Her cheeks hinted pink as a look of worry passed over her face, but then she brushed it off. “Would I offer it if I couldn’t handle it?”
Josh leaned on the wall as he watched her. “Okay. I’m game if you are.”
Beth nodded. “Perfect.” Then she motioned to his bullseye. “We’ll call that one your practice shot.”
“Right.” Then he coughed while muttering, “Cheater,” under his breath.
Beth dropped her jaw as she turned to face him. “What did you call me?”
Josh faked an innocent look. “I didn’t say anything.”
Beth narrowed her eyes and raised her finger to him. “Yes you did. All right, I’ll honor the bullseye. Ask me a question.”
Josh studied her for a moment before he straightened and rubbed his hands together. “Here we go. What happened to the guy you were dating in Pittsburgh?”
Beth’s expression faltered and Josh instantly regretted asking her. Even though his motives were purely innocent, he couldn’t help but feel like he’d just dredged up a memory that Beth might not want to relive.
“I’m sorry, you don’t have to answer.”
Beth shook her head as she held up her hand. “No. It’s okay. I made up the rules.” She took a deep breath as she studied the darts in her hands. “I, um, he dumped me. Told me that I wasn’t marriage material.” She glanced up and gave him a weak smile. “Great, huh? Eight years in a relationship and he dumps me flat.”
Josh flexed his jaw as he thought about the tool she had been dating. Who would say that to anyone, much less Beth? “He’s an idiot,” Josh said, letting his feeling reflect in his voice.
Beth glanced up at him and held his gaze for a moment before she turned to the board and readied her dart. “Maybe he was right,” she said as she let go and the dart flew straight into the center circle.
Josh wanted to continue talking about this jerk and telling her that it wasn’t true. That he was an idiot to treat her that way, but Beth looked like she’d moved on.
She turned back to him with a wide smile. “My turn.”
Josh winced as he held up his hands. “Okay, but be nice to me.”
Beth shook her head. “That wasn’t the deal.” She got a contemplative look on her face before another smile emerged. “I’ve got it.”
Josh gave her a weak smile. “Let’s hear it.”
“At the festival the summer we both went to Camp Littleton, were you or were you not the one who put a snake in my bed?” She rested her hands on her hips as she stared over at him.
A laugh escaped his lips as he studied her. “Seriously? That was so many years ago.”
“Yes, and because of it, I’m terrified of snakes.” She waggled her finger at him. “So? Fess up. No lies.”
Josh studied her and then raised his hands. “Okay, okay. Yes, it was me. I did it.”
She clapped her hands. “I knew it. You were so mean.”
Josh reached out and grabbed her clasped hands, the need to justify himself taking over. “But wait, you have to hear the reason why.”
Beth’s laughter died as her gaze made its way down to their hands. Suddenly, Josh realized that he was still holding onto her and that they were standing inches apart.
He dropped his hands and stepped back. “I’m, um, I’m sorry,” he said as he pushed his hands through his hair.
A look he couldn’t quite read passed over her face, but as quickly as it came, it disappeared. “It’s okay,” she said as she tucked her hair behind her ear. “I should probably go find Tiffany. I’m sure she’s looking for me.”
“Do you want to finish the game?” Josh asked. If he were honest with himself, he didn’t want her to leave. He liked having her around.
Beth shrugged. “I came with her. I should probably find her.”
Josh nodded as he fiddled with the darts still in his hand. “No, I get it. I can’t monopolize your time. I mean, I’m already employing you.”
Beth chuckled as she handed the darts over. “Right.” Then she glanced up and met his gaze. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”
Josh smiled. “Tomorrow.”
Beth gave him one last smile before turning and disappearing into the crowd. Josh returned to the dart board and finished his game. After he let the last one soar—straight into a bullseye, he smiled and downed his root beer.
He couldn’t help but replay his conversation with Beth. The relaxed feeling he felt while he was around her lingered in the air of this busy establishment. He’d enjoyed being around her. Well, maybe enjoyed was a bit too mild. Perhaps he was a little more excited than he let on.
