Beth bit her lip, trying to push down the pain that crept up in her gut every time she thought of her mother’s diagnosis. Cancer. It didn’t help that it was compounded with the strained relationship they’d had since her parents divorced when Beth was a teenager. But, for right now, the past could just be the past. She needed to focus on the reason she was here. Why she’d decided to stay, even though their relationship was fractured to the point of breaking.
Beth only just found out about the cancer a couple of weeks ago. Her mom had decided to keep it a secret from her. Apparently it wasn’t important enough to tell her daughter about. She’d played it off like she didn’t want to put added stress on Beth, but Beth knew better. And when Beth’s boyfriend, Zander, dumped her, she thought coming home for a visit would be a good idea.
It wasn’t until she was living under the same roof as her mom and step-dad that the truth came out. Now, Beth was stuck. When she found out how much they were floundering financially, the feeling of responsibility weighed on her. With the illness, Beth was trying to put the past behind her and build a relationship with her mom no matter what.
If only she could find a job, maybe her mom wouldn’t think her stay was worthless. But it seemed as if no one in Honey Grove was hiring. If someone had told her that a Psychology degree wouldn’t lead to a job, perhaps, she would have picked a different career field. And maybe graduate college with a less debt.
Joanne shuffled over to the TV and collapsed onto the recliner. Beth swallowed when she saw the balding spot on the back of her mom’s head. A cruel reminder of the disease.
“Water?” Beth asked, moving toward the kitchen. She needed a job. She couldn’t just stand here and stare at her frail mom.
Joanne muttered something under her breath, and Beth took it as affirmation and filled up a glass. After slipping a few ice cubes and a straw into it, she set the cup down on the end table next to the recliner.
Her mom reached out and grabbed her hand before she could leave. “Did you find a job?” she asked, giving Beth a critical look.
Beth’s heart squeezed as she shook her head. “No, not yet. But I’m not giving up.”
Her mom shifted on the seat, closing her eyes as pain radiated across her face. “You shouldn’t be here. This isn’t your life,” she whispered as she tipped her head up, resting it on the back of the chair.
It hurt that her mom could be so cruel. Beth took a deep breath. She could handle this. If her mother wasn’t sick, things would look different. Besides, she couldn’t turn her back on her mom. Not when she was sick. Even if it felt as if her mother didn’t trust her with anything.
“It’s okay, I’m here. You shouldn’t go through this alone.”
Her mom opened her eyes and studied Beth. “I just can’t handle the stress of taking care of you, too,” she whispered. Beth could see frustration simmering in her mom’s gaze.
Beth knelt down as she tried to swallow the pain that clung to her throat. “I won’t be a burden. I promise, I will help. We’ll get through this.”
Joanne studied her for a moment before she covered their grasped hands with her other one. “I know. I just hurt so much.” She gave Beth a small smile as the pain raced across her face. “I’m sorry to be so short with you. It’s hard having you around, reminding me of all the things you are giving up. The life you should be living.”
All Beth could do was nod. There were moments with her mom that hurt, but then there were moments like this when the mom she remembered from before the divorce came shining through. It was that side of her mom that made Beth want to be here.
But the fact that her mom thought she even had a life was laughable. Guys and employers weren’t exactly lining up for a broke, jobless, twenty-eight-year-old.
Her mom’s smile faltered as she motioned for the remote. Beth handed it over and then straightened, making her way over to the stairs.
Then she remembered Mrs. Braxton and the commitment she’d made for dinner tonight, so she turned, pausing in the doorway. “Hey, Mom?”
Joanne gave a small moan in response.
“Mrs. Braxton invited us over for dinner tonight.” She hesitated, waiting for her mom’s reaction.
Just as her mom and stepdad had kept her mom’s illness from her, they were also keeping it from everyone they knew. They said it was to keep her mom strong. That pity looks were the last thing they needed—but Beth was sure there was something more.
