Jack ran his hand through his hair and exchanged an odd look with the others. “Right after she saw you with Emmy, and oh yeah, you didn’t acknowledge her, she left.”
What? Oh, fuck no.
“I’m hanging up and calling you right back.” I disconnected the video call and called Jack’s cell.
“I’m sorry, Dane. Lucy did try to stop her. We knew you’d be calling.”
Jack’s words didn’t make sense. Now I was the one running my hand through my hair.
“Go back to what you said about Emmy, and what else did I do wrong?”
“The reporter. He asked you if there was someone special watching at home. You never mentioned Beverly, only your family, which was great, bro. Thank you for that, but I think you hurt her feelings a bit.”
“Are you fucking kidding me? I was going to say her name, but the reporter cut me off. Let’s move on to Emmy.”
“Dude, first, she’s fucking hot as hell. That being said, from what I understand, you haven’t spoken to Beverly in a couple of days. Yet you hugged, kissed, and according to Lucy, gave Emmy some sort of wink. Apparently it triggered something with Beverly, and she’s upset. All I know is you and Emmy looked very, um, friendly. Please tell me you didn’t hook up with her?”
Feeling as if I were stuck on repeat, I shouted, “Are you fucking kidding me?” The hallway I was pacing in the clubhouse was pretty deserted, but I lowered my voice. “Of course I didn’t hook up with her.”
I shook my head in utter frustration. Why in the world would anyone think I’d hook up with Emmy, or anyone else, for that matter? And on national television, no less! I might be an asshole, but I wasn’t a stupid asshole.
“Anyway, Mom and Dad called,” Jack said. “They’re calling our relatives to let them know you won. You know, just in case they don’t watch golf in Utah.”
“That’s great, Jack, but I need to call Beverly. Thanks for watching today. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Sorry to dampen your day. I’m sure once you explain it, everything will be fine.”
I disconnected the call and stared at my phone. Not wanting everyone in the clubhouse to hear my next conversation, I headed for my rental car.
Thoughts of what happened after I won were a bit fuzzy. I was so overjoyed; it was as if I was buzzed. It was all such a whirlwind. First winning, then V1 wanting to sponsor Emmy and me—it was incredibly overwhelming.
Not wanting to wait a minute more, I dialed Beverly’s number as soon as I got into the car. After four rings, she finally answered.
“Hello.” She sniffled, and my heart sank. Was she crying?
“Hi, sweetheart.” Maybe a term of endearment would change the tone of where I thought this conversation was headed.
“Hi, Dane. Congratulations.” Beverly’s voice was flat and devoid of emotion, not at all like her normal tone.
“We need to talk. About what you saw—”
She cut me off. “Look. I’ve been thinking, and although it’s been a lot of fun hanging out with you, I don’t think you need the baggage of a girlfriend, if that’s even what I am. You don’t sound excited. I’m assuming you spoke to someone at your brother’s house, since you seem to know what happened. This is all for the best, Dane. I’m fine; I just think you need to concentrate on your future.”
What in the ever-loving fuck?
“Beverly, you don’t understand. Yes, I spoke to Jack, but you’re so off base. Let me explain.”
“Dane, I can’t do this. I’m sorry, but I just can’t. This just isn’t the type of life I want. Please know that I’m so happy for you, though. I truly am.”
The more she spoke, the more confident her tone became, which had the opposite effect on me. And I was damn well going to get to the bottom of this.
“Not the type of life that you want? What does that even mean?” Before she could answer, I decided this was not the place to have this conversation. “You know what? Don’t answer me. I’m flying home tonight, and I’ll be at your place tomorrow.”
“I’m busy tomorrow. Do me this favor and give me the space I’m asking for.”
“Hold on. Are you saying you don’t want to see me anymore?” I dropped my head back until it hit the headrest, closed my eyes, and waited for her answer.
“Yes, I suppose I am.”
I felt as if someone had cold-cocked me, leaving me shocked and hurt and angry, a shitty combination of emotions I’d never experienced before. No one had ever dumped me, but then again, how could they? I didn’t do relationships, and this was exactly why.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” I said before taking a deep breath. “But if that’s what you want to do, then I can’t stop you.”
