Beau narrowed his gaze. “Stop. It’s not like that.”
“Like what?” she said, trying to act innocent.
Like he was attracted to Ashlee. Because he wasn’t. “Isabelle is a beautiful little girl. Do y’all have a name picked out for baby number two?”
“That’s so cute how you’re trying to change the subject, but you should know me by now.” She leaned in close to him. “I have a feeling you’re seeing Ashlee in a whole different light.”
Beau set the glass onto the table and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Look, Addie, I’d have to be blind not to notice how beautiful Ashlee is, but it doesn’t mean anything. I’m still ten years older than her, and she’s still my best friend’s little sister.”
“Wow, you’ve really given this some thought, haven’t you?”
“I give up,” he said, rolling his eyes.
“Lighten up, Beau. I’m just teasing.” She gazed out on the dance floor. “The handsy guy is a player, and Luke already warned Ash about him, so I doubt she’ll dance with him again.”
“She doesn’t go for players anymore?”
“She doesn’t go for jerks anymore.” Addie sighed. “I think the last guy she dated really broke her heart.”
That feeling was back again, buzzing around him like an annoying mosquito. “Why, what did he do?”
Shoot. He hadn’t meant to sound so intense.
One of Addie’s eyebrows arched up. “And the reason you care is because…”
Beau laughed and shook his head. He had walked right into that one. “I already told you. Ashlee’s like a sister to me. I’ve known her most of my life, and I care about her… like a sister.”
The skin around Addie’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “Of course you do.”
Chase saved him from saying anything more incriminating. “What’re y’all lookin’ at?”
Or not.
Beau leveled a look at Addie, hoping she got the message their discussion was over. “The dude dancing with Ashlee,” Beau said to Chase. “He’s border-line too friendly, if you know what I mean.”
Chase squinted against the light. “Hey, that’s the bull-rider Luke knew in high school.” He shot Beau a wide grin. “You think we can take him?”
“You think it’s gonna take both of us?”
“I have an idea,” Addie said wryly. “Why don’t y’all challenge him to a dance-off?” She did the bye-bye-bye move and mouthed the words.
Chase and Beau both started laughing. Then Chase sobered as he stared at his little sister. “Seriously, though. Luke warned Ashlee about him.” He nudged Beau in the arm. “I know, go cut in.”
“Good idea, sweetie,” Addie said, giving Beau an exaggerated wink.
“I’m not cutting in.” Beau nodded toward the DJ. “Besides, the song’s ending and he’s getting ready to announce something.”
Sure enough, as soon as the song ended, the DJ announced it was time for the bride to toss the bouquet. He called for all the single ladies to gather round the bride. Women in tight skirts and high heels converged in one spot, vying for Taylin’s attention to toss the flowers their way.
“I’m so glad I’m married,” Addie said. “It totally sucks being single at a wedding.”
“Thanks a lot,” Beau said dryly.
She laughed. “I didn’t mean you.”
“Right.”
“I hated trying to catch the bouquet. It made me feel desperate.” She scanned the group of women. “Where’s Ashlee? She needs to be up front and center.”
“I thought you said it would make her look desperate?” Chase said.
“She gets a pass, since she’s the maid of honor and the bride’s sister.”
“Where do you learn all these rules?” Beau asked, unable to see Ashlee.
“I see her,” Addie said without answering Beau. “She’s kind of hanging back in the corner. Maybe she and Taylin worked something out first.”
“Isn’t that cheating?” Chase asked with mock horror. “Somebody might call for a do over if they suspect foul play.”
Addie giggled and kissed Chase. Ignoring the happy couple, Beau edged around a few spectators blocking his view and glimpsed Ashlee hovering toward the back of the women. Although she wore a big smile, it didn’t reach her eyes. Not only was she single, she was single at her twin sister’s wedding. That had to doubly suck.
Taylin turned around in preparation to toss the bouquet and looked over shoulder. “Ok, y’all, on the count of three.” She faced forward and started the countdown, launching the bouquet over her head on three.
