eyes filled with tears.
He extended his hands and she slipped into his arms, wrapping him into a tight hug. Everything was going to be okay. Her mom would be taken care of and so would she. Warmth spread down her chest and rested in the center of it, the moment one she would remember forever.
Old hurts never left, but they could begin healing thanks to new treasures. She was grateful to have one in Kent.
Matt had forced Bethany to come to his room at the large, luxurious resort first. She was staying with Erica and Matt with Damon, but Damon of course wasn’t there yet. Bethany pulled her bag behind her down the long open halls until they reached Matt’s room.
“You know I want to go check out my tub and the bed in my room, right?” she huffed as he fumbled with the door.
“I know. You can go in a minute. I just wanted a few more seconds with you, okay?”
“All right.” Bethany couldn’t argue with someone wanting her time and attention. Especially someone like Matt. He had no self-confidence. That was the issue. Now, how to build it?
He opened the door and moved into the room, holding it for her. Two large queen beds filled up a small portion of the room, the rest being a living area with two couches and a small kitchenette. The view of the white sand beach just beyond the glass doors at the back of the room was breathtaking.
Bethany pushed her suitcase against the wall and walked toward it, pressing her hands to the glass and letting her eyes move across the beautiful swell of the ocean as it crashed into the shoreline.
“I love the beach.” She glanced over her shoulder as Matt started to pace. “What’s the matter with you?”
“You slept the whole damn flight. I figured I could get you to help me work through this decision, but all I got was growls, snores, oh, and did you know that you talk in your sleep? Actually, you teach school. It’s creepy and somehow cute.”
Bethany turned and walked toward him, reaching out and taking him by the shoulders. “Talk to me about what decision?”
“Bethany… have you not been paying attention this last week? Half the reason Erica is here is to try and get me to come work for her at McKenzie and Bryant in the advertising group. She knows I’m a creative.”
“And that would be bad because?”
“Because I don’t want to wear a monkey suit and put on a mask every day. I like who I am and freedom is key to me.” He pulled back and ran his hand through his messy blond hair.
“You’re an artist, Matt. You should be sharing your talent somewhere. If you don’t want to work in design with me, Damon and your dad, then start selling your art to galleries. Aren’t we going to Seattle next week with you for that very reason?”
“Yeah. I want to see what the guy thinks. What he has to offer. I need options or I’m going to fold under the rationale she presents.” He turned and started to pace again. “It doesn’t help that I would give my left foot to see her naked.”
“Too much.” Bethany held her hands to her ears. “We’re not going there. That’s you and Damon’s talking moments.”
“Got it. Sorry. I’ll wait until Sunday when you’re my sister to talk about the perfect curve of her…” He paused and laughed as Bethany let out a long groan.
“Look,” Bethany removed her hands from her face and walked toward her brother, “talk to her. Just talk to her and see what she wants and what she’s offering. Tell her that you have another opportunity as well that you’re going to be checking out. We’ll go to Seattle in a week or so and then you can make a decision.”
“You’re right. I don’t have to make a decision here.”
“Exactly. This is about relaxing. If you don’t want to talk business at all - tell her.”
“Okay. I can do this. I can do this.”
“I’m going to my room. I’m completely grossed out now.”
“Tell me what color her panties are later.” He winked and started to laugh as Bethany