by SJ McCoy
Corinne laughed and chinked her glass against Cassidy’s. “Thank you.”
Cassidy raised an eyebrow. “So how do you know Beau?”
“I don’t know him. We just ran into each other a couple of times already.”
“Oh, shit! You don’t like him, do you? I didn’t screw up, did I?”
“No! I appreciate you springing me from what could have been an awkward moment.”
“Why awkward? And why didn’t you say no?”
“No to what?”
“To the question of whether you like him.”
Corinne blew out a sigh. “Okay. I can answer both questions in one go.” Why not? She may as well admit what was going on. Cassidy was going to be a part of her life, she hoped they would become friends, and friends shared confidences. “Awkward because, yes, I do find him attractive.”
Cassidy shrugged. “I can see that. He is a good-looking guy.”
“However, he can’t stand Ruby and,” she had to smile, “I have it on good authority that he has his head up his ass!”
Cassidy chuckled. “Umm. I’m guessing I may have screwed up and said that when Ruby was around?”
Corinne nodded. “Just a heads-up, if you don’t want something repeated, make sure she’s not within earshot when you say it.”
“And try to make sure I don’t use any bad words, right? I’m sorry.”
Corinne held up a hand. “No, I wasn’t…”
“It’s okay. You’re too nice to say it, but I should know better. Anyway, where does all that leave you with Beau? Torn, I guess?”
Corinne shook her head. “No. It has to be cut and dried. How could I like a guy who thinks my daughter is a monster?”
Cassidy pursed her lips. “I’m sure Beau thinks all kids are monsters. It’s nothing personal.”
“It is to me!”
“I know, but…Damn, I can’t believe I’m going to stick up for him, but I guess he and I are the same in this. He’s not used to kids. He doesn’t know how to treat them, and well, more than that even, Beau’s not used to anyone telling him what’s what. From what I’ve seen, Ruby speaks her mind.” She smiled. “You know, I just realized that maybe I’ve struggled with Ruby because she and I are pretty much alike. Strong, smart and not afraid to speak our minds.” She nodded. “She’s a good kid!”
Corinne had to smile, thankful that Cassidy’s breakthrough regarding Ruby had come so easily. If only the same thing could happen for Beau! “Okay, so you figured out what your problem with her has been.” She noticed that Cassidy made no attempt to politely deny that she’d had a problem. “What do you think Beau’s problem is?”
“Like I said. She speaks her mind. She tells it like it is.” She thought about it for a few moments. “I guess they’re too much alike as well. He’s used to getting his own way. And he’s used to being in charge, in control.”
Corinne nodded. That certainly described Ruby even though she didn’t like to admit it. “But they’re traits that are acceptable in a little girl, even if not desirable. But she’s just exploring her world and finding her place in it. Describing a full-grown man in the same way doesn’t make him sound very appealing.”
Cassidy shrugged. “Maybe I’m being too harsh.”
“But you don’t like him?”
“It’s not that. It’s just. I don’t know. He’s not as open as the others, I don’t know him as well, but I think that’s because he’s not easy to get to know.”
“Hey, ladies,” Summer stuck her head out the door. “The coast’s clear in the kitchen now if you want to come back in?”
“Thanks.” Corinne followed Cassidy back inside
“Where’ve they gone?” asked Cassidy.
Summer smiled. “Carter decided he wanted to show them his new greenhouse he’s working on. Though I think it was really just an excuse to get all the guys out of the way so us girls could talk.”
Gina smiled. “He’s such a sweetheart. He makes out he’s so clueless, but he keeps an eye on everything, doesn’t he?”
Summer’s eyes shone and she nodded her agreement. “He’s the most amazing guy ever.”
Corinne smiled at the way Cassidy rolled her eyes. “Forgive our little love-struck missy here.”
“Nothing to forgive,” said Corinne. “I think it’s awesome.”
“Thank you,” said Summer.