For the first time in a long time, he just felt happy. And nothing was going to change that for him.
Chapter Ten
Beth arrived at Josh’s apartment at exactly eight the next morning. She stood outside the door and knocked. After waiting a few minutes, the door opened and Jordan was on the other side, staring up at her. One look, and he broke out into a smile.
“Ms. Beth,” he said, stepping out onto the stairs to give her a hug.
Beth bent down and wrapped her arms around him. “Hey, buddy. Long time no see,” she said as she tousled his hair.
Jordan sprinted back into the living room and plopped down in front of the television. Beth chuckled as she walked in and shut the door behind her. That seemed about right. Jordan’s attention span lasted all of five seconds before he was onto something different.
Once she was inside of Josh’s apartment, she slipped off her shoes and padded into the kitchen. From the lack of dishes in the sink, she figured that no one in this house had eaten breakfast. She located two bowls and the Reese’s Puffs that they’d bought during yesterday’s excursion to the store.
“Hungry?” Beth called out, mostly to Jordan.
“Starving.” Josh’s playful response startled her.
She jumped and turned to find him walking into the kitchen with a smile on his lips. He looked just as good as he had yesterday at the Tavern. She was pretty sure he’d flirted with her last night, and if she were honest with herself, she’d flirted back.
She couldn’t help the smile that played on her lips. “Good morning,” she said as she turned back to the bowls and busied herself with pouring cereal.
“Morning to you too,” Josh said as he reached around her to open a drawer.
Beth tried not to obsess about how close he was or that his arm had brushed her hip. But the tingles that raced across her skin were hard to ignore. Beth cleared her throat and grabbed the milk.
After the cereal was ready, she turned to search for the spoons only to find Josh standing behind her, holding them up into the air. “Looking for these?” he asked.
A flush rushed across her skin as she nodded and took them from him. She plopped a spoon in each bowl and took a step back.
“Come on, JP. Breakfast is ready,” Josh shouted toward the living room as he grabbed the coffee pot from its base and poured a mug. “Coffee?” Josh asked, holding out the cup.
Beth nodded and took it from him. Josh poured another mug and then settled down at the table.
“So, how are you feeling?” he asked as he took a big bite of his cereal.
Jordan wandered into the kitchen and over to the table, and Beth brought him over his bowl of cereal. He seemed too distracted by the action figures on the table to notice their conversation.
Beth eyed Josh. “I’m okay.” Why was he asking her how she felt? Did she look sick?
Josh shrugged and took another bite. After swallowing, he glanced over at her. “I just figured you might be sore from last night. I mean, since I walloped you at darts and all.” He gave her a wink as he took another bite.
Beth’s jaw dropped. “You did not wallop me.”
Josh narrowed his eyes like he was thinking hard. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure that’s what happened.”
Beth scoffed. “Yeah, if you’re delusional.”
Josh chuckled and Beth couldn’t help but smile. Why did t
hings have to be so easy with Josh? Why couldn’t he have changed into a horrible, ugly monster? It would be easier to deny her feelings for him if he weren’t so…adorable.
A ringtone halted their conversation. Josh held up his finger as he grabbed his phone from his pocket. From the way his expression dropped, Beth could tell he wasn’t happy with who was calling.
But, before she could ask, Josh stood and mumbled something about needing to take the call outside.
It wasn’t her place to know his business, so Beth just gave him an encouraging smile as he walked over to the small door that lead out to the balcony. She tried to ignore how the air had shifted from relaxed to tense. And she tried to ignore the curiosity that built up inside of her as she wondered who would get him this upset.
Beth busied herself with finishing her coffee and rinsing out the mug. By the time she was finished, Jordan brought his bowl over and handed it to her. She took her time washing it, drying it, and putting it away.
A few minutes later, Josh came back in with a disgruntled look on his face. He pushed his hands through his hair as he blew out his breath and glanced over at the door.
“I should go. I’m going to be late if I don’t leave.”
