Page 80 of Broken Beyond Repair

“You smell so good, Beatrice,” Sydney mumbled softly. “Always so good.”

Sydney’s hand slid lower, brushing over her soft belly, desperate to feel every part of her. Her fingers made their way to a pair of lace knickers, then under them, the warmth of Beatrice’s desire enticing her further down.

Beatrice grasped her hand. She hoped it was a sign of encouragement, but mutterings from Beatrice made her pause.

“I’m sorry, I can’t.”

“What?”

“I can’t. Please get off.”

Sydney slid off her as Beatrice pulled her straps back onto her shoulders.

“I’m sorry, I really am. I can’t do this. You deserve better than what I can offer.”

“Beatrice,” Sydney pleaded as the woman stood and smoothed down her slip.

She would have bet on her running out if the boot hadn’t hampered her. Instead, she hobbled across the kitchen in a slow retreat of regret. It left Sydney wondering if she overstepped, gone too far before Beatrice was ready. Now she was left with a desire for more and the pain of knowing Beatrice wanted more yet felt unable to give it.

CHAPTER30

After a night of broken sleep, Sydney was tired and miserable. She made her way downstairs, noticing Beatrice’s bedroom door was open. She must be up already. It was going to be awkward running into her.

“Morning. The kettle’s just boiled,” Beatrice said as soon as she entered the kitchen.

So that’s how they were playing it. Casual. She could go along with that. It was the easiest option under the circumstances.

“Morning. Sam texted last night.” She gulped, realising she’d referenced the night before. “Gertie is ready. Would you mind if we went down today?”

“Missing her, are we?”

“As a matter of fact, yes, I am,” Sydney replied, matching her tone to the level of sarcasm Beatrice had injected into her question.

“I don’t see why not. You can drive us down in the Range Rover. I’m sure I’ll manage the drive back. It’s automatic, so I won’t need to use my left leg.”

“Thanks. I’ll let him know to expect us.”

Alex lolloped into the kitchen, yawning.

“Do you fancy a trip to the coast to collect Gertie, Alex?”

“That’s a great idea,” Beatrice agreed, rather too quickly.

Sydney suspected her agreement was much for the same reason as she’d suggested it: it would be less awkward with Alex there. She also wanted him to meet Sam. If she was correct in her observations over the last few weeks, Sam might be able to offer the kid some help.

“Sure,” Alex replied with a shrug.

“Great. Shall we leave after breakfast?”

The journey to the harbour was quiet, deathly quiet. Alex was plugged into his headphones in the back seat and Beatrice stared out of the window, not engaging at all. As they pulled up at the harbour, Alex gave much the same reaction as his mum had when she’d first seen it. He gawped at the view as he jumped out. Sydney made her way around to Beatrice’s side and opened the door, offering a helping hand.

“I can manage. Thank you, Sydney.”

Was she not able to offer help now if it involved touching Beatrice?

Sydney stepped back, leaving her to negotiate the grab handle, side-step, and walking boot. Manage it she did, much to Sydney’s annoyance. She didn’t want to see Beatrice fall flat on her butt, but a little difficulty and a call for help would have made her day.

“Gertie!” Alex exclaimed, running to her and stroking her bonnet. “Do you feel better now?”