Текст книги "Cruel and Beautiful"

Автор книги: A. M. Hargrove

Соавторы: Terri E. Laine
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Текущая страница: 17 (всего у книги 28 страниц)

SECOND SEMESTER IS FLYING BY. I am angry with myself because I promised Jenna I would go to Key West for spring break with her. All I want to do is spend the week with Drew. She catches me pouting on more than one occasion.

“If you want to back out, it’s fine.”

“I don’t want to back out.”

“Look, Cate, you and I have been friends since what? Kindergarten? I know when you don’t want to do something. If you don’t want to go, I don’t want you to go. It won’t be any fun dragging you around to clubs and stuff with your lower lip hanging on the ground.”

“I’m not acting like that.”

“Uh huh, right.”

She’s right and I know it. I thrum my fingers on the table as she stares at me.

“You need to decide soon, because if you’re not going, I need to get a replacement.”

“I’m going.” This will be good for me. “I need some Jenna/Cate time.”

“You sure about this? You’ve been stuck to Drew’s side since Thanksgiving. Sometimes I think you’re his third arm.”

Once again, I can’t argue with that. “I know¸ but I can’t help it. When I’m not with him, it’s like a part of me isn’t here.”

“Jaysus. You’re kidding, right?”

“No! I’m not. I wish I were.” I hang my head.

“Well damn girl, there’s no need to be down about it. Be happy you found your one! Not many people can say that.”

“I know, but it seems like forever until I graduate.”

She thumps me on the side of the head. “Get a hold of yourself, you fucknut. It’s not like you’re in school in China, for Pete’s sake. You’re an hour away from him. Of all people I know, you’re the last one I thought I’d be having this talk with. You, Cate Forbes, pining away for your guy.” She shakes her head. “Remind me never to fall in love. You look like a damn fool.” Then she makes a funny face and pokes out her tongue and I can’t help but giggle.

“It is ridiculous. I can’t argue with you there. But one day, you’ll see what I’m talking about. It’s like something takes a hold of you and won’t let you go.”

Jenna gives me this priceless look and says, “Girl, you know what that is, don’t you? It’s the damn sex spell. Your slut gene has been activated and you’ve gotten a taste of that orgasmic DNA. That’s all it is.”

“Do you believe there’s only one person on this earth for you?”

“What? Hell no!”

“Drew doesn’t either, but he does think it’s difficult to find one that can make you happy.”

“Yeah, I’ll go with that. But I think the sea is loaded with tons of fish. You just have to use the right bait.”

Jenna and Drew are probably right, but whatever the case, I’m glad Drew and I found each other.

“So, Key West with me then?”

“Yeah.”

“No surly Cate?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, but if you do, I swear I’ll kick your ass.”

And she almost ends up doing exactly that. The first couple of days I’m fine, loving the warm temps and the beach, but after day four, I’m over this place. Every day and night we do the same thing and Jenna’s agenda is completely different from mine. All I want to do by this time is go home. To Drew. I want to get away from all the partying because I’m not into it at all. The sticky floors where everyone has spilled their sugary drinks, or worse, and the gooey seats, where you’re afraid to sit, make me cringe to think about. And then I have to fend off drunk and horny dudes, who are kind of sad and pitiful, but completely annoying with the way they pour their drinks all over me. Each night when we get home, I immediately jump in the shower, while Jenna promptly passes out. By day five, I’m doing a mental hourly countdown until I can leave this horrible place.

Saturday morning, I practically have to beat Jenna to get her to wake up. Of course, she didn’t go to bed until five a.m. Our flight is at ten, so we need to leave for the airport at eight. After four attempts, I finally get her going. When we land in Indy, Drew is waiting at the baggage claim and Jenna looks like a worn out hooker.

“Don’t ask,” she says as she walks straight past him and takes the first seat she finds.

“Is she okay?” he asks.

“Hung over. I had to beat her up to get her out of bed. I’m so glad to be home. I’m never leaving you again.”

