String Beans (The Girls of Beachmont #2)

by T. K. Rapp

  “I didn’t mean to upset her,” she said.

  “What exactly did you say?”

  “Wyatt, I know how you feel about her, and I’m not sure she feels the same.”

  I pinched the bridge of my nose and closed my eyes in an effort to control my temper. She didn’t know when to back off, and the idea that she had overstepped with Vi frustrated me.

  “Whatever I do or don’t feel for her is between the two of us. It’s none of your business, Mom.”

  “I didn’t mean to butt in,” she said quietly and then squeezed my hand. “But you love her.”

  “What if I do?”

  “She has a lot of baggage—some that I don’t know that she’s dealt with yet. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

  “That’s for me to decide. Not you.”

  “I’m just worried about you. I need to know that you’re okay…you always go all in when it comes to these women and I don’t see them putting as much into the relationship as you do.”

  “I’m no angel,” I scoffed. “And I don’t know what Viola and I are, but when we figure it out, I’ll let you know.”

  I looked toward the door and saw Vi standing in the hallway with her coffee in hand. She seemed hesitant to come into the room—not that I could blame her. My mom had good intentions, but even when she was in peak health, she had never known when to mind her own business.

  “I’m going to check on Dad. I’ll be right back.” I walked to the door and before opening it, looked at Mom. “Be nice.”

  She nodded and smiled at me in that way that I knew she would honor my request. I don’t think she ever realized how intimidating she could be to people who didn’t know her.

  Viola jumped slightly when I pulled the door open, but when her eyes landed on me, she softened. “How’s your mom?”

  “She’s fine. I was actually going to check on my dad… Would you mind staying with her a little longer?”

  “Of course,” she answered. “I’ll be right here.”

  She stepped up on her toes and kissed me briefly before disappearing through the doorway and sitting in the chair she’d vacated. I was hesitant about leaving them alone, hoping my mom didn’t say anything else, but if there was anyone who could handle themselves with my mom, it was Viola.

  VIOLA

  When I sat down, I tried to pretend the previous encounter hadn’t happened, but from the look on Jennie’s face, that wasn’t going to happen. I took a sip of my coffee that might as well have been sand with a splash of tar… It was awful.

  “I shouldn’t have said anything before. It’s not my business.”

  “I understand where you’re coming from, Mrs. Jensen. I really do. I don’t know what’s going to happen down the road, but I can tell you this: I have no intention of hurting Wyatt. He’s amazing and I care about him a lot.”

  Jennie smiled and closed her eyes, as if my words gave her some peace. She relaxed in her hospital bed while we waited for news about Joe’s leg. Wyatt was gone longer than I expected, but I occupied my time checking my email and looking things up online until I got a text.

  Kirk: Where are you?

  Me: With Wyatt.

  Kirk: I’m here with Jo and her boyfriend. Thought you’d be back by now.

  Me: Sorry. Unexpected stop at the hospital. Wyatt’s parents.

  Kirk: Everything okay?

  Me: Fine. What are you doing at my place?

  Thoughts of Kirk trying to woo Callie crossed my mind and I felt a protective jolt shoot through me. Probably like Jennie felt about Wyatt and me. Callie could certainly take care of herself…and Kirk was a good guy.

  Kirk: The song.

  Me: What’s wrong with it?

  Kirk: Nothing. It’s perfect. We need your permission to record it and we’re putting you down as the writer.

  When I had let him record “Shadows,” it was exciting and terrifying, though I liked the fact that no one knew my part in it. The words I’d written this time were infinitely more personal, and everyone would know it was mine.

  Me: What??? You can’t be serious.

  Kirk: As a heart attack.

  Me: Can we talk about this later?

  Kirk: I’m heading out. Talk tomorrow?

  Me: Yeah.

  I stared at the screen and all of my anxiety and fears began to creep into my mind. But then something else happened…I felt pride and confidence overpowering those. My words, my heart, and my feelings—everything I had been through wasn’t for nothing. Writing music, singing, it was my dream that I put on the backburner while Will had tried to make his come true. It was my turn to make mine happen.

  And maybe this song wouldn’t be as successful as “Shadows,” but until I tried, I’d never know. As much as I respected Mr. Bateman, I couldn’t hide behind a desk doing something I didn’t love for fear of taking chances on myself. But at least it was steady income, and until something happened with my music, I’d continue the work.

  I felt flutters and tingles throughout my body and wished I were outside so I could jump up and down and scream. I couldn’t stop smiling, and I didn’t even try. I looked up from my phone and found Jennie looking at me with a smile of her own.

  We didn’t say anything, and luckily we didn’t have to because Wyatt walked in with Joe on crutches.

  “It looks worse than it is,” Joe grumbled when he saw the worried eyes of his wife. “Just twisted it a little. I’m ready to get out of here.”

  “When can we go?” Jennie asked.

  “They’re getting the discharge papers now,” Wyatt said. “They said since it’s his left leg, he’s okay to drive the two of you home.”

  “Son, you need to get this girl home,” Joe said. “Thanks for staying with my lady.”

  “Anytime.” I smiled as I stood up. I reached for Jennie’s hand and squeezed gently. “Truly.”