Telling people about the disease would give it life. Acknowledging she had cancer meant acknowledging the fact that she might not make it. That she could become just another statistic.
Beth hated secrets and lies, but it wasn’t her truth to tell, and she respected her mom enough to keep it a secret.
For now.
“We’re not going,” her mom said.
Beth nodded. That’s what she’d figured.
“But you should go. We don’t want people to suspect. Just tell Sondra that I’m tired.”
Beth rubbed her temples as she muttered a quick, “Okay,” and then headed to her room. Once inside, she flopped down on her bed and sighed into her comforter.
The stress of her situation bore down on her, and she felt she just might break. It wasn’t anywhere near the dream life she used to entertain as a kid.
Rolling to her back, she stared up at the ceiling. The memory of Josh standing in front of her floated through her mind.
Her phone rang. She jumped and reached into her back pocket.
It was Tiffany. Her best friend since elementary school.
Sighing, she brought the phone to her cheek. “Hello?”
“Beth?”
“Hey, Tiff.”
“I can’t believe you’re back! I get home from Paris to find out my best friend came home? What are you doing right now?”
Beth reached out and ran her hand across her comforter. “Not much. Just wallowing in self-pity.”
Tiffany tsked. “Why? What’s going on? Should I come over?”
Beth closed her eyes. “No, no. That’s not necessary.” She sighed, hating that she was being that friend right now. The one that lied to everyone. But it was for her mom. She could do this. “But enough about me. How was your trip?”
“I was just going to go to the Tavern. Want to join me? I’ll tell you all about it.”
Beth glanced out her window that overlooked the Braxtons’ house, and the memory of seeing Josh washed over her again. “How come you didn’t tell me that Josh was coming back?”
“Josh is back?”
Beth nodded. “Uh huh.”
“Huh. Jonathan didn’t say anything, but then again, he’s been pretty busy, so we haven’t talked in a while. Plus, me being gone probably didn’t help. This must have been a recent development.”
Tiffany worked as a receptionist for Braxton Construction as well as being Jonathan Braxton’s (Josh’s younger brother) best friend. He was literally the only guy Beth was okay with Tiffany abandoning her for.
“Did you see him?” Tiffany asked, her voice flirty.
Beth rolled her eyes. There were very few people who knew about her ridiculous crush on Josh. “Well, yes. But Mrs. Braxton was there. She invited me to dinner. I’m heading over there in an hour.”
Tiffany said a very long “Ooo.”
Beth sighed. “I should go.”
“Okay,” Tiffany said through her giggles,
They said their goodbyes, promising to get together soon, and Beth hung up. She set her phone down as her gaze made its way back over to the Braxton house. Curiosity won over and she got off the bed and sat down on the bench in front of her window that overlooked the Braxtons’ front yard.
Her pulse quickened when she saw Josh standing by his truck. He had pulled a box up onto each shoulder and was making his way toward the garage apartment. A small boy who looked no older than five was following after him. She’d heard that he had a son, but that was about it. She didn’t know his name or how old he was.
; She allowed herself to wonder where Cindy was. Why would someone just allow their ex-husband to move out of the state with their son? He was a cute kid. Looked like a younger version of Josh. He even had a glove on and was throwing a baseball into it—just like Josh did the whole summer before seventh grade. He never took his glove off.
Josh paused and turned to say something to him. The little boy’s shoulders slumped, and his steps slowed while Josh made his way over to the stairs that led to the above-garage apartment.
Beth watched as Josh glanced behind him a few times. She could see his expression soften as he set the boxes on the ground. He called to his son, and whatever he said made his son’s whole face light up. He cheered and ran to the front yard, where he started throwing the ball up in the air.
Josh walked over to his truck and pulled open the passenger door. He emerged with a baseball glove and turned, calling something out. Seconds later, the ball whizzed through the air and smacked right into Josh’s glove.
When Mrs. Braxton opened the front door and waved them in, Beth suddenly realized how late it was. She could only assume that Mrs. Braxton was calling them in for dinner, which meant if she didn’t hurry, she was going to be late.
