Chapter 17
Adam
“What’s taking you so long?” I barked into the phone.
“Hold on to your panties, sunshine. These things take time.” My friend, Eric, heaved another sigh and muttered, “So impatient.”
I was beyond impatient because I was itching to prove my innocence to Beth. “Sorry,” I said and commenced pacing.
Eric has been my best friend since college. Bailing each other out of the shit we got into used to be our thing. Apparently, not much had changed because he was helping me get out of the mess I was currently in.
The past week has been the worst of my life. It wasn’t because my name was being dragged all over the media, that was nothing new. It wasn’t because my father lectured me every day about being an idiot either. I couldn’t care less that my asshole of a brother had the ammunition to gloat. I was used to that too. It was because I’d caused Beth public embarrassment and she hated me again. I could live with everything else and not give a shit, except that .
If I was unsure of my feelings for her before, there was no doubt that I loved her now. If only she’d talk to me. She’d been holed up in her room since those pictures hit the media. I almost kicked down the door a few times to make sure she hadn’t starved to death in there but giving her space was probably for the best.
Fortunately, Eric had what I needed to make everything right. The tech genius was ensuring that the video of what really happened that night was legit. It was a good thing someone at the club had been recording the entire scene that the tabloid managed to twist into a whole other story. I didn’t want to risk anyone even suggesting I was the one to put it together to clear my name.
“It’s done. The video is authentic. No one can argue that it’s been edited. I don’t make mistakes.”
“You had to take the chance to gloat.”
“Yup,” he chuckled.
“I can remember a few mistakes you’ve made,” I challenged. “Like that time you slept with the girl I was seeing.”
“Aw come on man, that was years ago. I didn’t know you were seeing her.” The defensive, guilty note in his voice was why I still teased him with it sometimes. I found it funny.
It was the first time I’d laughed in a week.
“I’m yanking your chain, man.” To be honest, I couldn’t even remember that woman’s name. I’ve never had strong enough feelings for any woman until now to be hurt by something like that.
“Asshole,” he grumbled and I chuckled.
“I know. I couldn’t help myself. Seriously, I appreciate this.”
“I really hope this fixes things with your lady, whom I haven’t met. I forgive you for having to find out that you got married via social media, by the way. I thought I would have been your best man,” he grumbled and I smiled.
If my marriage to Beth had been real from the beginning, he would have been. Explaining the sordid details to my friend or anyone wasn’t going to happen. That would stay between Beth and me forever.
“Uh...everything happened really fast. I have to go. Thanks again.”
“No problem. Hopefully, the next time we meet up it won’t end in disaster.”
“It won’t.”
There would be no more getting wasted in any club. I’d learned my lesson.
When I went out drinking with a few of my buddies to blow off steam, I had no idea I’d end up in a media circus. Although, I should have been more careful, considering that I was no stranger to scandals. I knew from experience that the truth was usually twisted for public pleasure.
“I'll talk to you later, Eric. I owe you big time for getting this.”
“I’ll be sure to collect. Later.”
I practically sprinted to Beth’s room. For the first time in a week, the door was open but she wasn’t there. I went on the hunt ending up in the kitchen.
“Beth?”
No answer.
For fuck sake where was the woman when I wanted to prove my innocence?
“Beth!”
“What!” A scowling Beth closed the refrigerator door. “I’m not deaf. ”
We lived in the same house and I hadn’t seen her in days. So, I took a few seconds to take her in. Her hair hung in a disheveled curtain and she looked a bit paler than usual. Still, I thought she looked incredible, especially with her mouth in that petulant pout that I loved so much.
“Did you wake the dead just to stand there and stare at me?” I only noticed the carton of Ben and Jerry’s in her hand when she scooped some up and stuffed it into her mouth.
“I came to apologize.”
She lifted a brow and continued eating, her eyes that I could usually read, giving away nothing.
“This should be good.”
“I couldn’t apologize sooner because somebody refused to come out of her room. I’m glad to see you didn’t starve.”
“Please, I wait until you leave to come out every day. What are you doing here today anyway?”
“It’s Saturday.”
She shrugged.
“You work on Saturdays.”
I was still getting the evil eye but at least she was talking to me.
“I was determined to talk to you. It’s a good thing you came out. I was thinking of kicking your door in,” I teased, trying to lighten the mood.
“Your house, your door,” she shrugged. “Good thing I’ll be out of here in a few months.”
My smile dropped at the reminder that I had six measly months to gain her trust and maybe― hopefully ―her love.
“I didn’t agree with you changing the terms.”
“I don’t care, just like you don’t care about my feelings.”
“That’s not true and I’m here to prove that.”
