More Than Tempt You

by Shayla Black

  A glance at my phone tells me it’s almost ten p.m. Through the evening, Ash brought us bottles of water. Samantha followed up with salads and appetizers, even a couple of scoops of ice cream, trying to tempt Bethany into eating. She refused every morsel and now looks ready to fall over. I’m worried about her.

  The woman has been through hell. In the span of an hour, I broke her heart and she lost her dad. Despite all that, she answered the detectives’ questions clearly and concisely. Her voice trembled, but she never succumbed to tears. I see them lurking now, needing release. Normally, I would put my arms around her and lend her my strength, encourage her to give me all her troubles. In fact, I’d love to. I’m desperate to. But she refuses to lean on me. Hell, she’s barely speaking to me.

  I have no one to blame but myself.

  I fucking wish I had a do-over on this entire afternoon. If I could go back, be honest with her about my identity, then ask questions before I accuse her of playing me, remind myself there are two sides to every story… None of that would save her father, of course. Paul Daniels was determined to have his pound of flesh and, once he heard the truth from Barclay Reed’s own lips, he was willing to go to prison to get it. Maybe that’s not a surprise since his days are numbered anyway. But I compounded her sudden loss with my lack of trust and utter betrayal. I thought I understood the situation, so I opened my big mouth and said all the worst things. I was so fucking wrong.

  How do we come back from this? Or can we? Did I destroy us forever?

  Despite those anxieties, I can’t not help when she looks so ready to fall over. “Sweetheart…”

  When I cup her elbow to lead her toward a chair, Bethany twists away. “Don’t touch me.”

  Sighing, I release her and step back, somehow managing to keep my hands off her. But it’s a fight. Touching Bethany, comforting her, feels so right.

  “I’m sorry for your loss,” I say instead. “I know you and your father had a difficult relationship at the end, but it’s always painful to lose someone you love.”

  She wraps her arms around her middle as if she’s trying to give herself the fortitude to press on. “More than I probably should have. But he was a positive influence in my childhood. He made sure I never wanted for anything, he educated me well, and spent time with me. For that, I’ll always be grateful. I’m just in shock now. I’m sure I’ll grieve him and eventually accept that he’s neither the man I thought nor here with me anymore. Forgiveness for everything he did—to everyone—will take time.”

  True. It’s a small blessing that she’s already considering absolving him. If I’d forgiven sooner, I wouldn’t have been stupid enough to pursue Bethany under false pretenses. And I wouldn’t have gotten my heart ripped out. I’m probably only getting what I deserve… But if she can eventually find mercy in her soul for her father, she’ll find peace. Of course, part of me can’t help but wonder if she might find it in her heart to forgive me someday, too.

  “The healing will happen when you’re ready,” I murmur. “And I know it’s a small consolation that he won’t be able to hurt you anymore—”

  “But an important one. At least now there will be no trial. Not having my name dragged through the mud anymore will be a relief. The truth can come out, and I can walk free from his shadow and move on with my life.”

  “Eventually, those will feel like positives.”

  Bethany turns to glare my way. “Yes, but don’t act like you care. I’ve already heard enough of your lies. I don’t need more.”

  “Sweetheart—”

  “Don’t call me that.”

  I sigh. “I’m really sorry, Beth. For everything I accused you of. For every lie I told you. For—”

  She holds up a hand. “It doesn’t matter now. You got the answers you came for. You got the justice you wanted. The will my father updated weeks ago in anticipation of his divorce becoming final leaves me everything. So hopefully, I’ll be able to track down what’s left of the victims’ stolen funds and return them to everyone, you included. Beyond that, you and I don’t have anything else to say. It would be best if you didn’t contact me anymore.”

  Oh, fuck.

  But I need to tell her so many things. That I feel like the most stupidly righteous idiot on the planet. That I regret not being honest with her. But most of all, that I love her. Bethany isn’t ready to hear any of that now. I understand. I won’t give up on us, though. I may have fallen for her because I orchestrated this giant lie to ferret out her “crimes,” and I regret that like hell. But I don’t regret a moment of the time we spent together.

