Becca’s gaze drops to the ground, and my stomach falls. But then she squeezes my hand, and I’m not sure if it’s for me or because she needs support. I squeeze back, letting her know I’m here. “Yeah, he would’ve.”
“John, I’m gonna get in line,” Jane says, as she holds the door to The Bleacher Bean. “See you two later tonight.”
Lifting my cup, I give Jane a half smile and turn back to my best friend and his sister to see a look pass between them. Warmth blooms around my chest. They’ve always been close, and I’m glad they still are.
I’m not sure that Becca would’ve made it through Caleb’s loss without the support of her family.
“Well, I’ll let you two get to decorating.” He gives Becca another kiss before he slaps me on the back, a little harder than necessary, before giving me a pointed look. “See you later.”
We both watch the door close before Becca turns to me, her eyes full of mischief and a wide grin stretching across her face. “Looks like you have another third degree coming your way.”
“How do you know that he didn’t already hit me with it?” I quirk a brow.
“Because there’s no way my brother would’ve been subdued in three minutes.”
“This is true,” I grumble.
“Let’s go.” She tugs on my hand and starts making her way toward the parking lot. “We only have a few hours to get everything done.”
My brows shoot up. “You think this will take us three hours?”
She grins at me, and I groan.
“Are you going soft on me, Thornton?” Her eyes sparkling, a dare in them.
I’m not sure what type of dare it is, but it’s not one I plan to walk away from.
“Not in this lifetime.” I take a few steps to catch up to her.
Though I sincerely wish we were doing anything other than decorating. In fact, this might be the only time I would choose to speak to the press instead.
“I promise, it won’t be that bad.” She bumps me like she can read my mind, and I huff.
Wrapping my arm around her waist and pulling her close, I lean in and touch her nose with mine. “Any time spent with you Becs, could never be bad.”
She throws her head back and laughs before she says. “Unless it’s time spent decorating.”
Three hours later, on my way home, a smile I can’t get rid of rests on my face. I hated every minute of decorating, but everyminute spent in the company of the lovely Mrs. Becca Ashford-Bennett was worth all the torture in the world.
Chapter Fourteen
Becca
Staringattheentrance,and waiting for Jacob to open my car door, I take a deep breath, attempting to calm the organ that’s attempting to break its way out of my ribcage. I didn’t realize how anxious I would feel showing up to the fundraiser with someone, only a year after Caleb passed.
It’s not like it’s just anyone, it’s Jacob—my high school boyfriend. But it doesn’t matter. I’m still walking in with another man I’m clearly interested in dating.
“Becs?” Jacob’s holding the door, watching me. Concern fills his gaze as he holds his hand out. “You know we can just walk in with each other, and not act like we’re together.”
Placing my cold hand in his warm one, I let his warmth seep through me. “It’s okay. It’s not—”
“It’s a big dealIFit’s a big deal to you.” Gently tipping my chin up with his thumb, he pins me with his gaze. Empathy, understanding, and love shine back at me. “Like I said the othernight. This is a big step, and we can go as slow as you need. I’m not going anywhere.”
His espresso brown eyes look like melted chocolate chips on a double chocolate brownie, and my pulse slows. He’s right. We don’t have to rush, but more importantly, I’m not doing anything wrong. Caleb would want me to be happy.
Entwining his fingers with mine, a lopsided smile pulls at my lips. “Thank you.”
He leans in and places his lips on my forehead. “You’re welcome.”
