Page 86 of Filthy Beautiful
But I wasn’t going to be some lawyer, and I didn’t really believe I’d get to do whatever I wanted.
Or be with whoever I wanted.
Not everything would come that easily.
But some things were worth fighting for, right?
“I like you,” I blurted. It came out clumsy and awkward and maybe just a little desperate, as the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end.
I could already feel him tensing, pulling away, like he was about to bolt into the poolhouse any second and leave me here.
“Courteney,” he said, in a low, warning voice, “don’t start that shit.”
“What shit?” I got up and moved to sit right next to him, my heart thudding.
“What are you doing?”
I looked him right in the eyes, up close, and said, “I’m trying to tell you that I’m sorry. And, that I—”
I really like you.
The words got stuck in my throat as he shook his head, slowly.
“You can stop trying to get me kicked out. It’s not gonna work.”
“What?”
“I’m not fucking things up, with Cary or with you. You can try, but he’s not gonna ask me to leave. I’m here to be close to him, because I care about him. And I’m not going anywhere.”
“I don’t want you to go anywhere.”
His brow rumpled and he drew back, studying my face. But he didn’t look any less grouchy than when he’d sat down. He looked more angry, if anything. I could see it in the muscles along his neck and shoulders; restrained agitation.
“You play a tough game, Courteney Clarke,” he said, almost softly. “But I’m not folding.”
“Huh?”
“Come here.” He got up so fast and grabbed my arm, I didn’t have time to react. He had me on my feet, walking me up the path through the trees, to the house, gripping my hand in his.
Once again, I went with him.
He took me in through the French doors to the living room, through the foyer and up the stairs to my room.
“In you go.” He ushered me through the door. He nudged me over to the bed, where the sheet was tossed back from my earlier tossing and turning. “Get in.”
I stood right next to him, next to my bed, and looked up at him. I’d left on one small lamp by the bed, and it rimmed him in light.
He glowered down at me, and I caved.
I climbed into bed, and before I’d even arranged myself, he tossed the sheet over me. He tucked it in around my neck and I went still. I lay there, on my back, as he leaned in over me.
“You may not understand it or believe it,” he said, “but all I want for you is to be safe.”
Then he kissed me, lightly and quickly, on the forehead.
“Go to sleep.”
He started to pull away, but I lunged for him. I wrapped my arms around his neck to anchor him with my weight, and I kissed him, right on the mouth.