  “Did you call your siblings?”

  She shakes her head. “I don’t think the news of Barclay’s passing is something I should deliver over the phone. It would be better to gather everyone together and tell them face to face.”

  “You’re right. Grab your purse, and I’ll take you—”

  “No, I’ll find my own way. I don’t want to see you, spend time with you, or even be in the same room with you. I’m moving out of the apartment, so you can do what you want with the lease. It’s over, Clint. We’re done.”

  Her words hurt like a physical blow, but arguing is pointless now. I fucked up and all I can do is give her the time and space she needs while hoping I’ll someday have the opportunity to put us back together.

  “You don’t have a car, and even if they’ve discharged Stephen from the hospital, he’s in no condition to drive. I’ll get you to Maxon and Keeley’s place. I’ll even help you tell your siblings what happened so you don’t have to live through it again by yourself. Then, if you still want me to go, I will.” I can’t resist cupping her face. “But I’ll be back. I meant what I said when I told you that I fell in love with you and I had every intention of asking you to be my wife.”

  Bethany hasn’t cried all day, but now my words reduce her to tears. “Don’t. Just…don’t.”

  I’m pushing, and she can’t take it.

  Slowly, I drop my hand. “Okay. We won’t talk about it any more tonight. Just let me get you to your brother’s house safely.”

  She hesitates, then nods. “Only because it’s the fastest way there, and they deserve to know what’s happened.”

  We make our way out the bar’s back door, probably for the last time. I already told Andy I wouldn’t be back. No need to work this job now that my cover story is moot. I doubt Bethany will be back, either. She needs to grieve. And just like I can’t stand to be in my North Dakota home anymore, I doubt she’ll want to work in the place where she watched her father die.

  The drive to the inn is tense and quiet. She texts Maxon and tells him to gather the family at his place. It’s important, but she refuses to say why. He agrees, then she darkens her phone and zones out. Whatever she sees of the dark night out her window seems to hold her attention. Or maybe that’s just her way of avoiding me.

  We’re drawing close to Maxon and Keeley’s bed-and-breakfast, and I have this sense of a clock ticking away the last of my time with Bethany. I try to rationalize. She’ll still be on the island tomorrow. I won’t let her get too far from my side. I’ll find small ways to let her know I love her and that I’m here for her without pushing too hard. She thinks she doesn’t want me now, but someday she’ll realize that she wants a lover who will care for her, who will devote himself to her. I’ll be waiting. I’ll be ready to prove that I’m sorry and that I’m worthy. I’ll beg her forgiveness. Then I’ll do whatever it takes to convince her that she’s it for me. She’s the only woman I’ll ever love.

  Still, what if that day never comes? What if these are the last moments I ever spend with Bethany?

  Panic eats at my gut. If I don’t say something, will she leave thinking she meant nothing to me except revenge? Will I regret staying silent in these final moments for the rest of my lonely life?

  I reach for her hand. “I was proud of you tonight, Beth.”

  For once, she doesn’t wrench away. She also doesn’t reply.

  Into the
silence, I go on. “I know from personal experience that what you went through tonight with your father was one of the hardest things to deal with—ever. A father’s death stays with you, and you constantly wonder what you could have done to save him.”

  Finally, she turns to me with a little frown furrowed between her brows. “I’ve already wondered that.”

  “The answer is nothing. Paul Daniels was on a mission, and you couldn’t have stopped him. Just like I couldn’t do anything to prevent my dad’s heart attack. Your father made enemies. My father didn’t take care of his health. Sometimes accepting that things are out of your control is the most difficult lesson of all. It’s a lesson I wish I would have accepted before I lost you.”

  Bethany pulls her hand free. “Don’t.”

  I back down. I have to. “You handled the police and their questions with poise and perfection. I’m not surprised. You’re strong, Beth. Hell, you had the spine and the independence weeks ago to realize you had to cut ties with your dad. You’ll carry on professionally now that he’s gone and I have no doubt you’ll succeed.”

