Damn Stephan and his stupid illness. Sunny mustered a bright smile. "Of course. I'd love to."
"I'm so glad you be here this afternoon, Mr. Forrester. I want to do a walk through and point out everything before we consider the job complete.” Kevin White turned out to be the most annoying person he'd ever had the displeasure of meeting. The man had no personal space, regarded himself highly and wore overly strong cologne. With perfectly styled hair sporting a bright silver stripe that reminded Beau of Cruella de Vil, he never stopped talking.
"Here you go." The decorator waved a hand toward the hallway. "Let's start in your bedroom. There is something that bothers me. Unless you requested it of course.” They walked to his bedroom and he scanned it, not seeing anything that stood out.
Kevin pranced to the wall behind his bed and held out his hand in a Vanna White pose. "I find it hard to believe you approved this color, Mr. Forrester. It's so bright and, frankly, out of character compared to the rest of the house."
The day she'd been listening to music, Sunny had painted that wall herself. They'd kissed that night. He’d been unable to stop himself.
The song constantly played in his head as a result of that day. Of the entire house, that one wall stood out. It was true, through the haze of dull walls, of which color he had no idea, this wall he could see was different. The hue to him, a subtle blue, was nice, soothing even.
"What color would you say that is?" he asked Kevin who waited for him to speak.
"It's a bright Barney purple. If I may offer my opinion, it's horrible. I can have it repainted right away."
Somehow she'd figured out his red-green color-blind deficiency and found the one shade he could see. He looked away from the wall, the words to ask Kevin to paint over it on the tip of his tongue. Instead, he moved to the bed and opened the top drawer of his nightstand. Inside was the scarf he'd hidden. "No, leave it. I like it." He contemplated giving the scarf to the man to return to Sunny, but didn’t.
"Oh." For the first time, Kevin was struck silent. Beau closed the drawer and strolled past the man to the hallway. "Let's see the rest of the house. Tell me, what have you done since arriving?"
This question sent the decorator on a tangent. For the next two hours, the man explained every detail of each room. Most of the work, of course, had been done by Sunny and Kevin was quick to point the fact out. All he'd done, really, was oversee the finishing touches, set out décor and stocked the kitchen with all the necessary items, which Sunny had ordered prior to leaving.
"Where is she?" Beau asked, keeping his voice casual.
Kevin looked to his clipboard. "In New York. Stephan could not fire her. She’s the only support for her family. Her stepfather is very ill and, well, I know I shouldn't give you so much information." Kevin let out a sigh. "She's a wonderful person. I don't know what she did to make you angry, but let me tell you, Mr. Forrester, Sunny is nice, giving and always helping out where she can. As a matter of fact, I brought your little dog she nursed. I am going away for Christmas and she's not replying to my last texts about the dog."
"Moe?" He went to the kitchen and there, in the corner in his bed, was the little, ugly, black dog Sunny had found near the stables. It had grown chubby and wagged its tail in greeting. When it got up and limped toward him, he couldn't help but chuckle at the silly thing.
"Oh that's right, Moe. I couldn't remember its name. Well, I'm glad you're satisfied. If you will please sign off on the paperwork, I'll ensure you receive an invoice. Looks like you're all ready for your holiday soiree."
In a flurry of activity, the ladders, crates, boxes and stuffing were all cleared out. Within an hour, Kevin and his crew, in addition to their vehicles, were gone, leaving him in a fully furnished, beautifully decorated, silent space.
Moe stood next to the back door and barked softly then scratched at it with his front right paw.
"At least you're housebroken,” Beau told the pup as he opened the door and followed him out. "Don't get too used to living here. You're going back to Sunny as soon as she gets back.” The idea that he had an excuse to see her again lightened his step and before long, he and the pup were walking around the corral, the frigid air making him smile at the thought of the holidays.
Later, from the front windows, Carla's car came into view. The woman drove much too fast swerving around the house to park beside the garage. Beau fed Moe the last piece of his pizza and prepared for what would be an unpleasant conversation. By the way the woman strode toward the front door, she was not happy he'd not returned her calls.
