Page 8 of Tempting Fate

“Ma’am, animals are not permitted in the ambulance.” One of the EMT’s says, loud enough to catch our attention. Uncle Nolan shakes his head. “I’ll be back. I need to sort his ass out.”

Uncle Nolan goes and has words with the EMT. The poor guy's eyes go wide in shock as he realizes who my uncle is. A minute later the dog is placed in the ambulance, on the stretcher near Megan’s legs where he rests his head on her knees.

“I hope she’s going to be okay.”

Beau wraps his arm around my shoulders. “I’m sure she’ll be okay. The injuries aren’t too serious.”

“I still feel bad that she got hurt though. It’s a good thing she had her service dog with her.”

“Did you know her?” Beau asks.

I shake my head. “I’ve never seen her before. Rolling Hills is such a small town I know almost everyone, but I have no idea who she is.”

“She just bought the old bakery across the street from your shop.” Detective Hollis Major says walking up.

“Oooh. I saw the for-sale sign had been taken down. Do you know what she plans to do with it?”

“Heard she was going to restore it to its former glory.”

“Good to hear. We’ve needed a good bakery in town since Mrs. Kimber passed away. I’ll keep an eye out for Megan and drop in to see if she needs anything.” I tell Hollis.

He nods then looks over at my uncle as he walks up to us.

“Charlotte, we’re going to take off and follow Miss Megan over to the hospital and get her statement. Detective Granger come to my office first thing tomorrow morning. I believe we have some things to discuss.” He says then looks over at me making my stomach sink.

“Yes sir.” Beau says, sounding confused.

My uncle and Hollis leave, following the ambulance. It’s quiet for a few minutes until Beau and I try talking at the same time, making us both laugh.

“Would you like to come over for lunch?” Beau asks.

Worrying my bottom lip between my teeth, I shrug. “Do you think that’s a good idea? Maybe you should wait and talk to my uncle first.”

“Why would I need to talk to your uncle? What does our talk have to do with you coming over to my place for lunch?” Beau asks.

Crossing my arms over my chest I start to pace in front of him. “I wasn’t completely honest with you last night.”

Beau’s brows pull together. “What are you talking about?”

“When you asked me about boyfriends. When I turned eighteen my uncle forbade any of his officers from dating me. I only found out when I overheard my aunt and uncle arguing about it. It wasn’t a big deal to me because I wasn’t interested in dating anyone. I just don’t want you to get in trouble because of me. Maybe we should see how your talk with him goes tomorrow, then you can decide if this is something that you still want to pursue.”

Beau stands with his hands on his hips looking at me with wide eyes. “You know he can’t tell me I can’t date you, don’t you? He could get into trouble for that.”

“Be that as it may, he’s your boss. He’s a good man, but he’s stubborn. I don’t want him to make things difficult for you.”

“Charlotte, do you hear what you’re saying?”

I nod and look away feeling foolish.

“Darlin’, people are free to date and marry whoever they want to. Your uncle can’t tell me not to be with you.” Beau says, in a soothing tone.

“I don’t want there to be any problems. I like to keep the peace.” I say shrugging my shoulders.

“Even at the price of your happiness? Charlotte, you’re a hell of a catch, so I’m ecstatic no one snatched you up before I did, but this is asinine.” He goes to my door and opens it for me. Before getting in I put my hand on his arm. “I’m sorry Beau. I wasn’t trying to upset you.”

“Charlotte, answer me this. If your uncle calls me into his office tomorrow morning and tells me not to see you anymore, what will you do? Are you going to let him keep telling you who you can and cannot date? Because I sure as hell won’t cower to that.”

I look away from him for a moment trying to figure out what to tell him, but nothing sounds right.

“Forget it. Drive home safe.” Beau tells me in a cold tone that makes my chest ache.

I get into my Jeep and roll down the window. “I know you probably won’t understand this, but he raised me Beau. He’s like my father. I can’t lose him too.”

“Jesus Charlotte! You’re a twenty-five-year-old woman. You can’t keep walking on eggshells hoping not to piss him off. He’s not going to get rid of you if you do something he doesn’t like!” He goes to his truck with Thor following behind.

I’m tempted to say something in hopes of smoothing things over, but I’m too embarrassed. Beau’s right, but it doesn’t make this any easier. Instead, I pull out of the parking area and drive home. The sky opens up as I drive with rain pounding against the glass drowning out the music I was trying to listen to, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I never thought Beau would mean so much to me in only a couple of days.

I spend the rest of the afternoon trying to figure out what I want. Beau wasn’t the first officer to ask me out, but he was the first I said yes to. There have been a handful of guys who came into my salon and tried sweet-talking me into breaking my uncle’s rule. I always laughed it off and told them no. The more I think about how crazy my uncle’s rule is, the more stupid I feel. Was I really going to throw away what could be between Beau and I just because he told me to? Realizing what I might have done, I get back into my Jeep ready to set this right.

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