“Take Parker with you.”
Beth gaped after her sister as she walked toward the door.
“And this isn’t a whim,” Brenna said.
“What?”
“Getting married. You said this is just a whim. But it’s not. Eric is the best thing to ever happen to me. You’ll see.” And with that, Brenna sauntered out of the room.
For such a tiny girl, Brenna certainly had a lot of swagger. The room felt empty as soon as the fiery redhead slammed the door. But then Beth heard the bathroom door open.
22
Parker
In his haste to escape Brenna’s accusing stare Parker had forgotten to bring a change of clothes into the bathroom with him. He’d taken a shower—an ice cold one. It helped immensely, but when Parker heard Beth’s mother in the bedroom he’d been afraid to come out wrapped in nothing but a towel.
He’d known Barbara Bennett for years. She was the closest thing Parker had to a mother since his passed away. But despite their close relationship he didn’t think she’d look too kindly on him parading around her daughter’s room half naked.
When Parker finally heard the door slam he counted to ten. The room was still quiet. He peeked his head out of the bathroom. “Is Hurricane Brenna over?” he asked.
Beth jumped like she’d forgotten he was still in the room. “Yeah, sorry.”
Parker sighed and padded barefoot into the bedroom. He went straight to his duffle bag, rooting around for some clothes.
“She’s unbelievable,” Beth muttered.
“That’s one word for her,” Parker joked. He knew how much Brenna got under Beth’s skin. Jumping on the ‘Brenna’s a bitch’ bandwagon was the only way to cope when Beth and Brenna were fighting—which was pretty much always.
“And she’s already ordering us around,” Beth whined.
Parker’s eyebrows raised in alarm. He hated being dragged into Brenna’s schemes. “What’s she want us to do?”
“We have to fill five hundred stupid bottles with sand before dinner. I mean seriously? It’s our spring break. We didn’t come here to do manual labor.”
“Sand? What for?”
“Wedding favors.”
Parker groaned internally. He reminded himself it could be worse. Brenna had a way for coming up with the worst ideas on the planet. Once she invented a game called ‘roller ball.’ It was basically dodge ball on roller skates, which pretty much amounted to Brenna wailing on Beth and Parker while they tried to escape her wrath on roller blades. They might have stood a fighting chance if the roller blades they were wearing weren’t from Beth’s older sisters and at least three sizes too big.
Then there was the time that Beth beat Brenna at ‘Dance Dance Revolution’ and Brenna had been so mad she squirted a whole bottle of Visine into Beth’s cherry coke, but Parker ended up drinking it. He spent the rest of the day in his bathroom thinking he had food poisoning until Brenna finally admitted what happened because Parker’s father was about to take him to the hospital. Parker shuddered at the memory.
“I’m sorry,” Beth said sinking down onto the bed. “I shouldn’t have dragged you here. I forgot how awful Brenna can be.”
Parker wanted to hug Beth and tell her there was nowhere else he’d rather be, but the fact that he was still in nothing but a towel stopped him. “Hold that thought,” he said taking his duffle bag into the bathroom to change.
He came out a minute later dressed in gray board shorts and a blue v-neck tee. He’d put his contacts in since they’d be spending the day at the beach. He had a tube of sunscreen in his hand as he smiled at Beth. “Well, we better get going if we’re gonna get through bridezilla Brenna’s minion work.”
“Why do you look like you’re dressed for a day of fun at the beach?” Beth asked.
“Because I am.”
“This isn’t going to be fun, Parker. We’ll probably get sunburns and blisters from shoveling sand.”
Parker laughed. “You’ll get sunburned.”
Beth narrowed her eyes. “Not all of us were blessed with beautiful skin that bronzes in the sun.”
Beth’s comment caught him off guard. “You think I have beautiful skin?”
“Duh,” Beth replied. She seemed to play off the compliment, but Parker caught the slightest blush on her cheeks.
