Beau (Remington Ranch Book 4) (17 page)

She woke with a start. It was still dark. And Beau was still holding her close. She smiled and relaxed again, grateful to whatever had woken her. She got to lie here and enjoy this while she tried to get back to sleep. She couldn’t, though. Her brain was wide awake and so was her body. And they were both acutely aware of Beau lying beside her, of his arms around her. She shifted a little and confirmed it. At least one part of him was very much awake and pressing into her. She leaned back into him and felt his arm tighten around her. Her body was humming with anticipation now.

She let out a sigh when his warm lips brushed over her neck and his hand came up to close around her breast. She pressed her ass back against him and felt his cock respond.

“I take it you’re not asleep then?” he murmured.

“No.”

She turned over to face him and pressed the full length of her body against his. His hard naked chest felt so good against her bare breasts. His hand closed around her ass and pulled her to him. He was still wearing his boxers, but she could feel the heat of him through them. His mouth came down on hers and she kissed him back hungrily. She wasn’t aware how, but within seconds she was on her back, her panties were gone and so were his boxers.

He propped himself up on his elbows and smiled down at her in the darkness.

She smiled back and ran her hands down his back, closing them around his firm butt cheeks and rocking him against her. He held her gaze as he spread her legs wider and then he was there, pushing at her entrance. She stared back into his eyes as he gave the slightest nod and thrust his hips hard, plunging deep inside her. They began to move together. He was driving her crazy, taking it so slowly that the pressure built and built. He took her right to the very edge and kept her there, refusing to take her over. Every time she tried to pick up the pace, desperate for release he slowed his thrusts and made her wait. She was panting, grasping his ass, holding on for dear life as the sensations rolled through her. She needed him to finish her off.

He smiled and let himself go, thrusting deep and hard, finally sending her hurtling away on the waves of an orgasm that tore through her. She clung to him as she felt him get closer and then with a gasp he came with her, their bodies straining together as they rode the waves.

He collapsed on her shoulder breathing hard, she clung to him, feeling as though she might dissolve if she didn’t hold onto something solid. A tremor ran through her, making her hold on tighter.

He lifted his head. “Are you okay?”

“Couldn’t be better,” she breathed.

He smiled. “Me neither.” He dropped his head to kiss her again. This time it was slow and soft and gentle. It was a kiss that made promises, or maybe she was just imagining it.

“Hey,” called Summer as she came jogging down the path from the barn to the lodge. “I was hoping I might catch you.”

“Well, this is the place to find me,” said Corinne with a smile. “How are you?”

“I’m great, thanks. We’re going to take Jake and Lola out for a while, but Carter’s gone up to see his mom and dad first. I just wanted to see how you’re settling in. How do you like the job? How’s Ruby doing at school?”

“So far, so good. With everything. Ruby loves school and she loves Susie’s girls. She’s really settling in well. And I love the job. Shane’s set up a great business here.”

“And from what I hear, you’ve got all kinds of ideas on how to make it even greater.”

She nodded. “I have plans. There’s so much potential.”

“That’s great. Just don’t get carried away and work too much, will you? We live in a beautiful place, you need to get out and make the most of it.”

Corinne smiled. “You’re right. We were talking about taking Ruby down to the park this weekend.”

“And by
we
I’m guessing you mean you and Beau?”

“Yeah.”

“Have you been seeing a lot of each other?”

She wasn’t about to admit that Beau hadn’t spent a night at home this week. The way things were going it seemed that he always just came down after work and stayed the night. “Yeah.” was all she felt safe admitting.

Summer gave her a knowing smile. “Good for you. He’s a good guy.”

“He is. I know some people don’t seem to think so, but I believe you take as you find. And he’s been amazing with me and with Ruby.”

Summer laughed. “That first time he picked her up and called her pumpkin I knew they were made for each other. I know you had your doubts, but he seems to be learning fast.”

“He is. Sometimes I feel as though I’m the spare part. The two of them get along so well.”

“Is she coming tonight?”

“No, I was going to bring her, but Susie asked if she wanted to stay over there with Josie and Tara.”

“Perfect!”

Corinne nodded. She knew the timing was perfect, but she felt a little uncomfortable about it.

Summer smiled reassuringly. “She’ll be fine. And so will you, if you just relax and enjoy yourself.”

“I know, I guess I just need a bit of practice at that.”

Summer looked up at the sound of a truck approaching. She waved as it drove on by toward the cabin by the ranch. “Have you met Chance?” she asked.

Corinne shook her head. “Not yet.”

“Well, you’ll meet him tonight. I don’t know him that well, but he seems awesome and the others all love him.”

“Not all of them, from what I can gather.”