  Slowly, she nods. “I’m not going to let my father take my future from me. He’s already tainted too much of my past. I’m damn good at investment counseling, and I love what I do. Multimillionaires and Wall Street bigwigs may never trust me again, but that’s okay. I’ll face the future on my own terms. That’s something I should have done all along.”

  “Where will you go?” I ask as we pull up at the inn.

  My time with Bethany is almost up—and it’s killing me.

  She shrugs. “I don’t know. There’s nothing but terrible memories in San Diego. I’ll probably sell my ridiculously expensive condo I can’t afford anymore and find someplace else to call home. You?”

  I’ll be wherever Bethany is, but she isn’t ready to hear that. “I’m going to leave North Dakota. The guy who’s been watching my business back there wants to buy it. I’m going to let him. The sale of my dad’s insurance agency should be complete in the next week or two. Both of my younger brothers are away at college. So I guess I’ll be looking for someplace to call home, too. And a new job to go with it.” Then I take a risk and grab her hand again. “But wherever that is, Beth, I’ll be thinking of you. And only you. You may never believe me because I know I didn’t show you the way I should have, but I love you. I love the way you make me think. I love the way you challenge me to understand you. I love it when you finally let me behind your walls and smile. I love that, when you give your body to me, you do it completely. Most of all, I love your strength and courage. I love the way you didn’t let your father or anyone else defeat you. I love that you’re real and true and that you taught me so much about ignoring my assumptions and listening to my heart.”

  She doesn’t say anything, just continues to look down, occasionally swiping at her wet cheeks with a shaking hand.

  “Beth…” I tilt her chin to face me.

  Her big eyes, the pain twisting her mouth, and the silvery paths running down her face all rip me apart. She didn’t let her asshole father break her, but I just might. I hate that—and myself for hurting her—more than anything.

  If Bethany never gives me a second chance, I have no doubt she’ll be my biggest regret.

  She closes her eyes as if she can’t take the intimacy of our stare anymore. I want to lean in and kiss her passionately, convince her I mean every word I say. We’re only inches apart… But that’s not what she needs now.

  Instead, I press my lips softly to hers—a breath, a brush. A good-bye.

  When I ease back, I see Maxon, Griff, Noah, and Evan all hovering on the lanai, looking grim. Just beyond, I spot the women gathered in the great room, heads bent together, hands clasped. I hazard a glance Bethany’s way. She looks relieved to see everyone and yet more than nervous now that the moment is upon her.

  “I’m here if you need me,” I vow.

  She shakes her head. “I’ve got this. It’s something I need to do. It would be better if you left and didn’t come back.”

  I’m hurt but not surprised by her answer. “Take care of yourself. If you need or want me for anything—ever—all you have to do is call.”

  “I’m done being blindly loyal. And you’ve proven that I can’t trust you.”

  Before I can reply, Maxon and Noah are at my door, opening it. Bethany exits the car on the other side, and Griff pulls her straight into his waiting arms.

  “We know,” her oldest brother says somberly. “News travels fast on an island this size.”

  At least Bethany won’t have to break the news or explain everything again. Instead, Griff and Evan lead her inside the house. All the women rise and greet her, Harlow the first to hug her and offer both affection and condolences. I’m so relieved that Bethany won’t be alone tonight.

  “Thanks for being here for Beth,” I tell the other two men. “She’s really broken up.”

  “We know she is,” Maxon assures me.

  “Not only is he gone, she watched the son of a bitch die…”

  Noah winces.

  Maxon lets out a curse. “I’m sorry for her. I hated my father, and I’m neither surprised nor upset that a former client offed him. But I wrote him out of my life to preserve my mental health long ago. Bethany only realized his true colors a few weeks back, and before she could even reconcile the reality with the fairy-tale father she thought had raised her, he’s gone.”

  Exactly. “She’s grieving. She needs people who care.”

  “She’s got us. And she’s got you, too.”

  I shake my head. “It’s…over. I’ll let her explain if she wants to share. I can’t do anything right now except respect her wishes and go.”

