But today was a new day.And she was determined to enjoy it.It’s why she’d said yes to a barbecue with Benny’s friends.She was also feeling especially proud that she’d managed to convince Lucy to come, claiming emotional support needs.
They were currently in Zach and Libby’s yard.Sipping on cold beers and stuffing their faces with burgers.
Benny was looking all manly in his fire department tee and jeans, flipping burgers on the grill while Bethany and Lucy were stuffing their faces, off to the side.
“Yes!”Cat shouted, bringing their attention to the dark-haired woman now waving her phone as she sauntered toward Libby.“Jack’s flying over to meet little bean.And he’s going to stay a while—help out.Booked time off and everything!”
“Who’s Jack?”Bethany discreetly whispered to Lucy.
“Cat’s brother.”Her friend gulped.Loud enough to have Bethany sneaking a peek at her.Her usual pale skin taking on a pinker shade.
“Do welikeJack?”
“What?”Lucy snapped.
Hmm.Touchy subject.
“I’m just asking, do welikeJack?Do weknowJack?Is there a reason every time I mentionJack, that you seem to go a darker shade of red?”
“I hate you.”Lucy glared.
“You love me.”Bethany grinned.“And someone called Jack, apparently.”
That comment earned her a swat to the arm.Worth it.She was suddenly looking forward to meeting this Jack guy.
She didn’t get to interrogate Lucy any further because the next thing she knew, Benny’s arms were wrapping around her waist.And with one tug, her back was plastered against his hard chest.His lips ghosting down her neck as he murmured, “I missed you,” along her sensitive skin.
“You were gone five minutes,” she pointed out, slightly breathier than normal.“And you were like two yards away.”
Leaning into him, she embraced the goosebumps as he nipped at the spot under her ear.“What can I say?Even two yards is too far, baby.”
“Annnd...I’m getting another drink.”She could practically hear Lucy’s eyes roll before her friend disappeared back inside the house.
Benny and Bethany remained wrapped in each other for a while.His nose and lips tracing the line along her neck as she breathed in fresh pine.She felt at peace for the first time in a long time.Sure, there were plenty of things she could overthink.And a ridiculous number of recent decisions she should seek professional help for.But self-flagellation wasn’t on today’s agenda.Doug’s dressing down was enough punishment for this weekend.
She let a satisfied sigh escape as Benny trailed soft kisses across her shoulder.Damnit, she could get used to this.
“You ready to label this now, B?”Amusement laced his tone as more kisses peppered the skin between her tank top and neckline.
“Nope.”She smiled, popping the “p.”
He’d been asking every day since the last support group and her answer was always the same.Because of the sickos that they were, it had now become a running joke.And would remain one while she continued to bask in the comfort of denial.
“Hey, Bethany,” Libby greeted as she approached them.“You think I could steal you away from Benny for a minute?”
While Libby’s smile was friendly, Bethany could tell she was nervous as she twiddled with the long brown waves that she’d gathered over one shoulder.
“Yeah, of course.”Bethany untangled herself, and with a quick twist of her neck, she pecked Benny’s lips before following Libby inside.
The back door led them through the kitchen where Lucy and Rachel sat at the small wooden table, giggling between sips of beer.With a quick wave to her friend, she continued through the giant arch and into the living room where Libby gestured for her to sit.
“You and Benny seem happy,” she noted, exhaling softly as she joined her on the bouncy couch.
“Oh, God, is this another warning not to break his heart—‘cause you should know that Cat and Rachel already beat you to it.”
Libby’s sing-song laugh echoed around the room as her hand waved her off.“God, no!Not at all!”
Bethany could see it now.Her husband Zach always called her “princess.”And with those wide Disney-like eyes, long thick hair and hourglass figure, it didn’t take a genius to figure out why.She was also super sweet.Even now, as she looked at Bethany, unsure, and chewed on painted pink lips.