“Congrats again. I am happy for you. Take care of yourself.”
When she ended the call, my heart stopped beating. I thought for sure my eyes weren’t going to open again.
This woman had gotten under my skin and into my heart—all of which I’d stupidly allowed. The ache in my chest was real, probably what a broken heart felt like. All the joy I’d experienced after the event today was gone in a flash.
After I grabbed my bags at the airport, I called Uber for a ride home. It was after midnight, and even though the original plan was for Beverly to pick me up, she didn’t. I tossed my things into the back of the sedan when it pulled up and rode home in a dejected silence.
• • •
September
The next morning, my phone rang, waking me out of a sound sleep. Granted, I’d only slept for about three hours since I got home from the airport. Then I thought about Emmy and the wink Jack had mentioned. I needed to fix this.
When the phone rang again, I glanced at the screen. I wished it was Beverly, but it was an unknown number. Turned out it was Frederick Von Something-or-other with V1. He wanted to meet with me the next day to discuss the terms of our contract, and we set up a time.
Emmy had given me the name of her agent, Sam Jasper, since I didn’t have one yet. After I talked to Mr. Jasper, alerting him I’d be faxing him a contract, I rolled over and tried to get more sleep.
The next couple of days were consumed with business meetings. I had to drive to Baltimore to sign the contract with V1, go over financials, and set up photo shoots. Emmy and I were also shooting a commercial, but we didn’t need to be in the same place. Apparently, she’d be shooting hers in her hometown in Georgia.
So far this week I’d spoken to all my siblings but Gretchen, although I did text her to say hello. I knew that if she got me on the phone, she’d ream me up one side and down the other over the Beverly situation.
My plan was to talk to Gretchen and Lucy in person. According to Drake, they were all meeting at Juno’s on Friday night, and that was exactly where I planned to be. I also might have mentioned to Drake that it would be a great idea for Lucy to invite Beverly.
Every time I thought of calling her, I didn’t. What does a jilted lover say? “Hi, how’s the weather?” No. What I did know is she needed to look me in the eye and tell me exactly what was going on in her head.
Juno’s was crowded, as usual. You could definitely tell who was there to wind down and who was there to find the flavor of the night. Granted, I had been one of those guys at one time, but since I met Beverly, I’d been off the market. Then I remembered what she said about when she was here before.
Wondering if the guy who’d hit on her was here, I surveyed the bar, sizing up the men in suits versus the ones who were casually dressed. He could be any one of these assholes.
A cute redhead caught my eye as I was scanning the room. If I weren’t on a mission tonight, which was to try to get my girl back, this one would totally be my type. She licked her lips and batted her false eyelashes. I nodded and then walked toward the back of the room, where I knew my brother would most likely be.
As I made my way through the crowd, I was stopped by a couple of golf enthusiasts who asked for my autograph and a selfie. This celebrity thing was all new to me, an
d it took me by surprise for a second. After a few smiles and signatures, I moved on. When I looked up, there she was—my Beverly—sitting at a table with Drake, Lucy, and Gretchen.
My heart thundered with each step I took. Tonight she was wearing her hair loose, and it hung in a silken raven fall over her shoulders. How I wished I could run my hands through those soft waves and pull her in for a kiss, but sadly that wasn’t on the agenda at the moment.
Finally, I reached their table and everyone looked up. Gretchen and Beverly were seated on one side while Drake sat next to Lucy on the other.
Gretchen got up and threw her arms around me. “It’s so good to see you! Congratulations!” Then she whispered in my ear. “I love you, but you royally screwed up.”
My jaw clenched as I gritted out, “I didn’t do anything wrong.” She released me and her gaze narrowed, letting me know she was ready for battle. Not that I needed to defend myself, but I would.
As nonchalantly as I could, I said, “Hey, everyone.”