  Chapter 30

  “That was an interesting night,” I said when Wyatt parked in front of our apartment building. “I’m glad they’re both okay.”

  “Maybe we need a redo,” he said.

  “A redo? No way,” I told him. “This is one for the books. Unforgettable first date.”

  “You think this was our first date?”

  I raised a brow and scoffed. “Yeah it was.”

  “What about that night at Fusion?”

  “That wasn’t a date,” I said. “I didn’t even know you yet.”

  “That’s the whole point of dates: you go out and get to know each other. And I learned a bit about you that night.”

  I crossed my arms and turned in the passenger seat to face him. “Like what?”

  “For one, that you’re pretty damn brave.”

  “How so?” I asked.

  “I don’t know many people that pick up everything they know and start over, especially in someplace as busy as L.A.”

  “What choice did I have?”

  “See, that’s my point.”

  “Okay, what else did you learn that night?”

  “Aside from the fact that you’re a little too sarcastic for your own good…you genuinely care about other people. It’s like a part of you doesn’t want to, but you just can’t help it. It’s who you are.”

  “I think that’s something my roommates taught me. They were the sisters I never had.”

  We sat in silence for a moment until we finally got out of his Jeep. I waited for him on the sidewalk, and when I started to walk to the entrance, he tugged at my hand and pulled me back toward him. Wyatt reached out and touched the short strand of hair that fell into my face but didn’t look me in the eye.

  “I’m sorry about my mom,” he said as his gaze finally met mine. His hand trailed from my neck and down to the small of my back, holding me against him.

  He leaned down to kiss me but I put my fingers against his mouth to stop him and shook my head.

  “Don’t be sorry. I understand where she’s coming from. And I can’t promise that my parents wouldn’t say the same thing to you. S
he loves you.”

  His free hand reached between us and he pulled my fingers away. “Can I kiss you now?”

  I nodded and wrapped my arms around his neck as he held me firmly against him.

  When we parted, we were both breathing heavily and I had to resist the urge to kiss him again. The entire day, and everything from the night before, had been more eventful than anything I’d experienced in a while. All of it began to catch up with me and I released the yawn I was fighting.

  “It’s been a long day,” he said. We walked inside the building and avoided the rickety elevator by using the steps…like I always did. He insisted the elevator was fine, but I wasn’t about to risk life and limb for a hunk of metal.

  We reached our landing and walked down the corridor. Despite all the excitement and drama, I was sad to see it end. Our fingers were threaded together and our pace slowed until he stopped walking.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked.

  He kissed me once, and then leaned his forehead to mine.

  “Stay with me?”

  “Okay,” I whispered.

  ***

  When we walked into the apartment, there was a note from Dallas that he was out with James.

  “No Dallas?” I asked.

  “Guess not.”

  “Guessed wrong,” Dallas said when he walked out from his bedroom. He seemed distracted and I walked over to check on him. He was wearing workout shorts and a T-shirt—nothing like I expected to see him wearing for a night out with James.

  “What’s going on?” I asked.

  “Have you seen my keys?” He walked around moving papers on the counter and the dining room table until he found them.

  “Where are you going?”

  “James and your friend Kirk are at Callie’s. I came back here to call my brother back… That was fun.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  “The usual. I’m irresponsible, my mom’s worried about me, and he questions my decisions. I guess he’s forgotten that I’m the one with a steady job and I talk to Mom every day. Got that one out of the way…for now.”

  “What’s everyone doing at Callie’s?”

  “Drinking and listening to Kirk play some songs. You two want to come hang?”

  Wyatt looked at me and tried not to laugh when he shook his head. It didn’t matter; Dallas was too busy staring at his phone to notice.

  “I’m about to leave,” I said. “It’s been a long day.”

  He walked over and gave me a hug before leaving me alone in his apartment with Wyatt, who took my hand in his.

  “You’re not going home.”

  “I know.” I smiled. “But I am really tired…so no late-night talking like last night. I need sleep.”

  “Deal.”

  He walked to his bed and turned on the lamp, and I was surprised to see that his room was cleaner than when I had left that morning. In the dim bedroom, it was easy to ignore the small pile of laundry stuffed in the corner or the stack of folded clothes on his dresser.

  Maybe it wasn’t so clean after all.

  Wyatt sat on the edge of his bed and pulled off his shoes while I pretended to look at my phone.

  Am I supposed to change in front of him? I need something to sleep in.

  Surely I’m not supposed to sleep in what I’m wearing.

  Wait, what underwear do I have on?

  I subtly reached down to the waistband of my jeans and felt the lacey fabric between my fingers.

  Black thong. Nice.

  “You okay?” he asked when he walked toward me.

  There was so much I wanted to tell Wyatt, but I didn’t know where to start. I hadn’t been lying when I’d told Jennie I had no intention of hurting him, but it was my heart I was concerned with. It had taken a beating, and though it had healed significantly, it was still fragile.

  “Yeah…just didn’t realize how tired I am. Do you have a shirt I can borrow?”

  Wyatt went to his closet and pulled a T-shirt off a hanger and I laughed.

  “Who hangs up T-shirts?”