“Looks like someone else is love-struck from what I could tell, too,” said Gina. She raised an eyebrow at Corinne. “What’s the story with you and Beau?”
She sighed. “There isn’t one. I mean, he’s an attractive guy. I know none of you will argue with that, he’s a Remington after all, but that’s all there is to it.”
“You don’t like him?”
“Whether I like him or not is irrelevant.”
“But why?”
“Because he doesn’t like Ruby!”
“Oh.” Gina’s face fell. Corinne had to notice that she didn’t have any arguments to offer. She shrugged. “It’s okay. I’m used to it. Being a single mom and dating don’t exactly go well together. If I’m going to take a risk on a guy I need to have a pretty strong inkling that he’s worth it. From what I’ve seen,” she looked around at the others, “and heard, Beau doesn’t exactly inspire the right feeling.”
“Aww,” Summer looked upset. “I wish you’d give him a chance. He means well.”
“If it was just about me, I probably would. But I have Ruby to consider. It’s hard knowing that she thinks the world of him, when he can’t stand her.”
“I think it’s more like he’s scared of her,” said Gina.
“Whatever it is, I don’t want to take the risk of her getting hurt. It’s just not worth it.” She turned at the sound of guys coming back in. “I’m glad I got to talk to you all about it, but I’d rather we just dropped it?”
The others nodded their agreement.
“What’s going on in here?” asked Shane as he came and wrapped an arm around Cassidy’s shoulders. “What kind of trouble are you ladies brewing?”
Cassidy turned to look up at him with big wide innocent eyes. “Nothing. What makes you ask?”
“Now I’m worried,” said Shane with a laugh. “I didn’t think you were up to anything till you gave me the Little Miss Innocent look. Now I’m pretty damned sure you are.”
Cassidy laughed and pushed him off her. “What are you saying?”
Shane shrugged. “That you, my love, can be accused of many things, but being innocent isn’t one of them.”
Cassidy huffed as she pushed him again. Corinne loved the banter and the sparring those two had going most of the time. She turned away and found Beau watching her. A jolt of electricity shot through her veins, making her scalp tingle—and other places too.
He raised his glass to her and came toward her. He really was a good-looking guy.
“Listen, I wanted to apologize for what I said about Ruby.”
She nodded. She didn’t know what to say, she hadn’t thought he’d address it directly.
He leaned his head down and looked into her eyes, making her heart flutter, just the way he had when she’d first laid eyes on him. “I mean it. I’m sorry.”
For a moment she stared back into those big brown eyes. It’d be so easy to get lost in them and to believe that he meant it. Like she’d just told the girls, if it were only about her, she’d take the risk and see where it went. But it wasn’t just about her. It was about Ruby too. “Thank you.”
He held her gaze for a moment longer and then gave a brief nod.
~ ~ ~
Beau turned away. What was he supposed to do? He couldn’t lie and say that he thought Ruby was great really. He didn’t! He did want to get to know Corinne, but he wasn’t sure that Ruby was an obstacle he wanted to overcome in order to do so.
He was relieved when Summer called them all to sit down. Though when he made his way to the table he found himself seated beside Corinne. He gave her a rueful smile as he sat down.
“Do you think you can stand it?”
“Stand what?”
“Having to sit next to me.”
Her smile took his breath away. She was so goddamned beautiful! “Of course I can. And since Ruby’s not here, I’m guessing you can stand to sit by me as well.”
He nodded. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“I know.” She shrugged. “It’s hard not to be defensive about her though. I’m all she’s got. She’s all I’ve got.”
Beau thought about that. The perspective of a parent wasn’t one he’d considered before. He nodded. “I’m sorry.”
She gave a little laugh. “You don’t need to keep saying it. How about we move on from there?”
“Gladly.” He looked up to see the others watching them. He caught Mason’s eye and lifted a shoulder.