And right now, being around the Braxton family was the only thing she wanted to do.
Plus, it got her out of her house and away from the sadness the hung over everyone there like a black cloud.
After running a brush through her hair and touching up her makeup, she settled on a yellow sundress with white sandals.
She paused to glance at her reflection in the mirror and studied her outfit. Did it look like she was trying too hard? She wrinkled her nose. Probably.
But, she didn’t have time to change. Hopefully, Mrs. Braxton wouldn’t say anything about it. Sondra wasn’t the most discreet person in Honey Grove. It was probably because she had been surrounded by men most of her life. She always said exactly what was on her mind.
Before Beth could talk herself into slipping into her pajamas and avoiding this whole night, she grabbed her purse, called a quick goodbye to her mom, and pulled the front door closed after her.
It took all of thirty seconds to cross the street and climb the steps of the Braxton porch and knock three times on the door.
She stood there, holding her breath, as she waited for someone to answer.
The door opened and Josh appeared in the doorway.
It may have been her imagination, but she swore she saw his eyes light up when his gaze roamed over her.
“Hey, Beth,” he said. He leaned on the door instead of moving to let her in.
“Hey, Josh,” she said, praying her voice would come out normal.
He studied her for a moment and then glanced behind her. “Your parents coming?”
The familiar sinking feeling settled in her gut every time someone asked about her mom. It was a result of all the lies she’d been telling ever since she got back. And she hated it. “Mom’s not feeling too good,” she said. And then hurried to add, “Summer cold.”
Josh studied her and then slowly nodded. “That’s too bad. I was looking forward to saying hi.”
Beth shrugged, praying they would get off the topic of her mother. “So, am I only admitted with a parent?”
Josh chuckled as he stepped back and let the door swing open. “Of course not. You’re more than welcome.”
Beth nodded and stepped into the room, trying hard not to notice that Josh didn’t move when she came close. Instead, he remained right next to the door. She could smell his cologne and feel his presence.
Butterflies were dive-bombing her stomach. Thank goodness he couldn’t hear the pounding of her heart right now.
She moved to slip off her sandals, and, just as she freed her heel from one of the straps, she lost her balance. Reaching out, she tried to stop herself, but two strong hands held onto her. One wrapped around her arm, and the other steadied her back.
“Whoa,” Josh said.
Heat exploded throughout her body. Partially from his touch, but mostly from embarrassment. This was not how she’d dreamed of their reunion going.
“Are you okay?” he asked. His voice deeper than before.
She straightened, bringing herself inches from him. “Yep, mm-hmm,” she said, forcing herself to meet his gaze.
He studied her for a moment and then, just as quickly as his touch had happened, he dropped his hands and pushed his fingers through his hair. “I’m, um, I’m sorry. I should probably go help Mom.” He gave her a sheepish look before ducking his head and making his way into the kitchen.
Beth stood there, dumbfounded. Had she done something? She swallowed as she slipped off her shoes and set her purse on them. He was acting as if she had a disease.
Perhaps their connection earlier had all been in her mind.
And then she felt stupid.
Of course it had been in her mind. She was the one with the ridiculous crush on the neighbor boy, not the other way around. To Josh, she was just the annoying girl that had professed her love for him so many years ago.
He didn’t have feelings for her and never would. Besides, she wasn’t exactly marrying material—at least that’s what Zander told her when he dumped her. And with her mom’s illness, having any relationship was futile.
No. Josh being back wasn’t some cosmic sign that they were meant to be together. It was just a coincidence she needed to not read into.
She’d been hurt before by misinterpreting a guy’s intentions; she wasn’t going to let that happen again.
She straightened her dress and forced a confident smile as she made her way across the living room and into the kitchen where she could hear voices.
Mr. Braxton, Josh, and Dean were sitting at the table. Dean waved hi, and Mr. Braxton shouted something at the TV as he slammed his hand down at the table.
