Page 95 of Love on the Run

Beau

Days without Anna were incredibly boring.

The guys had kept the shop running smoothly while Beau was away. No one had called him with business-breaking news, and the first thing he thought of in the morning was Anna.

He’d worked all morning doing the same things he’d done every other day of his adult life, but everything was lackluster. He measured every minute against the ones she’d claimed. Was he even living if she wasn’t there—reminding him to find the color in a world of gray?

He’d gotten up, read his Bible alone, and forgotten to eat breakfast, all after a night of tossing and turning. He couldn’t get Anna out of his head.

Then, Gage had asked about the trip, and Beau had never been so tempted to spill his guts. Luckily, Beau maintained a shred of self-control because hewould have to hand over his man card if he ever engaged in girl talk with any of the guys.

Olivia walked in carrying a greasy brown bag with a burger logo on the front. “Lunch is here!”

Beau checked his watch. How was it lunchtime already? He’d barely accomplished anything.

The guys disappeared from the garage following the smell of the warm burgers, and Beau kept working on the Ford F-150. For some reason, the silent garage didn’t help his focus.

A few minutes later, Olivia showed up beside him, propping her elbow on the truck. “How’s it going?”

“Fine.”

“What are you doing?”

Beau shot a warning glare at his sister. “Working. Can I help you?”

“No. Last I checked, our relationship is kinda one-sided on the help front. I’m always helping you, but the brother benefits are seriously lacking.”

“You never tell me you need help. How am I supposed to know if you don’t say something?”

“Relax, Rocky. I don’t need help.”

“Liv, I’m really busy. Get to the point.”

“I’m just waiting around for appreciation. I accept thanks in the form of cash or chicks, remember?”

Beau braced his hands on the frame of the truck. “So you did set us up.”

Liv shrugged. “It wasn’t my direct intention, but I did think the two of you could be good for each other.”

“Don’t meddle in my life.”

“I’m not meddling. You two started things up on your own.”

Beau pulled the rag from his back pocket and wiped his hands. “I’m not thanking you yet. I don’t even know if this is going to work out.”

“Oh, it will.”

“I appreciate your eternal optimism, but I don’t need your false hope.”

Olivia leaned closer to him with a stone stare that would have impressed him if he didn’t know she used the same stare on her chickens when they pestered the goats. “I know it’ll work out because I can tell you want it to. Ask me about the only other time I’ve seen you this determined.”

“How do you know how determined I am?”

“It was when you were starting the business. Dad wanted you to stay and work the farm, but you had your heart set on owning your own business doing what you love.”

Beau rubbed his grease-stained hand down his face. “You make it sound as tough as climbing Mount Everest.”

“But I’m seeing a change in you, and I like it. Now, tell me how you feel about her. I want details.”

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