Total pages in book: 167
Estimated words: 164557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 549(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 164557 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 549(@300wpm)
Just…not yet.
“I want to take the job,” I confess. “On the Wozniak campaign.”
Beckett’s expression darkens. “What do you mean? You turned that down ages ago. And now, right when we’re leaving for the fucking airport, you’re backing out?”
I take a deep breath, the guilt eating me alive. “I turned it down because…well, I guess I’ve been trying to tamp down my ambition because I didn’t want to feel like I was my father, but I want this job. I want to learn how to manage a campaign. I want it really fucking bad.”
Charlie’s lip trembles, and it kills me to see the hurt in her eyes.
“Baby,” I tell her, moving closer so I can cup her cheeks. “I love you. But I can’t do this right now. I’ll come. I promise you, I will. I’ll join you guys in November, after the election.”
But even as I say it, I’m not entirely confident. I don’t know if I’ll follow through. Because…what happens if Wozniak wins and they want to hire me on to her staff? That would be tempting. The pull of my career, the ambition I’ve been fighting, that’s tempting. And it’s stronger than I wanted to admit.
Beckett moves between me and Charlie, his fists clenched. “You’re full of shit, mate. You’re not coming in November.”
“I—” I try to speak, but I can’t argue because I don’t know the truth. Beckett sees it. He’s always been able to read me better than I could read myself.
Before I can react, his fist connects with my face. Hard.
Charlie gasps. “Beckett!”
I stumble backward, the sharp pain radiating through my jaw, but I don’t fight back. I deserve it.
“I get it,” I say, tasting blood on my lip. “I hurt her. I deserve that.”
But he shakes his head, his gray eyes filled with anger and something else. Betrayal. “No, Larsen. I didn’t hit you because you hurt her. Charlie can fight her own battles. I hit you because you hurt me.”
His words strike me harder than his fist. I feel like I’ve just been gutted.
I look over at Charlie. Moisture clings to her eyelashes, her shoulders shaking as she tries to hold it together. My heart cracks open at the sight of her tears. I want to fix it, to make it right, but I know I can’t.
“I’m so sorry,” I say, stepping closer to her. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“Why didn’t you tell us this sooner? Why are you waiting until now to drop this on us?”
My shoulders slump. “I didn’t want to disappoint you. I thought I could push through it, but I can’t. I’m sorry, baby. I’m really sorry.”
After a beat, she throws her arms around me, hugging me tight.
I press a kiss to her forehead. “I’ll join you in November. I promise,” I say, and I pray to God it’s not a hollow promise.
Beckett watches, his expression tight, and I know he doesn’t believe me. Maybe he shouldn’t.
I dip my head to kiss Charlie, pouring everything I can’t say into that kiss. My heart is aching. I love this woman. More than she’ll ever know.
After I release her, Beckett steps toward me. I tense, wondering if he’s about to punch me again, but instead, he tugs me in for a quick side hug, even as his disappointed gaze flickers over me.
“Take care of her,” I say gruffly.
“Always,” he answers.
I step back, watching the two of them walk toward the taxi, Beckett hauling their carry-ons rather than rolling them.
As they climb inside, Charlie turns to look at me one more time, her eyes filled with sadness and…hope. Hope that I’ll change my mind.
But I don’t.
The door closes, and the taxi pulls away. I stand there, my heart screaming at me as the car disappears.
I don’t know if I’ll ever see them again.
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
CHARLOTTE
A million times over
SIX MONTHS LATER
I CLOSE MY LAPTOP AND SHOVE IT INTO MY BAG, MY MIND ALREADY drifting toward home. It’s late afternoon, the golden sun reflecting off the waves as it inches toward the horizon. The view from the lab window reminds me of everything good about being here. Australia has been everything I didn’t know I needed. I never realized how incredible the ocean smelled. Beckett and I are thriving in ways I never imagined.
And yet there’s always that lingering ache.
A space in my heart where Will should be.
As I sling my purse over my shoulder, something falls out and flutters onto the table. I pick it up and smile. It’s a note from Beckett, folded up small. I unfold it, wondering what my man has to say today.
Hey sugar puff, can’t wait to see you tonight. You’re my favorite part of every day. Love you more than you’ll ever know.
My heart swells, warmth scorching my cheeks. I glance over at my tablemate, who’s watching me with a raised eyebrow.