Mrs. Braxton shushed him right before she said, “Beth! Thanks for joining us.”
Beth nodded, but kept next to the wall. The Braxtons were such a warm and inviting family, but she couldn’t help but feel out of place here.
When she glanced over at Josh, she noticed him watching her. He smiled and then turned his attention back to the TV.
Beth felt so confused. Why was he smiling and touching her one minute, then cold and distant the next? Was it just her complete inability to understand men? Or was there something more?
She let out her breath slowly. She was terrible at reading men, and she just needed to accept that Josh Braxton would never be interested in her like that. They’d known each other long enough; if something was going to start up, it would have.
She needed to realize that Josh was just going to be her friend, and that was all. Besides, her life was too complicated right now to bring anyone into it. It was better, for him and for her. She just needed to forget the feelings in her stomach. Too bad it was easier said than done.
Chapter Three
Was it strange that he couldn’t keep his gaze from slipping over to Beth every few seconds? Josh wanted to tell himself that it was normal and that he shouldn’t read into it, but the more he studied Beth, the more he began to realize that she was no longer that little next door neighbor girl anymore.
She’d changed. And that intrigued him.
Then Jordan popped into his line of sight, and Josh turned to study his son, whose nose was wrinkled and his tongue was sticking out.
“What’s up, JP?” he asked, grabbing his son and hoisting him up onto his lap.
Jordan buried his lips in Josh’s ear. “This has broccoli in it,” he whispered.
Josh glanced down at the casserole his mom had prepared.
After a few pokes with his fork, he found the offending food. He sighed. Leave it to Cindy to cater to Jordan’s every whim. Instead of teaching their son to eat what he was given, Cindy had allowed him to pick and choose. Now Josh was left with Jordan’s refusal to eat anything healthy.
“You’ll be fine, bud,” he said, giving Jordan a stern look.
There was no way he had energy to fight Jordan over this. And he especially didn’t want to fight with him in front of an audience.
“What’s the problem?” Sondra asked, raising her gaze to study him.
“Nothing, Ma.”
“This has broccoli,” Jordan said, shoving his plate closer to his grandmother.
Sondra raised her eyebrows. “And you don’t eat broccoli?”
Jordan shook his head and folded his arms. Josh wanted to crawl under the table to hide from the stares everyone was shooting his direction. It wasn’t a secret that he had no idea what he was doing. He’d spent so much time studying in law school and then building his firm that he was rarely home. Now, he was left to figure out how to parent Jordan, alone.
He was so out of his depth that he was barely staying afloat. Most days, he was drowning.
“Well, Mr. Jordan, at Grandma’s house, we don’t tolerate picky eaters.” Sondra folded her arms and stared his five-year-old down.
Jordan shifted on Josh’s lap so he was facing his grandmother head on. “I don’t eat broccoli,” Jordan said, his voice dropping an octave. Josh winced. He knew what was going to happen next. Total melt down.
“That’s too bad.” Beth’s quiet voice sounded from across the table.
Josh’s gaze fell on her, surprised that she’d spoken. Jordan seemed to be just as shocked because he turned to stare at her too.
“Why?” Jordan asked.
Beth slowly picked up a piece of broccoli and studied it. “What’s your favorite animal?”
Jordan hesitated before he said, “T-Rex.”
A smile played on Beth’s lips, and Josh couldn’t help but stare at her. How had he never noticed that she was this beautiful?
Then Beth raised her gaze and, for a moment, held Josh’s. He was pretty sure that everyone in the room could hear his heart hammering in his chest. Whoa. What was his problem?
She dropped her gaze to Jordan as she leaned in. “When I have to eat my broccoli, I like to pretend that I am a giant Tyrannosaurus rex, stomping through the jungle.” She furrowed her brow and began moving her arms like she was a giant dinosaur.
Her Boss: Braxton Brothers Series Book One Page 2
