"I really haven't had a lot of time to worry about it. Kaci and I have talked about it. Beau and I have discussed it, but I really can't make any decisions until Dad is out of the woods."
"Just know that if you decide to accept Cora's offer, there will be no hard feelings here. You have to do what's right for you. I'd be the last person to stand in the way of anyone's happiness. I know firsthand how one wrong decision can affect the rest of your life. I'd hate to lose you, but Cora would be gaining a huge asset with you on board."
"I appreciate that, and I know you told Cora the same thing when she was trying to make up her mind about Dale. I don't think she's ever regretted her decision."
"I know she hasn't. But you're not Cora, and Beau isn't Dale. The two of you have to find your own way. If it's meant to be, you'll find a way. And if it's not, you'll move on."
"That's what Cora says."
"Now, why don't you and Kayla go over both your schedules for next week? You can check into the suite any time after three, on Sunday. We don't have to check out until the following Monday, so we've got it for the entire week. I believe Cora is arriving on Sunday, as well."
"I didn't know, but that's great if she is. Dale is coming, for sure?"
"Yes, the last I heard, both sets of grandparents will be helping with the kids, and he plans on flying out with her and Beau."
"Okay, Kayla, let's go to my office and look over our schedules. After that, I need to wrap up a few things in my office and head back to the house. I've kept caught up with emails, and I've been trying to stay up with everything else as much as I can. Thanks, Camille."
"You've done fine under the circumstances. You've actually done much more than expected of you during this time, which goes to show that you don't have to be in your office eight hours a day to get the job done," Camille replied.
"I'll see you on Sunday." Audrey gathered her things, and she and Kayla left their boss' office together.
They stopped at Jenni's desk on the way.
"Hi, Jenni, what's up? Anything new?" Audrey asked.
"I've just been getting things ready for next week. I'll be manning the fort while the three of you are having fun," Jenni told her.
"I'm sure you can stop by for some of the fun events in the evenings," Audrey told her.
"I'm planning to, and I'll be there next Saturday, for sure."
Kayla smiled and said, "You'll do fine here in the office, Jenni." She turned to Audrey. "I know you need to get back to the house, so let's go plan our fun. See you later, Jenni."
Once they were inside her office, Audrey sighed.
"Why the big sigh?"
"It's going to be a big week for all of us. And Cora will be there; that's a plus."
"Cora isn't the only one who's going to be there. She's bringing the hot cowboy along."
"He's not a cowboy anymore. He's given up his spurs to join Cora full-time."
"That's great! I mean, I guess it is if that's what he wants to do."
"It's what he's always wanted to do. I just hope it works out for him."
"How do you feel about him being in New York?"
"It'll be good to see him again. I mean, we talk every night, but I haven't seen him since the day he took me to the airport. We plan to have a long talk while he's in town. Some things have come up that I don't think either of us was expecting."
"Such as?" Kayla asked with interest.
"Such as lifestyles, for one. And I'm not going to say anything else on the matter, so don't ask. Let's just say, things are looking up."
"Wow, that's a big one. I can't wait to hear about it. You can't keep me in suspense forever, you know."
"And I will tell you when the time is right. After he's been here."
"Are you going to take him home?" Kayla asked.
"I told him I would. I've mentioned him to Kaci. Dad and I talked about him, but I think he was so doped up at the time, he may not remember. It was when he was in the hospital, the last time, and he was so sick at the time."
"Audrey, Beau isn't going to wait forever. You do realize that, don't you?"
"He knows I have a lot on my plate right now. There's no way I can leave."
"Still, if he's truly the one for you, don't keep him hanging. Guys don't like that, especially Doms, and I'm getting the feeling he may be a Dom."
"Not exactly a Dom yet, but I did find out that he's interested in the lifestyle. Now, really, that's all I can say at this point."
Kayla's eyes grew big. "Oh, my, the plot thickens. But listen to what I said. He won't wait forever."
"Be that as it may, I just can't leave right now. Period," Audrey insisted.
"Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you. I'd really hate to see you give up the only guy you've ever really had feelings for because you feel that your other obligations come first. I'm sure he'd wait if he knew he had something to wait for. But you haven't given him any reason to believe that, have you?"
"We've talked. Hopefully, while he's here, we can talk more. I just don't know, Kayla. It's such a big decision. What if I'm wrong? What if he's not the one? What if I'm not happy, once I leave it all behind and start a new life with him?"
"Do you really have doubts?"
Audrey looked down at her lap. When she was finally able to speak, she looked across the desk at her friend. "I have no doubts about my feelings for him. I have no doubts about his for me, either."
"Then what's stopping you, other than the fact your dad needs you right now?"
"Change, moving, new job, new life, all of it," she said.
"It is a big step, and I know you're conflicted, but the main thing is your feelings for each other. All the rest will fall into place, eventually. Just remember that."
"Let's get to work. I have to go soon. I need to run errands for Mom on my way home."
The two friends went over their plans for the conference after that, and when they were satisfied all was in place, they said goodbye.
Audrey ran her errands, but all the while she couldn't help but think about the conversations she'd just had with both Camille and Kayla. Everyone was so sure she should do this. Why was she holding back? She loved Beau. She knew that now. And she was sure he loved her. But was love enough? And the lifestyle—would they be able to come to an agreement about that?
When she got back to the house, her dad was sleeping and her mother was in the kitchen with Mabel.
"Oh, hi, honey. Did you get everything done you needed to in the city?" her mother asked.
"Everything is set for the conference, and I got all your errands taken care of. What are the two of you up to?"
"We're planning the menu for a special dinner. I'm hoping Cora and Dale will make time to join us one night next week, while they're in town."
"I'm sure they will. Mom, we need to talk about that. There will be a third person with them."
"They're bringing someone?"
"Mom, sit down; we need to talk about something."
The two of them sat at the table. Mabel brought them both a cup of coffee. "Shall I make myself scarce?" the housekeeper asked.
"Nonsense, you're one of the family," Mrs. Carter said. "I'm sure whatever Audrey has to say is for your ears too. Right, honey?" her mother asked as she looked at her.
"Of course," Audrey replied. It was true. Mabel was one of the family. She'd been with them since both the girls were children.
"Grab a cup of coffee for yourself and sit down, Mabel," Audrey's mother said.
Once the three of them were seated around the table, Audrey began, "When I was in Texas visiting Cora and Dale, I was introduced to a friend of theirs. His name is Beau, and at the time, he was a foreman on a local ranch—a cowboy. He did freelance work for Cora's company as a graphic artist, as well as some technical duties on the side. At first, I didn't care much for his attitude, but as I spent more time with him, I began to see just how talented he is and also what a good person he is."
"Cora is bringing a cowboy wit
h her?" her mother asked.
"Actually, Beau has resigned from that job and now works for Cora full-time. His degree is in graphic arts, and it was always his plan to pursue it."
"All right, that makes sense. He's coming to the conference to attend workshops and maybe make some contacts, do some networking. Of course, he's welcome to join us for dinner."
Mabel glanced at Audrey and said, "I think Audrey is trying to tell us something else. Am I right, dear?"
Audrey took a sip of her coffee. Hesitantly, she went on, "Yes, you see, Beau and I became close. I watched him work, we went horseback riding one day, had a picnic, went out to dinner. In fact, we spent almost every day of my trip together. We got to know each other, and the more I was around him, the more I liked him."
"I see," her mother said thoughtfully.
"Mom, I've never found anyone quite like him."
"I'm sure that's true. I doubt you'll find many cowboys in New York City."
"What I'm trying to say is… Beau is very special to me."
Mabel nodded. "I knew the day would come when our girl would meet the man of her dreams. It's just taken her a little longer."
"Is that true, Audrey? Are you telling us you're in love with this Beau person?" her mother asked.
