Beau had given her instructions to lean with the bike as they took corners to keep them balanced. Ashlee slipped her arms around his middle, pressed her cheek against his muscular back, and held on tightly.
The first curve they came to, she fought against the instinct to shift her weight to the opposite side. But she trusted Beau enough to lean with him, even though it felt like they would tip over.
She needed to remember that trust in the upcoming days. Beau was moving to Savannah. No matter how tightly she held on to him, he would have to go. She couldn’t fight against it or make any demands. She just had to lean into the coming curves and pray she didn’t tip over.
Chapter 24
With the click of the mouse, Beau saved the updates he’d made to the Victorian farmhouse design. It was beautiful and similar in style to his grandparents’ home, so it would complement the ante-bellum structure. After working for the past few days and nights on the new designs, he now had three different variations of the period homes that could easily be customized to fit individual wants and needs.
Leaning back against the kitchen chair, he put his hands behind his neck and stretched. Jackson had finally emailed him back last night and apologized for not getting back to him sooner. He’d wanted to do his research before talking with his father-in-law.
Beau felt bad about asking him to work on his vacation, but Jackson assured him it wasn’t a big deal. Mabel, his highly efficient secretary, had gathered all of the information for him while he’d enjoyed the day parasailing and snorkeling.
Glancing at the time, Beau turned to his laptop. Just as he logged in, the alert for an incoming Skype call pinged. Using the trackpad, he accepted the call from his friend.
Jackson filled the screen, looking like a beach bum with a deep tan and wearing nothing but his swim trunks. “Dude, you have no idea how excited I was when I read your email.”
“I still feel bad about interrupting your vacation,” Beau said.
“Don’t worry about it. I already told you I didn’t do anything.”
Sydney appeared next to Jackson and handed him one the twins. “Hey, Beau,” she said, peering into the camera. “Jacks really didn’t do anything.”
“See, I told you,” Jackson said, kissing the top of his son’s head. “If things go our way, you can send my secretary some flowers or candy. She likes daisies and anything with chocolate and caramel.”
“If things go our way, I’ll send her both,” Beau said, feeling hopeful by Jackson’s statement. “I know the business plan is pretty sketchy, but the research I’ve been able to do in other areas of the country show that people are interested in this type of custom home.”
“I know. Mabel just sent me a report this morning about a development she found in South Carolina that built period homes. They had sold every lot within a month, even with the increased price per square foot.” The baby started fussing, but quieted when Jackson let the little boy chew on his finger. “But even without the data, Richard was ready to jump on board when I told him who was trying to buy the surrounding property. Apparently, my father-in-law has a long history with Andrew Fredrickson, and he can’t stand the guy.”
Beau tried not to get too excited. Just because Sydney’s daddy disliked Mr. Fredrickson, didn’t mean he was ready to put up millions of dollars to back the project. There were so many unknowns, like his limited experience with residential architecture and development.
“I think Andrew’s already put in an offer, but my realtor can’t disclose anything.” Mrs. Erickson was coming by in a couple of hours to shoot still photos and video of the house. He wanted to let her know that Richard Sterling was also interested in the property. Beau knew that simply mentioning Mr. Sterling’s name would let the realtor know he was serious. However, Beau didn’t dare say anything until he had a green light from Jackson.
He hoped he wasn’t too late in trying to implement Ashlee’s idea. She had no idea about his secret project. He didn’t see a point in getting her hopes up if it wasn’t going to happen.
“Richard typically doesn’t discuss business when he’s vacationing, but Sydney knows how to work her daddy. He likes making his little girl happy, and apparently, my wife really wants you to stay in Mitchel Creek.”
“I love your wife.”
“I know, but you’ll have to find your own,” Jackson said. “Speaking of finding your own wife, what was the deal with you and Ashlee at Taylin’s wedding reception?”
Beau hoped the heat climbing his neck wasn’t visible. “Why do you ask?”
“Why do you look so guilty?” Jackson said with a wicked grin.
Jackson was the last person to confide in. It was nearly impossible for him to keep any secrets. Knowing something that nobody else knew provided too much good material for him to pass up.
“I’m not guilty.” Not unless you counted making out with your best friend’s little sister behind his back. That, he was guilty of.
“Right,” Jackson said, drawing out the word.
“So, about the property,” Beau said. “The realtor will be here shortly. I know y’all haven’t made a decision about funding the development, but do I have permission to mention that Richard Sterling is interested?”
The smirk remained on Jackson’s face, but he didn’t press for any more information on Ashlee. “Yeah, Richard’s already got his attorney looking into it. I’ll send you his contact info, and you can pass it along to the realtor.”
“Thank you, Jacks. Even if it doesn’t work out, I appreciate you going to bat for me.”
“That’s what friends are for, Beau.” His little boy started to fuss again and was sucking loudly on his fist. “This boy needs his mama, but send over the designs you’ve been working on.”
“They still need some work, but there’s enough done that you’ll get the basic idea.”
Beau ended the call and jiggled the mouse to his desktop computer. He opened his email account and attached the files of the house designs. He hit send and scooted back from the table. He needed to clear out his things before Mrs. Erickson arrived.