Beth chewed her lip as she watched him walk over to his boots and slip them on. She wanted to ask if he was okay, but she also didn’t want to pry. So she just nodded and said, “Of course.”
Once Josh was ready, he made his way over to Jordan and plopped a kiss on the top of his head. “Mind Ms. Beth, you hear?”
Jordan mumbled something which Beth couldn’t make out, but from the satisfied look on Josh’s face, he must have complied. Josh walked by her, pausing briefly. “I’ll see you at Tricia’s?” he asked, glancing over at her.
Beth just nodded as she tried to muscle down the butterflies that had taken flight in her stomach. “Yes.”
Josh met her gaze, and she could tell he was hurting. Whatever had transpired over the phone had hurt him. She wanted to reach out and comfort him, to tell him that it was going to be okay, but she didn’t. Instead she just gave him an encouraging smile.
Josh turned and made his way out the front door. Seconds later, Beth was standing there in his house, alone. Well, except for Jordan. But he seemed completely content with sitting in front of the TV.
Beth turned and made her way over to the couch. “Come on, buddy. We have to go get Tanner.”
Jordan grumbled something, but after a few more encouraging words from Beth, he stood and disappeared into his room to get dressed.
* * *
Heat pricked Beth’s back as she climbed into the driver’s seat late that afternoon. She’d decided to take Jordan and Tanner to the beach, and what started out as a fun, adventurous afternoon excursion had turned disastrous.
After swimming out to get the floaties that both boys had let go of and brushing the sand off their sandwiches that had fallen to the ground, Beth was exhausted. She was ready to get home and shower to get the salt and sand off her skin.
After pulling out of the parking lot and heading down the main road, Beth glanced behind her to see that both boys had fallen asleep. Grateful for some calm, Beth turned on the radio and settled back into her seat.
Half an hour passed before she was pulling into Tricia’s driveway. Her gaze automatically made its way over to the black truck with the words Braxton Construction across it. After she turned off the car, she opened the door and stretched. She reached up and adjusted her messy bun, hoping she looked adorably disheveled instead of like a crazy sea creature.
Just as she went to wake up the boys, Josh’s voice filled the air, making her shiver.
“Busy day?” he asked with an amused hint to his voice.
Beth straightened and turned to see him standing behind her. He was covered in dust and sweat, but with his playful smile and chiseled jaw, he’d never looked better.
Hoping that he didn’t catch her staring, she shrugged and blew out her breath. “These two definitely keep me on my toes.”
Josh reached out and rested his hand on the door—right next to Beth’s. They were almost touching. Then he leaned down to peer into the car. “Looks like you did your job well. They look totally worn out.”
Beth pulled her hand away and crossed her arms. Sure, Josh was intoxicating with his smiles and flirting, but she needed to be careful. This would not end well if she read too much into what he was doing. Besides, with her mom’s illness and her relationship baggage, she was the last person Josh should be involving himself with.
“I’m happy I’m doing well,” she said.
Josh glanced over at her, and then his eyebrows shot up as if he suddenly realized what he’d said. “I didn’t mean—”
Beth held up her hand. “It’s okay. I’m a novice when it comes to kids.”
The smile that played on Josh’s lips caused her heart to quicken. He straightened, bringing his entire frame upward to tower over her. “Well, from what I can see, you’re a natural.”
Beth stood there, dwarfed by Josh and completely unable to form any sort of coherent response. He was complimenting her, and that was strange. Worried she’d sound like an idiot if she opened her mouth, Beth just nodded.
“You’re back,” Tricia called out from behind Beth, breaking the trance Josh held over her.
Beth jumped back and whipped around to see Tricia peering into the car. “Yeah, sorry.”
Tricia’s eyes were wide as she brought her gaze up to meet Beth’s. “Don’t apologize. You wore him out. That’s great.” She made her way around the car so she could open Tanner’s door. “This kid never gets exhausted.” Tricia smiled at Beth. “You’re a genius. Thanks so much for helping me out.”
