Irresistibly Dashing

by Victoria Arabpour Pinder

  She couldn't wait to see him.

  She had to settle with him and tell him that she loved him. Maybe he’d forgive her for her words. Sarah would prove her sincerity, but for now she readied herself to face her parents.

  The shower was warm and she dressed in a black dress as if going to a funeral.

  She opened a small box and found a gold necklace with a flower on it. Beau sent her everything she might want without being told. She slipped it on and for a moment it was like he was there.

  He wasn’t, but the warmth of his consideration made her wish he was.

  She left the suite and her sister was already in the hall, with Adam and the other guards. Sarah asked her, “Are you ready to go see our parents?”

  Bianca nodded and they were escorted like they were super stars down the elevator, through the lobby and back to the limo.

  As they scooted in, Bianca fixed her blue pants and white winter jacket that covered the white shirt Sarah had bought her. “Sarah, thank you for the clothes.”

  Appreciation was a nice change--it seemed Bianca had learned some manners. And if she let Sarah help, she’d never be taken advantage of again.

  She waited for the limo driver to take off. “You're welcome. I know how much you love looking great.”

  Bianca gave a snort of derision. “That was the old me.”

  And yeah, maybe it was. The past three months had been an amazing time of emotional growth for her, but for her sister it had been different.

  Bianca had clearly been through enough so Sarah smiled at her and hoped her sister cheered up as she said, “Well, there is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself.”

  Bianca’s lip pursed which must be painful with that stitch as she said, “You’re different.”

  “So are you, Bianca.” Sarah wished she could help her sister more.

  Getting her away from that man was a start though.

  The limo rolled past their elementary school and Bianca let out a sigh. “I was stupid and set you up for you to end up, I don’t know, like how I ended up. So the joke was on me.”

  Sarah grew colder at the idea of being anybody's joke. While it was good that Bianca realized her situation was bad, she didn't understand what she meant exactly about being set up. “What do you mean?”

  Bianca swallowed and stared at the fabric roof of the limo. “I wasn’t allowed to date or live, until you had. So I married you off to a felon because Aaron wanted the cash from Uncle Jensen.”

  Wait. She’d been blaming their parents. Her insides twisted as she asked, “It wasn’t Mom and Dad?”

  Bianca didn’t blink as she said, “Yeah, they got part of it.”

  Okay. It was exactly as she'd thought. Every one of them had taken a hand in setting her up--though they'd sent her into the arms of the best man she’d ever met. She nodded at the confirmation. “That’s what I thought.”

  The limo turned on their street. The neighbors must be wondering why a limo was even here, not that Sarah cared.

  Bianca said, “But you look great and put together and strong now. So I’m happy for you.”

  Sarah squared her shoulders. “I’m still furious at you and our parents. I am sorry for your situation, but that hasn't changed.”

  Bianca’s face paled like she’d been hit. Then she asked, “And Aaron?”

  Fair. Sarah wanted Aaron arrested and sent to prison like their uncle had been. But she didn’t blame Aaron for selling her. She hated him for what he’d done to her sister, but she calmed her thoughts to say, “For hitting you yes, but not for taking the money, that… I don’t care about the cash with him because he meant nothing to me.”

  “I thought you loved him,” Bianca said with tears glistening in her eyes.

  Sarah’s voice was cold as ice when she said, “And yet you married him anyway.”

  “I’m sorry,” Bianca said.

  A weight was taken from her shoulders at the words. Sarah deflated. She’d told Beau to forgive. It was time she did too.

  Hopefully he forgave her.

  The limo stopped in front of her parents' one-story house that had a curved door that needed to be fixed as always. Their father never took care of anything he had, not the house and not his family. Bianca reached for the door as she said, “We’re here, but you don’t belong here, sis. You look too good.”

  Sarah followed her and said, “Stop talking about my looks. You’ll be prettier than me again soon as long as you keep away from losers.” Snow fell on their heads as they walked up the short walkway. Sarah linked her arm with her sister's as she said, “Let’s go inside.”

  The door shook when she knocked. She brushed the snow off her head once they were under the awning and then she saw her parents looking through the window. The two people who'd sold her. They opened their door. Neither one of them offered to hug either her or her sister.

  Sarah motioned for Adam and security to join them and they all went inside though Adam waited near the door. Without words she’d show that they needed to be on their best behavior and that they had no way to hurt her anymore.

  Another small gift from Beau he didn’t know he’d done for her.

  The two sisters joined their parents inside the living room. Sarah finally said, “Mom. Dad.”

  Her father stared at her sister like he was visibly shaken by proof of Aaron's abuse. “Bianca. Sarah." He turned to Sarah. "I thought you were going to take her to live with you?”

  Seriously? This was his answer?

  Sarah’s cheeks heated. “Why? Bianca is your special daughter, not me.”

  Her mother started with the “Sarah-”

  That tone. The tone of "be quiet" echoed in how her mother said her name. Sarah interrupted and unbuttoned her jacket as she said, “Don’t. You sold me for cash. I’m your oldest and you sold me so Bianca here could marry a horrible man.”

  Her mother covered her lips with her fingers. “We made a mistake.”

