Read Beautiful Curses: Book One for Free Online Page A

landing to listen, not wanting to interrupt. 
    “ Beth, I didn’t tell you Lisa called because I didn’t think it was important. She just wanted to find out about New Year.”
      “Maybe we just need to take a step back. I like you, Spencer, but I don’t really know that much about you. Just give me a little time.”
    Whoa! These were definitely not the two people Jo expected to be in an argument at six thirty on Christmas morning, or any morning for that matter.
      “I don’t want to … step back. It’s hard enough that my family don’t know. Do you think that conversation would have taken place last night, if they knew we were together? I didn’t like seeing my family upset you, even if it was unintentional.”
     There was silence for a few moments and Jo moved a little closer, her eyes widening.
       “Spencer, everyone will be getting up soon,” Beth said quickly, sounding breathless.
      “I don’t care. I want them to know about us,” Spencer said in a louder tone.
      Beth used a quieter voice, “Look, I don’t want to ruin everyone’s Christmas, especially Jo's. Please, just leave it. Give me some time to think.”
      “I can’t believe this. Why did I have to be such an idiot? I want to be with you, why is that so difficult?”
      “I don’t mean to be difficult. It’s just…well…I thought I could until last night but then I... We might be moving too fast.”
      “You know how much I like you. I can’t think of anyone else, especially not now, not after ...”
      “I really don’t know what to say,” Beth replied. “I’ve never felt like this and it’s scaring me. I can’t believe how hurt I was by the thought of you lying to me.”
      “I’d never lie to you. How could I look in those beautiful eyes and be dishonest. I should’ve explained before. I promise to tell you everything from now on. I’ll write down my personal history if it helps, but don’t let my messing up get in the way of us. Please.”
     Beth sighed and there was silence again…
     Jo crept quietly back upstairs, her mind spinning with what she'd just heard. She needed time to think. Jumping into the still warm bed, she pulled the covers over her head, blocking out the light, speculating how long this love affair had been going on.
    She had an inkling Spencer liked Beth. The way he flirted with her made it obvious. Beth on the other hand, didn’t make anything obvious. But then, when Jo thought back, she began to see how blind she had been. Crushing on James had messed with her head. Normally she could read most people and situations. She certainly spent enough time watching and listening rather than participating. But she hadn’t seen this one coming. Spencer said they’d been close, but when? He did go over there to show her the photographs, oh … and they did come back to the farm alone last night.
      And what about this Lisa girl?
    The way he’d been so quick to defend himself, Jo thought he was trying to divert attention away from admitting he liked her. Obviously not . Beth must have been devastated when Gabriella started going on about her. She brought it up at every opportunity, even Peter and Sarah joined in. No wonder Spencer wanted to convince Beth to tell everyone, it must have driven her insane. Wow she really did have some amazing acting skills.
     

     
    Half an hour later, Jo still lay hidden under the covers when she heard a muffled knock at her door.
     Blowing out a breath, Jo pulled back the covers and called out, “Come in?” Guessing who it must be.
     Her door opened and sure enough, Beth appeared and tentatively made her way to sit on the side of Jo’s bed. “Morning Jo, Merry Christmas. I wasn't sure if you'd be awake yet.”
     “I only just woke up,” Jo lied. “Merry Christmas to you, too. Is Jack up?”
     “Not yet. He went to bed late, so he'll probably sleep longer than usual.”
     Jo yawned. “Well, I suppose we can go and have a cup of tea. But,