Page 75 of My Heart Still Beats
I can’t get that bartender out of my head.
He looks so damned familiar, and the feeling I get when I see him?
It’s not a good one.
I won’t be able to sleep, so there’s no use going to my room.
My therapist uses hypnosis sometimes to relax me, and when she asked me what one of my favorite places is, I always told her the beach at moonlight.
So here I am, on the moonlit beach, and I’m hoping it will ease my anxiety.
The good news is I haven’t had a panic attack since that night in the bar with Ben.
After I got drugged and ended up in the hospital, I was having them daily. So far, this is the longest I’ve gone without one, and even though that bartender has me on edge, the serenity of the beach and the waves swishing to the shore calm me.
I don’t feel a panic attack coming on, and for that I’m grateful.
“Tessa?”
I turn at the voice I recognize.
Ben stands there, facing the ocean. In the moonlight, his dark hair glints with subtle blue highlights, and the stars cast sparkles over him.
I never would’ve believed he could be better looking, but the moonlight brings something more out in Ben Black.
Something beautiful…and dark.
Because darkness can be beautiful. I’ve always loved the darkness. Especially the moonlight on the beach.
It fills me with serenity.
Serenity I haven’t felt in so long.
A serenity I thought was lost to me forever.
I almost forget that I’m pissed at him. “Thanks a lot,” I say with sarcasm.
“For what?”
“I told you no strippers, Ben. And who should come prancing onto the beach? Four male dancers.”
He drops his jaw, and his eyes widen. Is he truly shocked?
“What?”
“Did I stutter?”
“Tessa…no. I told the event planner to get topless dancers for the bachelor party. Only thebachelorparty.”
“She clearly didn’t understand, then.”
“Oh, God.” He rakes his fingers through his thick hair. “I’m sorry. Are you okay?”
I nod. “You really didn’t have anything to do with it?”
“I swear.” He crosses his heart. “I’ll take care of this. Heads will roll.”
I look into his dark eyes. There’s truth there. I believe him. “It’s all right. The men were very respectful, and the ladies loved it.”
