared?”
She nodded.
“He called?”
“I called him.”
Parker pulled Beth over to the cushioned lounge chair on the balcony. He sat next to her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder gently. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I know that couldn’t have been easy.”
Beth huffed a laugh. “It couldn’t have been easier.”
“What do you mean?”
“You were right. He was with her. He probably has been this whole time.” Beth’s shoulders began to shake as a new wave of humiliation hit her. “I’m such an idiot.”
Parker turned her to face him, holding her shoulders tighter. “Beth, what happened?”
“I called Jared to end it and he was in bed with her.” Beth’s throat felt strangled as she forced the words out. “He was with Caroline.”
Parker swore under his breath as he pulled Beth closer, letting her sob into his bare chest until she had nothing left. She didn’t feel cold, but Parker told her she was shivering. “Let’s go inside,” he whispered.
“I think I want to stay out here a bit longer, by myself, if you don’t mind.”
Parker nodded tersely and Beth watched the muscle in his jaw feather as he bit back whatever else he wanted to say. He disappeared inside, but a moment later returned with a box of tissues and a large blanket that he draped around Beth’s shoulders.
“Thank you,” Beth murmured, grateful for both.
Parker pulled her in for another hug, and whispered into her hair. “They never deserved you, Beth. Neither of them. You deserve so much more.”
Beth looked up at Parker and in that moment she knew he was right. Not that Jared and Caroline hadn’t deserved her, but that she deserved to be happy. Beth deserved to be loved. And no one had ever made her feel more happiness or more loved than Parker. She was done waiting.
Beth slid her arms around Parker’s neck, winding her fingers through his hair as she kissed him. She tasted the salt of her own tears and it seemed so did Parker.
He pulled away. “Beth, not like this,” he murmured against her lips. She wanted to protest, but then he kissed her one more time, sweet and gentle. “Give yourself some time to heal. I can wait. Because I want all of you,” Parker said placing his warm hand over her heart. “All of this.”
Parker
Parker sat with Beth on the balcony until the sun came up. He’d wrapped her in a blanket and held her in his arms until she’d fallen asleep in his lap. He was grateful for her steady rhythmic breathing pressing against his chest. It was the only thing keeping him calm.
He’d always been fiercely protective of Beth. Perhaps that was part of the reason he disliked Jared so much. Besides his own jealousy, Parker had known from the start that Jared would hurt Beth. Parker had met dozens of guys like Jared. Stanton was full of them—over-confident, under-parented jocks with miles of swagger who thought their crooked smiles were get out of jail free cards. Normally, Beth could spot guys like that, too. But Jared was different. He wasn’t rich—not Stanton rich, anyway—and he knew how to play that angle.
Jared had made Beth think he was the underdog—the new guy who just needed a friend. She’d been a lamb to the slaughter. Parker had known it the moment Jared hopped out of that moving truck.
Now, Parker cursed himself for not trying harder; for not doing a better job of protecting Beth. He should’ve pushed the issue when he saw Jared and Caroline together. And he should’ve told Beth about Caroline’s offer, no matter how difficult it would’ve been for him or how mad Beth would’ve been. Because Parker would rather have Beth mad at him a million times over than see the hurt that filled her eyes when she told him she’d witnessed Jared and Caroline’s deception herself.
As the dawn began to chase away the night, Parker closed his eyes and held Beth tighter. There was nothing left to do but let her heal and be there for her. It was the one small comfort he had—knowing that he was with her now and would never let someone hurt her like this again.
35
Beth
Beth woke up alone the morning of Brenna’s wedding. She was wrapped in a blanket on her bed and couldn’t remember how she’d gotten there. The last thing she recalled was lying under the stars with Parker.
It’d been so still and peaceful on the balcony. But as Beth stretched her stiff limbs the reality of what she’d discovered last night came crashing back—Jared and Caroline.
It was enough to knock the wind out of her. And for about two seconds Beth felt angry, and then sorry for herself. But when she dragged herself into the bathroom and saw the note taped to the mirror, all those feelings melted away.
Good morning beautiful. I went for a run. I’ll see you at the altar. I’ll be the one who can’t take my eyes off of you. xxxx – P
PS – remember to look for the rainbows.
Butterflies barreled through Beth’s stomach obliterating any feelings but those she had for Parker. She hadn’t heard that saying in ages. It was something she and Parker used to say to each other as kids. It started when they were eight and Beth’s big pool party got rained out. She had spent what was supposed to be a great day in her room crying until Parker came over. He asked why she was crying and her response was, “Isn’t it obvious? It’s raining on my parade.”
