Just go.She had to escape the scene before that all-too-familiar sting of rejection pushed its way back into her life. Rejection from a woman who was meant to love her. Care for her. Tostaywith her. Yes, at very least, she should havestayed.
Justine climbed into the truck and roared the thing to life. Perhaps she should head east on the interstate and keep on driving. She’d pass through state after state, filling the old tank along the way, and get as far from the wretched embarrassment as she could.
The engine revved hot and loud as Justine accelerated. She turned onto the interstate and lowered her foot on the pedal as heat moved up her shin from the pressure. Who cared if Officer Doug pulled her over? He was likely on rounds at the other side of town anyway.
The thought had her pressing the gas with even more conviction, eyes set on the dark road, fingers gripping the wheel. Her shoulders lifted as she passed her turn.Further down the way, Justine was very aware that the animal graveyard was nearing, but she made a point not to look at it.
Not to think about the man who’d helped her bury the sweet calico cat. Or the way he’d blindly agreed to play the role of her fake fiancé. A laugh got stuck in her throat as she considered the way he’d worsened things by saying he’d come to dinner the following night.
Thoughts of their time at the Steakhouse came next. When he’d warmed her arms with his hands under the stars.
If I catch some fish, will you teach me to cook it like Wilfred?
Her limbs went soft at the recollection, making her realize how very tightly she’d been locked onto the wheel. Yes, she had definitely melted inside at his request. Her heart had simultaneously burst into a sprint. But she knew men well enough. They wanted a good time no matter how sliver-thin their chances for anything long term were.
No, Burke had valiantly fulfilled his call of duty. And, by this time next week, he’d probably be gone. Life in town would go back to normal, and…and what?
A mean ache tore through her heart at the thought. She didn’twantthings to go back to the way they were before he came. Her once fulfilled life would feel very…empty for a while. But hopefully it would just be a while.
At the mere thought, an image of Brittany came to mind.
“What a brat,” she mumbled. “Can’t believe she told people I was bringing him.” She’d specifically said that she wasnotbringing her fiancé to the festival, that hewouldn’tbe able to make it. But this was what Brittany did best—humiliate people.
It had taken Justine years to see things clearly. To realize just how cruel it was to harass a motherless child for being motherless. If she’d have been able to grasp just how unjust the torment was, perhaps Justine would have spoken up for herself back then.
In the third grade, when things were at their worst, Justinehadlied about her mom. Lied because she felt ashamed for being so unwanted. Undesired. Flawed enough that her own mother didn’t want her.
So here it was again. Round two. Now Justine had set herself up to look more pathetic than ever. Making up lies about being loved and adored by someone else. This time a man who’d sworn to marry her. And yet there was no such man.
Or was there?
A gasp pulled from her throat as she recalled Burke’s offer. Therewasa way out of this. There really was. There was a man who’d offered to help her. Offered to keep up the charade—and how very good he was at it.
One who did, in fact, want to spend time with her. Who cared if it was only to have a little noncommittal make out session beside the bonfire? She’d enjoy it as much as he would.
Sparks of delicious heat fluttered through her tummy at the image that brought to mind. Burke’s beautiful mouth on hers. His touch, his closeness, his affections. Charade or no—Justine suddenly craved it more than ever.
Just why had she been so adamantly against the idea before? What would be the harm in it?
To ensure she was being responsible, Justine took a moment to draft a list in her mind. She’d make two, actually. Pros and cons, starting with the pros.
1. It would make Wilfred very happy to see how loved she must be, for Burke to be willing to change his plans and all.
2. Vindication. This was definitely the bigger, more self-serving reason to go through with it. Just one glance at the godlike creature of Burke Richards and Brittany would be drooling clear down the front of her stretchy skirt.
The image sparked a deep thrill in her chest. Inviting warm, bubbly tingles, and something that felt an awful lot like joy. A wide grin spread over her face.
Yes.Justine wanted that moment so bad she could taste it. Debbie would meet him too, probably fanning her face all the while, and the rest of the town too.
Sure, she wouldn’t go on to marry Burke, but at least the people in town would know she’d been loved by him. Maybe she could even claim to be the one who ended things, saying she didn’t want to live in the city and he didn’t want to live in the country. Or maybe she’d say he was willing to move there for her, but he’d be giving up too much of himself, so she’d selflessly set him free.
When Justine considered that end of things, the high was harder to feel.Think about that part later, Justine.For now, she could focus on the great things that would come of it. Which brought her to the next pro.
3. She’d get more time with Burke.
At that thought, the inner warmth dropped to a place low in her tummy. Her dream came back to her then, the heavenly feel of his lips on her skin.Yes. Double yes.Spending more time with Burke was exactly what she needed. And deserved, actually.
A quick glance at her rearview said no one was coming down the road behind her. She moved her foot to the brake now, increasing pressure as she made her way to the side of the road. Another traffic check in each direction, and soon Justine was flipping the truck around and accelerating in the opposite direction.