After packing up his computer and storing it in the hall closet., Beau grabbed his phone and headed up to his bedroom. He’d already made his bed, but there was a pile of clean laundry he needed to put away.
His phone pinged an incoming message. It was probably Ashlee. They had a date to go to the shooting range as soon as she was done with work. He picked up his phone and saw the message was from Jackson.
Got the house plans and they look amazing.
Beau started to reply, but Jackson sent another message. As soon as he read it he knew he was in trouble.
I especially like the first one you named Ashlee.
He had completely forgotten he’d given the first house design her name. He called himself all kinds of stupid for making such a potentially fatal mistake. His only chance of holding off Jackson was to talk to Sydney. He immediately sent her a message and gave her a quick rundown of his and Ashlee’s whirlwind romance, pleading with her to make sure Jackson didn’t say anything to Chase yet.
After getting a reply of a half-dozen smiley face emojis with hearts for eyes, she followed up with a promise to silence her husband. Even if it meant stealing his phone.
The muscles in Beau’s neck tensed, and he rubbed a hand over the knot in his shoulder. The stress of his job, selling the house, dating Ashlee, talking with Chase, starting his own business, and the enormity of developing the land were all building up. His original plans had been so simple. Sell his grandparents’ home, start his new job in Savannah and make more plans to eventually branch out on his own.
He hadn’t counted on Ashlee, or falling in love. Because that’s what he was doing, whether he wanted to admit it or not. Still, the thought of talking with her brother this evening was overwhelming. He wasn’t ready to declare his love or go shopping for a ring, but telling Chase and his parents that he was dating Ashlee was in its own way a commitment. A commitment with enor
mous consequences should it not work out.
A knock sounded about the same time he received a text message from Ashlee. He read the text as he made his way to answer the door. She was heading back to Princess Parties to change clothes. Beau typed in a quick reply that he’d meet her there in thirty minutes.
Pocketing the phone, he opened the door and let Mrs. Erickson and her assistant inside.
“Beau, the porch is lovely. I can hardly wait to see the new addition to the back.”
“Thank you. I’m pleased with how it all turned out.”
“I’m positive the house won’t be on the market long.” She dug through the oversized purse and pulled out a clipboard. “I’d like to sign the paperwork as soon as possible. We can get your signature now, and then I can swing by your grandmother’s condo and get her signature.”
Beau’s chest felt hollow at the thought of signing away his grandparents’ legacy. While he hadn’t included purchasing his grandmother’s house as part of the business deal, the entire development centered around the timeless structure. Even the small convenience store he wanted to include would fit in with the historic ambience of the project.
Drawing in a deep breath, Beau proceeded to tell her about his… no, Ashlee’s idea. Mrs. Erickson looked mildly peeved he may not want to put the house on the market until he mentioned Richard Sterling’s name. Beau gave her the contact information Jackson had forwarded, and her countenance brightened even more.
“I think we should still go ahead and get pics and video, but we can hold off on signing any papers for now.” Mrs. Erickson returned the paperwork to her bag. “I’ll be honest with you, Beau. Andrew Fredrickson is determined to get the surrounding property. Your grandparents’ house too. He may be acting as his own agent, but he’s been in the business for a long time.”
Beau knew what she was saying was true. He also knew that what he was proposing couldn’t happen overnight, or even over the weekend. If only he had more time before starting his new job. It wouldn’t be fair to request a delay on his start date. Not when there was a chance he would back out of the agreement. He hadn’t signed any kind of contract with the architecture firm, but he’d given them his word.
After giving Mrs. Erickson the code to the newly installed garage door, Beau left the agent and her assistant to the house.
His life felt out of control, and he almost wished he could just forget everything and move on with his original plans. But forgetting Ashlee or the way she made him feel wasn’t that simple. Heck, he didn’t even think it was possible.
As he pulled in alongside her yellow VW, he felt a little better. They obviously got along well and had unbelievable chemistry, but it didn’t mean marriage was the next step.
She walked out of the Princess Parties office and took Beau’s breath away. And just like that he was right back to feeling out of control.
Chapter 25
Ashlee closed one eye and focused on the center circle. “Now,” Beau said from behind her, “be ready for the recoil this time and keep your hand steady.” His warm breath tickled the back of her neck, making her shiver.
“Are you trying to distract me on purpose?” she said, still trying to focus on the target. “Afraid I might actually show you up?”
His chuckle increased her awareness of him and pebbled her skin with goose bumps. “Maybe,” he said. “Even when you jerked your hand, you came pretty close to hitting the target.”
Her competitive side kicked in, helping her ignore the incredibly sexy man standing behind her and concentrate on the task at hand. Slow and steady, she squeezed the trigger. Her hand twitched slightly despite her efforts to keep it perfectly still.
“Did I hit it?” she asked as Beau pushed a button that would bring the target up close for them to mark up.
Beau let out a low whistle. “Dang, you’re really good at this.” He glanced at the target and then back to her. “That is so hot.”
The look in his eyes made her stomach flutter. If not for the two cops target practicing in the next booth over, she would give him a thorough kiss. “You’re tryin’ to distract me again, aren’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am.” His heated gaze dropped to her mouth. “Is it working?”