Beth held the note to her heart, smiling at the memory. She’d never forget Parker’s response. He’d shrugged and said, “that just means we can look for rainbows.” Then he held out his hand and led Beth out
side. They’d spent the rest of the day splashing around in rain boots laughing and hunting down rainbows. ‘Looking for rainbows’ had been their mantra for spoiled plans ever since.
Parker had always been the rainbow in Beth’s cloudy day, and today was no exception. But today wasn’t even cloudy. Beth realized with sudden clarity that the storm had passed and she was finally free. More than that, she was finally with Parker, or she would be very shortly.
Beth hopped in the shower with renewed confidence. Today was going to be all rainbows.
Jared
“Jared, don’t do this,” Caroline begged.
He ignored her pleas and continued shoving his things into his duffle bag. He’d been in complete shock since last night. Every time he closed his eyes, all he could see was Beth’s heartbroken expression. Jared was a fool to think he still had a chance, but he had nothing to lose at this point.
“Jared, just talk to me.”
He refused to look at her.
“She’s never gonna take you back.”
“I guess we’ll see,” he replied.
“If you go after her you can kiss your scholarship goodbye.”
Jared stopped packing. He finally met Caroline’s gaze, shocked by the emotion he saw simmering there. He’d finally reached his crossroad. Beth or lacrosse? The girl or the game?
He had a decision to make. And it wasn’t an easy one.
Beth
Beth was late getting to Brenna’s room, but when she’d gotten out of the shower she noticed that Parker had rearranged the shells from their initials to spell out, I LOVE YOU. Beth had to leave him a message of her own. She smirked to herself imagining Parker finding her response.
“What are you smiling about?” Brenna asked, peering at Beth over her champagne flute.
Beth schooled her face. Her sisters were like bloodhounds when it came to gossip, they didn’t miss a thing. They were all gathered in Brenna’s room drinking mimosas and in various stages of getting their hair and makeup done. Brenna scooted over on the divan and patted the spot next to her.
Grabbing a scone and mimosa of her own, Beth joined her sister. “Ready for the big day?” Beth asked hoping to dodge the questions simmering in Brenna’s eyes.
“I was born ready,” Brenna quipped.
“Truer words were never spoken,” Britton called from across the room.
Beth laughed and stuffed a bite of scone into her mouth. This was gonna be a long morning. But secretly, Beth was looking forward to it. Her sisters hadn’t all been together like this in years. And being back at Bellemora together made it even more special.
Beth dreamily reached up to touch Nana’s pearls around her neck. It was almost like old times. And now that things were finally over with her and Jared, she felt lighter than she had in days. For once, her head and her heart weren’t being pulled in two different directions and it felt incredible. She could finally enjoy herself. Or she could if her infernal phone would stop ringing.
She’d turned the ringer off, but the dull vibrating was grating on her nerves. Brenna kept eyeing Beth’s phone suspiciously.
“Who keeps calling you?” Brenna finally asked.
“My ex.”
Brenna’s eyebrows flew up and Beatrice smeared mascara onto her cheek.
“I’m sorry, did you just say, ex?” Bianca called from across the room.
Beth sighed. Bloodhounds. “Yes, Jared and I broke up last night.”
All of her sisters exchanged looks.
“Can we not make a big deal about this?” Beth begged. “Today is about Brenna. We can ex-boyfriend bash tomorrow.”
Brianne pouted. “But ex boyfriend-bashing is my favorite sport.”
“Too bad,” Brenna called. “You had your day. Today is all about me.”
Once the rest of Beth’s sisters went back to their primping, Brenna pulled Beth out onto the balcony. “Today may be all about me,” she said. “But I want to know what happened.”
“Bren, I really don’t want to get into it.”
“But I’m the bride,” Brenna pouted.
Beth rolled her eyes and swatted her.
“Come on, Bethy. At least tell me if you took my advice about Parker.”
“More or less,” Beth admitted, trying to conceal her grin.
“You’ve made your decision, then?”
Beth nodded.
“And it’s Parker?”
Beth couldn’t contain her smile any longer. Just the mention of Parker’s name made her giddy. “Yes,” she whispered excitedly.
Brenna whooped. “It’s about time!” Then she pulled Beth into a bone-crushing hug. “Now spill it!”
In a flash, the rest of Beth’s sisters piled onto the balcony to see what all the fuss was about. They’d no doubt been eavesdropping—it was practically a Bennett sister super power.
