Page 27 of Sweet Surrender
Taylor’s eyes widened. “We don’t gravi-”
“Oh my God, you’re so obsessed with each other! Can you please just go and bang it out so we can have some peace?” Christy cried.
Dean plugged his ears. “Whoa! That’s my sister.”
“I’m sorry, darlin’, but you need to accept what’s going to happen,” Christy soothed. But it did nothing. Dean glared daggers at Beau who shook his head all,Dude, I don’t wanna bang your sistereven though all he thought about recently was doing exactly that.Man, hate is a powerful aphrodisiac.
“Hear, hear!” Blake added, smiling ruefully, not helping in the slightest.
The worst part about all of this fake boyfriend shit was he’d become so awkward that he felt like he had zero game at all which was absolutely not true. It was killing him having her see how unsure of himself he was, but she tied him in knots and always had. He had changed a lot since high school, his confidence with women had grown. But this was a nightmare.
They needed to do better at being a fake couple, so far it wasn’t working and at this rate he and Taylor would be stuck like this for months. No way would anyone believe they were together.
By the end of the week, he was ready to ask Justine for some couples counseling. They needed to be more comfortable in intimate situations and show a certain level of affection that didn’t look forced or uneasy. Every time he touched Taylor she jumped out of her skin. It didn’t look natural.
The weekdragged. Finally it was Friday night and he was getting ready to go to The Rusty Bucket Inn. Tonight, everyone would be there. Justine was singing and that always drew a crowd. With the bar being packed full of regulars and a few folks from out of town this would be the perfect opportunity to showcase their ‘relationship’.
He finished getting dressed and headed out to the bar, arriving in seconds thanks to how close he was at the cabin. He paused outside the door to take a deep breath. He had to stay calm. He noted all the cars parked in the packed lot. Tonight was the night to take this to the next level.
Showtime.
Anticipation fired his blood as he pushed the door open. Music blared from the jukebox, the crack of cues hitting balls on the pool table rang out. Bodies crammed into the bar, sending the temperature soaring, laughter and conversation filled the room, ringing in his ears. He spotted Christy and Dean by the bar and was headed their way before flame-red hair caught his attention.
Taylor rushed around behind the bar, her long corkscrew curls trailing after her. His eyes roved over her, not even trying to pretend he wasn’t checking her out. Besides, he didn’t need to pretend anymore, it would be expected now. He took in her royal blue sequinned jumpsuit with its deep vee, emphasizing her cleavage that he suddenly wanted to dip his tongue into. The contrast of the blue against her opal skin was breath-taking and he had to tear his eyes away.
“But I don’t mind if you want a stripper, darlin’. It’s fine,” Dean growled as Beau approached.
“Yes, your growly tone really suggests you’re fine with it,” Christy pouted.
“I don’t want someone else putting their hands all over you, that’s all. But if that’s what you want then honestly, I’m fine with it.”
Christy grinned at Dean. “That’s the correct answer. But you know I don’t want anyone but you touching me.”
Dean grinned back at her, and Beau’s chest ached at the love pouring from them both. He couldn’t believe that only a year ago he had been the one dating Christy. He’d been attracted to her way back when they were teenagers, but over the course of a few dates a year ago nothing more had sparked between them, and they agreed to be just friends. Which worked out well considering she and Dean had been fighting their attraction to each other since they were fifteen. Fate had intervened and given Christy and Dean their happy ending.
Beau had never really thought about the kind of woman he wanted to settle down with. He wanted a person who challenged him in the best ways, a person that excited him. A soulful connection, a deep friendship, and only one woman had ever come close. Beau’s eyes flicked to Taylor again of their own accord and he bit his lip before greeting Christy and Dean.
“We’ve booked the bar by the way, for my bachelorette. Sorry not sorry, you need to find another venue,” Christy said, hugging him hello.
“Ah man. No problem, I’ll find something else,” Beau said, bumping her shoulder affectionately.
“You mean didn’t book anything yet?” Dean raised an eyebrow.
“Uh, absolutely I have,” Beau lied.
Dean shook his head in disbelief. “I knew I should have trusted Blake with it.”
Beau laughed. They both knew Blake had his hands full right now with his bid to be Citrus Pines sheriff, a baby on the way and trying to plan the perfect wedding for Justine.
“Relax bro, I got this.”
“You’ve invited Will, right?” Dean asked.
Last year Beau had recommended Dean’s garage, Iris Motors, to Will who needed some work done on his latest sportscar. Will had actually taken him up on it, and when he’d dropped his car in for detailing, he and Dean had gotten chatting about business, life and cars, and become fast friends.
“Yes, and after the wedding he’s got a break in his filming schedule so he’s gonna hang around for a little while,” Beau added. Will was the head of the panel on one of those entrepreneur reality shows. He was the leader, an aggressive, no-holds-barred, cutthroat businessman, and it made for amazing TV.
“Awesome, can’t wait!” Dean gushed, excitement pouring from him.
