Page 79 of Beautiful Deceit
My heart aches, with sympathy, for her family. She couldn't have been much older than me, and she's gone. I know what it feels like to experience unexpected loss. It was kind of him to be with them, while they grieved.
"Do they have a funeral planned yet? Is there anything I can do to help?"
He heaves a sigh, "Not yet. Her body hasn't been released."
"Oh, Okay. You'll let me know?" He nods his head, looking sad.
"Are you working today?" He questions after a few moments of silence.
"I was planning on going in before lunch, but when the detective called I phoned Jess to let her know I'd be in later."
"Brian and I have a few more things to discuss before he heads out. I don't want you going to work alone, so do you mind if we meet there? Maybe use your office again?"
"You are always welcome, but you don't have to stay at work with me." I lift my hand stopping the retort that's undoubtedly coming "I won't be alone, and I don't want you feeling like you can't live your life. This stuff has been going on for over a month and nothing has happened yet." What I don't say is I'm afraid hell get sick of me, of this, especially given the the fact that the same person leaving me flowers might have killed his friend.
He reaches for his coffee, “You don’t have to drink that. It’s cold by now.” He nods, and I take it from his hand and pour it down the sink. I rinse his mug and set it under the spout to make a new brew as he watches me.
"I want to be with you. I don't have any other place I'd rather be," he says sweetly. I keep my eyes on the coffee brewer, so he can’t see the gooey puddle of swoon I’ve turned to at his words. When the brew finishes, I collect myself and lean up on my toes to reach his lips for a kiss. He bends to meet me.
"Okay," I murmur, handing him the mug.
Neither of us rush to leave. Beau fixes his coffee slowly and savors each sip. I watch, unhurried to change into more work appropriate clothes. We would both like nothing more than to shut out the outside world, just for today, but for now we have this moment to feel content in. My responsibilities tug at me as he gets up to wash out his mug, breaking the moment. The holidays are approaching, and the store is getting busier.
We get ready together. I quickly run to the bathroom to change out of the clothes I threw on for the detectives and freshen up a bit.
He’s throwing on a black leather jacket when I walk out.
I shove my feet into white converses, leaving them untied as I run to grab a purple sweater jacket from my wardrobe. He comes up from behind to help me into the jacket, running his hands over my shoulders before pulling away. I turn as he gets down on one knee to tie my shoes. I blush at the simple but sweet action.
Before walking out the door, he pauses and asks me to wait. I hold the door open as he walks to his bag and pulls out a familiar blue cap. I smile when he slides it on and pulls it low over his face.
"I thought you'd lost that for good. I'm glad you didn't." His lips tip up, and I find myself staring at his mouth, a return to our past dynamic. It’s funny to feel nostalgic for something that has only recently gone away.
"You better stop looking at me like that, especially if you plan on making it to work today," he taunts.
"Promises, promises," I reply before walking out the door. I hear him mumbling as he follows behind me down the stairs.
A loud bang makes me jump back, almost knocking into Beau.
He grabs my upper arms to steady me then moves around me quickly, "I thought downstairs was empty?" He walks down the steps, looking back towards the lower apartment door.
"I thought it was. I’ve seen a woman in a maid uniform come out a few weeks ago, and I had a flyer shoved next to my mailbox for a painting service. I think someone bought it or the sellers are fixing it up to get more interest. I was thinking I should have snagged it up myself. Maybe it's not too late. I'll get ahold of the management company today." Both of us continue to watch the door when no one comes out, but I don't hear any movement from behind it. I finally push open the door to the street.
“I don't like not knowing who's down there. When you contact the management find out the buyer’s name, if there is one. If not, put in an offer." He states firmly, "Hell, find out if they'd sell the whole building to you. I can cover the cost." He adds, like it wouldn't be a big deal for him to drop a few million.
"I'm not letting you buy my building," I rebuff
"Why the hell not?" he sounds affronted.
"I don't know, because it's crazy," I offer, throwing my hands in the air.
"We'll see."
He grabs my hand and tucks it into his pocket as we walk to work. I feel warmed by the small gesture. He points out a few things on our way, speaking closely to my ear. It feels like we are the only two people on the crowded sidewalk. He has a way of creating intimacy in public that astounds me.
Too soon, he opens the door to the store and escorts me inside. Jess looks up grinning. Gina is behind her, filling an order. Erin, the newer hire, is swamped at the register, looking a bit flustered as she rings up an order and tries to answer another customer’s question. I sigh, thinking how much I love this store, but for the first time I wish I could take a vacation from it.
I pop the help wanted sign in the window. We could use some seasonal help, especially if this is what I walk into with the new hires.