Beth nodded, and, as Tricia emerged with Tanner passed out on her shoulder, she turned to face Josh. “Think about it, okay? I think the boys would really enjoy a weekend away.”
Beth studied Tricia and then let her gaze travel over to Josh. He was just nodding. Beth tried to keep her expression relaxed as she met Josh’s gaze. But she must have furrowed her brow because Josh sighed.
“She wants to take the boys to Disney World next weekend.”
Beth swallowed as she reached down to unbuckle Jordan and heave him up onto her shoulder. “Oh yeah?”
Josh nodded. “I’m just not sure that’s a good idea.” Josh led her over to his truck, where she deposited Jordan into his booster seat.
She brushed her hands as she turned to face Josh. “I think Jordan would have a lot of fun.” She forced a hopeful smile as she met his gaze.
“Yeah, he would.” Josh’s voice drifted off as he stood there with one arm propped up on the cab of his truck and a far-off look in his eye.
Not sure what else to say, Beth took a deep breath and turned. “I should go. I’m covered in sand and salt.” Just as she started her retreat, Josh’s hand reached out and grabbed her arm. Heat raced across her skin as she glanced down to see that she hadn’t been imagining the contact.
“Come to dinner?” he asked. His voice was low and husky and sent shivers down her back.
When she glanced up to see that he was inches from her face, all she could do was nod. “Sure.”
That seemed to satisfy Josh. He gave her a wide smile and dropped his arm, allowing for Beth’s hasty retreat. Once she was in her car, she started the engine and pulled out of Tricia’s driveway, her heart pounding in her chest.
Why was she going to Josh’s for dinner? Was she crazy?
Probably.
* * *
After Beth was showered and dressed, she left a quick note for her mom and headed out the door. As she walked by the Braxton’s house, she could hear loud music playing from the inside. Elvis, Mrs. Braxton’s favorite artist. Shadows moved past the kitchen window, and as she studied them, she realized that Mr. And Mrs. Braxton were dancing.
A smile played on her lips as she dropped her gaze, feeling like she was intruding on an intimate moment. But she couldn’t stop the twinge o
f jealousy that grew in her gut. It’d been a long time since she’d seen her mom and Sam happy.
It was one of the things she missed most—before the divorce or even after. It’d been a long time since she’d seen a parental figure in her life laugh or dance together. But that seemed ridiculous given her family’s circumstance. It hurt when she thought of all the things that her mom had had to give up, and she just wished she had more time to fix the broken things in her mom’s life. Their relationship, her mom’s happiness. Those things felt unreachable to Beth, no matter how hard she strained to reach them.
Tears pricked her eyes as she thought about the outcome that so many with cancer faced. What was she going to do without her mom? There were so many life experiences that she wanted her to be there for, and facing them alone felt daunting. And suddenly, she felt selfish. Here she was, allowing herself to be happy. To reach out to Josh, who seemed to be reaching back.
How could she possibly be happy when her mom and Sam were so unhappy? What kind of daughter did that?
She swallowed the lump in her throat as she forced those thoughts from her mind. She couldn’t think like that right now. Not when she was moments away from talking to Josh. The last thing she needed to do was to break down in front of him. She was determined to keep her mom’s secret. She could do this.
She patted her cheeks and took a deep breath, willing her tears to dissipate. Just as she reached up to knock, the door opened. She was met with Josh’s wide eyes and equally wide smile.
“Hey, you made it,” he said as he pushed some shoes away with his foot and opened the door wider. “I was about to send up a smoke signal.”
Beth shook her head and smiled as she stepped into the room. “Sorry. I had to take a shower and leave my mom and Sam a note.”
Josh nodded as he shut the door behind her. “Good. I was worried they were upset that I keep taking their daughter away from them.” He gave her a wink.
Beth knew that he meant it in jest, but her heart picked up speed from his words. As much as she wanted to deny it, Josh clearly wanted her here. And that felt so good.
Her Boss: Braxton Brothers Series Book One Page 8