  Noah scowls. “You’re walking away from her?”

  “Not by choice.” And not forever. “She wants me to. And…I deserve to suffer.”

  “Whoa. Slow your roll.” Harlow’s husband looks at me as if I’ve lost my damn mind. “You’re giving up? When she needs you most?”

  I open my mouth to explain, but Maxon waves a hand in my face. “I get it. You’re doing the altruistic thing for some reason. It’s a mistake. Maybe that’s my perspective because ruthless is bred into my veins. It’s a Reed trait…along with not knowing your heart. That’s where Bethany is at right now. If I had only listened to my head, I wouldn’t be married to the best woman in the world and I wouldn’t have a beautiful baby girl.”

  “Same for Harlow,” Noah cuts in. “I can’t tell you how often she tried to put distance between us. I’m damn glad I was pushy and tenacious.”

  Their admissions surprise me. I thought they’d always been deliriously happy. Nice to know someone overcame their differences and found happiness. Just not sure that’s ever going to be Bethany and me…

  “Did either one of you deceive your wives?”

  Their identical scowls might have been comical if I was in any mood to laugh.

  “No,” Noah admits.

  Maxon shakes his head. “But I did plenty of other shitty stuff. Trust me. Do you love Bethany?”

  “Yes.” I came for my pound of flesh…but I’m the one who lost my heart.

  “Then we’ll help you.”

  “Why?” It’s a passing curiosity. His help or lack thereof isn’t going to change the outcome. Bethany has to decide on her own that she wants me. “When we first met, you didn’t like me much.”

  “I didn’t. But the more time my sister spent with you, the more she came out of her shell. None of us had managed to get past her defenses. You did. If you give up on her now, she’ll only retreat into herself. And since I’ve gone this route—so has Griff—she’ll turn brittle. If you love her, don’t let that happen.”

  I look up at Beth. The wives are reaching out to offer their comfort and support…and already I see her pulling away.

  “Believe me, I have no intention of walking away forever, but she needs time to grieve. And she needs time to figure out if she can forgive me. I’m not going far, thou
gh. And she’ll have to tell me that she’ll never love me before I give up on her completely.”

  Maxon smiles his approval and claps me on the shoulder. “Perfect. Keep working on her. We’ll help. She’ll come around.”

  I can only hope.

  Noah nods. “Why don’t you crash for the night and come back in the morning when she’s fresh. Right now, she’s in no shape to make lifelong decisions. Things may look a lot different tomorrow.”

  I doubt it, but I nod and exchange digits with the guys. “I’ll be back. Take care of her for me until then, huh?”

  Maxon nods. “You got it.”

  As I climb in my car, I’m grateful to see the two men join the rest of the family to exchange condolences and hugs. They’re not letting Bethany shy away from their comfort or support. As much as I hate leaving her now, I know she’ll be in good hands until I can wrap my arms around her again and begin proving that I am the man she can count on. Until she believes deep down that I’m the same man she fell for.

  I stop by the apartment we moved into only yesterday, when the day was bright and the possibilities were seemingly endless. But everywhere I look I see Beth now. I can’t stay here. It’s too haunted. I can’t miss her this much without losing my mind. Instead, I grab a shower and a clean change of clothes, then head to Ash’s, who welcomes me with a beer and an ear.

  It’s close to dawn when I finally find sleep on his lumpy piece-of-shit sofa. I wake up a few hours later, feeling less than rested but beyond ready to start winning Bethany back.

  When I reach the inn a little before ten, Maxon greets me with his mouth pressed in a grim line. “She’s gone. I’m sorry. We tried… She’s leaving the island. And honestly, I don’t know where she’s going or if she’s coming back.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Three months later

  Los Angeles

  BETHANY

  My hand trembles as I smooth my skirt, then press my fingers across my jittery stomach to calm it. Above me, the sunny spring sky wraps me in California blue. Behind me, my car door hangs open. Stay or go? But I know the answer. It’s now or never. Do or die.