Page 18 of Bean Flicker
“I hear that sometimes good—even great—singers miss out because they’ve already selected someone with a similar sound,” I say. Mariah smiles.
“You know what, that’s exactly how I’m going to tell the story going forward. That I missed out on a technicality, so I’m not at all bad.”
We share many a laugh, and Mariah asks me lots of questions about my life on the farm, if I wanted to be anything besides a sheep farmer, and if I manage to get much free time.
“I get just enough time to spend time with my beautiful girlfriend, read books we both like, and dream about one day writing one.”
Mariah’s eyes light up. “You’re going to write a book? You should write one together. Reggie’s best class was creative writing back in college.”
“Is that so?” I say, lifting my brows as Reggie blushes into her glass. “You haven’t mentioned that part.”
“That’s because there’s a big difference between a short story and a novel. I’m not sure I’m good enough for that.”
“You’ve already talked about this?” Mariah asks, looking between us with a blush of excitement on her face. “Oh my god, guys. Youhaveto do this. I’ll even help by reading it if you like. You know how much I like my books.”
“Hey, I’m not ruling it out,” Reggie says, her hand covering her mouth as she giggles slightly, the wine seeming to make her lightheaded. “I’m just saying that I’m having fun during the research process right now.” Her eyes meet mine, and it’s my turn to use the wine glass as a shield. There’s hunger in her gaze, and if she keeps insinuating what I know she’s insinuating, I’ll end up driving Mariah back to the airport just to have my woman all to myself.
Both Reggie and Mariah fall over in a fit of giggles. I drain my glass and get up from the floor in front of the coffee table where we’ve been sitting. “On that note, I think I’d better leave you ladies to catch up without me getting in the way.”
“Oh, don’t go now,” Mariah calls out. “Things were just getting interesting.”
With a laugh and an eye roll, I say my goodbyes to Mariah and help Reggie to her feet. She walks me to the front door, and I tell her I’ll call her in the morning. “Try not to tell her too many details about that research we’ve been doing,” I murmur near her ear, giving her a kiss on the temple.
“My lips are sealed, farm boy. You are mine and mine alone. I don’t want to share anything beyond your witty charm.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” I kiss her again, but instead of leaving me at the door, she walks me to my truck, parked off to the side since we drove her car to the airport so the farm stench wouldn’t be Mariah’s first impression of me.
“So…do you think I passed?” I ask when we’re far enough away to not be heard.
“Well, she’s not really going to say much until I get back inside, so I guess you’ll have to suffer until morning.”
“Cruel.” I laugh and she lifts on her toes to give me a playful kiss.
“Relax. She likes you. And that’s because she can see that I love you.”
Making a big show, I clutch my heart and stagger back until I land against the side of my truck. “Did you seriously just say you love me outside of the bedroom?” I ask.
She grins, looping her hands with mine as she steps closer to me. “You’ve won me over, farm boy. In and out of the sack.”
Barely able to control my smile, I lean in and press my forehead to hers. “You make me an incredibly happy man, flick.”
“That’s all I want, Josh. For us to be happy together.”
I lean in, my mouth barely brushing against hers before the sound of crunching gravel steals the moment away and a blue sedan pulls to a stop in front of us.
“Oh my god. Mariah!” She calls out over her shoulder to the house, her smile quickly morphing into a tight-set jaw. “This had better not be her doing.”
“What’s going on? Do you know this guy?”” I ask, glancing at Reggie with a raised brow.
“Yeah. That’s my ex-fiancé,” she says, her voice flat and uncertain.
“The one who hurt you?” I bristle immediately, putting myself between him and Regina before he can even open his door. I don’t know what he wants, or why he’s here. But there is no way in hell I’m letting him do anything to upset the woman I love. He walked away, and I’m the guy who’s here treating her the way she deserves. And no one—no one—is getting in the way of her happiness.
REGINA
“Oh my god. This wasnotmy doing,” Mariah calls out from the front porch. “What the hell are you doing here, Elliot?”
Josh growls and shifts forward. I imagine if he had the strength of a superhero, he’d pick up my ex’s car and toss it into space. I wouldn’t stop him either. Elliot has no right showing up here uninvited.
