Page 9 of Beautiful Deceit
Beau turns and throws his hands in the air, "Way to throw me to the wolves. ‘Can I get your purchase?’" He mocks and walks back toward me, crowding my personal space a bit.
He follows me as I step back into the store.
"Hey! How am I supposed to know if you fell for that crazy lady's crap? She sure seemed confident you'd go with her.” I turn my back to him, “By the way do you know her? Did she follow you here?” I turn to look pointedly at him, “Because I don't want her coming back."
He looks offended, "Me! I've never seen that person, but I'm pretty sure she tried to put her hand down my pants at one point tonight, either that, or Mickey is one feisty grandma."
I laugh at the image of Mickey copping a feel, and he scowls but starts laughing, making me laugh even harder.
"I don't doubt Mickey would do it but not the first night she's met you," I say through giggles.
He nods his head believing me and looking properly warned, "I can see that, and somehow I'd much rather it'd been her hand than that nasty piece of work." My laughter dies as I turn and see Lisa and Amy on the main floor now, watching us.
"Hey guys sorry to offend you," I say sincerely. "Things were just going a little too far." I smile in chagrin, hoping they don't cause another scene.
Lisa answers for them both, "No, Sam, you were right. That was uncalled for." She looks at Beau, embarrassed. I’m not sure how much he heard, but I'd be embarrassed too.
I smile, letting them know it's over, "Sorry you guys had to stay even longer. Let me get you guys a cab to get you home safely.”
After a few polite denials, I get the roommates into a cab, giving a generous tip. I step out into the street to get another for Beau. He sees what I'm doing and grabs my upturned hand lowering it.
"I'll be walking. Thanks anyway." I start to insist when he shakes his head, "I'm only a few blocks that way."
He points in the direction of my studio. I shrug my shoulders. He's a grown man and a huge one at that. Someone would have to be crazy to bother him, so I concede.
"Alright. I hope this incident doesn't scare you from coming back. Truly, nothing like this has ever happened. I think the majority found insight in your male perspective and appreciated it," I say honestly.
He waves his hand dismissively with a smirk, "If that's all I have to deal with to get a little normal, then sign me up." His answer is a little strange, but I like the way the left side of his smile is higher than the right. My mind blanks as I stare at his lips. His straight white teeth come into view, and I realize his smile has gotten bigger. I’ve most likely been caught staring at his mouth. Great.
"Have a good night Beau," I say retreating back into the store.
I lock the door and turn my back to him, blowing out a long breath, "Could you be more obvious?" I ask myself out loud. He doesn't even remember the grocery store incident and here you are, oogling his soft full lips.
I snort at my thoughts.
A banging on the door sounds behind me, making me jump and scream. My hands are held over my heaving chest as I turn and see Beau looking through the door. He mimes turning a key on the door.
I unlock it for him. "Everything okay?" I ask, breathing a little hard.
"Didn't mean to startle you. I tried to ask before you closed the door. Do you need a cab?"
I answer without thinking, “No, I need to do a few things, and then I'll walk." As soon as I say it, I roll my lips together. Why am I telling him this? You can’t just tell a stranger, a man at that, that you plan to walk home alone at night.
"It's getting dark," He says like it isn't obvious.
"I can see that," I smile.
He looks torn, "I could wait and walk with you?" The way he phrases it, makes the statement into a question, making him seem both sweet and a little shy.
"Ah, sure, I guess," I say leaning back from the door to let him in. I lock up again, grabbing the crockpot, and taking it to the lounge. He follows behind me.
Beau sweeps the hat off his head and looks around like he's getting his first real look at the place, which I guess he is. With that hat pulled so low he couldn't have been able to see much. I try not to look in his direction for fear of staring. That must be the reason why he wears it, if women react so strongly to him without even seeing his entire face. The brief gaze I am afforded reminds me of being knocked dumb at the grocers last time we met. His face for any length of time would probably cause lasting fits of stupidity.
"You own this place?" He questions sounding awed.
"I do," I answer proudly.
"God, it's great. It's like a time capsule. They just don't make buildings like this anymore.” He comments, then asks, “Was it handed down from family?" He seems truly curious.
