What would her family say? They would think she'd finally lost what was left of her mind. What about Camille and Kayla? Would they tell her to go for it or try to talk her out of such an insane move?
Ah, Camille… she wondered what was going on with her. She knew there was trouble in paradise with Joe, but her employer hadn't shared any details. For the most part, Audrey had never understood that union. He wasn't Camille's type at all.
Later that night, tucked into her bed in her tiny loft, she pulled up the covers. Home again, unpacked, and ready to go back to work. Had the vacation rejuvenated her? Was she ready to tackle the world? No, she wanted to get back on the plane. She missed Cora and her babies. She missed Dale. And most of all, she missed Beau.
That's it; I've totally lost my mind now. This is absolutely insane. A good night's sleep will get me back on track, she told herself as she turned out the light on her bedside table.
But in her dreams, she was on a Texas ranch. She was sitting in a rocker on the porch of a fine country home, a baby in her arms. In the background, she could hear a man whistling as he worked. The leaves were rustling in the wind, and the birds were singing. The man came out and took the baby from her as he asked her to go inside and look at the work he'd completed. As she stood up, Beau kissed her. Beau! He was the man in her dream.
She walked into the office bright and early the next morning, a cup of coffee in her hand, her briefcase in the other. "Good morning," she said cheerily to her assistant.
"Welcome back, how was Texas?" the girl asked.
"It was interesting," she replied.
Kayla walked in a few minutes later and hugged her. "Welcome home; you'll have to fill me in about Cora and everything in her life. I miss her so much. I'm going to have to take a trip out there soon."
"She'll be in town for the big event in November. She's planning to stay all week."
"Is Dale coming with her?" Kayla asked.
"He wasn't sure. It'll depend on his court schedule. If he can clear it, I think he'd like to come with her."
"I hope he can. I'll let you get to work, but let's do a long lunch, so you can tell me everything," the other girl said as she headed to her own office.
"Sounds great; buzz me when you're ready to go," she replied. "I'm sure I'll be buried."
Camille came in and took off her sunglasses. Glancing around the room, she said hello to everyone. "Glad to have you back, Audrey. I hope you had a good vacation."
"Any vacation spent with Cora and her family is a good one," she answered with a smile.
"She called last night, and we talked for a long time. She really hated to see you leave this time, more so than any other visit, she said."
"I know she did. It was harder for me to go this time too."
"Come into my office, and let's chat a bit before you get bogged down with work," Camille invited.
She followed Camille into her office. As Audrey sat down in the chair offered to her, she noticed the dark circles under her boss's eyes.
"Is everything all right, Camille?" she asked.
"With me, no, but I'll deal with it. Let's talk about you. I gather from some things Cora said to me, you met someone out there."
"Why would she tell you that?"
"Audrey, come on, we're all friends, first and foremost. I want the best for all of you. Don't you think I know how discontented you've been in recent months?"
"Yes, I guess I've been feeling some strain. That's why I took the trip, to get away."
"Did it help?"
"In some ways, maybe it did. In answer to your other question, yes, I met someone. He's a hot cowboy who works for Cora's company on the side."
"Vacation fling, or something more?" the other woman asked.
"What does it matter? He's there, and I'm here. Nothing can come of it. We shared some laughs, a few kisses in the moonlight. Now, it's back to business as usual."
"I see. Where have I heard that before? Oh, yes, I believe it was about seven or eight years ago. Seems I had another editor who had a thing for a Texas lawyer. She said it could never be. Look where she is today."
"Cora and Dale are a completely different story. They belonged together. They knew each other all their lives."
"Who's to say you and your hot cowboy don't belong together? I'm going to give you the same advice I gave Cora, all those years ago. And this is from personal experience. If you find the one man who makes your heart race, who takes your breath away with his kisses, and whom you find yourself thinking about morning, noon and night, do not let him go. Find a way to make it work. Compromise is the name of the game when it comes to true love."
"Are you telling me to pull up stakes, give up everything I've ever known, and move halfway across the country to be with a man I've known for two weeks? You know that's not me."
"If he's the one you can't live without, that's exactly what I'm telling you. You don't have to rush into it, but if, after all this time; you've finally found someone you're thinking twice about, you need to give it some serious consideration."
"I don't know what to say. Are you trying to get rid of me?" she teased.
"Of course not," Camille said with a grin. "I just want you to be happy, and I know you haven't been for quite some time."
"I should get to work. Kayla and I are taking a long lunch, and I've got to get in touch with my sister about some family matters. Thanks for the advice."
"Keep me posted, and I hope the family thing isn't anything serious."
"I guess I'll find out. We're having a family meeting this week."
She went to her office and shut the door. As she turned on the computer and waited for it to boot up, she refilled her coffee cup and sat down. As she signed into her email account, she began to get caught up when her cell pinged. She'd been so busy that she hadn't even taken it out of her purse yet. It was a text from Beau!
Hey, uptown girl, I just wanted you to know I miss you. Hope everything is good in the Big Apple.