Watching girls dive-bomb for the coveted floral arrangement proved Addie’s point perfectly. Sure, they were having fun, but he could tell some of the ladies were pretty serious… or desperate, depending on who you asked.
Ashlee didn’t even attempt to get into the melee. Her mother had joined her and had an arm around her waist. A wild cheer rose as Kate came out the victor. She laughed and waved the lucky bouquet above her head.
The DJ announced it was the bachelors’ turn to try and catch the garter. Beau backed up when Chase and Addie both turned to him with matching smiles.
“No way, I’ve already humiliated myself with the dance.”
“But it’s tradition,” Addie said. “Do you really want the bull-rider guy to catch the garter?”
“Yep.”
They stopped razzing him to watch Luke tastefully remove a blue garter from just below Taylin’s knee. Then he turned and without a countdown, shot the garter into the group of men. Chase’s ten-year-old nephew caught it. Beau wondered if the kid would be as excited once his parents told him what it meant.
While all of this was going down, Beau kept an eye on Ashlee. She and Taylin were talking with their heads bent close together. Taylin laughed at something Ashlee said and then hugged her sister tightly. The photographer snapped several shots of the two girls. When Taylin broke away to take her husband’s hand, Beau saw Ashlee discreetly wipe her cheeks.
The DJ announced it was time for everyone to line up outside the doors to send the bride and groom off on their honeymoon. Beau followed Chase and Addie outside and accepted a long sparkler from one of the flower girls. Miss Janie carried Isabelle over to her parents. Beau’s grandmother was right behind her.
“I didn’t see you in line for the garter,” she whispered once she was beside him.
“Did you really think I would?”
“No,” she said with a laugh.
As two of Luke’s groomsmen lit the sparklers, Beau noticed Ashlee had found a spot almost directly across from him. She was once again surrounded by her nieces and nephews. He didn’t see any telltale signs that she’d been crying, which made him feel better. She looked happy and cheered along with everyone else as Taylin and Luke emerged from the double doors.
The newlyweds rushed down the center of the crowd toward the waiting truck that was covered with hearts and bows. Luke helped his bride inside the truck and then pumped his fist in the air before rounding the front of the truck to take the driver’s seat. As they drove away, Beau read the message on the back window, “Kissing the Single Life Good-bye!” and guessed Ashlee had been the one to pen it.
As everyone watched the truck lights disappear, Beau saw Ashlee slip away and head toward the gated pool. He did what any friend would do and followed her.
Chapter 5
Feeling as if she couldn’t breathe, Ashlee pushed through the gate to the pool and made a beeline for the gazebo in the corner. She needed a few moments to compose herself before returning to help her family clean up.
Something sharp pricked the bottom of her barefoot, making her yelp in pain. Hobbling to the nearest bench, she sat down and examined the bottom of her foot.
Bright red blood oozed from a small puncture wound caused from a tiny shard of glass. Tears she’d been holding back all evening spilled over her bottom lashes, and she sucked in a quick breath as she attempted to remove the glass splinter.
&
nbsp; The sound of the gate creaking open brought her head up, and she nearly groaned out loud when Beau appeared before her. He was absolutely the last person she wanted to talk to right now.
“You okay?” he asked in that husky, southern drawl she’d always loved.
Grateful she had an excuse for her tears, she pointed to her foot. “I’m fine. Just stepped on a piece of glass.”
His forehead creased. “Let me have a look.” He closed the distance between them and crouched down in front of her.
Realizing his intention, Ashlee pulled her foot back. She didn’t want him to help her, and she didn’t want him to touch her. “No, thank you. I can take care of it myself.”
Beau’s eyes met hers, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “I won’t hurt you.”
Ha! He had no idea how much he’d already hurt her over the years. Yeah, it hadn’t been intentional due to the circumstances of her age and all, but he’d outright rejected her tonight. He’d had to have known she wanted him to ask her to dance, not Jake. Yet, he’d simply smiled at her and checked the time.
“Really, Beau, I’ve got it.” She let go of her foot. “In fact, the glass may already be out.”