He was pleased that Shane seemed to be in great form tonight. He kept everyone entertained with tales about the guest ranch. Occasionally Beau stole a glance at Corinne. She was enjoying herself, laughing with the others, not afraid to throw in a comment here and there. On more than one occasion their eyes met as he caught her looking at him. Why, oh why did she have to be Ruby’s mom? It’d be a no-brainer if she wasn’t. He was pretty sure that she felt the same way, but she did have a kid to consider. No matter what he thought of the kid, he did respect that. He thought again about what she’d said earlier. She was all Ruby had, Ruby was all she had. What must it be like to be wholly responsible for someone else’s life? He shuddered at the thought. He’d never really given much thought to the matter of parenthood. Yeah, he’d assumed he’d be a dad someday. But someday was a long way away.
When they’d finished eating, the conversation turned to Corinne. Beau sat up a little straighter, eager to get to know more about her.
“Yeah,” she was answering Mason. I did love Napa, I would have stayed there if I could.”
“Just as long as you don’t plan on hightailing it back there the first chance you get!” interjected Shane. “I need you.”
Cassidy pushed at him. “Then start behaving like a grown-up or poor Corinne will want to get out of here as fast as she can.”
Corinne laughed. “No, I like it here.” She grinned at Shane. “Even though I’m not sure about my new boss yet.”
“You should have a probationary period,” said Cassidy. “Only the opposite of the usual. He needs to be on his best behavior if you’re going to stay.”
Corinne nodded. “That could work.”
“And how about Ruby?” Beau couldn’t figure out the look Summer shot him as she asked the question. “How’s she settling in?”
Corinne nodded. “So far, so good. She’s looking forward to starting Pre-K. And Susie’s going to be picking her up and dropping her off.”
“I’m glad that worked out,” said Shane.
“Me too. Thanks so much for suggesting it.”
“Sure thing. I knew she was looking after her grandkids, and I figured it might help you both out. Plus it gives Ruby some built-in friends before she starts school.”
“Is she with Susie tonight?” asked Beau. He’d wondered where she was, but hadn’t liked to ask.
“She is.” Corinne checked her watch. “And I should probably get going. I don’t want to leave them too long on their first night together.
Damn! Beau hadn’t intended to scare her off.
“Don’t go yet!” said Shane. “It’s early! Susie will think you don’t trust her if you go back now!”
Corinne shook her head. “I’m sure she’ll understand a nervous momma.”
Summer nodded. “You go if you want to. There’ll be plenty of other times you can come for the whole evening.”
Corinne gave her a grateful smile. Beau had to wonder how it must feel to be her. He had no clue.
He went with the others as they all gathered in the hallway to say good-bye to her. He hung back as hugs and kisses were exchanged. He came to his senses when he watched her hug Carter. No way was he about to miss out on that. He stepped forward and held his arms open to her. “It was good to see you again.”
She froze as she stared up into his eyes. She looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights. He wasn’t going to let her escape though. He stepped forward. He felt a tremor run through her as she leaned in to hug him. It passed through her and made him shiver too. Whatever this current was that was running between them, it had him letting her go far more quickly than he’d planned—but only so that he didn’t make a fool of himself by giving in to the desire to kiss her—right there in front of everyone and to hell with it!
She looked stunned as she stepped back awkwardly. She backed into Mason and dropped her purse, sending its contents spilling all over the floor. She managed to push everything back inside, well, almost everything, Beau saw something she’d missed. She gave them all an embarrassed smile. “Well, now I really am going. Thanks for tonight this was great guys.”
As he watched the girls walk her down the steps and to her car, he wondered if he should go after her. He shook his head. He knew he should, but he’d wait a little while first. As the guys made their way back to the living room, he bent down and picked up her cell phone from where it had slid under the bench in the hallway. He wouldn’t leave it too long, he needed to follow her with it. He hated the thought of her driving alone with no phone if she needed it. He waited until she’d pulled away and the girls were making their way back up the steps.
He went out onto the front deck and held up the phone. “Look what she lost when she dropped her purse!”
“Oh, no!” Summer turned around to check but Corinne had already disappeared down the long driveway.
