Page 110 of Taming Grumpy Dr. Beast

Nothing felt right. Not wanting Paul to see me lose it, I pressed the button to close the divider between us. Now, at least I could cry with a little privacy.

My heart constricted. Jaxon had only thought about screwing me, and I’d been imagining a future together. I clearly meant nothing to him. Just someone to pass the time with. He and Jess were probably laughing at my expense while I was falling apart.

How could I have believed him? He must be an excellent actor to fake the way his eyes softened when they glanced at me, the gentle touches as he caressed me, and how comfortable and relaxed he seemed to be around me? Was italla lie?

I had to focus on what I could control, or at least how I could lessen the damage of what I learned during my phone call with Janice. Jaxon was the last person I had time to think about. I had far more important matters to deal with—like picking up the pieces of my life and gluing them back together.

I grabbed my phone, grateful that it had been in my possession when I fled. I tapped the screen until I got to Cece’s number. She picked up instantly.

“What are you doing calling me this late, silly? You should be dancing the night away.”

I sniffed, tears filled my eyes, and my vocal cords strained to speak. No matter how hard I tried, not a single syllable emerged from my mouth. Instead, a high-pitched keening sound left me as my body bowed, and I gave into tears once more.

“Oh honey. It’s okay.” Her soothing tone, shushing me, whispering everything would be all right only made me cry harder. I didn’t know if anything was going to be alright ever again.

Cece spoke softly. “Shhh, shhh. Take a deep breath, breathe in, and breathe out. Take your time.” I don’t know how long I sat crying into the phone before I calmed down enough to talk to her.

“Where are you?” she asked. “Is Jaxon with you?’

I shook my head and glanced down. The sparkle of my evening gown winked at me, mocking me. “I. He. We’re not together anymore.”

“Oh Lil, I’m so sorry. I know how much you liked him.”

“Yeah, well, apparently it was a bit one-sided.” I frowned.

“How so?”

“He’s engaged.” I had no idea how I said it without my lips trembling.

Cece’s breath whooshed out of her. “What? To whom?”

I pushed past the lump in my throat, as my response burst out of me. “Jessamine Sulton.”

“What the hell? I am so unfollowing her now.” Cece’s voice tightened.

My breath hitched, and I had to wait a moment before responding. “I feel like such an ass, Cece. How did I not see something was going on between them?”

“Then what was tonight? You got all dressed up. She bought your freaking dress for you! And he was your date, right?”

“Yeah. I don’t understand any of it. Maybe it’s some sick game they play.” I rubbed at my forehead.

Cece sighed. “I’m sorry. Are you on your way home?”

I groaned. “Yeah, that’s actually the other thing I need to talk to you about.”

Cece stayed quiet while waiting for me to continue. The whole situation was so outrageous, I needed a second to gather my thoughts.

“Gavin stopped by my house. According to Janice, he said he was going to put the photos that professor found in our mailbox which is illegal by the way, but she surprised him when she opened the door. I think it was all a lie and he was hoping to ask Dad where I was.”

“Fucking Gavin,” Cece grumbled. She was a great friend.

“That’s not the worst part, Ce. Dad wasn’t having a good night. He was belligerent, angry, and came to the door while Janice was talking to Gavin.”

“No,” Cece whispered, with the same despair I felt.

“Gavin was his usual charming self,” I muttered. “Got Dad so riled up that he punched him.”

“Gavin punched your dad? I knew he was an asshole, but that takes the cake even for him.”