Truly, Madly, Whiskey(78)
“I am done,” Crystal seethed. “Done feeling guilty about going off to college to save myself, done listening to you demean us.” Tears brimmed in her eyes. “I don’t know why you’d turn your back on us, on Dad, or what screwed you up so badly that you ended up like this. And frankly, I don’t care. This is the last time I’m coming here.”
“You think your father was so perfect?” Her mother pushed to her feet, wobbling on sky-high heels. “You have no idea what he was like.”
Jed stepped between them. “Yes, she does. She knows all of it. I’m done protecting and enabling you. No more stealing, no more giving you money that you’ll just drink away.”
“You two think you’re so special. You don’t know what he was like. He promised me a good life, and look where I am!” their mother yelled. “He left us.”
“No,” Crystal said, sounding as though she’d simply given up trying to convince the woman of a damn thing. “He was killed trying to get us out of this hellhole. It was you who left us, long before we lost him.”
“THIS HAS BEEN one of the longest days of my life,” Crystal said as they drove toward home.
After they left her mother, they’d gone out for Chinese food, Crystal’s go-to comfort food. But once their orders arrived at the table, even the thought of it turned her stomach. She knew that, like her mother, Chinese food was another thing she’d probably not want to see for a very long time. They dropped Jed at his friend’s house, and he must have apologized a dozen more times. She should be miserable, given the events of the night, but as they drove over the bridge into Peaceful Harbor, she rested her head on Bear’s shoulder and realized that although she was emotionally exhausted, she wasn’t unhappy. She’d never understand why her mother had turned her back on them, but if she’d learned anything from her father’s death, it was that life was unfair.
Bear tightened his grip around her shoulder. “I know, babe. I’m going to draw you a nice warm bubble bath when we get home. You must be hungry. Want me to stop for something?”
“No, thanks. I have everything I need right here.”
“I’m proud of you,” Bear said. “Sad about all of it, of course, but proud of you and Jed for realizing that it’s time to put yourselves first. That’s a really tough thing to do when it comes to family. Do you want to talk about it?”
“I’m still processing it. Thanks for calling Quincy about the apartment for Jed. I’m glad he’ll be nearby. I’d like to spend more time with him. Do you really think you can hire him? Your father won’t like that very much.”
“My father and I are going to have a long talk, and Jed’s your family. That makes him our family.”
She smiled at his confidence. “You’re pretty sure we’ll stay together, aren’t you?”
“Pretty sure? Babe, you’re fooling yourself if you think we’re ever breaking up.”
“I don’t think we will, but we haven’t been together all that long.” She loved poking her Bear, because—as he did now—it made him hold her tighter.
“When we’re old and gray, someone will ask us how long we dated before we got married. No matter what you tell them, I’m tacking on eight months. So get used to it, sugar. You’re stuck with me.”
Married? As he turned into her apartment complex, she couldn’t think of anyone she’d rather be stuck with.
When they got out of the car, she realized he’d parked in the exact same spot where they’d shared their first kiss the night when she’d panicked.
She wrapped her arms around Bear’s neck and said, “Kiss me.”
He lowered his mouth to hers, taking her in a kiss that rushed through her like fire and ice, awakening all the incredible sensations that had been trampled down by the difficult evening. She melted against him, reveling in their closeness and acknowledging in her mind, and in her heart, how free she felt.
She did this. She made the decision to walk away from the woman who had shamed her and continually demeaned her. Would she ever get over the feeling of wonderment, knowing she’d saved herself by putting herself first? That she’d done the right thing by finding a therapist? If she’d never taken that step, she may never have been able to be close to Bear, or even live the life she had. It was empowering knowing that every time life had kicked her legs out from under her, she was able to take control and find her footing again. And it felt equally good knowing that as long as Bear was with her, she’d never have to handle anything alone again.
When their lips parted, hers tingled with warmth.
“Kiss me like that again and we’re going to give your neighbors quite a show.” He nipped at her lower lip, holding her so tight she felt every inch of his arousal.
They went up to her apartment, and true to his word, after loving up Harley, Bear went to fill the tub. Crystal carried Harley into her sewing room, looking at all the dolls her father had made lined up on the windowsill. How could he have known she’d need them so badly?
Bear came out of the bathroom shirtless, his gorgeous chest on display. His thick dark hair was standing up on end, as if he’d just pushed his hand through it, the way she’d like to. His grin was all male, and it sent zings of heat ricocheting through her.