"I know, and the last thing I want to do is pressure you into anything. I just want you to give some thought to what life could be like for you if you choose to take Cora up on her offer. Putting us aside, think about that."
"I'll try," she replied.
He tried to drop the subject. "I don't want you to do anything you don't feel is right, so I'll quit talking about it, for now. But, baby, at some point, you're going to have to think about it."
"I do know that. And I miss you so much. I miss watching you work and sitting on your porch. I am itching to ride again. If I were to move out there, you know I'd have to have my own horse."
"Oh, you would?" He laughed. "I'll bet we could arrange that."
"I would love to work with Cora again and to take her company to the top. You know that. I would even adjust to life in Texas, given time. But there are a lot of other things to consider, especially now," she reminded him.
"I know, just remember there's a cowboy in Texas who would give anything to be in your life."
"You could come to New York," she said quietly.
"Could I? I'd be leaving Cora in the lurch if I did that."
"We're at a stalemate for now, I'm afraid. I'm needed here, and you're needed there."
"It won't always be that way."
They talked for another hour about the weather, his family, Cora, and just about everything else but the subject on both their minds. Being away from each other had taught them both one thing. They missed being together. Even if only for two short weeks, they'd formed a bond that couldn't seem to be broken.
A few weeks after that conversation, her dad took a turn for the worse. As she and her sister waited in the hospital lounge for the doctor, Audrey looked at Kaci and said, "Kaci, I met someone when I was in Texas. I haven't told the folks, but he's coming out for the conference with Cora and Dale."
Kaci said in a shocked tone, "Audrey, why haven't you said anything? Dad would love to hear that. Don't you know how badly he's wanted you to be happy and to find someone?"
"But he's from Texas," she said.
"So what? Honestly, I don't get you sometimes," her sister said. "You've always been the rebel in the family. Do you really think it's going to shock anyone that you'd go and fall for some guy who's not from New York?"
"I'm not sure how I feel."
"You'd better figure it out if he's coming out here."
The doctor walked out with their mother, so the conversation ended abruptly. Audrey looked at her mother, who smiled at her. That was a good sign, wasn't it?
"Your dad's fine. He's stable now. We're going to keep him overnight, and if everything is good with his labs in the morning, I'll send him home. I'll want him to rest a few days, and we'll reschedule his radiation. He has a slight infection but nothing serious. He's been given antibiotics and pain medication. The fever's down, and he's resting comfortably," the doctor told them.
"That's wonderful news. Thank you so much, Doctor," Kaci said with a smile.
"Yes, thank you," Audrey repeated as she took her mother's hand.
After her mother had gone back into the room with her dad, Kaci phoned Brent before joining their mother.
Audrey told her she'd be along shortly; she wanted to make some calls too. She phoned Camille and then Cora, to let them know her dad was stable. Finally, she dialed Beau's number, and when he answered, she said with relief in her voice, "He's out of danger. It's a mild infection, and they're treating it. He may go home tomorrow."
"Oh, baby, that's great to hear. How's everybody holding up?"
"We're okay. Mom's pretty exhausted, but I know she won't go home, so Kaci said she'd stay with her, tonight, to give me a break. I'll be helping when he comes home."
"I wish you could give them my love, but since they don't know about me, I guess that's out of the question."
"Actually, I told Kaci about you earlier today."
"And what was her reaction?"
"She can't understand why I haven't mentioned you before. She seems to be under the impression the family wouldn't be surprised and would be happy for me."
"I see," he replied.
"I promise I'll tell them when the time is right. Just let me get through all this, and then I'll give some serious thought to where we go from here. But we're going to have to have a long discussion. There are some things you need to know about me."
"Baby, nothing you could tell me will change the way I feel about you. Nothing. I wish you'd believe that. I want to throw you across my knee so badly, right now, and spank that beautiful bottom of yours, for thinking that it would."
"Wh-what did you just say?" she asked, shocked.
"I think you heard me. I hope that doesn't frighten you."
"O-on the c-contrary. I think that's just what I need right now. Someone to take care of me, to protect me, and to tell me everything is going to be all right."
Beau took a deep breath. Could it be that his girl was actually receptive to the idea of dominance? "Well, if I was there, that's exactly what I'd do."
"Well, you're not here, and I've got to get some rest while I have a chance, but it was a nice thought."
"I've got to get going, too. I'm glad things are better. I'll try to give you a call later tonight. Are you going to your place or your folks' house? We can continue this discussion."
"I guess I'll go to their place, since I've been living there. My landlord is keeping an eye on my place while I'm away."
"We'll talk later."
He had sounded a bit put out with her. Was his patience wearing thin? Surely, he understood what she was going through. But then he'd made that remark about spanking her. Was he serious? Wow, could it be that he wanted to be dominant with her? Could she dare to hope? Well, she couldn't worry about that now. She had other things to attend to. She went into her dad's room and sat with the family until dinnertime. Offering to stay with her dad while her mother and sister grabbed a bite to eat, she settled back with a magazine while he slept.