Summer’s face fell. “Oh, of course. I don’t know what Beau’s problem with him is. I mean. I know about them dividing up the ranch and everything, but I don’t know why Beau minds Chance being a part of it.”

“Neither do I.” Corinne had heard enough snippets to piece together the fact that Beau had a problem with Chance, but he’d never talked about it, and she didn’t feel she should ask. She would like to be aware of any sources of tension between them before tonight though.

Summer shrugged. “Hopefully it won’t be a big deal.”

“Hopefully.”

Summer looked up again. This time there was a green truck coming down from the big house. “Here comes Carter. I’d better get going, I said I’d meet him at the barn.”

Corinne nodded. “See you later then.”

“Yep, see you later. You should get out and ride yourself. It’s so much fun.”

Corinne smiled. She’d like to, but finding the time was another matter. Even Ruby hadn’t managed to ride again yet. They’d been so busy, but then so had Mason. Maybe next weekend, they’d get around to it. For now, she had some time to kill before she needed to get ready. Beau was coming over to pick her up to take her to Shane and Cassidy’s for dinner.

~ ~ ~

Beau pulled into the driveway at Shane and Cassidy’s place and smiled at Corinne. “Have I told you how beautiful you look?”

She laughed. “Only about seventeen times since you arrived.”

“Sorry, but you do.”

“Thank you.”

She’d taken his breath away when he pulled up at the cabin earlier. She was wearing a dress and boy did it show off her figure. He’d wondered if they could get away with not going to dinner, because all he really wanted to do was stay home with her—and get her out of the dress!

He pulled up outside the house and frowned when he saw that Chance’s truck was already there. Oh, well. His plan was to smile and be cordial, ask Chance about his family and stay away from anything that might cause friction between them.

“Are you okay?” asked Corinne.

He put a smile back on his face. “I sure am. Are you ready?” He started to open the truck door, but she put a hand on his arm.

“Do you mind if I ask you something before we go in?”

He nodded, wondering what it might be.

“What’s the story with you and Chance?”

He stared at her. How the hell could he even start to explain that one? Especially sitting outside the house like this when they were about to go in and meet him.

“I’m sorry. Never mind. I shouldn’t have asked.”

He held up a hand. “No, don’t take my silence as anything bad. It’s not that I don’t want to tell you. It’s just that I don’t know how.”

“Okay. I shouldn’t have asked. I’m not trying to be nosey. I just don’t want to inadvertently put my foot in it.”

He smiled. “There’s nothing to worry about. There’s no big deal, or horrible secret or anything. If I’m honest, it’s just me. Something about the whole situation rubs me the wrong way. That’s all.”

She nodded slowly. He wasn’t at all sure she was convinced.

“How about I try to explain it to you later, when we go home?”

She smiled and he had to wonder if it wasn’t at least in part because she liked the way that sounded. Home, the place where they would go together later. He sure as hell liked it—a whole lot! Which left him wondering what the hell he was playing at.

“Come on, let’s get in there for now.”

When they reached the top of the steps, the front door swung open and Shane stood there grinning at them. “Greetings. Welcome to our humble abode.”

Beau laughed. “Humble my ass! How you doing?”

“Yep, doing great. Come on in. Everyone’s here, except Carter and Summer. They went out for a ride and got back a little later than they planned.”

Beau took hold of Corinne’s hand and they went through to the living room. He tensed instinctively at the sight of Mason and Chance standing by the windows, deep in conversation. It took him all the way back to high school. He’d been a bit of nerd in those days. All his brothers had a very strong sense of who they were. Shane had always been the golden boy. He was big and lovable and fun. Carter was quiet and kept to himself, but he had his world all mapped out, he was all caught up in Trisha and their plans to get married and live happily ever after. Mason was Mr. Popular. He was smart and he was tough, he’d played football, all the girls loved him. And Beau had wanted to be like him. But he wasn’t. He wasn’t comfortable in his own skin. He wasn’t comfortable in his own life. He wasn’t as
anything
as the others. They all knew their place in the world, in the family. He hadn’t. He used to tag along with Mason and his buddies. Mason was okay with him, but the buddies used to run him off sometimes. Then Chance had come along, and he’d immediately fit in with everyone—in the way Beau had always wanted to, but never been able to.

Corinne squeezed his hand. “Are you okay?”

She noticed! She realized he was uncomfortable and she cared enough to check in with him. He felt his heart pounding in his chest, and it had nothing to do with Chance and everything to do with the beautiful woman standing beside him. He smiled. “I am now.”

She raised an eyebrow.

“Now that you’re with me,” he clarified.

She was even more beautiful when she smiled like that.

“Hey, guys!” Cassidy called from the kitchen. “Come get a drink. I’ve got a couple of new reds from Deb’s store for you to try.”

