Page 28 of Beau & Autumn

“Hallelujah.”

I pause my smudging on the other eye. “What?”

“You and Beau would be so cute together. I’d say it’s about time. Bang him, you’ll feel so much better.”

Oh, God, just the very thought… “I don’t know about together together, but ever since the auction I’ve been noticing him in ways I haven’t before, and not just his hot body.”

“Do tell.”

“I don’t know. He’s just so sweet and I feel really comfortable with him. He’s given me some great advice since my breakup and he’s been a really great support. Not only that, he’s big and handsome, and smells great. We hugged the other day at the distillery and I’m sure I felt him… uh… well… He was… hard.”

“Oh, sweet baby Jesus.”

“Right?”

“So he’s into you, and you’re into him. This isn’t a hard one to figure out. Do you like him more than a friend?”

“Yeah, I mean, maybe.”

“I think that’s the best news ever.” I can hear the smile in her voice. “I mean, you two get along so well. It’s a wonder you haven’t shacked up way before now. Beau’s a sweetheart, no doubt about it. Sexy as sin too and when he wears those reading glasses… Swoon.”

“Tell me about it,” I sigh.

“You groan like this is a bad thing?”

“Well it’s just a little confusing. I don’t know where it’s all stemming from. I mean, I can’t stop thinking about him, Carrie.”

“Well, maybe you need to gauge it and make the moves?”

My eyes widen, and not just because I’m applying mascara. “Make the moves?”

“Well, if you think he’s cute, why not?”

“Umm, lots of reasons, Caz. For one, he might not feel the same.” Though we did share a moment there, not only when he chased me to the barn, and then fixing my roof, but when he held Bruiser and said those words that sounded filthy and then I saw his abs. I’m deprived. That’s what it is. I saw him bare chested and now I’m ga-ga for it.

She laughs now, quite loudly. “Umm, are you dreaming that he might not feel the same way?”

“Well, I don’t really know if I’m his type. I mean, would it be weird because we’ve been friends a long time?”

“I don’t see why. I mean, there is that fine line between friendship and being something more, so I get that. But I don’t see how you two couldn’t take it to the next level.”

“We’re very different people.”

“So what? Opposites attract anyway, don’t they? At least, that’s what we’ve been led to believe since the beginning of time.”

“I’d never want to ruin the friendship.”

“It might just enhance it, especially if you get him flat on his back!”

“I wasn’t exactly thinking like that!” Or maybe I am. No, I definitely am.

“Think about it. You heard Eden; Brook is hung like a horse. I’m sure Beau would be no exception, all the Bassetts are strapping men. I mean sure, he’s a little on the geeky side, but he works out and I think under the clothes he’d have a hot body.”

“I can confirm that. When we were at my house he got mud all over him from the gutter and he ripped his tank off.”

“I wish I’d made popcorn. So what happened?”

“Nothing.” I sigh. “I just gawked like a horny teenager and then remembered my manners and went to get him a towel.” Flames burn my cheeks when I remember the details. I mean, I couldn't keep my eyes in my head.

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