Page 27 of Breakout (Walker University #3)

twenty

T he sounds of bowling balls crashing into pins echo throughout the room.

People cheering and groaning in frustration with their performances.

Ever since high school, I haven’t been a fan of bowling.

Then again, I guess that’s what happens when you watch a guy’s bicep tendon snap as soon as he lets go of the ball while on a date.

To make matters worse, I told him to stop being a pussy.

Needless to say, that was our last date.

Not that I blame him. The dude had to have surgery.

Still, for a split second when everyone decided to go out, I thought about backing out, but when Beckett looked my way with such hope in his eyes, I couldn’t say no.

Laughter rings out, and I look over and see Beckett with his head tossed back as he laughs. How does he manage to always look good, no matter what we are doing?

“You’re staring,” Cora says as she comes and sits next to me.

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” I lie.

She rolls her eyes. “Please, there is nothing subtle about the two of you and whatever it is you’re doing.”

“We’re friends.”

“Friends who want to sleep together. When are you going to put that guy out of his misery and finally let him have you?”

Oh, sweet Cora, if only you knew. He has me in all the ways that matter.

I must be silent for too long because Cora leans forward into my space.

“Wait, have you changed your mind about him? Are you finally going to give Beckett a shot?”

“He’s handsome and probably the best guy I know,” I admit.

“I love that, but I sense a but in there somewhere.”

“But.” I smile, knowing she hates it when people start sentences with the word but. “I don’t think I’m good enough for him.”

Cora jerks back. “Wait, what? Did he tell you that or something?”

“No, never.”

“Then why do you think that?”

Sighing, I look over at my friend. “Because he’s Beckett Hayes.

He’s a kick-ass hockey player who has a chance to play professionally, and if for some reason that doesn’t work out, he has a job at his family’s company all lined up.

Hell, for all we know his dad could have his future wife all picked out, and that isn’t me. ”

The idea sours my stomach. I don’t want Beckett to be married to anyone but me.

“You’re right,” she says, making my heart sink.

“He does have a bright future ahead of him, and maybe his dad does have his future wife picked out for him, but that doesn’t mean Beckett will actually marry this imaginary woman.

Not if he knows the woman he wants is actually interested.

Let’s be real, if you asked that man to marry you today, he would drag you off to the courthouse before you could change your mind. ”

I feel my cheeks heat.

He already did that.

“Cora…”

“No, I’m serious.”

“What are you serious about?” Grace asks as she comes up and sits next to us.

“Apparently Peyton doesn’t think she’s good enough for Beckett,” Cora says, ratting me out.

Grace’s head whips toward me, and her eyes narrow.

“Come again?” Grace says without looking away from me.

“You heard me,” Cora mutters.

“Guys, seriously, you’re overreacting.”

“Peyton, you’re one of the hardest-working people I know. You have a full-time job and go to school full time. During the summer you work multiple jobs so that way you don’t have to take out as much in loans,” Grace says.

“That’s nothing.” I shrug.

“What about the fact you’re on the dean’s list while doing all of that? Take the compliment, woman,” Cora scolds.

“You are more than enough just the way you are, and anyone would be lucky to be with you,” Grace adds.

“Beck specifically,” Cora chimes in. When we look over at her, she shrugs.

“What? Let’s be real. If Peyton tried to go out with someone else, Beck would lose his mind.

The guy basically called dibs on you when you met and has just been patiently waiting for you to say go.

Didn’t you see him at that party? He was ready to put you over his shoulder and take you upstairs while shouting ‘Mine.’”

“Please, he doesn’t want me that bad.” My cheeks heat as I shake my head.

Both girls’ eyebrows wing up in disbelief.

“How does it feel to be delusional?” Cora asks, making Grace laugh.

“I’m being realistic. If I were to give Beck a chance, who’s to say that it would last? Is it really worth the possibility of ruining our friendship? I rely on him a lot as a friend. I don’t want that to change.”