“I like the sound of that,” he says.

“No, I’m serious. It was awful. I never should’ve gone. It was not my scene at all.”

He turns to me and runs his finger down my cheek. “I’m so sorry. I was hoping you’d have a great break.” Then his arms are around me and I bury myself in his embrace.

The luggage starts dropping and I reluctantly pull myself away. Drew collects our bags and Jenna, and we head to his car.

“I think we need to stay here tonight. Jenna’s not in any shape to drive and needs sleep and so do I. With you.”

“That can be arranged.”

When we get to Drew’s, he takes Jenna to the extra bedroom and she crawls into bed. That’s the last we hear from her until later that night. Drew and I sit in the living room and catch up for a while. I tell him all about my awful week, but instead of feeling sorry for me, he laughs. He thinks it’s funny that I hated the clubs and bars, and hated staying out late with Jenna.

“Why is it so funny?”

“Selfishly, because you weren’t looking for other guys.”

“So, you are happy I was miserable?”

“Uh, yeah.” And his smile speaks a million words. Drew McKnight may have been a little jealous before I went to Key West. But now, he’s a happy guy, knowing I was miserable there. And it’s my turn to smile. I lean over and kiss him. Then he adds, “By the way, I wanted to wait until you got back to share this news with you.” He’s almost rubbing his hands together.

“What news?”

“I’ve been named chief resident for next year.”

“What? That’s awesome! Congratulations!” Now I really lay a kiss on him. “I can’t believe you’ve been holding this in!”

“Yeah, I know. It’s been kind of hard.” He’s so excited; he grabs me and squeezes all the air out of me.

“Drew,” I squeak, “Can’t breathe!”

“Oh,” he instantly releases me. “Sorry ’bout that.” Then we both laugh.

“Oh my god, I can’t believe this. This is so huge for you. This means you’ll be able to practically name your fellowship then, right? I mean, don’t chiefs carry a lot of clout?”

Never being one to boast, he says in an understated way, “A fair amount. I think I want Charleston, though. Is that okay with you?”

He’s asking me as though I’m a part of his future. We’ve kind of hinted at this sort of thing, but this is no hint this time.

“Are you asking because you want my opinion or because you want to know if I want to go with you?”

His hand cups my cheek and all the cheer turns serious. “Cate, I’m asking because I want you by my side, wherever I go. I want you to be happy with that decision. I’m not going to choose just for me anymore.”

Wow. My head drops down as I stare at my lap. This is an unexpected discussion. Not that I don’t want to have it. I love Drew and at some point I figured we would have this chat, but I didn’t think it would be today.

“I take it from your reaction we’re traveling different roads.”

I quickly say, “No, not at all! I was only thinking I didn’t expect to be talking about this today. I want to be with you, too, Drew. And to answer you, I would love to return to Charleston, as long as I don’t have to live with my parents.”

His eyes grow dark and hooded as he says, “You won’t be living with anyone but me. And at some point our kids.”

I’m sure my brows shoot up to the heavens when he makes this announcement. Then he adds, “That is if you want kids. I’m willing to do anything your way, Cate.”

“I want kids. No more than three, though. That’s my limit.”

“Fine with me. But we won’t work on that until a few more years. We can practice for the time being.”

“I like that idea.” We get a little practice in that night, and the next morning, Jenna and I head back to Purdue. For once, I’m ready to hit the books and finish up this semester.

My birthday weekend arrives in April, and Drew says he has something special planned. On Friday, another spectacular flower arrangement is delivered. It contains all the special flowers he gave me before: roses, lilies, calla lilies, white carnations, orchids, and tulips. This time, I know what they all mean. Jenna’s jaw hits the floor and I take my finger and push it back up to close her mouth.

“Fuck, are you spoiled.” That’s all she says.

“Yes, I am. He hasn’t mentioned anything to you about this weekend, has he?”

“Not a word. Want me to ask Ben?”