“Is this another contest?” she teased. “Because I’ve got mad skills when it comes to distracting you.”
“Tell me something I don’t know.” He took the cap off of the red marker and wrote her initials next to the gaping holes. Then he sent the target back in place. “Okay, hotshot, you have eight more rounds. Let’s see if it was luck or talent.”
Ashlee put the shooting glasses back on and picked up the weapon, careful to follow every safety rule Beau had adamantly taught her. As if she’d been doing this her whole life, she slowly brought the gun up in front of her and positioned her hands correctly. She steadied her breathing, followed the line of sight and squeezed the trigger. She repeated the process until she’d fired all ten of the bullets Beau had loaded into the clip.
Taking off the safety glasses and the hearing protection earmuffs, she watched the target slide along the railing until it was in front of them. Beau shook his head as he initialed the holes that were inside the bullseye or just outside of it. She was good at this. Maybe she should look into law enforcement as a career.
“Should I thank you now for the supper you’re goin’ to make me or wait until later?” she teased as Beau took her place. They’d made a bet that if Ashlee could come close to hitting the center mark at least once, Beau would grill steak and veggie shish kabobs. “If I shoot better than you did altogether, I think you owe me dessert too.”
“Deal.” He put the safety glasses on and picked up the earmuffs. “But you’re making dessert if I happen to do better.”
As he loaded in the new clip, Ashlee took the opportunity just to simply watch him. She loved him so much, and she was dying to tell him. She was dying to tell anyone. Keeping this secret inside her was like shaking up a bottle of soda and not letting the pressure out. Taylin was coming home soon. She wasn’t sure she could keep this from her sister. If they were alone, it would be like someone finally unscrewed the soda bottle lid, and the contents would bubble over.
Chase was due to fly in sometime this evening. She wished Beau would just go talk to him and get it over with. She was almost positive her brother would approve of Beau dating her. He knew Beau and loved him like a brother. She doubted the age difference would even matter. The only issues he had with Taylin marrying Luke hadn’t been their seven-year age difference. It was because he didn’t know the guy. The ex-wife and baby didn’t help matters, but he and Luke got along great now.
Beau made her put on her ear protection before he fired the first round, but she still jumped at the sound. He didn’t bother bringing up the target until after he’d emptied the ten bullets he’d preloaded into the clip. It was pretty impressive, and she figured she would be making dessert tonight. Since her baking skills were sorely lacking, she would pick something easy like root beer floats or ice cream sundaes.
Beau brought the target forward. Ashlee counted the holes that were all in the middle of the bullseye. There was only eight new holes, which meant two of the shots had hit the same mark twice.
“Looks like I’m making dessert,” Ashlee said as Beau removed the target from the railing and rolled it up. “I’m not sure if I’d call that lucky, since I really don’t bake.”
He grinned and handed her the rolled-up target. “You forget I’ve had your pecan pie before.”
“And you forget that it took three tries and vigilant supervision by my sister-in-law.” She gave him a coy smile. “But I’m sure I can come up with something that will satisfy your sweet tooth.”
Desire flared in his eyes as they lowered to her mouth. “I’m sure you can too,” he said in a low voice.
If not for the two cops in the next booth over, Ashlee would’ve offered him a little taste test of dessert right now. Then again, kissing wasn’t illegal.
She started to lean toward him, but Beau had much more self-control. “Let me put the gun away and then we can stop by a grocery store.”
“Okay.” Ashlee stored the hearing protection gear inside the duffle. Then she grabbed her purse from the small bench. “Hey, I’m going to find a restroom, and then I’ll meet you out front.”
“Sounds good,” Beau said, lifting the gun up to inspect the chamber to make sure it was empty.
When Ashlee came out of the restroom, Beau was talking to the owner. The guy was a retired Marine. He was intimidating to look at with multiple tattoos adorning bulging muscles, but he was a really nice guy.
“Was this really your first time shootin’?” he asked Ashlee as he unrolled the target sheet.
“First time,” she said, sidling up close to Beau. “But I did have a pretty good instructor.”
“Yeah, I saw how he instructed you,” the guy said rolling the target sheet back up and handing it to her. “It’s a dang miracle y’all hit anything at all.”
Ashlee and Beau both laughed and waved goodbye. As Beau held the door open for her, the Marine hollered, “Y’all come back.”
She hoped they could come back, but knew it wouldn’t be any time soon. At least not until Beau was settled in his condo and could make the drive back for a weekend visit. A knot of anxiety curled inside her stomach, adding another loop to the tangled mess already there. It happened whenever she allowed herself to really think about what his moving would mean.
Ashlee wanted to talk about what would happen when Beau left, but she didn’t want to put any pressure on him. That, and he didn’t like talking about it. She also didn’t ask him about when they would tell her family they were dating.
Another knot twisted in her gut, and she placed her hand over her abdomen, wishing the feeling would go away. If he knew how obsessed she was with thinking of their relationship, how much she loved him and wanted to marry him, he would probably move further than Savannah.
Blue Moon Kisses: Georgia Moon Romance Book 3 Page 23