“Hey, no sister-talk without me!” Britton scolded. “I flew all the way from Scotland for this.”
Brenna beamed at Beth and then shouted loud enough to be heard two towns over, “Beth and Parker are finally doing it!”
Beth’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh my God, Brenna! We are so not doing it!” But her feeble protests were drowned out by the rest of her sisters’ cheers. Each of them took turns pulling Beth into a fierce embrace and giving her sage sisterly advice.
It turned out that all of Beth’s sisters felt like Brenna did—Beth and Parker were meant for each other. They all had such kind things to say about him, sharing little ways they’d each noticed him hiding his feelings for her. Apparently all of Beth’s sisters had watched his love for her blossom into the vibrant bouquet that now overwhelmed her.
By the time her sisters’ excitement died down Beth was near tears with happiness. The Bennett girls knew Parker so well and they all felt he fit into their family like the missing piece.
For a moment, Beth felt silly for having missed all the signs of what they’d become to each other. But unexpectedly, it was Brenna who made her feel better.
“Sometimes we can’t see the things that are right in front of us, until we learn how to see ourselves first,” Brenna said quietly.
Beth squeezed Brenna’s hand. There was so much strength there and never had Beth been more grateful that Hurricane Brenna, in all her feisty, wild nature, was her sister.
Parker
Parker finished his morning run. He trekked eight miles on the beach. It was more than his usual six, but he couldn’t seem to stop. He just felt so alive. The salt air and the soft sand tried to coax him to keep going, but he was anxious to get back to Bellemora—back to Beth.
He knew he wouldn’t have time to see her before the ceremony, but just knowing he’d be in her general vicinity eased his mind. It’d always been like that for him. Parker felt better whenever he was where Beth was. He smiled to himself knowing it would be nearly impossible to tear himself away from her today. He’d seen her pale lacey bridesmaid dress hanging in the bedroom before he left for his run. She was going to look stunning in it.
Parker was lost in daydreams of Beth when he heard his name being catcalled from the balcony he jogged under. He looked up and nearly tripped. Beth and her sisters were all in states of half-dress as they waved and cheered like girls gone wild. Parker’s eyes found Beth’s and she smiled at him so brightly his chest hurt.
“Spot any rainbows yet?” he shouted.
Beth leaned over the railing, giggling like a child. “They’re all I see,” she called back.
And then she blew Parker a kiss, riling her sisters even further. They teased him some more, dragging a giggling Beth back into the suite like she was a princess awaiting her knight.
Her wild laughter trailed after Parker like music. He smiled to himself as he jogged away, his heart swelling in his chest. Beth’s happiness was all that had ever mattered to him, and being the one to bring that to her filled him up in a way he couldn’t express. He found himself wondering if her laughter alone was enough to sustain him. Parker laughed at himse
lf, because in that instant, he knew it was.
36
Beth
Beth was giddy as she put the finishing touches on her hair. Her blonde waves were soft and swept to one side with an antique comb. She looked around the room at her beautiful sisters, her heart brimming with pride. They were all dressed in matching lavender silk robes gathered around Brenna. Her robe was white, with the word, ‘Bride’, embroidered in elegant lavender script over her heart.
Brenna was smiling so brightly it almost made Beth’s heart hurt. She couldn’t wait to meet the man that had made her wildest sister fall in love—because it was definitely love Beth saw on Brenna’s face. Being in love herself made it somehow easier for Beth to spot.
The photographer posed them for a few more ‘getting ready’ shots. Pulling out her phone, Beth snapped a few candid shots of her own. She wanted to remember this moment forever. She’d never felt so close to her sisters before. They’d all been genuinely happy for her to finally realize her feelings for Parker. It was like being in love had made her worthy of being inducted into their secret club of grown up sisterhood. No longer was Beth the tag-along, the baby, the outsider. She was just Beth—sister, equal, friend. It was a priceless gift and she would be forever grateful to Parker for giving it to her.
Beth almost had to pinch herself to keep her feet planted on the ground. She and Parker hadn’t even started their relationship—not officially—but already Beth felt like she was on cloud nine. Was this how everyone in love felt? If so, how was it possible to get anything done?
Beth’s heart was aflutter and she couldn’t concentrate on anything for more than a few seconds before her mind slipped back to thoughts of Parker. It astonished her how someone so familiar had morphed into someone so entirely different overnight. Parker was like a drug and she craved him constantly.
The Boyfriend Series Box Set (Books 1-6): YA Contemporary Romance Novels Page 99