Drake stood and shook my hand. I walked behind Lucy and gave her a kiss on the cheek before taking the seat next to Drake, which was across from Beverly. I deliberately ignored the empty chair next to Gretchen. I needed to look Beverly in the eye.
“Hello, Beverly.”
“Dane. I didn’t know you’d be here.” She glared at Lucy, who gave her a closed-mouth smile and shrugged in some sort of unspoken female language.
“Well, here I am. How are you?”
Before Beverly could speak, Lucy announced, “I’m thirsty.” She stood and nudged Drake, who followed her. “Come on, Gretchen, let’s head to the bar.”
When I glanced at the glasses in front of where they were sitting, they were all full. Nice try at being subtle, Lucy. Grateful for her help, however blunt, I was glad I was finally alone with Beverly, who hadn’t answered my question yet.
“How are you?” I asked again.
Beverly’s gaze touched me briefly before flitting away. “Great. How are you?”
Really? She’s great? I call bullshit.
“I’ve been better. Look, we need to talk. There’s definitely been a misunderstanding.”
She took a sip of what looked like a margarita, keeping her gaze focused on it as she set it back down. “There isn’t much to talk about.”
That’s it. I was done playing around. I abruptly stood, making the legs of the chair screech across the floor, and motioned for Beverly to get up. She hesitated, but then stood. I took her hand in mine, God, this feels so natural, and practically dragged her outside.
We walked away from the entrance and around the corner of the building. Memories of what we’d done at Louie’s flashed in my head, but no matter how badly I wanted that to happen again, I knew this conversation would be much different.
A warm breeze blew past us, carrying Beverly’s sweet scent to me. I inhaled and needed more, so I pulled her into a hug. It had been too long since I’d had her in my arms. She might not miss it, but I did. Jasmine flirted with my nose as I breathed in her hair.
Beverly’s arms hung loosely, not reciprocating my embrace, and that stung. I pulled back and looked at her. She was beautiful, as usual, in slim-fitting jeans and a pink T-shirt that emphasized her breasts.
“I know you don’t want to be with me, but I need to know why you won’t hear me out. Let me explain what happened—you owe me that much.”
She crinkled her nose. “I owe you? You embarrassed me in front of your family. There I was, sitting with your brothers, sister, and Lucy, cheering for you, praying that you’d win. Then you did, and we all were overjoyed. Tell me, Dane, was Emmy the one who helped you relax?”
That’s when it hit me. She thought I’d had sex with Emmy?
“You think I fucked Emmy?”
Beverly’s eyes widened and then quickly narrowed. She shrugged but said nothing.
“Well?” I demanded as heat flowed through my veins and up the back of my neck. “Is that it?”
“I don’t know.”
When her hands flew to her hips, I shoved mine in my pockets for fear I’d punch the brick wall behind her and break my fingers.
“Emmy and I have never had sex,” I said through gritted teeth, trying to control my temper. This woman was so frustrating. “You need to believe me.”
She paused for a beat, considering. “Well, since you know her name, I suppose I do.”
The sarcasm in Beverly’s tone set me off. Apparently it was time for some brutal honesty.
“Exactly, and the reason we didn’t was because I don’t remember her roommate’s name. Emmy walked in on us having sex, so all bets were off when it came to Emmy and me. We were on the same golf team and became very close friends.”
There. That should settle issue number one. But it didn’t.
Beverly’s beautiful green eyes were dull, lacking their usual sparkle. The fire in them was gone, and it made me feel like shit to think I’d done that.
For once, I wished I hadn’t been a manwhore in the past. It killed me that my reputation was getting between us. But no one had ever gotten under my skin like Beverly . . . no woman had ever been the right one.
“You do believe me, don’t you?”
“Yes, I do about Emmy, but there will always be someone who wants you. Do you know how many women watched you when you walked through the bar just now? I can only imagine how it is when you’re away for weeks at a time on tour. You’re not the type to go without sex—you told me yourself you need it to relax. And I’m not the type who wouldn’t worry about it. I thought I was, but not when it comes to you. I’m sorry.”