Smiling as she replied, she typed, Hi there, cowboy! Busy morning in the office, and I miss you and your witty words, too.
I'll call you tonight.
Let me check with my sister about the family meeting. I'll let you know what time I can call.
Have a good day. I've got to run.
Bye, cowboy.
Her heart was pounding. He'd contacted her. He was going to stay in touch! She went back to her work, trying to concentrate on reading and answering the many emails. When she finally took a break around ten, she phoned her sister.
"Oh, Audrey, are you home?"
"I got in last night. I guess we can have the family meeting any evening this week after work," she answered.
"I'll let Mom know. I still have no clue what this big secret is."
"I've got to get back to work, but just text me when you find out anything."
"Will do; glad you're home."
"Later, sis," she said as she ended the call.
She put all thoughts of the family out of her mind and went back to the task at hand, completely immersed in her work until Kayla buzzed her on the office intercom and told her it was time to break for lunch. Relieved to get out of the office, she grabbed her purse, went to the ladies' room to freshen up and met her friend in the lobby.
"Let's get the heck out of here. The first day back after vacation is a killer," she said as she smiled at Kayla.
"And we've got a lot to catch up on. Let's go. Lunch is on me, any place you want to go."
"So, tell me all about Cora," Kayla said as she sipped her drink after they got to the restaurant.
"Cora is great. She and Dale have built a good life in their hometown. The kids are growing like weeds. Little Dale no longer wants to be called little Dale, though. He says he's too old."
"That's precious. What are they calling him now?" Kayla asked with a light laugh.
"DJ, for Dale, Jr.; Cora thought two Dales in the house would be confusing, and Dale, Sr. and Dale, Jr. was just
too much, so I suggested DJ, and it was unanimously voted in."
"Aunt Audrey saves the day," Kayla teased. "You've really got a special bond with those kids, don't you?"
"Yes, I guess I do," Audrey replied.
"Cora's press is doing well, I gather. Camille mentioned she's moving it from her home to an office building."
"That's right. I helped her choose the location. She's really getting so much business, it's hard for her to handle with the family. She hired an assistant, and the guy who does her cover art and some technical things for her is thinking about going full-time. Of course, that would mean giving up his cowboy job."
"A cowboy does her artwork? Really?"
"Really," she replied. "He's actually quite good. I thought he was a bit pretentious when I first met him, but he's a very talented, sweet guy. His degree is in graphic arts, and the cowboy stint was always meant to be temporary until he had enough money saved to go into the business. Now that Cora's needs are growing, it may be soon."
"What's he like? The two don't seem to fit together—cowboy and graphic artist."
"He's hot enough to be on one of his covers. He's cowboy through and through, but he is gifted, no doubt about it. I watched him work, and he knows his stuff. The night we met, he went on and on and I thought he was just a big know-it-all trying to impress the big-city editor. I found out very quickly he knows what he's talking about."
"Do I detect a little hero worship there?" Kayla asked in surprise. "I've never known you to be impressed by any one, let alone a guy."
"Beau is not like anyone I've ever met. Can we just leave it at that?" she asked.
"No, we can't. There's more to this Beau character and you, isn't there? Did you have a holiday romance with him?"
Audrey hesitated and was grateful for a respite when the waitress delivered their lunch. As she buttered a roll, she finally said, "Beau and I formed a special bond with each other. But he's there, and I'm here. I don't see any way for it to be anything else."
"You could always work with Cora. If Texas Flame Publishing is growing as fast as you say it is, I'm sure there's a spot for you there."
"She's already offered."
"Are you considering it?" Kayla asked.
"No, not at the moment," she replied honestly. "I can't see moving out there, giving up my job here, which is solid, to work in a new company, and, least of all, because of a man."
"I think she doth protest too much," Kayla said as she took a bite of her club sandwich. When she had chewed and swallowed the morsel, she wiped her mouth with the corner of her napkin and continued. "If this guy is that special, and Cora's business is booming, I see nothing holding you back."
"You can't be serious," Audrey said in astonishment. "You sound just like Camille."
"We love you, Audrey, and we want you to be happy. It's been plain to see that you haven't been lately. You're restless. You haven't even gone to any of the clubs, have you? You stopped going when I did. I felt guilty about that too, I might add."
"It's been that obvious?" she asked. "You weren't the only reason I stopped going to the clubs, though. I just want something more. The perfect scenario for me, at this point in my life, would be a Dom whom I can have an exclusive relationship with. I'm afraid that's not Beau Birch."
"Yes, honey, I'm afraid it has been very obvious to all of us. And how do you know it's not this Beau guy? Did you discuss the lifestyle with him?"
"Oh, God, no. I wasn't ready to share that part of my life with him. I did tell him there were some things in my past that could affect any future relationship we might have. I also have some big family drama looming on the horizon, it seems."
"What do you mean, family drama?"
"There's a big family meeting one night this week. My sister doesn't know what it's about, just that they were waiting for me to get home."
"I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. Your family's great. The folks are probably going on a big trip or something."
"So, that's enough talk about me and my pathetic life. How are things with you and Mr. Wonderful?" she asked.