“Yeah, would you?”

She picks up her phone and makes the call. I can hear them chatting, but when she hangs up, she has a sly look on her face. “Don’t ask me a thing. I promised Ben I wouldn’t tell you.”

“That is not fair. You’re my best friend.”

“Yeah, but I’m Ben’s sister and he’s Drew’s best friend. And that puts me awkwardly between a rock and a hard place. So I’m screwed either way.”

“If I guess will you tell me?”

“No. My lips are sealed. When are you leaving?”

“As soon as I get packed.”

Jenna presses her lips together. “Did he tell you what to pack?”

“No, why?”

“I don’t know. Just asking.”

“Gah, you suck.”

She makes a face, runs to her room, and slams the door shut. I look at the flowers, smell them, and go finish packing. I want to take the flowers with me.

“Hey Jenna, how can I take these with me and not have them spill all over the place?”

“Got a box? Set them in a box,” she yells through her door.

Looking around, I don’t see anything, until she tosses one out of her room. “Here.” Then her door slams shut again. Damn, she definitely is avoiding me.

When I’m finally packed, I yell through her door that I’m leaving. She runs out and squishes me in a giant hug. “Have fun, birthday girl and I’ll see you on Sunday.” Then she skedaddles right back into her room, as though she can’t bear to face me. Weird. Shaking my head, I head to my car and hit the road.

Sexy Drew waits for me as I pull into his parking lot. It’s a gorgeous spring day, and he’s wearing a black t-shirt and faded jeans. He opens my car door, as usual, and pulls me into his arms.

“Happy Birthday weekend, gorgeous.”

For whatever reason, I’m unusually excited to see him.

“Thank you,” I bubble out. Then his warm, wet lips find mine and I sink into his embrace. My fingers weave into his thick, messy hair, and all I want to do is stand here and kiss him. But he ends my pleasure all too soon.

“Let’s get your things.” I pop open the trunk and he surprises me when he takes my things and instead of carrying them inside, he puts them in his car. Then he takes my hand and says, “Let’s go.”

“I … where … the flowers.”

His brows crease in confusion.

“I brought the gorgeous flowers you sent.”

“Ahh.” He nods.

He walks to the passenger’s side and retrieves them. “We’ll bring them, too.”

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

We drive downtown and he pulls up to the Conrad Indianapolis Hotel and a valet opens my door. I look at Drew and he gets out of the car and meets me, grabs my hand, and we walk inside to check in. Apparently he’s booked a suite for the weekend. He’s lost his mind.

Leaning in to him, I whisper, “Are you crazy? This is expensive!” He chooses to ignore me. The clerk hands him his keys and the bellman follows with our luggage on a cart. Once upstairs, the bellman gives us a brief tour of our one-bedroom suite and then leaves. When he’s gone, I say, “This is amazing, but Drew, it’s way too much.”

“Happy birthday to the love of my life. Now if you don’t stop with this train of thought, you’ll kill my pleasure. Don’t kill this for us, Cate.”

A bottle of iced champagne awaits us with two glasses and Drew heads over to uncork it. He holds up his glass and says, “Here’s to the girl who changed my life. Happy birthday, Cate.”

After we sip our tasty drinks, he announces that it’s room service tonight and tomorrow is a spa day for me. He’s lined up some sort of body treatment, massage, a manicure, and pedicure.

“And, by the way, their room service is supposed to be excellent.”

I’m stunned. I don’t know what to say. I suppose I look like some big goofy fool, because I say nothing. And then I start to cry. Not a full on ugly, boohoo cry. But an overwhelming type of cry. You know, the kind where you feel joy and loved.

“Don’t cry, babe. This is supposed to be fun for you.”

“It is,” I wail and sniff. “But I’ve never done these things before and I’m so affected—in a good way.”

He puts his hands on my shoulders and says, “Cate, look at me.”

I do as he says.