He tamped down his ego and tossed the sunblock at Beth. “That’s what this is for.” He’d packed a bottle of SPF 60 specifically for her because she never remembered how badly she burned.
Beth caught the bottle and looked at it gratefully. He knew what she was thinking without her even having to say it. Thank you for knowing me. Thank you for taking care of me. Thank you for being my other half.
He knew because it’s what Parker thought of every time Beth did something little, yet monumental for him. It was the way she always carried an extra phone charger for him because he never remembered to plug his phone in at night. Or how she brought his mail in when she went to her own mailbox because neither Parker nor his father could seem to remember to do the menial task. Or the way she left Parker little sticky notes with silly messages on his windshield or front door. Sometimes she’d even sneak them into the pocket of his folded pants and he wouldn’t find them for months.
All of those little things added up. They made Parker feel cared for, understood, treasured . . . loved. Having Beth in his life meant the world to him. And he knew the feeling was reciprocated.
It was the little things that meant the most to them both. The things that came with knowing someone almost better than they knew themselves. It had always been that way between Parker and Beth. And he’d always thought it was just because they’d grown up together. But lately, he’d started wondering if maybe it was more than that. And from the way Beth was staring at him, with a mix of awe and appreciation on her beautiful face, Parker hoped maybe there truly was something more between them. It had certainly felt that way before Brenna charged into their bedroom.
Parker swallowed back the emotion bubbling in his chest. He wished he could ask Beth if she felt it too—that unbreakable bond between them and how it seemed to be changing lately. But Parker didn’t know how to explain how he was feeling, only that it overwhelmed him at times. He couldn’t imagine there being two people more suited for each other than they were. They knew each other on another level. It was the only way he could describe it.
Brenna’s sisters knew her. And supposedly so did Jared. But never once did Parker see them go the extra mile for Beth like he did. And it’s not that Parker felt he deserved something for his efforts. They really weren’t even efforts. He just always thought of Beth first.
Parker stared at Beth and wished he could find a way to tell her everything he was feeling. How could he feel so connected to her, yet not be able to show her what was in his heart?
He sighed. Now was not the time nor place. “You brought a bathing suit, right?”
Beth nodded.
“Well, go get dressed, Cinderella, we have an evil step sister to appease.”
Beth
Beth took a quick shower before getting dressed to go to the beach with Parker. She was still fuming over her encounter with Brenna. How dare she burst in their bedroom like that and start accusing Beth and Parker of scandal. Thankfully, they hadn’t been doing anything, but they could’ve been. They weren’t kids anymore. Waking up so close to Parker this morning had proved that to Beth. She felt a rush of shame at the memory. What would’ve happened if Brenna hadn’t walked in?
She quickly shook the question from her wandering mind and concentrated on rubbing her sunblock in. What Beth should be thinking about was how to control her temper so she didn’t kill her bridezilla of a sister. She should’ve expected as much, but perhaps the time away from Brenna had let her horribleness fade from Beth’s memory. Or perhaps Beth had hoped her ill-tempered sister had grown up in the two years she’d lived on her own.
Brenna had been raising her little boy, Michael, on her own in Savannah. We
ll not really on her own. Their parents made sure Brenna and Michael were financially stable. But still, if single-parenting didn’t make Brenna grow up, Beth didn’t think anything would. She wondered if Eric knew what he was getting himself into. At least he was a Marine—hostile territory wouldn’t be a new concept for him.
Beth finished getting dressed. She put on her black strappy bikini and slipped on a pale blue sundress with embroidered white flowers. She swept her long blonde hair into a ponytail and put on her game face. She knew surviving Brenna’s wedding was going to be a nightmare. But Beth had Parker with her, and he always made everything better.
“Okay,” Beth said stepping out of the bathroom. “I’m ready.”
23
Jared
“So what do ya think?” Caroline asked settling onto the couch next to Jared. She curled her legs under herself and wrapped her long fingers around her mug of coffee.