  This was more than a misunderstanding or mistake. They'd sold her. Her voice went an octave higher as her fists curled at her sides. “You made a mistake! That’s all you have to say!”

  Her father’s unwashed t-shirt curved to his overweight frame and beer belly while he nodded. “Yes. We should have sent Bianca-”

  And she saw red. Absolutely not. She crossed her arms like that might be a shield she’d wield to not only protect herself but mow them down. “To my husband? You think Bianca and Beau were the better idea?”

  Her mother pressed her hand on her father’s shoulder. “We should have sent her to college like she wanted. We wished we hadn’t said yes to Aaron.”

  No. This wasn’t enough. She pounded on her chest as her heart raced. “And what about me? Why didn’t you ever once consider what I wanted?”

  Her father stared at her like she was crazy and then said, “Because you always took care of yourself. If we tried to help you, you pushed us away. And besides, every news article we have on you shows how happy you are.”

  Only because Beau was amazing, but she’d done everything to ruin that. For now she met her father’s gaze and didn’t blink as she said, “I got lucky.”

  Her mother picked up a new article about how the Bentleys were all free and innocent and she had her and Beau’s picture circled. “You really love this guy, and you’re a real princess.”

  Which meant rich, right? This was why they’d wanted to send her sister to her. Her heart beat wildly as she asked, “Why does that even matter to you?”

  Her mother lowered her head. “We realize that we might not have been the best parents for you. You were always so strong and independent, but we hoped you’d be happy. It seems Beau made your life better.”

  And he had. He was the best in a way she couldn't explain. She hugged her waist, not letting the fists go as she said, “Beau… he’s too good of a guy for any Sawyer and all my life I just wanted your approval which never happened.”

  The words were raw, but after she said them her shoulders lif
ted. She was done here. She loved Beau. Sarah needed to throw her arms around him and beg for his forgiveness.

  She’d been so reckless in leaving, but as she stared at her mother, in her threadbare simple cotton dress, missing the top button, and her father in no-iron-needed work pants, she forgave them.

  What they did or didn’t do now would no longer matter to her as she had her own life to lead. She turned toward security and signaled to Adam that she was ready. Her father asked, “What are you going to do now?”

  Adam came beside her as another guard slipped outside to talk to her chauffer. She turned toward her father and said, “I’m leaving. Look. I’ll ensure Bianca’s tuition and expenses are taken care of if she gets into whatever college she wants.”

  Bianca’s face went white as she said, “And what about Aaron? He knows where I live if I stay here.”

  Adam said, “I’ll stay and watch out for Bianca.”

  Bianca’s face blushed but she didn’t say a word to Adam. Sarah lowered her voice to speak to the best guard they had. “Are you sure, Adam? I know the Bentleys depend on you.”

  He stared at Bianca without judgment as he said, “No woman should ever have a black eye. This is a temporary reassignment.”

  Once again she was taking from the Bentleys, but Sarah said, “I’ll talk to Beau about it then.”

  Adam nodded like it was settled. “The plane is fueled for whenever you go back.”

  Now she needed to go home, if that was still her home. She needed to tell Beau she loved him, and prayed he understood why she'd left. She took a step toward the door and her sister’s voice broke the silence as she asked, “So that’s it? You’re leaving again?”

  Her parents had chosen this life, but her sister had so much left of hers. Sarah walked over, took her hands, and stared into her sister’s pretty blue eyes. One was blackened right now but would be beautiful again once she healed. “Bianca, don’t be stupid. Get a divorce. I’ll figure out tuition and expenses for you to get a degree. What do you want to do?”

  Bianca took a deep breath and didn’t quite look at her. “Nursing. I want to be a nurse and not live… here.” She gestured to their parents' house.

  Understood. Sarah needed to talk to Beau. If he hated her, she’d pay him back, but for now she pretended all was well as she said, “Stay another night at the hotel. With Adam as your guard. Once I speak to my husband, I’ll call with a more permanent solution. I wouldn’t want to live here either.”

  Their parents didn’t take care of themselves and they’d be no help to Bianca.

  “Sarah, thank you.” Bianca hugged her tight.

  Neither of them needed to be here. She hugged her back but as it ended, she told her sister, “I have to go now.”

  Done. She slipped out the door hopefully returned to her life in Miami. Beau had always been a great guy so hopefully one day of them being apart hadn’t changed anything.

  The plane and limo ride back to the condo had been uneventful, except that Sarah’s body was pumped full of adrenaline and she couldn’t sit still.

  Nothing exciting was happening in the lobby and she went right up the elevator. Again nothing. Part of her was on edge. Almost every week since she’d arrived here, something major had happened.

  But the threats really were over now.

  The elevator dinged and her heart beat wildly as she stared at the black door.

  Sorry and I love you were two things she needed to say but for a moment she was unable to move.

  Beau had every right to say he was done with her.

  Sarah forced herself to physically take the first step toward the door.

  Her hands locked as she reached for the handle. She stretched her fingers around the knob.

  The door opened and she heard in the background Beau humming to himself. She closed the door and he called out from the bedroom, “Good evening sheereen-am, get the wine.”

