“Jared?Your husband?”
She sucks in a breath then shakes her head.“My husband is Shepherd Walter,” she utters, but I can see tears well up in her eyes.
Judy and Jared were married around the same time as my parents.They were close friends with my parents and started the church that has now been turned into The Fellowship.A place that was once about God is now about something totally different and self-serving.
“I must go,” she says gathering up her things and heading out before I have a chance to question her any more.
Not wanting Papa to storm back in and take back letting mevolunteer, I hurry up to my room to grab my small bag from above a ceiling panel then out the door and to my designated white vehicle.Turning on the phone that Beckett gave me, I see thirty missed calls from him and dozens of texts.I know I can’t avoid him forever, but he’s going to have to back off or it might ruin my plans of ever getting out of here.
SUTTON
Heading to work.Will call you later today.
I texted Beckett, hoping to appease him, then I called Jenny to let her know I’m on the way.She’s been wonderful and so understanding.I felt like I needed to let her know what was going on with me and my situation since it did affect her business and the kids I worked with.She’s been so accommodating the last week, and I’m grateful to know that there are still genuinely nice people in the world.
When I finally pull up to the preschool, I see Beckett perched on the side of his motorcycle with his arms crossed.His eyes narrow on me as I park and get out.
“Why the fuck haven’t you answered any of my calls or texts, Sutton?”he fumes, stepping towards me.
His tone and body language has me flinching and taking a step back.I’m not new to the abrupt smack or being caned with a willow switch, but coming from him throws me off guard, so I brace myself.He sees me retreat and comes to a full stop.
Putting his hands up in surrender, “Whoa, Angel, I’m not like that.”
I swallow and take a deep breath.“I’ve been really busy lately and haven’t had a minute to respond properly.”
He nods then fills up the space between us.
“What’s going on?”he asks.
“Just stuff with my father,” I say, hoping he won’t try to dig in deeper.
“I know the carnival and the Raegan situation has been a lot, but I need you to check in with me when I call or text.”
I nod my head as he refers to Raegan getting hit and moving out of her mother and stepdad’s house.“I’ll try to be better,” I voice and then wince.After years of being verbally beatdown and forced to obey, the response shoots out before I can stop it.
Beckett frowns then says, “I’ve got a meeting this afternoon, but I want to take you somewhere after.”
“I’ve got something with Raegan after work,” I tell him, hoping to avoid this.My heart is already breaking from having to leave the only home I’ve ever known, but the more time I spend with Beckett the more I want things that I know I can’t have.I get swept up in his dark eyes that put me in a daze while his touch sets me on fire.
“Cancel it,” he states.
“I can’t.”There’s no way I’m telling him that Raegan is taking me to a car race.She knows that I need to make some money, and she let me know that this was a way to get it quick and make a lot of it.With my timeline moved up, I’m thankful and can’t pass up on it.
“Angel, I’m not a patient man.You’re pushing me to my limits here,” he says, gripping my waist with his large hands.
“I’m sorry but maybe tomorrow,” I suggest.
“Why are you so reluctant about this?”He places a finger under my chin and pushes it up so that I’m looking at him and not at his broad chest.“You and me are going to happen.”
“You sound so sure,” I say, unbelieving that this could ever work.Maybe if I was born into a different family and had a different life, but I just can’t see how this could ever work especially in this town.
“Because I am,” he firmly states.I can’t help but snort.I wish I had my life all figured out like he does.“Talk to me.Tell me what is holding you back; give me a chance to show you what we could be.”
“You don’t understand?—”
“Then fucking tell me,” he growls.
“Ms.Sutton!Daddy!”we hear called out and our heads snap over to the sound of a little voice.
