“I do mean it, Stevie. You’re my friend too, and I like seeing you happy. You were miserable for so long, and life is too short to be unhappy.”
“I didn’t plan for it to happen. It just did.”
“I know. No one was more devoted to Garrick than you. Don’t feel guilty for finding happiness elsewhere.”
“I think I’ll always feel some guilt because saying goodbye to Garrick so I can give my heart to Beck is difficult—even if I love Beck so freaking much.”
He taps my knee, drawing my focus to him. “I’m going to say something that probably goes against the bro code, but I feel like Garrick would be okay with me saying it.”
“Go on.” I chew on the inside of my mouth.
“Garrick loved you, Stevie. You know that. Like I know you loved him. The thing is, Garrick also loved being in relationships. From the time he was fourteen, he was almost permanently in a relationship. He fell in and out of love a lot. Not like how it was with you,” he rushes to reassure me. “That was the real deal, but Garrick needed to be in a relationship to feel fulfilled.”
He pauses to let that sink in. “I think it was all tied up with his parents and their divorce. Anyway, the point I’m making is, I don’t know if you two would have lasted doing the long-distance thing. You may have broken up already, and the second point I want to make is, I don’t think Garrick would have harbored as much guilt if the roles were reversed. If you were in a coma, he would have been devoted to you the same way you were to him that first year. But after being iced out, if he’d met his Beck, I don’t think he’d have agonized as much over starting a new relationship. I’m not saying he didn’t love you, Stevie, but I think, if Garrick was in the same position, he’d have moved on quicker. I think he’d have been with Beck a long time before you even acknowledged you had feelings for him.”
“Jeez.” I stare at him a little speechless.
“You think I’m a terrible friend.”
“No. I think you’re an amazing friend, Hudson, and an amazing person.” And I wish you were with Hadley because I believe she’s missing out on her special someone by not choosing you. I don’t articulate that part because it would only hurt him.
“Go be with Beck with a free conscience, Stevie.” He stands, extending his hand and pulling me to my feet. “Go be happy, free of remorse and guilt, because you deserve it.”
ChapterSeventy-Two
Beck
My phone flashes with a text Saturday night as I’m lounging on the couch attempting to watch a movie. I know Stevie was going to talk to Hugh and Dawn today, and I’ve been on edge waiting to hear from her. So, I snatch my cell up and read the one-word message.
INCOMING.
I hop up as my front door swings open, and my fiery goddess saunters into the living room with a glorious smile on her face. “Hey, babe,” she says, grinning as I slam to a halt and drink her in.
It’s only been twelve days since I last saw her, but honestly, it feels like twelve years.
Her hair is styled and hanging in glossy waves down her back, and she wears a light dusting of makeup. Long legs covered in sheer black stockings are propped up by skyscraper black heels. Stevie’s lush curves are hidden behind a black belted trench coat.
“You are a sight for sore eyes, honey.” Rosy cheeks, lush pink lips, and sparkling emerald eyes light up her entire face, and my heart swells with love.
Putting the bottle of champagne and box down on top of the sideboard, she licks her lips as her gaze drags over me. “So are you. I have missed you, and I’m so hungry.”
Weird change of subject, but whatever. “I have leftover pasta I can heat up for you.”
“I’m not talking about food,” she says, unlatching her belt and opening her coat. “I’m hungry for my man.”
My eyes are out on stalks as the coat pools at her feet, revealing the surprise underneath. My dick hardens in a nanosecond as my gaze roams over the black lace bra, matching thong, and garter.
“Fuck. Me,” I rasp over a dry throat as she moves toward me like a gazelle.
“That’s the idea,” she purrs, placing her hand on my T-shirt. Her eyes are alight with love and lust as she peers into my face. “I’m ready, Beck. I’m all yours.” Her features soften. “I have said my goodbye to Garrick, and I’ve spoken with Hugh and Dawn and Hudson.”
“How was it?”
“I couldn’t have asked for better.” Her eyes shine with unshed tears. “They all give us their blessing. Not that we needed it.”
I take her free hand in mine. “We didn’t, but I know they’re important to you and what they think matters.” Garrick’s dad and stepmom are good people. I rub my fingers over her hand, and my heart stutters in my chest. Lifting our conjoined hands, I spot the difference immediately. “You’re not wearing your ring.”
“It was time to remove it. My locket too,” she says in a clear voice, and her eyes are free of tears. She fingers the charm bracelet I gave her and touches the ink on her wrist. “I won’t wear another man’s gifts when I’m with you because that would not be fair, but I’m hoping you’re okay with the tattoo. It was my idea to get them, and I paid for it. Yes, it’s something we did together, but it was as much about friendship as love. If it bothers you, I will get it removed or transformed into something else.”