"Still going strong," Kayla answered with a grin. "He's great."
"What about Camille?" she asked. "Did you ever find out what the problem is?"
"Only that they are probably going to split up. She's very close-mouthed about it all."
They finished their lunch by discussing work as Kayla caught her up to speed. When it was almost time to go back for the afternoon, Audrey brought up the event Cora was flying out for.
"I suggested to Beau that he may want to accompany Cora to the conference. It'd be good exposure for him."
"Not to mention the fact it would give you a chance to see him again. I'll get to meet him and give my opinion."
"Well, yes, that, too," she agreed with a giggle. "He really is a good guy. His family is wonderful, too."
"You met the family, already?" Kayla asked.
"Yes, at church, and then they invited me over for supper one night."
"Pretty cozy, if you ask me," Kayla teased.
"They were being polite, that's all. Now, if I don't want to be catching up on emails all night, we really do have to get back to the office. Camille will think we both ran out on her."
"Okay, but you haven't heard the last of this from me. I think this Beau, hot cowboy guy, means a little more to you than you're willing to admit."
Audrey shook her head and went outside. The chilly New York air felt good on her face as they walked the few blocks back to work. Once she was back in her office, she worked relentlessly until six-fifteen, when she finally decided to call it a day. She hadn't heard back from her sister, so she went back to her loft.
She was just about to sit down with a bowl of soup when her cell rang.
"Hey, sis, what's up?" she asked when she saw who the caller was.
"Tomorrow night, at the folks' house for dinner, I just got the word. Just go on over there when you leave work. I still don't know anything else."
"I'll be there. Is cute hubby going with you?"
"He'll be there. They want all of us. So, whatever it is, it must be big."
"I'll see you then. I've got to go before my bowl of soup gets cold."
"See you tomorrow."
She didn't give much thought to the family dinner. After she'd finished her soup, she texted Beau to let him know she was home if he still wanted to talk that night. Within minutes of seeing that he'd read the text, she saw his name light up on her screen.
"Hey, uptown girl, how was your first day back?" he asked when she answered.
"It was hectic, just like I knew it would be. I met with my boss and took a long lunch to catch up with Kayla, one of the other editors. The rest of the day, I spent catching up on the gazillion emails in my inbox."
"You have it so hard, poor baby. I roped some calves."
"Isn't that what cowboys do? I mean, you can't go around looking like you belong on a book cover twenty-four hours a day, can you?"
"Very funny," he said. "Is the family all right, by the way?"
"I don't know. I'll be having dinner with them tomorrow night, so I guess I'll find out then," she replied.
"I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. Maybe they've missed you."
"To be summoned for dinner on a weeknight is unusual. They lead busy lives; my sister and her husband do too. It's not something common for us to do."
"Well, all the same, try not to stress about it. Get a good night's rest and call me afterward. I miss you, by the way."
"I miss you, too, Beau, more than I thought possible," she answered in a voice barely above a whisper.
"Then do something about it," he suggested. "Come back to me."
"You know it's not that easy."
"Yes, I do know that. I made a promise to you before you left. If you ever take that step and give it all up for me, I'll damn well keep that promise. You can take that to the bank."
"I believe you," she said. "I know you're a man of your w
ord. Now, I'm going to get some rest, like you suggested. We'll talk soon."
"Goodnight, sweet thing," he said.
"Goodnight, cowboy," she replied before ending the call.
She took a hot, relaxing bath before crawling into bed. As she looked around the room at the four walls of her small bedroom, she realized something. She was lonely, truly alone and sad. It wasn't a good feeling. She hadn't noticed it before, but now it was very obvious to her.
Had two weeks with one man changed her outlook that much? It was ridiculous to even consider, but it was true. The days spent with Beau were the best days she'd ever had. And they hadn't even consummated the relationship.
Sleep finally overtook her, and the next morning, she felt refreshed and ready to tackle the day. She made it through two manuscripts, sent one rejection email, advising the author his story wasn't what she was looking for and suggested another publishing house to him. The second one received a contract. By the time the day was over, she was tired but anxious about the dinner with her family. She'd tried to put it in the back of her mind and had succeeded until now. Well, she'd find out soon enough, she thought as she walked to the garage to retrieve her car. She weaved through the traffic and made her way out of the city to the swank area her parents had lived in for as long as she could remember.
When she pulled into the driveway of the stately two-story home where she and her sister had grown up, she saw that Kaci and Brent were already there. She went inside and found them all sitting in the main living room.
"Oh, Audrey, it's so good to see you. Come sit down and tell us all about your trip," her mother said.
She did as she was told. She carefully told them the parts about Cora and her family. She mentioned Cora's company and the children, talked about seeing both families, but she left out the fact she had met the most fascinating man she'd ever known. They didn't need to know that. They wouldn't be impressed by the fact she'd gone out with a Texas cowboy; she was sure of that.
"I'll be glad to see dear Cora when she visits in a few months," her mother said after hearing about the visit.
Her Texas Dom (Dominant Men Book 4) Page 10