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Straightening, he turned and faced me. “It was a mistake. A moment of losing control, that’s all. It’s been an emotional day. It won’t happen again.”
My arms folded over my chest. “Does this have to do with my father?”
“Partly, and you’re too young.”
Dropping my arms to my sides, I balled my fists. “I’m too young? I’m eighteen years old.”
“And I’m twenty-seven, Avery.”
“So what? I lost my virginity to a guy who was seven years older than me. He didn’t seem to have a problem with it.”
A look of outrage passed over his face. “How old were you?”
I took a step back in shock. “Why do you care?”
“Did he pressure you?”
A disbelieving laugh slipped free. “What are you, my father now?”
He closed his eyes and appeared to be trying to calm down. Why in the world would he care about when I’d lost my virginity?
Slowly, he sat down on the bed. He looked up at me and took a deep breath. “Did you want to be with him?”
My brows drew down. “Of course I did, Beck. He didn’t force me.”
“Did you love him?”
Tilting my head, I pulled the desk chair out and sat down. “No, I didn’t love him. We dated for a while, I liked him a lot, and we discussed it. He wanted me to be sure, because he thought I should wait for someone I loved.”
“How old were you?”
“Seventeen. He was twenty-four and lived in the same building as me. He worked for a publisher in France and was my best friend Juliette’s brother. I trusted him.”
Beck swallowed hard, then nodded. He stood, got his suitcase, put his backpack over his shoulder, and said, “I better get you home so I don’t get to Stella and Ty’s too late.”
I got up and pushed the chair back. “So we’re going to what, just pretend that didn’t happen?”
His eyes met mine. “Yes. I’m sorry, Avery. I’m way too emotional tonight, and I shouldn’t have done that with you. It was a mistake, and I regret it.”
My body jerked as if he’d just slapped me. A coldness spread through my chest and felt like it wrapped around my heart. All I could do was nod. I knew he was waiting for me to walk out first, so I turned on my heels and headed toward the door.
Without a word, I walked out of the hotel room and toward the elevator, not waiting for Beck. I knew I was being childish, but his words had hurt—intentionally, if I had to guess—and I was trying not to let the fact that I was near tears show in any way.
I hit the down button and pulled out my phone. I pulled up my best friend Lacey’s number and sent her a text.
Me: Hey! I’m finally home. What are your plans for tomorrow night?
The doors opened, and I walked in first, turning and facing forward as Beck stood next to me. My phone went off with a text.
Lacey: Oh my gosh, I’m so excited you’re home! The Blue Moose is allowing eighteen and older in tomorrow night. We were all planning on going. Come with us!
Glancing over to Beck, I noticed he was looking at his phone as well. I tilted my head to see the name Kelsey on the text. I focused back on my own phone.
Me: Count me in. I’ll call you tomorrow.
The doors opened, and Beck waited for me to exit first.
“I need to let them know I’m keeping the room but won’t need any service for a few days,” Beck softly said as I kept walking.
“I’ll wait for you in the rental.”
He didn’t say anything, and I bolted as fast as I could to get outside. Once I was around the corner, I drew in a deep breath and closed my eyes.
“Stupid idiot,” I whispered, wiping the one tear that managed to get free. “How could I even think he would be attracted to me?”
I sat in the car and replayed the last couple of days I’d spent with Beck. On the plane, he was for sure giving me vibes that he was attracted to me, and more than once, he’s done it here in Hamilton.
Sighing, I dropped my head back against the seat and waited.
It didn’t take long before Beck was walking out to his rental car. He put his suitcase and backpack in the back seat first before getting into the driver’s seat.
“Avery—” he started, but I cut him off.
“It’s okay, Beck. We don’t have to talk about it again. I misread the signals, and you’ve made it perfectly clear you’re not interested.”
“I didn’t…” Whatever he was going to say, he let it drift away on a sigh.
“We need to get going before it gets too late. I’m meeting some friends tonight to go out,” I lied.
I felt his eyes on me, but I kept my focus on the blackness through the passenger window.