"Even though we only had a few short weeks together, I felt something I've never felt before. We've talked daily since I came home. I know there are a lot of differences, but I met his family. They're good people, Mom."
"I'll be anxious to meet this young man," her mother said.
"There's more," she said as she looked from her mother to Mabel.
"Go on, might as well tell us the whole story now," her mother said with a nervous smile.
"While I was in Texas, Cora offered me a job with her company. Of course, I laughed it off and told her I couldn't just pick up and leave my job to move out there."
"Her company is doing very well, isn't it?" her mother asked.
"It's growing, yes. By the time I was ready to leave, she'd sweetened the offer by asking me to become a partner, fifty-fifty. She said Dad and Dale could work out the contract together."
"Have you given it any thought since you returned home?" Mabel asked as she glanced at Mrs. Carter.
Audrey's mother looked thoughtful but didn't speak.
"I promised her I'd think about it. I also promised Beau I'd think about us. I told them both that it would be a big step to leave my family and friends, not to mention the security of my job, to move to Texas and start a new life. But after I got home and found out about Dad, it all just sort of fell to the back burner."
"Now, Cora and Beau are both coming to town," her mother observed.
"Yes. Beau has said he won't pressure me. He also made a promise to me that if I chose him, I would never regret it."
"Sweetheart, you have to do what's right for you. I know you think you should stay here, but if this man and this job are what you truly want, you shouldn't have to give that up. You've always been sort of… how do I say it… different. You've gone your own way, so to speak. Lately, we've all seen that you've been restless, not quite as content as you used to be. I'll reserve judgment until after I meet this young man, though. Let me say one thing, however. If you love him, and he must be special if you do, because you've never shown any interest in any of your dates before, then you'd better think long and hard before you say no to the dream."
"But—"
"No buts, Audrey. You're thirty-two years old. You've never been in love. If a Texas cowboy artist is what you want, you should have him."
"You'd really be all right with that?" she asked in awe.
"Do you think I'm so caught up in social class that I would forbid this union? Then, my girl, you don't know me very well."
"I just wasn't sure," Audrey said meekly.
"We'll speak to your father before he comes to dinner, of course."
"I've sort of mentioned it to him already, but I don't know if he'll remember. He was pretty sick when we discussed it. He brought up the subject of me settling down, and I told him about Beau."
"We'll discuss this young man with him and also the offer from Cora. You should get his advice about that."
"Thank you, Mom."
"I only want both my girls to be happy."
Audrey spent Saturday packing for the conference. She spoke to her father briefly after dinner that night and told him that Beau would be coming to dinner with Cora and Dale, the next week. He remembered the talk they'd had at the hospital and told her he would be honored to meet the man who'd succeeded where many had failed.
"Oh, Dad, really," she said with a laugh. "Was I that picky?"
"You dated boys from every family we knew, and none of them were good enough for you. Now you go off halfway across the country and meet the one. It figures," he teased. "But tell me more about Cora's job offer. I'll discuss it with Dale next week, of course."
She told him all she could about Cora's growing publishing company and the offer Cora had made to her. He was impressed but wanted more information before giving his blessing on the business venture.
"I've got to get some sleep. It's going to be a crazy week, and I know there won't be much sleeping during conference week. Goodnight, Dad," she said as she kissed his forehead.
"Goodnight, sweetheart," her dad said. He was up and about these days and feeling much better.
On Sunday, after enjoying a leisurely brunch with her parents, Audrey drove into the city to the hotel. Her stomach was in knots at the thought of seeing Beau again, and she was apprehensive about their upcoming "discussion.” He was going to meet her friends and her family on this trip. When she saw him, would she feel the same way about him as she had in Texas? Would he feel the same about her? They had talked on the phone the night before, but it had been short as he was to meet Cora and Dale early, to catch their flight. He knew that she had told her family about him.
"What was their reaction?" he had asked.
"They weren't appalled at the idea," she'd replied.
"That's a start. I hate to cut this short, babygirl, but I've got to finish packing. I'll see you tomorrow, love."