Grace grabs my hand and squeezes. “I felt like that with Clay. We were such good friends, and we were both scared out of our minds over the fact we felt more for each other. We took the risk, and it paid off. I think if you were to let Beckett in, he wouldn’t let go.

I think you could be just as happy with him as I am with Clay. ”

Sighing, I look over at the man in question. He really is the best, and he’s never made me feel less than. If anything, I feel like he’s the only one who sees me, who gets me. He must feel my eyes on him because he looks over and smiles.

“If you don’t see how much that man wants you, you need to get your eyes checked,” Cora mutters.

“I’ll book the appointment for you myself,” Grace says.

“You know what, maybe you’re right. Maybe it’s time I see where this goes,” I tell them as I watch Beckett approach.

“Ladies,” he says as he comes to a stop in front of us.

“Are you guys going to keep gossiping, or are you going to start the next game?” Clay says as he rubs his hands together.

“You’re so on,” Grace says as she stands up.

“Girls against boys?” Cora says as she gets up.

“Oh, like there’s any other way,” Grace says as the three of them move away.

Beckett takes a step closer and lowers his voice. “Are you good?”

I stand up, and when my body brushes against his, he reaches out and squeezes my hip, sending a bolt of desire rushing through me. God, I’m such a whore for his touch.

“I’m good.”

I don’t know who I surprise more by leaning in and hugging him, but it’s worth his reaction when I pull away.

Yeah, I’m good as long as I have him.

There’s only so many times I can ignore his calls and texts before my father steps in and throws his weight around to remind me that he’s the one in charge, and that’s the last thing I need right now.

I know I told Peyton that I would tell my father we were married, and I will, but not until she’s agreed that this is real.

I need her to be willing to weather the storm for the long term and not fear him running her off.

If only she could be here with me now.

I get out of the car and hand my keys to the valet before making my way inside.

“Welcome, Mr. Hayes, your father is waiting,” the hostess says.

I follow her back, and as soon as my father comes into view, I bite back a groan. Of course he’s not alone. That would be asking for too much.

“Dad,” I say, not even bothering to hide the annoyance in my voice.

“You’re late,” he says as he stands.

“Traffic,” I lie.

He turns and holds out his hand. The woman next to him places her hand in his and stands.

“Beckett, I’m sure you remember Penny.”

Of course I do. She’s the daughter of one of his business associates who happens to be a year older than I am. He also tried to set me up with her not that long ago. At least this time her family and my mother aren’t here to witness the shit show.

This is a setup.

I dip my chin toward her. “Nice to see you again.”

“Thank you for inviting me,” she murmurs.

Last I checked, I wasn’t the one who extended the invitation, but I don’t need to point that out.

We all sit down, and my father turns toward me. “How are your studies going?”

“Well,” I say, knowing he gets a weekly update like I’m still in elementary school.

“You play hockey, correct?” Penny says.

“I do.”

“It’s just a silly little hobby of his,” my father says.

“A silly little hobby that I’m good at,” I point out, trying not to show my annoyance. Call me crazy, but I’m ninety-nine point nine percent sure we had this exact conversation the last time we met.

“It doesn’t matter because as soon as you graduate, you’ll hang up your skates,” Dad hisses.

“Time will tell,” I say as anger fills me.

It’s never about what I want with him. He has had my life mapped out since I was a swimmer in his balls, I’m sure. I fucking hate it, and I’m starting to think I hate him.

Why can’t you let me live my own life? I scream in my head as I look at him.

Penny looks between us before settling on me. “Are you part of a fraternity? I was part of a sorority.”

I’m grateful she changes the subject. I don’t want to cause a scene, but I’m close to doing it anyway.

“No, much to my father’s dismay, that was never my thing,” I tell her.

The server comes over and places food down in front of us.

“Since you were late, I ordered for you,” Father tells me.

“Thank you,” I say through gritted teeth when I see lamb on my plate.