They walked into the kitchen and Cassidy grinned at them. “It’s not that fancy stuff you buy, Beau. That’s a bit expensive for my taste.”

He laughed. “It’s my one indulgence, so shoot me.”

“Don’t tempt me. I might.”

Gina smiled at them from her perch at the island. “Hey, Corinne. I’m going to ask you about your new job in just a second.” She turned to Beau, “But first I want to ask you about Guy Preston.”

Beau frowned. “Why me? I can’t stand that asshole either.”

“I heard he wants to buy a little house on Second Street in town. And if anyone knows about house sales around here, it’s you.”

Beau thought about it. Wanda had mentioned Second Street at the beginning of the week, but he’d said no because he was going to see Ruby, but she hadn’t told him about another appointment. “You know what, Wanda did mention a guy
wanting to see that place, but I assumed it was some generic guy, not
the
Guy Preston. And he never did set up an appointment. “Why, what’s the problem?”

Gina made a face. “I think he’s up to no good again.”

“He always is. That’s nothing new.”

“I know, but…never mind. It’s probably just me. Forget it.”

“Are you sure?” Beau had known Gina pretty much all his life, when she got an idea about something she was usually right. He didn’t want to brush her off if she was serious.

She shook her head rapidly and gave him a meaningful look. “No, it’s nothing.”

“Okay.” Beau had a feeling she did want to talk to him, but she’d do it in her own time.

Cassidy thrust a glass of wine into his hand. “There you go, now if you’ve got any sense you’ll go find your brothers. It’s not safe for a man to be alone in the kitchen with us!”

He laughed and looked around. “Yeah. I’m outnumbered here, I’m off.” He leaned in and kissed Corinne’s cheek.

“Aww!” said Cassidy. “Isn’t that sweet.”

Beau gave her a sheepish grin and made his way back to the living room. Though if he was honest, he’d rather have stayed in the kitchen with the girls. It would have been easier. No. He sucked in a deep breath. He was changing in so many ways, this was just one more. It was time to get over it. He walked straight up to where Chance was standing talking to Mason and slapped him on the back.

“Hey, Chance. It’s good to see you back. How’s your dad doing?” He smiled, hoping that Chance would accept his attempt to make a fresh start and move things forward between them.

For a moment he held Beau’s gaze, his light blue eyes narrowed, his lips pressed into a thin line. He was suspicious and who could blame him? Beau stared back at him, he wasn’t backing down, for better or for worse.

It was a long few moments before Chance gave the slightest nod and smiled. “Hey, Beau. He’s doing a lot better, thanks. He was lucky, my sister found him and got him straight to the hospital. Plus, he’s a stubborn old bastard. He’s determined to make a full recovery and when he gets like that, there’s no stopping him.”

Beau smiled. “That’s good news.” He didn’t know what else to say. He’d made his big effort and now he wasn’t sure where to take it.

He needn’t have worried, Shane stepped in as if to help him out. It seemed he wasn’t the only one who was changing lately, Shane seemed to have become a lot more perceptive and willing to act on it. He grinned at Chance. “Have you met Corinne yet? Our Beau’s been a busy boy while you were away. He’s gone and found himself a girlfriend, and one with a little kid, no less!”

Chance raised an eyebrow at him. He jerked his head toward the kitchen. “She’s
with
you? Nice.”

Beau smiled. “She is, she’s good people. I’ll introduce you in bit. I’m not risking going into the kitchen right now, though.”

Chance laughed. “That’s okay. I wouldn’t venture into a group of gossiping women if you dragged me. And she’s got a kid, too?”

Beau nodded. He felt defensive all of a sudden. “Ruby, she’s only five. I was scared shitless of her at first, but I think we’re figuring things out as we go.”

Chance nodded and grasped his shoulder. “Good for you. You know I was just at my sister’s wedding? Well, the guy she married, Dan, is the best thing that could have happened to her son, Scot. It’s amazing to see how good they are for each other.” He smiled. “I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you and this little Ruby. But I’ll tell you, it can work, I’ve seen it.”

Wow! Encouragement from Chance was the last thing he’d expected. “Thanks, Chance.”

Mason grinned at them both. Beau knew he was enjoying this. He’d tried so many times over the years to talk him around into giving Chance a chance, so to speak.

Shane grinned. “And what about you? Is there any possibility that you’re going to find yourself a good woman and settle down?”

Beau was surprised at that. It was an unspoken rule that none of them bugged Chance about women. His girlfriend had died in an accident before he ever came to Montana. It was just known, if never stated, that he still loved her, he wasn’t looking for someone new. He was even more surprised that Chance smiled at the question.