“This is only the beginning of all the things I want to do for you. So, sweet beautiful thing, you’d better get used to it in a big hurry.”

He’s all blurred as I look at him, and I smile, though it’s watery and icky, but he hugs me into his broad chest. And it’s exactly where I want to be.

In the morning, I slap Drew’s hands away as he wakes me.

“Don’t you want coffee and breakfast before you go to the spa?”

“Grr. What time is it?”

“Nine-thirty.”

“No, it’s not.” I stick my face back into my pillow, convinced he’s teasing me.

“Uh, yes it is. There’s a clock on the bedside table if you don’t believe me.”

Lifting my head, I take a quick look and am shocked to see he’s right. “Holy hell! How did I sleep this late?”

“Want me to tell you?”

Then I remember the night before and my face warms.

“Ahh, she still blushes at the thought of sex with her boyfriend.” I don’t know why, but I do.

“That wasn’t sex. What we did should be illegal.” I think about all the things his mouth did to me, and the places his fingers went, and I’m pretty sure my face is now red as an apple.

“God, I love it when your skin flushes like that.” His mouth moves to my neck and kisses me on my pulse point. “If you don’t get a move on, you’ll end up going to your spa appointment smelling like a freshly fucked woman. I don’t mind it, but I’m not sure if you do.”

Shit! I hop out of bed and make a dash for the shower, hearing his laughter follow me.

After a quick shower and some breakfast, we head off to the spa. Drew’s only getting a massage and says to meet him back in the room when I’m done.

The rest of the morning and early afternoon I am pampered, exfoliated, moisturized, massaged, hot-stoned, and given the hand and foot treatment. It’s amazingly relaxing and when I return to the room, I feel like a new woman.

Drew is watching hockey when I get back. He’s totally absorbed since the playoffs are set to begin in a couple of weeks. But as soon as I enter the room, he turns the TV off, and I’m the center of his world.

“You don’t have to do that,” I say.

He gives me a look like I’m one of the Velociraptors from Jurassic World and I just stepped off the screen and into the living room. “It’s your birthday weekend and I plan to be with you every moment. I can watch hockey any day of the week. Now, how was it?”

“Oh my goodness. It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.”

“Okay, now you’re stepping on my toes, babe. I thought I was your best.” He winks.

I laugh. “You know what I mean.”

“You loved it, then?”

“God, yeah!”

“Let me see your fingers and toes.”

I hold out my hands while I kick off my shoes.

“Nice. I’m gonna have to play with those toes a little.”

“Didn’t know you have a toe thing.”

“I don’t. But I kinda like yours. You hungry?”

“Starving.”

“Let’s go eat.”

During lunch we talk about mundane things, but then I turn the conversation down another lane. “I’ve been offered an internship this summer with a finance firm here in town. It’s a great opportunity and I’d like to take it.”

“Congratulations, Cate, that’s great! When did this happen?”

“This past week. One of my professors told me about and said it was a long shot, so I didn’t think much about it until they called and made me the offer yesterday.”

“You accepted, I presume?”

“Not exactly. I told them I’d let them know on Monday.”

“Why?”

“Because I need a place to live.”

He laughs. “What? Did you think I’d say no?”

I fidget with my napkin before answering. “No. It’s only that a whole summer is a lot longer than we’re used to, and my parents will freak at the idea of me living with you.”

“Hmm. I see. So you’re willing to give up a huge career enhancer because of a couple of minor glitches.”

He has a way of making my objections sound silly. “I guess it would be pretty damn stupid of me.”

“Look, we won’t get on each other’s nerves, if that’s what you’re worried about. I would love having you with me for an entire summer. In fact, I’ll go so far as to beg you to take the damn job. Please, oh please, Cate.”

He has me laughing by this time.

“And didn’t you say your father thought you had a silly major?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, this is your chance to prove him wrong.”

“True. But they still won’t like us living together.”

He waves his hand through the air. “Oh, hell, they’ll get over it when they find out you have free rent.”