  Was he expecting someone else? Her entire body was on pins and needles, but she headed toward the bedroom and opened the door.

  He was fully dressed in navy blue pants and a white shirt. She glanced up and down at him while still holding the door, like it was her life preserver. “You’re going out?”

  He gave her a huge smile and nodded. “Navid and Elle are having an engagement party.”

  So he wasn’t expecting someone else? Sarah let out a sigh as her body remained tight. “Oh.”

  He picked out a tie like today had been completely normal for him. “So get dressed. You’ll be expected to look fabulous.”

  She released her grip on the door and took a step toward him. He had to know the truth. “Beau, I came back to talk to you.”

  One of his eyebrows arched as he showed her two ties, a blue paisley one and a straight thin red one. “I’m glad it was in person and not a phone call.”

  She pointed to the blue tie and he put the red one down. The second he turned toward her again, she reached out to touch his hard chest muscles. “I love you. Heart and soul, and I had to tell you, in person, and ask for your forgiveness.”

  Beau winked at her like that was exactly what he'd expected. “Done. Now get dressed.”

  Her hands fell to her sides as he wrapped his arms around her waist. “That’s it?”

  He tugged her closer like he was going to kiss her, but his eyes were still open. “Sarah, you went to see your parents and family for one night.”

  Her gaze narrowed as she said, “And I spent your money.”

  Beau's eyes closed and hers fluttered closed too. His kiss made her weak and strong and took all that fear that filled her out. The kiss ended and she blinked as things fell into place. He patted her on the back and said, “Our money. I have no problem paying for your sister's college tuition.”

  For a moment her mind didn’t quite focus as she was lost in desire wishing for more than the kiss--then she blinked and asked, “What?”

  He took out the suit jacket and placed it next to him on the hook that held his tie. “Adam invoiced me the bill for the University of Michigan and asked for a letter of recommendation for Bianca Sawyer.”

  Wow. That was fast. Her mind sharpened. She probably should have asked Adam to wait on purchases until she'd talked to Beau. Not important now. “The plane ride was only two hours. They went that fast?”

  He brushed her arm like he was comforting her again. “Adam didn’t think she should wait and wanted permission to take Bianca apartment hunting as well, in a gated community.”

  This was Beau. She loved him. In part because he planned for everything and in part because he was just so caring. She hadn’t known a man like him existed and a smile broke out on her face. “And you gave it?”

  He stilled, like her smile confused him. “You left Adam there. I assumed that was what you wanted.”

  She reached for the loops of his pants he’d put the belt through and tugged him closer to her. “I want my sister taken care of, but I don’t want this to be me just indebted to you.”

  His immediate hug made everything better. The air smelled like his almond soap. “Look, you’re my wife. If the sister of my princess is hurt, it looks bad if we don’t fix that. And tuition… that’s actually an easy solution and probably better for you that she is independent.”

  Her face was hot. This only worked if he saw the real her and still loved her. Sarah ran her hand up and down his side. “I’m flawed and imperfect and pig-headed sometimes, but I want to spend the rest of my life with the only man I know that makes me happy to be with.”

  He caressed her cheek as he lowered his head to rest his forehead on hers. “Sarah, I’ve loved you almost since we met. I know that’s not cool as women generally prefer bad boys you can fix, but you were always the most interesting woman I've ever met. I want to help you, and I hope you spend the rest of your life with me.”

  Tears formed in her eyes. This was so… Beau. This was the man she loved and couldn’t live without. She didn’t care about the streams of water down her cheeks
as she said, “I was such a fool for leaving and saying I wanted to break up. It’s the last thing I want.”

  He wiped her cheeks. “Don’t cry. We’re good.”

  But they weren’t. He was so amazing and she was screwed up. Her heart twisted in her chest as she said, “Beau, I seriously don’t deserve-”

  “Let’s not go down that road again,” he interrupted and squeezed her sides briefly as he finished, “You’re my wife and that’s all that matters.”

  From this day on she’d never leave his side again. She’d be the best wife… She pressed her lips together and stared at him like an idea hit her over the head with a brick. Her life goal. Seriously, how had she not known until now? “So I’ve been thinking.”

  His eyes narrowed and he asked, “Should I be worried?”

  She grinned as she realized that being in love also made her future clear. “I want to be a therapist to help others come to terms with their past and learn forgiveness.”

  He nodded as he always did when he agreed with whatever she’d said. “That sounds like a great goal. I’ll get your website and social media together while you get your degree.”

  An office where she could teach people that forgiving the past was the only way to open their hearts… She could already imagine some patient in a chair listening to her, and healing. “I like this plan.” Her body softened. She was here with Beau and he forgave her.

  This moment deserved far more than alone time. She tugged at one of his unbuttoned shirt tags and met his gaze. “Can we be a little late for your sister’s party?”

  The twinkle in his eye made her knees weak. “What do you have in mind?”

  Her stomach grumbled. Drat. She hoped he hadn’t noticed but his lips curved like he’d laugh any second. She finished her sentence anyhow, but added the truth, “Well, it involves, you, me, bed and maybe something to eat as I’m hungry.”

  He let her go and motioned with his head. “Food's in the oven. Should be ready, probably right now.”