I know it’s stupid, but it pisses me off that after twenty-two years, he can’t remember that I don’t like it. No, the only person Lawrence Hayes cares about is himself.

His phone rings, and he scoots his chair back. “I must take this, please eat without me,” he says as he gets up and leaves.

As soon as he’s out of view, I push my plate away.

“Is something wrong with your food?” Penny asks.

“Just not hungry. Can I ask you a question, Penny?”

She dabs the corners of her mouth with a napkin and nods. “Sure.”

“Why are you here?”

“I don’t understand…”

“Why did you say yes to this lunch?”

“To get to know you, of course.”

“Why do you want to get to know me, though?”

She looks at me with confusion. “I don’t think I understand.”

“See, I think you do. What’s in this for you?”

She sighs. “Our parents are friendly, and I’ve heard all about you for some time now.

We run in the same circles. See each other at parties and events.

So when your father gave mine your file, well, let’s just say I was intrigued by what I saw.

It seems natural that we might work well together.

I want to get to know you to see if we are compatible, so here I am. ”

“You know that’s not normal, right? Learning about someone through a file?”

“I’m pretty sure you know things for people like us are different. It’s how the world works.”

“Well then let me be perfectly clear, I’m not interested. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is ever going to happen between us.”

The corners of her mouth turn down. “Am I not to your liking? If it’s something specific, I could change it.”

I take a deep breath and pray for some patience. Women like Penny aren’t used to rejection. Hell, I’m sure she doesn’t even realize that’s what this is.

“No, actually you aren’t. Nothing is wrong with you, and you should never, ever, change yourself for someone else. You deserve better than that. Don’t sell yourself short. The reason you are not to my liking is because I am not available. You never stood a chance.”

“Your father said you were single,” she says slowly.

“I’m not. I have a beautiful woman back at school who I am madly in love with. Just being here at lunch with you and this entire situation is disrespectful to what she and I have,” I tell her bluntly.

She falls back in her chair. “Does your father know?”

“No, but he will.”

“Then there’s still a chance.” She gives me a small smile.

“There isn’t. Not even death would sway my loyalty to her. She’s my forever.”

She looks envious. “What’s she like?”

I can’t help but smile as I think about my woman. “She’s sassy but humble. She’s the hardest worker I know and gives everything she does a hundred and ten percent. She’s loyal to those she considers a friend. My girl is beautiful inside and out, and I’m lucky I get to call her mine.”

“You truly love her. Like you weren’t just saying that to brush me off.” She looks resigned now.

“More than life itself. I would follow her anywhere.”

“Our parents are going to be disappointed,” she points out.

“Yeah, well, my parents are used to the disappointment. I’m sorry if this causes you issues, though.”

“Not sorry enough to play the game, though.” She gives me a small smile.

I shake my head. “Never going to happen.”

Penny studies me for a moment. “You know, your girl is lucky. Most men don’t know the first thing about commitment.

It’s all about them and what they want. They would jump at this setup.

I was fully willing to marry you and let you do whatever you wanted on the side.

Your girl should know she’s got a good one. I wish you two nothing but the best.”

“You shouldn’t be willing to settle for less than everything, Penny. Find a man willing to burn the world for you. Anything less isn’t worth it.”

Her eyes drop down to my hands, and I look down to see what she’s staring at, only to realize I’ve been rubbing my ring finger for our entire conversation.

Shit.

She looks back up at me and raises a brow.

As much as I would love to tell her that I am in fact married and respect my marriage vows with Peyton, I keep my mouth shut.

If I were to spill my secrets to her here and now, they sure as hell would make their way back to my father, and I’m not ready for that to happen.

Not today.

Not until things have calmed down, and I’m sure I can keep my girl.

No, no one needs to know yet that the only woman I am devoted to is the one who said I do and shares my last name.

But they will know. Come hell or high water, they will know when the time is right.