He stirred slightly and opened his eyes. "You still here, sweetheart?" he asked.
"Yes, I sent Mom and Kaci down to get dinner. They're going to stay overnight with you tonight. I'm going back to the house to take care of things there. Are you feeling better?"
"I am. Audrey, are you doing okay? We haven't had much of a chance to talk about anything lately but my problems. Tell me about your life."
She laughed. "There isn't much to tell, Dad. You know how busy my job keeps me. I don't go out much. So much for being the rebel in the family," she teased.
"Any young men in your life?" he persisted.
"Why would you ask that?"
"I worry about you. You haven't found anyone special to share your life with, like your sister has. I know you gals all think you can make it on your own these days, but I want more for you. I want you to know true love and happiness."
"I've only met one who could possibly be that guy, but it's an impossible situation. I'm afraid I've fallen for the one man I can't have."
"Why can't you have him? Is he married or engaged to someone else?"
"No, no, nothing like that. It's just that we come from two different worlds, very different worlds, and for us to be together would mean making big changes."
"Sweetheart, if he's the one who makes your heart jump, isn't it worth making changes?"
"We'll talk about it when you feel better. I've got a lot of things to consider."
"This conversation isn't over. But you're right. I've got to get my strength back before I argue my case with you."
"Always a lawyer, aren't you?" she teased.
Kaci and Mrs. Carter returned with food for her. After she ate and said her goodnights, she drove to the family home, filled Mabel in on her dad's condition, and got ready for bed. It felt good to be able to relax for a change. Most nights, she slept with one eye open in case she was needed.
She waited for Beau to call, but when he hadn't tried to reach her by nine, she called him.
>
"Hi," she said softly when he finally answered.
"Hi," he replied. "Everything okay there?"
"I'm back at the house, in bed. I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep for a change. I don't sleep well when dad is here, in case he needs me during the night."
"I can understand that. I'm in bed too. Been a long day on the ranch here," he answered. "I was giving you time to get home before I called. I figured you'd stay at the hospital until visiting hours were over."
"I just got home a little while ago. That will soon be behind you; the long days at the ranch, I mean," she pointed out.
"Yes, it will."
"Dad woke up when I was in the room alone with him. We talked a little about my life."
"And?" he asked.
"He seems to think if I've met someone who makes my heart jump, I should go for it."
"And have you met someone who makes your heart jump?"
"I think you already know the answer to that question without my saying it."
"But I want to hear you say it."
"Okay, yes, Beau Birch. I've met the one guy who makes my heart go pitter-patter."
"Whoever he is, he's a lucky man."
"You know damn good and well I'm talking about you."
"Do I? Sometimes I wonder, Audrey," he replied.
"Beau, I've had a lot on my mind, since I left you at the airport that day. I've barely had time to breathe, let alone think."
"I realize that, and I'm not trying to be an ass. But since you've been gone, it's become very apparent to me that I want you back here, in my life, and in my bed."
"What are you saying, exactly?"
"I'm saying that I'd like to be the man you choose to spend the rest of your life with. I want to be your partner for life. I want to take care of you, even though I know you are a successful, independent woman. But I also know it's not going to happen overnight. You're right; you're going through a lot right now. And big decisions will need to be made. I'll be out there in just a few more weeks. We can talk then. Just do what you need to do right now and know I'm here for you, waiting a little impatiently at times, but waiting, all the same."
"I-I think I'm falling in love with you. Even though we weren't together long, I feel our nightly conversations have given me more insight. I feel I've gotten to know you over the past months."
"You already know how I feel about you. But you get some much-needed rest, and we'll have a long talk when I'm there for the conference."
"One more thing before you go. You said you'd like to spank me. Were you serious?"
He took a deep breath. "I'm sorry if I offended you with that statement. I was blowing off steam."
"Are you sure that's all it was? Because, I think it may be time for me to enlighten you a little to the lifestyle I used to lead here in New York."
"The big secret you've been afraid to tell me?" he asked.
"Yes, the big secret. Here goes. Please don't hate me, Beau, but for several years I frequented some clubs with a coworker, Kayla. She and I were in a certain lifestyle, one that included spankings. She's seeing someone seriously now, and she doesn't go anymore. I haven't been either for quite some time, even before I came out to Texas this last time. I've thought about going for some stress relief lately, but I couldn't. I couldn't do that to you."
He was silent for so long, she thought he must be angry.
When he finally spoke, he said in a low voice, "Babygirl, I have a confession to make, as well. Since I've been doing all the covers for Cora and reading some of the book blurbs, I've done a lot of online research and had decided I'd like to learn more about the BDSM lifestyle, or at least, about parts of it. And then I met you. I was afraid you'd be turned off by it, so I never said anything. I don't think any less of you, as long as I have your assurances that you won't go back to any clubs or seek relief from anyone but me. I'll be happy to relieve some of that stress when I come to New York, in a few weeks. Now, does that make you feel better about things?"
