The Fake Vows (Book 1)

Chapter 20

Beth sat on the counter in the kitchen. She watched Clara prepare dinner as they made conversation.

All day something had been on her her mind but she couldn't share. It didn't feel appropriate to do so, but she was so confused on what to feel about it. 

Her cheeks heated and blushed crimson until a frown replaced the blush. She had barely slept last night too. Sleep had evaded her early into the night because of what had happened in Dex's office.

Her mind had gone numb and her senses froze at the rough yet hot and delicious kisses Dex had given her. She's melted into him and soon found her hands in his shirt. His hands were all over her body with and in no time he'd had her dres off. He'd awakened a longing she was trying so hard to suppress and not succumb to.

She craved his touch, longed for the intimacy she once shared with him. But it wasn't enough. She didn't want him only for that, she wanted all or nothing. Only then had her body stiffened at the realization of the boundary she was yet again about to cross and add to her regrets after. That thought had alerted Beth and she'd fled Dex's office without a word.

Now she was suffering alone. The memory and feel of his lips against hers was stamped to her mind and heart. For the millionth time, Beth sighed loudly and pretended to be focussed on what Clara was talking about.

'Do you ever talk to Kiara about your marriage?' Clara asked unexpectedly.

'No. I... You know it's complicated. I hardly talk to anyone about it besides you.'

'Yes it is complicated, but it doesn't seem to be the bad kind of complicated right now. Your face tells me so. But I know there are some things that you're not comfortable sharing with me. Who do you tell then?'

Beth was surprised by Clara's question.

'What things?'

'Beth, I know you're a mature young woman and you're strong. But you're also eighteen. Dex is your first relationshipexperienceso obviously many things are new to you. It wouldn't kill you to share about the butterfly feels and knee weakening kisses with someone really close. I was eighteen once too. It's what other girls your age do. You need to get out of your shell and stop trying too hard to figure things out by yourself.'

Clara rendered Beth speechless for a while. She tried to come up with an excuse or response but failed. Clara was right, Beth kept way too much to herself.

'It's just that no matter how angry I am when Dex touches...when he, aargh I can't explain it.'  She said shyly. Clara smiled at her.

'Clara where the hell is my...' Dex's words faded into silebce when he saw Beth.

'You're still here?' He asked from the door seeming beyond surprised to see Beth. He tried to mask the ire on his face but Beth had already seen it.

'Did you want me gone?' She asked suddenly feeling stupid for thinking otherwise and getting off the counter.

Dex took quick steps to where she was and placed his briefcase down. He settled Beth back on the counter.

'I didn't think you'd be here, but I'm happy you didn't leave me.'  He said settling himself between her legs and softly playing his hands on her thighs. Beth wanted to correct him and say it wasn't because of him she'd stayed, but because he had threatened to not go to work if she refused to stay.

'I told you this morning that I'd stay one more day. I keep true to my word.'

She said seeming upset at his assumption.

'Sorry. Had a challenging day at work and I just didnt know what to expect from you too. I finally got those contracts though but I'm exhausted. How was your day?'