Total pages in book: 154
Estimated words: 149209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 746(@200wpm)___ 597(@250wpm)___ 497(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 149209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 746(@200wpm)___ 597(@250wpm)___ 497(@300wpm)
I stop. Stare. Scowl.
Who the fuck is he?
“That’s a development I didn’t see coming,” Ash mutters in my ear.
A million things run through my head. Bethany said she wasn’t into relationships right now. She said she’d only had one decent sexual experience in her life, so the odds of her reconnecting with an ex seem slim. I’ve already met all her siblings. Even if I hadn’t, these two aren’t looking at one another like family.
What pisses me off even more? She’s crying.
Clenching my fists, I charge toward the far end of the bar.
Ash grabs my arm and holds me back. “Don’t march over there and throw around accusations. It won’t end well.”
“Who is this fucker? Why is she letting him touch her?” I hiss. “And why the hell is he upsetting her?”
“I don’t know, but you need to calm down. Did Beth promise you exclusivity?”
“No, but—”
“Then there is no but. You two spent a night together. That’s it. That entitles you to nothing.”
He’s right, but that only pisses me off more. “I can’t let him upset her.”
Or put his hands on her.
“I get that. So why don’t you make your way over there and ask in a friendly-like way if everything is all right. Anything else is likely to sound like an accusation and upset her more.”
“Fine.” I jerk my arm free and suck in seething breaths, trying to calm myself as I head closer.
It’s a long twenty seconds, and they seem so wrapped up in their conversation—and each other—that neither even looks my way.
Until I clear my throat.
Bethany blinks up, spots me, and jerks her hands from the other man’s. She looks pale. Though she’s wiped away her tears, I still see the hint of wetness on her cheeks.
Whatever the fuck is happening, I feel like ripping this dude’s head off.
“Clint.” She jumps to her feet. “Hi.”
This other guy is practically crawling across the table to put his hands on her, and that’s all she says to me?
Maybe Ash is right. Maybe there’s some explanation. I can’t act like a jealous, overprotective prick…even if I feel like one.
“Everything okay?”
She lets out a shuddering breath. “Yeah. This is Stephen Lund.” Then she turns to the tall, rangy guy with blond movie-star looks and a placating smile I want to punch from his face. “Stephen, this is Clint Dietrich. We…work together.”
I shake his hand and glare directly into blue eyes a few shades lighter than mine. “Nice to meet you. Just to be clear, we’re also dating.”
Lund busts out laughing. Not exactly the reaction I was expecting… He’s not surprised? Or pissed? Or wondering what the hell is going on? I sure am…
“I kind of guessed that. Bethany has always had a habit of keeping her personal life and thoughts private. I learned long ago to read between the lines.” His grin widens. “But let’s just say you made it a lot easier.”
She rolls her eyes and slaps at his arm in a gesture that almost looks brotherly. Now I’m confused. What is their relationship?
“Glad we cleared the air,” I say. “How long ago?”
“What?”
Since you fucked her? “Did you learn to read between the lines?”
“Oh…” He nods. “About two decades ago. I probably would have learned sooner, but we were just kids.”
They grew up together? But they’re not together?
“You two can stop talking about me as if I’m not here.” Bethany scowls. “I’m going to clock in. I haven’t done that yet. Stephen, be nice,” she admonishes. “Clint, I’m fine. Don’t worry.”
With that, she disappears into the employees-only area.
I turn back to her supposed pal. “So you’ve known Beth a long time?”
He nods. “Her whole life. You haven’t, and my guess is you’d like some dirt?”
Obviously, he can read me. I hate that, but it’s not going to stop me from asking questions and hoping I get answers. “That would be helpful.”
“How long do we have?” He glances toward the hallway where Bethany disappeared.
“Maybe three minutes.”
“How serious are you about her?”
“It’s new, but I definitely have feelings I didn’t expect.”
He flashes me a wide smile. “Good. She deserves some happiness.”
“She told me there’s a lot going on with her father.” I fish for information.
“Yeah, it’s a shit show. Look, I’m just here to talk to her. I’ve been on the island for a couple of days, staying with Harlow and Noah—where she would have crashed if she hadn’t found out I was coming. It’s a long story; I’ll let her tell it. Bottom line is, she knows I’m not mad. Nothing is her fault.”
Was he somehow impacted by the Reed Financial scam? I can’t ask. If Stephen mentions the question to Bethany, it will give everything away. Instead, I bite my tongue.
“What’s she like?” I ask instead. “I’ve only known Beth for a few days, and she says she’s not herself right now. She’s had some reservations because of her situation and the fact I’m a few years younger. I’m falling fast,” I admit. “So I’d appreciate some help.”