  “Just the cool ones,” he defended and tossed it to me. He left the room and I hurried to change into the shirt. It was long enough that it hung over my thighs and it was when I looked down I saw the writing. I started laughing when I saw the name Tombstone scrawled on the front in old western font across my chest.

  Wyatt walked in and handed me a water bottle and his shirt was noticeably missing. He was wearing nothing but cotton workout shorts and I found myself staring.

  “I thought you said no one’s called you ‘Earp’ before,” I said, trying to distract myself.

  “You can thank Dallas for that one…he said he saw it in one of the tourist shops and knew he had to get it.”

  “I think this might be my most favorite shirt ever.”

  “You can’t have it,” he protested.

  “Not sure how you plan on getting it back. It’ll be in my place tomorrow,” I said.

  Wyatt stalked toward me and my stomach began to swirl, so I put my hands on my hips and held my ground. I wasn’t going to let him win…whatever game it was we were playing. When he was almost in front of me, I willed myself to breathe normally so he couldn’t see that he was getting to me.

  He tugged lightly at the hem of the shirt and smirked. “I want my shirt back.”

  “What?” My eyes widened and I took a small step back. “You can’t have it.”

  Wyatt crossed his arms over his chest and the corner of his mouth lifted. “It’s mine…and I want it back.”

  A nervous laugh escaped me and I lunged to my left and felt him running behind me. I was laughing so hard I put my hand up to stop him.

  “Hold up,” I said breathlessly. “One second.”

  He gave me only a moment before he moved toward me again, so I jumped onto his bed to get across the room.

  “You messed up my bed,” he teased before trampling across it too. He caught me around my waist as I was nearing the door, and nuzzled his face against my neck. I was braced against the wall as he kissed the sensitive spot beneath my ear and my head lolled to the side, giving him better access. Just as my eyes closed, his hands ran up my sides and he started to tickle me, causing me to squirm with laughter as I turned in his arms to face him.

  “Wyatt,” was all I managed to say through my giggling before he stopped.

  “I love that sound,” he said against my ear.

  “What…that I can still breathe despite your torture?”

  “No…I love the sound of your laugh.”

  “Yeah, well, I love that you can make me laugh.”

  “Do you?” he asked in a husky voice. I knew he was up to something and I felt like a kid on Christmas morning waiting for it.

  But then his hand left my side and slid around until it was at the small of my back, pulling me against him. There was a shadow cast over his face from the faint lighting, but I could see he was looking at me affectionately.

  “What?” I whispered. I glanced from his mouth to his eyes and back. I loved the way he made me feel, and it was then I realized I had gotten my second wind. The tiredness was replaced by something much more interesting. I hadn’t planned on anything that night, but the way I felt in his arms was something I didn’t want to fight.

  “The shirt looks better on you,” he muttered.

  I didn’t wait for him to say anything else. I pulled him to me and kissed him, needing to express to him what I couldn’t say. His tongue slid against mine, a low, guttural sound escaping him. My hands traveled from his neck to his waist, holding him as securely as he held me.

  “You win,” I said, sounding completely winded.

  “What’s that?”

  “The shirt,” I said, kissing him again, before finishing. “You can have it back.”

  Wyatt leaned back, bracing his arm against the wall next to my head, his free hand running lazy trails along my hip. I pulled the T-shirt off and tossed it to the floor, leaving nothing but my black lace panties a
nd the mismatched white bra.

  “You didn’t plan this, did you?” he teased.

  I shook my head and smiled. “Nope.”

  “Me either.”

  He dipped his head down to kiss me again, but I stopped him by pushing him backward toward his bed. When his legs met the edge, he sat down and pulled me over to him and I leaned to the side to turn off the lamp.

  Wyatt’s mouth was against my collarbone, trailing a line of kisses up my neck until his lips found mine. My legs straddled his thighs and I loved feeling him against me. The first time I met him I had found him attractive, and despite my efforts to avoid getting involved, he wore me down, and I was so glad he did. It took me a while to come around, and if you had told me the day I met him that I’d be in his bed half naked and kissing the hell out of him, I would have said you were crazy. I was never so happy to be so wrong.

  The make-out session quickly went from PG to PG-13, about to cross into R. Wyatt was everything I didn’t think I wanted or could have. I had started out with him wanting to keep my distance—only because of fear. But the more I spent time with him…the more he kissed those places that made my toes curl…fear went out the window and I was left with only want.

  As we continued to kiss and I held him to me, his hands wrapped around my back and his fingers poised on the clasp of my bra, seeking permission.

  “Yeah,” I said between kisses. He didn’t wait for me to repeat myself before sliding it down my arms and tossing it to the floor along with the shirt I’d discarded.

  “I love you.”

  Did I hear that right?

  The alarms in my head were going off wildly and I felt my pulse accelerate. Or maybe it was always thumping in my ears, but it was only then that I actually heard it.

  “What?” I finally managed to ask after a while.

  “What—what?” he asked while his lips continued their exploration.

  “You said something.”

  Wyatt pulled away and I could sense him trying to see me clearly in the darkness. He brought his hand up and his thumb grazed my cheek gently before dropping to my bottom lip.