Beth rolled her eyes and dug into the ice cream carton.
“Can you look at me, please?”
“No need, I have ears. Talk.”
“For Christ’s sake, give me that,” I hissed, snatching the wretched box. She was giving the damn thing the attention that I needed.
“Hey!”
“I’m sorry but I need you to pay attention for a minute.”
She harrumphed and crossed her arms under her breast, momentarily distracting me. My gaze dropped to her chest but her gasp pulled me back from the part of my brain that went stupid at the sight of female parts... her female parts, in particular.
“Nice, Adam. You came to apologize and you’re staring at my chest. No wonder you couldn’t resist getting your paws on another woman.
“News flash, Beth, I only have eyes and paws for you now.”
“You don’t expect me to believe that?”
I held up the phone and she eyed me dubiously.
“Just watch. Please.”
With an impatient sigh she took my phone. I’d already watched the video several times so I watched her the entire time. Her expression gave nothing away. I wish I could have read her mind. The video showed me―a very drunk me―telling that woman to get lost after she planted herself on my lap. I could be heard telling her I had an incredible woman waiting at home.
Beth handed me the phone, her eyes avoiding mine.
“So, what? Am I supposed to be flattered? You turned that woman down, kudos to you.”
My gut sank with disappointment. It was supposed to be my big gesture and it apparently fell flat. “Come on, Beth, I just showed you proof that I didn’t cheat as the media suggested. Give me something .”
“You didn’t come home all night, I have to wonder what you got up to when the cameras weren’t rolling.” She hung her head and groaned. “Great. Now I sound like a jealous wife, which I’m not because our marriage is a damn business arrangement.” She sighed and grumbled. “Now I sound bitter too.”
“That’s good!”
“Excuse me?”
“I mean, I’m relieved that you feel something. It means you care.” I studied her intently, trying futilely to read her. I got nothing so I took the risk and added, “about me…”
Finally, her eyes lifted to meet mine. She crossed her arms and shrugged. Nibbling her lower lip, she muttered, “You’ve... grown on me.”
I had to fight to smother the satisfied smile that wanted to push through. “I care about you too.”
Damn it!
I had the perfect opportunity to admit my true feelings and I just told her I cared . What was wrong with me? Still, she noticeably relaxed and I let out a relieved breath. Shoving a hand through her hair, she leaned against the counter.
“I’m not accustomed to this part of your life, Adam. The publicity isn’t for me. I was so embarrassed and I thought maybe that headline was right. Maybe you are bored. It was only a matter of time, I guess.”
The dejection radiating from her made me want to kick myself in the ass.
“That couldn't be further from the truth. How could I be bored? I meant what I told that woman, Beth. You are incredible. Hell, you’ve put up with me for months, you deserve a medal.”
Her lips twitched at the corners and amusement lit her eyes for a moment. “I deserve several.”
That teasing glint disappeared so fast, I thought I’d imagined it. So I continued my campaign of begging for forgiveness. I decided that I’d get on my knees and grovel if necessary. I really was a different man than I’d been mere months ago. Astounding .
“Look, Beth. I’ve gotten into so much mess over the years, I don’t bat an eyelash when people talk. I’ve never really had to think about how my foolish actions would have affected someone else before because the rest of my family is accustomed to the publicity too. I didn’t think about how something like this would affect you. I truly am sorry.”
I stepped closer and rested my hands on her shoulders, desperate for her to believe me.
“Nothing happened with anyone after that woman. I crashed on my friend’s couch because I was too wasted to make it home. I should have called you to let you know what was going on.” For once I was embarrassed that I’d gotten so drunk, as if I was still a frat boy.
“I should never have gone out in the first place. I should have followed you inside yesterday and apologize for being an ass. I just felt overwhelmed by everything. That’s probably no excuse―”
“Adam just stop.”
My mouth clamped shut and I gazed down at her with worry. She wasn’t accepting my apology and I had no idea what else I was going to do.
“I understand. I knew you were upset after dinner with your family. You lashed out. I do the same thing from time to time so I can’t hold that against you.”
“So...we’re good?” Could it really be that easy?
“I accept your apology. I appreciate you trying to prove your innocence and all but it wasn’t necessary. We don’t have much longer left in this…” she sighed, “relationship. If you even want to call it that.”
My heart plummeted to my stomach. She was hell-bent on sticking to the wretched one year deal. Speechless, I watched her grab her carton of ice cream and walk away. I’d fucked up immensely and I had to fix it. I’d be damned if I let her slip away that easily. For once in my life, I was willing to fight for a woman’s affection. It was time to come up with a big romantic gesture...it was too bad I sucked at romance. Looking skyward, I sighed my frustration.