“Oh no. I can’t do that. I’ll pay a part of it.”

He shrugs. “We’ll figure something out then. But make that call Monday.”

“Okay, I will.”

That evening, Drew tells me only to dress in whatever is most comfortable to me. He’s wearing jeans and a light sweater. A knock on our door surprises me and he goes to answer it with a sly smile on his face. In walks an entourage of people, one obviously a chef. His name is Michael and he’s here to prepare our dinner. I go to the bedroom to quickly change, and come out wearing jeans and a sweater, too.

The chef prepares something, but Drew won’t tell me what. And the other people have disappeared. When I ask about them, Drew only smiles and shrugs. Then he leads me back into the bedroom for a minute. “It’s a big surprise birthday dinner, so if it doesn’t work out exactly right, please don’t hold it against me.”

“Why would I hold it against you? And everything you’ve done so far has surpassed anything I’ve ever experienced, so stop.” I hug him. “You’re the best, Drew.”

“No, you are. And you stole my line.” He smacks my butt and then gets that heated look in his eyes.

“No! We can’t. Michael is out there. And those other people.”

“Don’t worry about them.” He starts stalking me around the bedroom. I can’t help giggling because I feel like a little kid. Finally, I’m trapped in the corner and he pulls me by my wrists and tosses me onto the bed, where he tickles me until I almost pee.

“With everything I’ve ever done, all the places I’ve ever been, and every person I’ve ever met, nothing can come close to the sparkle in your eyes, or the love I feel in my soul when you look at me, Cate Forbes.” His lips skim mine, teasing them, as they taste and his words touch a place in my heart I didn’t know existed.

“I feel it too, Drew, when you look at me.”

It’s one of those rare moments between two people that love each other and I don’t want it to end. But we’re interrupted by a knock, and Drew offers me a crooked grin when he gets up to answer it. I hear them murmuring, but don’t know what’s said. Then he’s back and tells me dinner will be ready in about forty-five minutes.

“Would you like some wine? And we can watch Michael cook.”

“That would be nice.”

So we sit at the small counter in the kitchen while Michael is busy preparing our meal and I soon become engrossed watching him. He’s making oven-roasted salmon, sautéed mixed baby vegetables, and parmesan risotto. He will also serve a grilled romaine salad with walnuts, gorgonzola, and a cherry vinaigrette. It all looks and sounds delicious.

When it’s almost ready, the chef nods to Drew, and Drew asks me to wait in the bedroom. I think it’s sort of strange, but I don’t say anything. I go in and sit on the bed, waiting patiently. About five minutes pass and Drew comes to get me.

“Okay, close your eyes for me, please, and I’ll lead the way.”

“We’re going someplace else?”

“Just follow my lead, Sherlock.”

With my eyes closed, and holding onto him, I follow. I step up and down when he tells me and finally I hear the words, “You can open your eyes now, Cate.”

Grinning, I do, but then, I gasp and my hand flies to my mouth. This is one of those I can’t believe it moments. I do a couple of pirouettes and my eyes stay saucered. One thing I didn’t pay attention to was the fact that there was a terrace outside of our living room. The team of people that arrived with Michael evidently came out here and decorated it. There are paper lanterns, rose petals, candles, and twinkling lights everywhere. A small table is set for dinner and music plays from inside. A waiter is ready to serve us and it’s the most perfect setting I’ve ever seen.

Drew holds the chair out for me and I sit. Our food is delivered and it’s so tasty I keep mmming.

“You keep that up, you’ll mmm yourself to death.”

“Maybe, but this is really delicious.”

“The hotel said I wouldn’t be disappointed and they were right. Michael is excellent.”

“How did you come up with this?”

“I wanted something special for your twenty-first birthday.”

“You succeeded by miles. Thank you, if I haven’t said it yet. You keep upping the ante.”

“There is no ante.” His kind eyes are earnest and intently focused on me. “I want to please you, Cate.”