"I don't deserve you. You're much too patient. And, yes, we will certainly have to discuss this further when you are here. I'll take you up on that stress relief, too."
"I'm not really all that patient, but you're so worth it. We've both had a lot to deal with since you left. Our time will come. I think this talk may have just cemented our relationship. I thought, before I met you, I wanted to settle down with someone who would be open to exploring with me. Then I met you, and I knew you were the one for me, submissive or not."
"I-I just can't believe this. I thought that when I finally told you, you would hate me."
"Babygirl, I love you. I could never hate you."
"I-I guess we both have a lot to think about. I'd better let you go, so you can get some rest. Talk tomorrow?"
"Yes, you need a good night's sleep, too. I love you. Don't forget that. And you have a spanking coming when I see you."
"Yes, Sir," she replied. "Goodnight."
They ended the call, each still in wonder at the discovery they'd made that night, and it wasn't long before Audrey had fallen into a deep and restful sleep. The next morning, she went to the hospital, and by late afternoon they had her dad back at home, tucked into his own bed.
She and Kaci talked at length one afternoon a few days later about Beau. They had volunteered to do some shopping for their mother. The sisters wanted to make an afternoon of it, complete with lunch.
"The holidays will be here before you know it," Kaci said as they sat down at a corner table.
"I know. I've got the conference to get through, and then Thanksgiving will be just around the corner."
"Are you still planning to stay at the hotel that week, to be close to everything?" Kaci asked.
"I am, if you can still help Mom and Dad. It's just so much more convenient for the workshops and all."
"Brent and I are both going to stay at the house with them. You go to the conference and enjoy yourself. You deserve it after the last few months."
"Thank you. I am looking forward to it and to spending time with Cora again."
"Is your guy still coming too?" Kaci ventured.
"Yes, he is. I've decided to introduce him to all of you. Dad sort of knows about him."
"Sort of?" her sister asked.
"We talked one day in the hospital, but he was sick, so we decided to continue the talk later."
"Are you really serious about him?"
"I could be," she replied. "But am I ready to walk away from my life and move to Texas? I don't know."
"You're going to have to figure it out, baby sister. No guy will wait forever."
"Would you do it, if it were you?"
"If Brent had been from another part of the country, yes, I would have. We met at college, but lucky for me, he was from upstate, so it wasn't a big deal for him to move to the city. His family isn't that far away. When I decided that he was the one, I would have gone to the ends of the earth with him if that's what he'd wanted to do. If you're not willing to do that for your guy, is he really the one?"
"I never thought about it that way. I get something from Beau I've never felt with anyone else. He understands me. I get him. I enjoy his company. He enjoys mine. I had fun doing simple things with him, like horseback riding and a picnic by the lake. I loved the tranquility surrounding his home in the country. I could actually see myself living there. Cora offered me a job, and I was actually considering it. Then Daddy got sick. Can I leave them? Is it selfish of me to leave them and move to Texas to be with Beau?"
"I think you're feeling guilty about falling in love with someone far away. If you really and truly think he's the one, don't let anyone or anything stand in your way. The folks will understand."
"He'll be here, week after next. Let's wait and see what happens. You may not like him."
"If he makes my baby sister happy when no one else ever has, I'll love him."
"He makes me very happy."
"Then I think you have your answer."
; Chapter 10
Soon, it was almost time for the conference. This was one of the biggest events of the year, held in New York City. Audrey went into the office the Friday before the event was to start, to catch up and go over the game plan with Camille and Kayla.
"I've reserved a suite for the three of us. We can come and go as we need to," Camille told her as they sat in her office enjoying a cup of fresh coffee.
"These are the workshops I've signed up for. Look over my itinerary and make sure it's all right," Audrey said as she handed her list to her employer.
"We'll have a booth set up, so you'll need to spend some time there. There's the party for our authors who are attending, on Thursday night, and from what I am seeing here, your choice in workshops is fine. Kayla and I are attending different ones, so we should be covered at the booth and of course, the signing is on Saturday. We'll all need to be available to help our authors with that."
"Sounds like a very busy week," Audrey replied.
"You'll still have time for some of the fun events and to spend time with Cora. I'm looking forward to seeing her myself," Camille said.
"The week will go very quickly, I'm afraid," Kayla chimed in.
"How's your dad doing?" Camille asked then.
"Much better, the infection is gone. He'll start radiation again next week. Kaci and Brent will stay at the house with Mom and Dad while I'm at the conference."
"That's good news. I know you've been concerned."
"We all have, but it's brought the family closer. Kaci and I have had some heart-to-heart chats."
"I'm glad to hear that. Cora tells me your young man is accompanying them to the conference."
"I'm not sure you should refer to him as my young man. But yes, he's coming along. He's actually resigned from his position as ranch foreman and is going to be working for Cora full-time. He's hoping to make some contacts here in New York for some freelance work."
"I'll speak to him. I've seen his work, and we may be able to send some his way."
"That would be great if you could. You know how hard it can be to get started."
"How well I do. Have you given any more thought to the two of you?"
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