That declaration seemed to catch Beau’s full attention. “What do you mean?”
“I’ve failed at reminding you how much I care for you. How I want to know more about your work and your hobbies,” I explained, then dug into the biscuits and bacon, taking my first bite. It reminded me of southern living and better times.
“What makes you say that?” Beau asked between bites, dropping a pretty decent size of bacon into his mouth.
“You’re quiet,” I said, restating the obvious feeling of distance between us.
“I’ve been quiet lately. There’s not much to say that you don’t already know,” Beau said, distracted by eating. “Best reason to climb. I’m virtually alone. The meal’s excellent.”
When did being a loner become his thing? We ate the rest of our meal in silence. As the sun rose over the lake, it drew Beau’s attention in that direction. He was such an outdoorsman. Nature fueled him in every way. I suspected the sunrise set his mood for the day.
The constant calculations and arguments that occupied my mind were as foreign to him as relishing a sunrise was to me.
“I’m probably going for seconds,” Beau said, pushing his chair back and lifting his coffee mug to his lips. He lifted his brows and looked at me. I translated the look to a question about whether I wanted him to bring me more. I shook my head no.
A great feature of the home was how the window tinting increased with the brightness of the sun. I’d always appreciated how that kept our energy costs down.
When Beau remained seated, staring at me, I stood with my coffee cup in hand. I rounded the table to approach him, hoping like hell the chair was strong enough to hold us both. I sat on top of his thighs, catching him off guard.
“Hey now,” Beau teased, setting his coffee cup on the table before it spilled over. I wasn’t small in either stature or weight, but his arms wrapped easily around me as mine circled his neck.
“Your body’s changed. You’re leaner,” I said, less than six inches from his face. My coffee had cooled, but I sipped it anyway.
“My workouts are different these days,” he said, staring out the window at the lake.
“You know nothing’s changed for me. The number of hours I work are so I can climb the partnership ladder faster,” I explained. I’d said those words so many times before. His captivating amber gaze landed on mine.
“I’m sorry I’m so basic. I don’t fit well in your work life, but I try.” He leaned in to kiss the side of my neck, just below my jaw.
“You fit anywhere I’m at.” I told the lie as evenly as I could. “Lon likes you.”
Beau nodded, but I didn’t get the sense that he believed me completely, then he turned back to the lake, saying nothing more.
I continued staring at him and his perfect profile. Beau and I were still somewhat young men, regardless of my responsibilities. I felt our bond, but it needed to be nurtured. I ran my fingers through his shaggy hair, wishing he and I were back to where we started. The guy that drew me to him with just the sparkle in his eyes. I kissed his cheek. “I wish I knew what you were thinking. I’m afraid you’re hiding from me, and I’m lost to your pretty face so I can’t figure it out.”
His serious gaze shifted back to me, telling me I’d finally cracked his facade. “You have to know that I spend a lot oftime alone. I try to be supportive and understanding. But you’ve become something I don’t get. I try but can’t figure you out.”
“We have drinks and dinner a couple of times a week,” I said, not truly answering his statements.
“With whatever client you’re trying to woo or show appreciation to,” Beau answered. “I get what you’re doing. Truly. Other couples go in different directions too. We’re maturing. I’m good. I probably need more sex; we can work that out.” Beau tightened his hold around me and kissed my lips with a quick peck. “I’ll keep working on how to fit in better. Something’s got to stick.”
I had immediate remorse for the pain in his voice. I furrowed my brows and placed my head on his shoulder.
Through my niece, Joy, I knew my father was following my career. I loved getting under his skin. Now, I was handling all Carter’s overflow from his legal department. My father had eyes, or spies, everywhere, and had to be trying to find my weaknesses.
“Hang on for a little longer. I’ll do better by you.”
Beau laughed at my sincerity. His strong arms tightened around my waist.
“Seriously, stop,” Beau said, grinning cheekily, pressing a kiss on my lips again. “What’re we doing today?”
I perked right up. “Wanna get a haircut?”
“I feel like they’re bad luck,” Beau said, causing me to laugh with him. “I’m serious. It’s the truth.”
When I didn’t stop with the humor, his hold and hands threatened to dump me onto the floor. In a quick grab, I tightened my arms around his neck. If I was going down, so was he. Then he did something more surprising. He scooped me up in his arms and started for the stairs. I had no idea he could carry me this way, and if he didn’t tire out before the top step, I felt sure he’d be dominating me in the sack in a short time.
“I’m not sureAvatarlived up to the hype,” Beau remarked as the credits rolled. He reached over for another handful of popcorn, tossing several pieces into his mouth. I patted the top of the blanket I’d used to stay cozy warm, looking for the remote. As far as I was concerned, with my head resting half on a pillow and half on Beau’s thigh, his fingers brushing through my hair, I could lie here forever.