He lifted a questioning brow. “Then prove it and put some weight on it.”
She inwardly winced just thinking about it. “I will. Just as soon as you leave me alone.”
He laughed. “I can see you haven’t changed that much. You’re still just as stubborn as you used to be.”
And there it was. Beau really didn’t see how much she’d grown up in the past six years. Okay, so maybe she was still a tad on the stubborn side and was still dressing up like princesses for a career, but she wasn’t a teenager anymore. Yet, Beau still saw her as Chase’s annoying little sister with a mad crush on him.
“Fine, Beau.” She extended her foot. “Go for it.”
“That’s better,” he said smugly.
Knowing it was going to hurt, she leaned back on her palms, closed her eyes and braced herself for the pain. Seconds ticked by, but nothing happened. “What’s wrong?” she asked, peeking at him through her lashes.
Beau’s gaze flickered to hers and then back to her foot. “Nothing.” He lifted his hands. “Here goes.”
This time Ashlee kept her eyes open as Beau gently cupped the heel of her foot in his palm. Sensations, that were anything but painful, rippled through her as he examined the bottom of her foot. Nope, she wasn’t feeling any pain. In fact, the only one who looked pained was Beau.
“Are you okay?” she asked, wondering if he had an aversion to blood. “You look a little pale.”
He let out a long exhale and met her eyes. “I’m not in pain, Ashlee, but I lied… this is gonna hurt.”
His concern was kind of sweet. “Just do it.” She squeezed her eyes shut and drew in a sharp breath as he pried the sliver out.
“Sorry,” he said softly as his thumb made slow circles on the bottom of her foot.
Ashlee’s stomach did a series of somersaults as a warm intoxicating sensation spread through her. Was he even aware of what he was doing? “It’s all right. Thank you.”
As if someone flipped a switch, Beau released his hold and got to his feet. “Hang tight, and I’ll see if I can find a bandage.”
He disappeared through a set of French doors, leaving Ashlee to ponder what had just happened. Was Beau attracted to her or was it just wishful thinking on her part? He returned a moment later with a couple of individually wrapped alcohol wipes and a bandage.
“Thanks,” she said, accepting his offerings. She sensed him watching her while she doctored her foot, but every time she glanced up, he averted his gaze. Finished, she stood up and tossed the empty wrappers into the nearby trashcan. When she turned to face Beau, she found him studying her closely. This time he didn’t look away.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Yeah.” She pressed down on her foot. “See, no more pain.”
He gave her a crooked smile. “That’s not what I meant.”
Oh. So instead of having to face her family’s concern, or rather, pity, Beau was also going to give it to her. “I’m a little tired.” She placed a hand over her stomach. “I’m hungry too. Maybe you could go and get me a piece of cake?”
“Trying to get rid of me?”
For some dumb reason, her eyes filled up with tears. “Maybe.” Embarrassed, she sank back down on the bench and dropped her chin to her chest. “I just need a minute alone.”
Several seconds ticked by in silence. Then Beau shuffled next to the bench and took a seat next to her. “Ash, it’s okay to be sad.”
“I’m not sad.” She sniffed as a tear dropped onto her dress, darkening the material. “I’m happy.” A few more tears fell, and she bit her bottom lip, wishing he’d just leave her alone.
She heard him take a deep breath before slipping an arm around her shoulders. That was all it took for the floodgates to open. Allowing herself to give into her emotions, she turned into him and pressed her face against his chest. He didn’t say anything, just held her and let her cry.
It was stupid to feel this way. Taylin hadn’t died. She wasn’t even moving out of the country or the state of Georgia. Still, Ashlee felt like she’d lost her best friend. Worse, she felt left behind. And it was nobody’s fault but her own.
Feeling stupid for her outburst, she willed herself to get it together. Besides, Beau was holding her. Then it hit her. Beau was holding her.