Jared was sitting in front of the fireplace watching the snow silently fall. He hadn’t been able to sleep. All night his mind was overrun of thoughts of Beth. The guilt was really starting to get to him. Eventually, he’d given up on the idea of sleep and decided to come enjoy the stunning views from one of the many sitting rooms while the house was quiet.
“I think Aspen’s beautiful,” he replied.
Caroline smiled. “I know, right? I wish I could just live out here permanently.”
“Why don’t you?”
“Trying to get rid of me already?” she teased.
“That’s not what I meant,” Jared replied defensively.
“I know. I’m just joking, geez. Maybe I was wrong.”
“About what?”
“Maybe you and Beth are a good match.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Well, you’re just as uptight lately.”
“And whose fault is that, Car?”
Caroline rolled her eyes. “It takes two to do what we did, Jared.”
“Yeah and you certainly like throwing it in my face.”
She shook her head and took a sip of coffee. “I’m just trying to make sure we don’t hurt Beth anymore than we already have.”
“By dragging me out here?”
“I told you why I did that. And don’t act like it’s so awful. I saw the way you were gazing out the windows.” She stood up. “Ya know, if you’d stop letting your guilt rule your life maybe you’d actually have some fun. Do you remember that word? It’s what attracted me to you in the first place.”
Caroline stormed off, leaving Jared alone to bask in the quietness of the sleeping house. In the silence, Jared couldn’t escape Caroline’s words. He hated that she was right. He hadn’t been much fun lately. He felt too guilty to even let himself enjoy anything. But there was nothing he could do to change the past. What was done was done. He needed to start living.
That’s what this week was supposed to be about—having one last hurrah with his boys. If things worked out with Beth, Jared wouldn’t have many bachelor weekends in his future. It surprised him how okay he was with the idea of that. But it also spurred him to make the most of his time while he was in Colorado. It’s not like free trips to Aspen were a normal occurrence in his life.
With that in mind, Jared went downstairs to roust the guys. Daylight was burning and he was itching to hit the slopes.
Beth
“Parker, we have to get these stupid wedding favors filled with sand,” Beth complained as he parked his Range Rover in front of Seaside Sweets. She’d already conceded to drive to Tybee Island’s beach instead of walking across the boardwalk to the private beach at Bellemora. At this rate they’d be lucky to have time to get everything done before dinner.
“I know, but we can’t do that on an empty stomach.”
Beth’s stomach was already growling. Seaside Sweets made the best chocolate pecan turtles she’d ever had and its gelato was to die for.
“Come on,” Parker taunted. “You know you want some.”
“Don’t use your powers for evil,” Beth teased, climbing out of the car.
“I can’t help it if your weakness for sugar is to my advantage.”
She smirked. “You’re evil.”
“I prefer evil genius,” Parker replied opening the door for Beth.
She immediately felt transported back to her childhood upon entering the sweet shop. It was filled with jars of penny candy and cases of sugary delights like ice cream, gelato and delicious handmade chocolates. The nostalgia only continued when, Mrs. Smith, the shop owner walked out from behind the counter, eyes shining with recognition.
“I’ll be. Parker and Bethy! I haven’t seen you two in years,” Mrs. Smith crowed. “Let me look at ya.”
Beth and Parker smiled at the steely old woman as she pinched their cheeks and gave them each a hug. “Let me guess, pistachio gelato for Parker and a chocolate dipped vanilla for Beth?”
“You got it,” Parker answered, anticipating that was exactly what Beth would order.
“You two haven’t changed a bit,” Mrs. Smith said.
Beth smiled even though in her heart she had a sudden fear that wasn’t true at all. Ever since she woke up in Parker’s arms things felt different. The trouble was, Beth didn’t know if it was a good different or not. What was she supposed to do with these feelings? And why was she having them now, when she had a boyfriend?
