Finding My Forever (Beaumont 3)

“D’you want to leave now?” I know I do. I want to get out of Beaumont as quickly as we can and go where no one will know us, where no one will bother us unless we request their attention.

“What about arrangements?”

“Go and change and don’t pack anything. We’ll buy everything we need when we get there.” I stand and reach out for her hand. “Come on, you go change and I’ll leave a note to let everyone know. I want to sneak out before someone tells us you can’t go or it’s no good for the baby. It’ll be good for the baby’s mum and that’s what’s important right now.”

Jenna hesitates, she doesn’t move when I pull on her arm.

“What?”

“Who are you and what have you done with the Jimmy Davis I know?”

I shrug. “My friend needs a week of rest and relaxation and I’m going to provide it. Come on, Sweet Lips.” I move forward without thinking and place my lips on hers. She doesn’t pull away, she freezes. I try not to let my disappointment show. I’m not sorry that I kissed her, but I am sorry that she didn’t kiss me back.

I should’ve said no. That one syllable word with two letters mocks me. But I said yes and now I regret it.

Jimmy helps me off the flight. His arm is cinched tightly around my waist, holding me up. I spent a majority of the flight in the small overly cramped bathroom throwing up. It was the food. That’s what I told Jimmy. But in all honesty, the moment I smelled the processed chicken in First Class I knew it was going to be a long flight. He tried to comfort me. He even held me while I tried to sleep.

Now he’s holding me as we walk through the terminal to our waiting car. He helps me in and gives the driver the address to our hotel. The Four Seasons, of course. I close my eyes and lean my head against the back of the seat. Nothing about this trip is going smoothly. I’m betting Jimmy is going to drop me off at the room and hit the bar to find some entertainment for the night. I can’t really blame him, even though he said he wouldn’t. I might have to encourage him just so he’ll relax.

Jimmy wakes me up when we arrive at the hotel. The valet opens my door and helps me out. Jimmy’s right, the sun does feel good. He gets out of the car behind me, puts his hand on my back and guides me to the door. It’s odd arriving with no luggage, but I know why we did when we walk in. There are stores lining the walls with everything that we’ll need.

Jimmy gives a name, not his, but someone called Edward Windsor. I stifle a laugh and make a mental note to ask Josie and Katelyn what the guys use for aliases. I think it’s fitting that Jimmy’s given himself the last name of Windsor. The desk clerk taps his figures over the keys. The clickety-clack gives me a headache. I don’t want to depend on Jimmy, but right now I need him. I need the comfort he’s willing to give me. I lean to the side and rest my head on his shoulder. He wraps his arm around me, holding me to him. I can’t resist and rest my arm along his waist. It feels good to be in his arms. If I wasn’t pregnant I think I’d be willing to see how far I can go with Jimmy while we’re on vacation. What’s Bora Bora without sun, sand and a bit of sex?

“Just a few more minutes, Sweet Lips.” He’s so sincere in the way he’s talking to me and the way he’s been since we left Beaumont. No one, at least those of us in town, ever see this side of him. I’m sure all his girlfriends see him like this. It’s probably why he has so many women flocking to him.

“Mr. and Mrs. Windsor congratulations.” The desk clerk beams with excitement as he hands Jimmy — aka Edward Windsor — his credit card. I’m trying to play along, but the congratulatory greeting is confusing. “I hope your honeymoon is everything you’ve ever dreamed of. When you’re in your room and need assistance, just dial one and the operator will help you.”

I look up and stare at the clerk. He’s smiling so bright I have to wonder if his cheeks hurt.

“What’s he talking about?” I ask, quietly, not wanting to draw attention to the clerk’s screw up.

Jimmy shakes his head slightly and turns us toward the waiting bellhop. We follow him down the path toward our suite. Calm waters surround us on each side. The turquoise blue water looks so invi

ting. Leave it to my pretend boyfriend to bring me on vacation to the one of the most romantic destinations in the world. I feel like an idiot.

The bellhop stops and points to our villa. Jimmy pulls me behind him, slapping some money into the man’s hand before closing the bamboo door. I walk in and fight back a laugh.

“Something funny?”

I shake my head, wrapping my arms my stomach. “We’re in the most beautiful place in the world, apparently on our honeymoon, and I’m betting all you’re thinking about are the single women in the bar.”

“What makes you think something like that?” he sounds offended. I turn and look at him. His face is solemn. Sad, even. He looks down at the wooden floor and at not at me.

“I’m sorry, that was rude. Thank you for bringing me here, Jimmy.” I step forward and put my arms around him, giving him a hug. I don’t know what our boundaries are, but I’m not willing to make him uncomfortable.

Jimmy pulls me tighter to his body and kisses the top of my head. I sigh, melting into him. I like that he isn’t afraid to touch me even though my belly is starting to make me look bigger. Most guys would be turned off, but not Jimmy.

Jimmy walks us to the edge of the room. The wall is missing, of course, giving us access to the water. We stand here, looking out at the water while in our suite. There’s nothing stopping us from running through the room and out to the water. I can’t imagine how we stay safe at night and maybe I’m missing some sliding doors, but this is beautiful and I think I’m in love. I know I’m definitely in good company and thankful that he thought enough to bring us here.

“Want to swim?”

I laugh. “No suit, remember?”

“I haven’t forgotten. I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.”

I look at him with confusion. “Where would I go?”

“I don’t know. Go have a shower. I won’t be long.”