Page 61 of Sweet Surrender
“Now it’s a party!” Justine shouted as they made their way into the back yard and over to the firepit where Blake and Justine were sitting while Dean and Christy worked the grill and poured drinks. Taylor let go of Beau’s hand as she followed Christy into the kitchen, Justine jogging after them. Beau scanned the trees, looking for any sign of someone who hadn’t been invited.
Blake clapped him on the back. “Already patroled the area my man, he’s not here.”
They went over to accompany Dean at the grill, and he tried to get lost in their banter but his eyes kept cutting back to Taylor. He watched as she talked to the women, his lips lifting in a smile as he took in her animated expression, her wild gesturing. She was one hundred percent the Taylor he’d always known and nostalgia stole his breath.
“How’s things going with you two?” Blake interrupted his thoughts and Beau pulled his eyes away from his enchanting woman.
“Yeah, uh, good I think.”
“You’re sure keeping a close eye on her,” Dean said, a heavy undercurrent in his tone that made Beau’s pulse trip.
“Just looking out for her is all,” he said, trying to sound casual and suddenly feeling like he’d jumped onto the grill with the rest of the meat.
“Anything you need to tell me?” Dean said, clicking the meat tongs a couple times and somehow managing to make that look menacing.
“Dude, I don’t think you want to know,” Blake stage whispered. Beau shot Blake a dark look that screamednot fucking helping, and Blake returned his look with one that said,I wasn’t trying to.
“Nah man. Just playing pretend, like you wanted.” Beau took a long sip of his beer, trying to act cool. Dean held his stare, then dropped his shoulders.
“Dang it. I always thought there was something between you and that you would get together eventually. I kinda hoped this would push things along a bit.”
Beau choked on his beer, the bubbles fizzing his nose and Blake pounded him on the back, not stopping until Beau glared at him. Blake just gave him an infuriating grin.
“You…you would be cool with that?” Beau asked tentatively.
“I mean, I would be all over your ass if anything happened to her and I would wantzeroinformation on your sex life but yeah, it’d be pretty darn special if it worked out that way.”
Beau released the breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding, and Dean gestured to pass him the plates. He hadn’t really considered how Dean would react if something developed which was shitty considering Dean was his best friend. He stared at the guy, amazed that his friend would be so cool with it.
“All done, come and get it!” Dean shouted and that was the end of the conversation. Blake winked at him before going off to fetch Justine.
They all ate around the outdoor dining area and when they finished, they gathered around the firepit, talking, drinking beer and looking up at the stars. Taylor had tried to sit in her own chair but Beau grabbed her and pulled her into his lap.
“Do you think you can control yourself this time?” she asked, arching a haughty brow at him.
“Let’s find out,” he murmured, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her back against his chest where, after a glare, she reluctantly snuggled in.
His mouth at her ear, he whispered, “Don’t fight it, we both know you like it when I’m in control.” She stiffened and a satisfied smile split his lips.
Christy signaled that she wanted to make a toast. “We wanted to invite you here to say thank you. With our bachelor and bachelorette parties tomorrow night and how busy we are with the new garage opening and my book tour in the next few weeks, we just wanted some down time together.”
Dean was looking at Christy like she held the answer to all his questions. Longing clawed at Beau’s chest. He couldn’t wait to experience that, having never even come close with another woman. His chest thudded when he realized the woman he had cared about the most his whole life was Taylor, and hell they’d hated each other from the age of seventeen up until last month.
“Yes, and thanks to Beau and Taylor for organizing them. We know we’re going to absolutely love them,” Dean added.
Christy shot Beau a knowing smirk, Beau had something special planned for Dean alright.
“So, here’s to our wedding, our group expanding with the new arrival and…” Christy’s eyes locked on Taylor and Beau, “New love.”
They all clapped and cheered then Dean asked Justine how pregnancy was going.
“We had our first ultrasound yesterday and so far everything looks fine.” Justine and Blake shared a look full of love as Justine pulled out a scan picture from her pocket and handed it around the group. Christy and Dean cooed over it before passing it to Taylor. Beau felt her withdraw as she stared at the picture.
Although she had nodded along enthusiastically, asking questions and though he knew she was happy for the couple, he knew this must be hard for her. He kissed her temple and stroked her arms, comforting her.
“Your feelings are valid and acceptable. I know you’re ecstatic for them, but I know this is also a painful reminder for you. I just want you to know that I’ve got you and I’m here for you,” he murmured, and she nodded imperceptibly before handing the scan picture back to Justine and Blake. She snuggled back against Beau’s chest and he continued to stroke her arms until the subject changed to tomorrow night’s events.
“So, strippers all around then?” Blake said.
