Page 24 of Beckett the Bad Boy

When I don't even think Beth understands the importance of her presence.

Her face falls as she bites her lip and nods. “Sure. Let me say goodbye to everyone.”

A round of hugs and farewells take place before we’re in my truck and driving aimlessly back to the main part of town.

My synapses are in overdrive.

My heart is pumping blood like crazy, and I rub a hand over my chest to dissipate the burn.

“Is everything okay?” A small voice floats from the passenger seat.

I know my weird behavior is freaking Beth out, but it’s hard for me to put into words what’s going on. Not when I barely understand it myself.

“Yep,” I clip, then frown at the snappish tone. “Sorry, I’m fine. Just thinking.”

“About what?”

The turn for Oak Park and the famous Suitor’s Crossing bridge appears on our right, and on impulse, I signal and pull down the gravel lane to the parking lot, despite the fact that we were here earlier.

Silence fills the truck cabin once the engine shuts off.

Silence but for the harsh exhales pushing through my lips.

“Beckett?”

“Heart sparks,” I blurt out.

What the hell?

I scrub a hand over my face and groan.

“What aboutheart sparks?”

Meeting Beth’s eyes in the shadowy truck cab, a world of excuses pops into my head. Reasons forheart sparksbeing on my mind.

Like how we’re yards away from the Suitor’s Crossing bridge where they originated. The legend of love and soulmates is so close that of course I can’t help thinking about it.

Except that’s not entirely true.

“Beth… I like you. A lot.” Inhaling a shuddering breath, I plunge forward, praying I don’t regret diving headfirst into this. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since that first moment at City Hall. I’ve never been a huge believer inheartsparks, but damn, if you don’t make me feel like they’re as real as us sitting here under the moonlight.”

“But I thought you didn’t do relationships,” she says blankly, twisting in her seat to face me. “This is a fling.”

The words are so hesitant. Unsure. I wonder if she even believes what she’s saying.

“Is that why we spent today together? Is that why I loved waking up with your head on my chest this morning? Is a fling what you want?” A nerve pinches near my heart at the possibility.

“No. I want what my friends have. I want love.” She ducks her head, her hair spilling over her shoulder to hide the blush I’m sure is staining her cheeks.

My finger brushes below her chin to tilt her gaze up to meet mine.

“Don’t hide from me. Wanting love isn’t something to be ashamed of.”

“Of course not, but we’ve only had one official date and a few hook-ups. It’s too soon to bring up love.”

“I'm the one who brought upheart sparks,” I point out.

“Because you think I’m yours? Your… soulmate?” Cautious hope shines in her eyes.