Page 73 of Burning Skies
“Shut up.”
“I was nervous too.” Pulling me into another hug, he nips my earlobe. “Wanna get out of here?”
I nod, my heart kicking in my chest.
Because I’m finally going to be alone with Beau Walker again.
27
HONEY
When we getto my street, Beau parks a few houses down, and we make our way up to my apartment. After I unlock the door, I flip on the lights. “Please be careful in that corner and over there by the kitchen table. That’s where the floorboards are wonky.”
He immediately heads for those spots to test them out. “I can fix these for you if you want. I helped refurbish our barn.”
“You have enough going on, but thank you. For now, let’s just avoid those spots.”
He frowns. “Are you sure? It’s no trouble.”
I go up to him and kiss him. “We’re not here to rehab my apartment. Sit, and I’ll get you some iced tea while I tidy my bedroom.”
He’s still frowning, but he eventually relents. After I pour his drink and set that down on the coffee table, I flip on my small flatscreen and hand him the remote. “Give me ten minutes. Make yourself at home, as long as that doesn’t entail renovating anything.”
Beau grumbles but nods.
Smiling, I run into my bedroom and close the door and lean against it. Tonight has been the best date I’ve ever had.
Hopefully, it’s only going to get better.
But my room looks like it was hit by a tornado. I run around and toss all of my clothes in the closet. I usually hang everything, but there’s no time. I quickly clear off the top of my dresser, throw away trash, and make my bed. Then I light a few candles on my vanity for ambiance, turn on my bedside lamp, and flick off the bright overhead light.
By the time I’m done, my heart is racing.Calm down, Honey. You’ve already had sex with Beau.
Except when we did it in my SUV, it was spur of the moment. I didn’t have time to overthink it like I do now.
When I return to the living room, Beau’s watchingGoodfellas. My brothers love that movie, but I don’t mention it because I don’t want reminders of all the obstacles we face.
Because I really want this to work.
Beau is amazing. He’s funny and loyal and sweet. He has this protective side I love. He’s interested in my job and would support me ranching and riding. Could I ask for anything else?
And don’t get me started about how much I love his family. It’s crazy that my father and brothers hate the Walkers because they’re so warm and welcoming. No one gave me side eye for being part of Baylee’s wedding, and I have to admit I was expecting some resistance.
Beau and his brothers actually support each other. I know Trig helps Cash, but they don’t have the same camaraderie that the Walkers have. Maybe things were different when their father Augustus was alive, but he’s gone now. Will my father really hold a grudge against their family?
I need to talk to my dad. Maybe if I explain how I feel, if I explain my experience with the Walkers, he’ll hear me out.
Assuming Beau’s serious about me.
Based on our conversation at the restaurant, I think he is.
Beau reaches out and tugs me into his lap. “Hey, gorgeous. Tonight was fun.”
I run my hand over his beard. “Best first date ever.”
He kisses me. “Coulda danced with you all night.”
I feel the same way, except I was dying to be alone with him. “Do you need to work tomorrow?”