“What about the men who want you?” I shot back. “You said someone hit on you the other night. What about him? You don’t see me wanting to walk away from you, because I know you wouldn’t act on it.”
Her lips twitched, but she didn’t say a word, and she didn’t need to. It all came down to trust.
“That’s it, isn’t it? You don’t trust me.”
A single tear slid down her cheek. “No, that’s not it. I don’t trust myself to not flip out every time I see you with someone. All my insecurities came back when I saw you with Emmy. Yes, they’re my issues, but you knew about them, and I wasn’t even a thought to you.”
Glaring at me, she said, “Do you know how hard it was not to call you on Saturday when I knew you had to be beating yourself up over that bad round? But I thought if you needed me, you’d call me. I thought I was doing the right thing by giving you space. Letting you get back into your zone or whatever, but then I saw you with Emmy, and yes, I jumped to the wrong conclusion. But it scared me.”
I opened my mouth to say something, but she held out a hand to stop me.
Letting out a shaky breath, she said, “I watched that kiss over and over again, and since it was on every channel, it was like a ghost following me around. Then my mom called and asked me about it, and my coworkers mentioned it too. I was mortified, and I had nothing to say in your defense.” Her last words quivered, and as she stared up at me, her eyes welled with tears.
I leaned forward until we were almost nose to nose. “I’m sorry, but I’m not letting you go this easily. Please don’t dismiss what we have like we don’t matter to each other. I know you care about me, and there’s no doubt in my mind what I feel for you. I don’t care how long it takes; I’ll prove it to you.” I ran my hand through my hair. “You know what sucks?”
“What?” She took a shaky breath and frowned at me.
“You were the one I wanted there with me this weekend, and if you hadn’t just started your new job, I would have asked you to come. But I didn’t want to put pressure on you. Now I’m going to be home for a while before I need to leave, and there’s nothing more I’d like than for us to spend time together.”
She shook her head. “I can’t. I thought I’d be able to handle all of this, but I don’t think I can. You’ll be traveling all the time, and I can’t come second to a sport. Yes, I know that sounds ridiculous, im
mature, selfish—whatever—but I’ve been second my entire life. For once, I need to put myself first.”
Frustration coursed through me. “I’ve never put you second.”
“You just did,” she insisted, glaring up at me. “As soon as you left, it was as if you forgot about me.”
“Fuck! I got kicked out of a country club and lost my job defending your honor, and I didn’t think twice about it. All I thought about was protecting you! Even your dad was shocked, but I didn’t care. The only thing I cared about . . . the only person I cared about . . . was you.” I gritted my teeth together as my pulse thundered in my ears. “I almost lost my shot to go to the qualifier because I broke Vance’s nose, but I would do it again for you. I’d never put you second.”
“You got in a fight? Why? And my father knew and no one told me?” Beverly rubbed her arms with her hands as if she was cold, yet it had to be over seventy-five degrees outside.
“I asked him not to tell you because I didn’t want you to know. It wasn’t important, and I handled it. That isn’t even the point. The point is, you came first.”
“What did Vance say about me?” she insisted.
There was no way in hell I’d tell her what he’d said. I’d said too much already.
“Nothing that mattered.”
“I see.” Beverly stared at the pavement for a moment before she looked back up at me. “I’m glad you didn’t lose your chance to qualify. You’re a great golfer, and even if it doesn’t seem like it, I am happy for you.” Then she leaned up and kissed me on the cheek, igniting my skin with the softness of her lips. “Thank you for everything.”
Then she turned and walked back into the bar, leaving me staring after her, wondering what the hell just happened. Not knowing what else to do, I got in my Jeep and went home.
CHAPTER 26
~ Beverly ~
Walking back into the bar was the last thing I wanted to do, but I’d left my purse on the chair. Lucy, Gretchen, and Drake were all sitting at the table when I returned.
Beads of sweat formed on the back of my neck. Would they hate me for breaking up with him? Would I lose them too? I swallowed the lump in my throat, realizing I might have just lost the only friends I had in Virginia.
Gripped (Prescott #2) Page 18