"I'll be at the hotel when you arrive. Goodnight, Beau."
Their conversations had been short of late. It was if they both had so much more they wanted to say but couldn't. Hopefully, once they were together, they would be able to express themselves more freely. She had so much on her mind, and he was trying to give her some space. She knew that, but she missed her Beau, the one she'd met in Texas last August.
She checked into the suite. Kayla was already there, but Camille hadn't arrived yet. The two of them went down for drinks and met with some authors who had arrived early. Around dinnertime, Audrey looked up to see Cora, Dale and Beau walking into the hotel lobby. She jumped up and ran to them.
Beau dropped his bags and took her in his arms. "It's good to see you, baby," he murmured against her hair. "I've missed you like crazy."
She looked up at him and said, "I've missed you, too. Get checked in, and we'll grab some dinner. We need to catch up."
He let go of her and picked up his bags. Audrey hugged Cora and Dale before walking back to where she'd left Kayla and the others. Camille had arrived by now.
"So, that's the hot cowboy?" Camille asked. "You're right about one thing."
"What's that?" Audrey asked.
"We've got to get him on a cover."
They all laughed.
"I'm going to excuse myself and go to dinner with Beau when he gets settled. I'm sure you'll all want to spend some time with Cora. I'll catch up with you again later."
"Much later, I'd imagine," Kayla teased as she waved her off.
Audrey blushed and tried to change the subject.
Beau, Cora and Dale joined them, soon after. Audrey introduced the others to Beau, and the two excused themselves.
He took her straight to his room and shut the door, locking it behind him. "Now, for a proper hello," he said as he
leaned his face down so that his lips were close to hers.
"Oh, Beau," she whispered just before his lips descended on hers. He kissed her sweetly, until their passion took over and her lips parted to allow his tongue to enter the sweet cavern. His tongue danced with hers, and as the kiss grew hotter, all doubts faded swiftly away. Yes, he was definitely the one who made her heart jump. Her knees turned to jelly as she swayed into him.
"Baby," he murmured.
When she finally broke the kiss, she moved slightly apart from him and said, "We'd better go."
"Not so fast," he said. "We have some things to talk about, don't we? I, for one, think we need to get that out of the way before we go to dinner."
"Are y-you talking about what I think you're t-talking about?" she stammered, suddenly nervous. If he was new to spanking, would he really be able to relieve all her stress effectively?
"Yes, I know you need some relief. I came here prepared to do all I can to make you feel loved and cared for. Will you give me the chance to prove to you that I can be the man you crave in your life?"
"Is that what you really want, or are you just saying that because I told you I used to be a submissive and you think it will make me happy?"
"I always want to make you happy, babygirl. But what I said about researching was all true. I have been interested in exploring the lifestyle for quite some time."
She ran to him then, throwing herself into his arms. He comforted her, caressing her back and whispering, "I love you and I'll do whatever it takes to make you feel secure. I know you've been under tremendous stress these past few months. Let me help you."
Audrey looked up at him and nodded. He took her hand and led her to the bed, where he sat down and pulled her over his lap. He did it very efficiently, and she was impressed. Soon, his hand lifted her shirt and he began rubbing her back lightly. He landed a swift smack to her bottom before pulling her skirt up and placing another over her panties.
Audrey gasped; the two smacks were unexpected. She hadn't thought he'd start right in. After ten had landed on alternating cheeks, she felt him tugging at her panties. When they were down to her knees, she knew he had just been warming her up. He was ready to begin in earnest, on her bare skin. A thrill of excitement shot through her. She'd always liked spankings, especially for stress relief, and had often sought only that when at the club. Sometimes, of course, sex had followed, but other times, it hadn't. And he was right; she had been under an overwhelming amount of pressure since coming back home, what with her dad's illness and trying to stay caught up on work, not to mention deciding her future. This was exactly what she needed.
Her Texas Dom (Dominant Men Book 4) Page 13