It’s difficult to contain my excitement and I feel giddy. “You’ve more than done that.”

We finish eating and I’m ashamed to say there isn’t a morsel left on my plate. Then the waiter reappears with a small cake and candles in it while Drew sings me happy birthday.

“Thank you, Drew. I wouldn’t change a thing. But oh god, it’s a good thing you have another career because you’d go broke as a singer.”

“Yeah, pitiful, aren’t I?”

“Never that,” I say conjuring up images of last night remembering how he makes up for the lack of singing skills in other areas. “But the cake?”

“Just wait.”

The waiter serves us and it’s an ice cream cake with chocolate cake and oreo ice cream.

“It’s official. Best birthday ever,” I say around a huge mouthful of creamy, yummy stuff.

When we finish our cake and all the servers and Michael are gone, I look at Drew and say, “I doubt this birthday could ever be topped.”

“You sure about that?”

“Hell yeah. This was nothing but a series of awesome.”

Only he strikes me speechless when he gets out of his seat, drops to his knee, and takes my hands in his. “Cate Forbes, I knew the minute I saw you that I would be asking you this question one day. You have opened up my heart and soul to a love I didn’t understand, but now that I do, I never want to let it go.” He swallows and I feel the tears begin to well up in my eyes. “Will you say yes to being my better half? I promise to be Louise’s slave for life.” I open my mouth to form the word yes, but all the air has left my lungs. “Marry me, Cate.”

He has the most adorable look on his face; all I can do is hug him. I’m so surprised by everything he’s managed to do, but when he reaches into his pocket and pulls out the ring box, he looks like that playful, excited little boy again. He places it in the palm of his hand and holds it out for me.

Finally, words burst from my mouth. “You don’t want to put it on me?”

“I want you to see if you like it or not. If you don’t, we’ll get whatever you want.”

“I’m sure it’s perfect, like everything else about tonight.”

He just holds the box for me to take. “It’s all yours, Cate.”

I take it, open it, and feel myself smile from ear to ear. I close the box, and throw myself into his arms again. “I couldn’t have chosen anything better.” My body trembles from head to toe. I never in a million years imagined I’d be getting a diamond ring for my birthday.

“You never answered me.”

“Huh?”

“Will you marry me?”

“Yes! A million yesses!”

He stands, spins me around, and lets out a huge whoop!

“When?” I ask.

“After you graduate and I finish my residency. Next year.”

“Oh, that’s perfect. Can it be small?”

“I don’t care if we get married in the Elvis Chapel in Vegas. I just want to be Mr. Cate Forbes.” He grabs the box from me and slides the ring on my finger.

“Oh my god!” And we both start laughing. Then I sober up. “My parents!”

“They know. I called your dad to ask for your hand and for his blessing.”

I put my hand over my heart thinking how sweet that is. “You did that?”

“Of course! I’m a southern boy, you know. Besides, my mother would’ve killed me if I hadn’t.”

“And your parents?”

“They know too.”

“And?”

“Can hardly wait to hear your reaction. My mom helped me pick out your ring. Do you like the solitaire?”

“Yes! It’s what I always wanted. Just a solitaire. How did you know?”

“Mom asked if you wore a lot of jewelry, and I said no. This is what she said to go with.”

“Remind me to thank her. It’s so huge.”

“No, it’s not. It’s two carats.”

“Whoa. I’ll be afraid to wear this.”

“Don’t be. It’s insured. I love you. You, Cate are everything to me.”

“I love you, too, Drew. I can’t wait until you’re Drew Forbes.” I manage to say straight faced before a laugh bursts from me.

He cracks a smile. Then his lids lower to half-staff and he says, “Let’s dance.”

“What’s wrong?” I ask, because his mood has shifted.

“Not a thing. I’m just so damned happy you’ve agreed to make it official and be mine forever.”

He pulls me into his arms, and it’s here I want to stay. For a lifetime.