“We can drop it off to her on our way home,” said Gina.
Beau shook his head. “What if she has a problem on the way home? I’ll go take it to her.”
“Thanks, Beau!” Summer looked genuinely relieved.
“Are you coming back?” Cassidy looked skeptical.
He shook his head. “I was about ready to head home anyway.”
“Yeah, right!” Cassidy laughed. “Good luck. And you know, I’ve been with you on the whole Ruby thing, but if you think about her being just like you, only smaller. It gives you a whole different perspective.”
Beau stared at her. He didn’t know what to say. How did Cassidy even know that Ruby was a problem for him? Had Corinne told her? And if so, why?
She grinned at him. “Go give it a shot cowboy, we’re not stupid. We can see what’s going on, just think on before you screw either of them over, okay?”
He nodded. He didn’t know what else to say.
Summer gave him an encouraging smile and Gina patted his arm as he walked past them and down the steps to his truck. As he climbed in, the thought struck him that he never bothered to lock it out here. He shook his head and started it up. That was hardly a detail he needed to be focusing on at the moment. What he needed to do was figure out what he was going to say to Corinne when he got to the cabin. What he probably should be figuring out was why the hell he hadn’t told her about her phone before she left.
Chapter Seven
Corinne smiled to herself as she drove home. It had been a good evening. She’d enjoyed the company. When Carly had first told her about a possible job here in Montana she’d wondered what kind of people she might meet, whether she’d be able to make any friends in the back end of nowhere. Now she felt as though she couldn’t ask for a nicer group of people anywhere.
Even Beau.
Watching him laugh with his brothers, chat with the girls, he did seem like a nice guy. There was no denying the effect he had on her. All he’d needed to do was put his hand on the counter behind her when he’d given her that glass of wine, and she’d gone all swoony! Then when he’d moved in for a hug before she left! Wow! If she didn’t have Ruby to think about she would have been dragging him home with her! She chuckled at the thought. She wouldn’t, that had never been her style, but it had been a long time since she’d had sex.
And Beau seemed to have awakened her desire.
He’d even apologized for what he’d said about Ruby. He hadn’t said he didn’t mean it, or that it wasn’t true, but he had at least apologized for saying it. She sighed. But what did it matter? Even if he was willing to give it a go, she couldn’t. She couldn’t do that to Ruby, couldn’t expose her to a guy she already liked, knowing that he didn’t like her. It wouldn’t be fair to her. She got attached to people.
As she drove back down East River Road she realized she was lost in her thoughts and missing the opportunity to just take in the beauty of the place. The sun was setting, touching the mountains with gold and the sky with crimson. It was absolutely beautiful. She decided to stop in the pull out by the river. She was going home very early and she deserved to take just five minutes to take this all in. She cut the engine and sat to watch the sky change color with a big smile on her face. This was the first time since they’d arrived that she’d taken a minute to just sit and be and appreciate where she was. This felt like a sign, an omen that she was in the right place and good things were to come. She rolled down the window to let in the cool air and breathe it all in.
A few moments later she looked up at the sound of a vehicle approaching. It was a big, dark blue pickup truck. It didn’t look like anything local though, it wasn’t old and dust covered, but new and still shiny. A momentary panic swept through her—and she was sitting out here in the middle of nowhere, all alone. What was she thinking?
She watched as it pulled in behind her. She was torn, part of her wanted to follow her instincts and flee. Another part of her thought she was being silly. She was in Montana, bad things didn’t happen here, people were friendly, they looked out for each other. It was probably someone stopping to see if she was okay. Not someone coming to murder her—she hoped. She put her hand on the key ready to start the car up and drive away in a hurry if she had to.
Her heart beat faster as she watched in the rearview mirror. The driver’s door of the truck opened and a man climbed out. A tall, dark, very good-looking man. Beau! She let out a slightly hysterical laugh. Thank goodness it was him. But what on earth was he doing here?