Ashlee instantly became aware of the man comforting her. The muscles beneath her cheek were firm, his body warm. A wave of heat seared through her as she breathed in the tangy scent of his cologne. Relaxing her fisted hand, she flattened her palm against his chest and felt the rapid beat of his heart.
All at once Beau stilled, the only movement was his shallow breathing. Needing to see his face, she edged back just enough to look up at him.
The moment their gazes collided, something flashed in his eyes. Suddenly, Beau dropped his arm and jumped to his feet. “Are you still hungry?”
“Um, yes,” she said, looking at his mouth.
“For cake,” he said, taking a step backward.
Cake? Not likely. What she’d just experienced was far better than any comfort food.
“I’ll go and get you some.” He took another step backward, his eyes widening with shock.
“Beau!” she said, just before he fell into the pool.
Unable to help it, laughter bubbled out of her as she walked to the edge of the pool and waited for Beau to surface.
“You do know how to swim, right?” Ashlee said when he finally came up for air.
“Yep.” Treading water, he pushed his hair out of his eyes and glared at her.
“Don’t be mad at me. That was not my fault.”
“That’s debatable,” he murmured.
She smothered a giggle. “Do you need help gettin’ out?”
“Yeah, Ashlee. I’d love nothin’ more than for you to help me out.” His sarcasm made her laugh out loud again, which only made his scowl deepen.
While falling into the pool with him could turn into something romantic, she figured whatever he’d been feeling for her had been doused the second he hit the water. Besides, she didn’t want to ruin her dress.
“I changed my mind.” She moved away from edge in case he got any ideas about reaching out and grabbing her to get his revenge. “You can get out by yourself.”
“Chicken.” His lips twitched before he turned and swam to the ladder on the side of the pool. He climbed out, and Ashlee admired the way his cotton dress shirt clung to him, showcasing those impressive muscles she’d had her face pressed against only moments earlier.
Without looking at her, he pulled his cell phone from his pocket. Who was he going to call?
“Don’t turn it on,” Ashlee said, having learned that lesson, not once, but twice when she’d gotten her cell phone wet. “You need to shake out as much water as possible and then put it in a bag of rice for a co
uple of days.”
He glanced up. “Thanks for the warning, but my phone is waterproof.”
“Really? They make those?” She should probably look into that.
“They do.” He lowered his gaze and scrolled through his phone… and kept scrolling. This went on for at least thirty seconds. Obviously, he wasn’t in any mood to discuss what had just happened between them. But she was.
Just as she was about to ask him about the almost kiss, Beau’s grandmother came out of the French doors and stared at her grandson. “Did you decide to go for a swim or did you fall in the pool?”
Ashlee stifled a laugh at the look Beau gave his grandmother. “No, and yes,” he said, palming his phone. “But I think I’m ready to call it a night. Do you need a ride to your condo?”
“That’s okay, sweetheart. Janie is going to drop me off on her way home.”
“You sure?” he asked, still ignoring Ashlee.
“Yes dear.” Miss Barbara’s forehead wrinkled with concern. “Does Ashlee need a ride home?”
“No,” She and Beau said at the same time, although his “no” had much more emphasis than was necessary.
“Thank you, Miss Barbara, but I’ve got my car here.” Even if she didn’t, she wasn’t going to force Beau to take her home.
“Okay, darlin’.” She hugged Ashlee. “I hope I get to see you. Maybe you can come out to the house for supper one evening.”
“Thank you, ma’am. I’d like that,” Ashlee said, despite the unenthusiastic look on Beau’s face.
As his grandmother went back through the French doors, Ashlee turned to Beau. He was acting like a jerk, and she didn’t care if he was ready to talk or not. “So, about what just happened.”
“Can we just forget what happened?”
That stung. And which part did he want to forget?
The French doors opened again, and Chase walked out. “Hey, I’ve been lookin’ for y’all. Where—” He paused mid-sentence. “Dude, did you fall into the pool?”
“Something like that,” Beau muttered. He tried shoving his phone into his pocket, but the wet fabric stopped it from sliding in.
Blue Moon Kisses: Georgia Moon Romance Book 3 Page 5