As Mrs. Smith prepared their treats, Beth gave herself a peptalk. Just shove it down, Beth. You’ve done it before. She suspected her feelings for Parker were resurfacing now because they were back in Tybee Island. Beaches always made Beth feel wistful and romantic. Plus, Beth’s adolescent summers here were when her crush on Parker was at its height. She told herself it was only natural that her feelings would return in such a setting. Not to mention that though Beth wasn’t excited about the drama that came with Brenna’s wedding, it was still a wedding. And weddings were dreamy.
Beth berated herself. Why do I have to be such a sappy romantic? She knew it was the damn actress in her. She always kept her emotions close to the surface. Handy for acting—not so much for scenarios of unrequited love.
“Here we are,” Mrs. Smith said handing over Beth’s cone and Parker’s cup of gelato.
Parker picked out two chocolate turtles, saltwater taffy and a pack of candy cigarettes, slapping a crisp hundred-dollar bill on the counter.
“You know your money’s no good here,” Mrs. Smith argued.
This happened every time they tried to pay at Seaside Sweets. Luckily, Parker and Beth had devised a plan for it long ago.
“Mrs. Smith,” Beth interrupted before the old woman could go on a rant about not accepting money from the Bennetts because back in the day Beth’s great, great so-and-so had helped make the sleepy beach town what it is. “Did you do something different with your hair?” Beth asked even though Mrs. Smith’s hair was in the same steel gray bob it always was.
“My hair? No.”
“Huh. Well it looks extra pretty today,” Beth complimented.
Mrs. Smith smiled. “You hang onto this one, Parker. They don’t come any sweeter.”
“Don’t I know it,” Parker replied.
They said their goodbyes and walked out of the shop. Beth took Parker’s cup of gelato while he quickly drove down 16th Street to find beach parking.
“Where’d you leave the money this time?” Beth asked.
Parker could barely contain his grin. “Tip cup.”
“Oh, that’s not even clever.”
“It’s sneaky clever.”
“How?”
“It’s like hiding something in plain sight.”
“Mrs. Smith will totally know it was us.”
“We’ll be long gone by then, kid,” Parker said in an old-timey actor voice Beth loved.
“Have you been watching ‘Casablanca’ without me?” she asked suppressing a giggle.
“Never.”
And just like that, things were back to normal between them.
&nbs
p; Parker
Parker and Beth enjoyed their sweets on the pier overlooking the ocean. The waves were calm and soothing, and the air was full of the unmistakable flavor of summer. That and the scent of Beth’s shampoo. Every time the wind caught her hair a waft of citrus and coconut washed over Parker and he was instantly back in bed with her, limbs entwined, fingers in her silky hair. What would’ve happened if Brenna hadn’t barged in?
He pushed the thought away. That’s not why he’d come on this trip. He was here to be a good friend. And make sure Beth’s last spring break was fun, even if it involved torturing himself. “So, shall we start our indentured servitude?” Parker asked.
“Do we have to?” Beth whined.
“We could share a smoke first,” he offered, pulling the pack of candy cigarettes out of his pocket.
Beth immediately smiled. “These bring back memories.”
Parker put the cigarette in his mouth and puffed imaginary smoke like it was a bad habit.
“Remember when Nana saw us smoking them on the beach and thought they were real?”
“How could I forget? She went crazy!” Parker laughed at the memory. “She was fast for an old lady.”
Beth had tears in her eyes from laughter. “And strong,” she admitted. “She smacked you good before I could convince her they were only candy.”
Parker’s hand went to his cheek. “I think I can still feel it,” he teased.
Beth’s face fell as she took a bite of her cigarette. “I miss her,” she whispered.
“Me too,” Parker replied, putting his arm around Beth’s shoulder.
She leaned her head against him and sighed. “It’s weird being here without her.”
“You’re not without her.”
Beth smiled up at him, eyes watery. “It does kinda feel like she’s still here, doesn’t it? Like her memories are, anyway.”
Parker nodded. “It does.”
“I just wish it didn’t hurt so much to remember her.”
The Boyfriend Series Box Set (Books 1-6): YA Contemporary Romance Novels Page 91