Ten. She'd called ten times that day. Nine more than acceptable in his opinion.
Her icy gaze met his when he opened the door just as she neared. "I called you. My parents expect you at their home for Christmas dinner. It's more of a cocktail party really.” She walked past him and looked around the house. "It turned out quite nice. I'm surprised since the woman wore the cheapest clothing I've seen in a long time. At least she had good taste."
"What do you mean by cheap clothes?" Beau asked, not quite understanding. In his opinion, Sunny always looked put together and classy. He scanned Carla's jeans, boots and tightfitting, pale pink sweater. She wore pearl earrings and a matching cuff.
"Off the rack. You know, things that cost about twenty bucks before going on sale," Carla said waving her hand dismissively. "It was obvious the woman is broke." She closed the distance and draped her arms around his neck. "Why didn't you call me back?" Her pout was an obvious ploy.
"I was very busy today.
Her lips pressed to the side of his throat and she pulled his head down. "Let's not talk right now. I need you, Beau. We have so much in common. We are in the same social circles. Tell me what you want from me?"
Beau pulled her arms from around his neck and stepped back. "I don't want to hurt you, Carla."
Her eyes narrowed and nostrils flared. "You called me the other day. I came because you called. How can you now say you don't want anything?"
"I made a mistake."
As usual, she advanced prepared to fight. Carla's mouth twisted in anger. "So what the hell was it? A booty call? Seriously?"
Admittedly, he'd called her because, at that moment, he'd been too close to sleeping with Sunny. Now he had to consider what the repercussions would be when she returned from New York. There'd be a scene, of course. She’d be like Carla and Alexa, the lady who'd been there the morning Sunny showed up.
He always managed to anger women. While Braylen remained friends with most of his casual hookups, Beau got cussed out and slapped. "No Carla, it's just that I thought I could be ready for a relationship, but I'm not. Not right now. I am sorry."
Moe hobbled out and Carla took a step back. "What the hell is that?" She moved further back. "That is the ugliest thing I've ever seen."
Beau leaned over and picked up the puppy that yapped with happiness. "He's not that ugly. Needs some grooming or something."
"If I leave, if you allow me to walk out the door, I won't return." Carla ignored the dog and focused on him. "Tell me now. Is it over?"
The same words she'd said the last time they'd broken up. Beau hated knowing she was hurt. Carla, although shallow and pampered, was not a bad person. "Yes. It's best you go."
Her shiny eyes searched his face as if expecting him to change his mind. "You'll be so sorry.” She turned on her heel and stomped out. The slam of the door made both Beau and Moe jump.
"I'm going to bed,” Beau said out loud and headed towards his bedroom with the dog.
The day after Christmas, a showdown with Sunny and then he could return to his solitary and, admittedly, boring life.
Chapter Nine
Christmas had turned out to be more enjoyable than Sunny expected. There was magic in the air in New York City. Festive displays, music and way too many lights, which had brightened her holiday. She'd met up with a college friend and had an enjoyable meal with her friend’s family on Christmas day.
Now, as her cab pulled up
to her office, she let out a breath and wondered what would happen when meeting with Stephan that afternoon. He'd seemed in a good mood when they'd talked on the phone last. Since her commission had stayed the same, thanks to her and Kevin switching jobs, Sunny could afford to pay for car repairs and save money for whatever treatments her stepfather required next.
"Hello, Doll, it's been forever." Stephan greeted her with a kiss on both cheeks. Sunny laughed in spite of herself. The man could be overly dramatic.
She studied his still pale complexion. "You're not contagious are you?"
"No, I had pneumonia, it's not something people catch. I finally feel somewhat human."
They walked to her office and she looked around searching for Moe. "Where is my dog? I thought Kevin was bringing him here."
The silence greeting her made her heart stop. "Tell me Moe is okay." She leaned forward, her hand flat against her breast. "Stephan?"
"We thought you were taking care of it, not that he was yours. You told Kevin you found him injured at Forrester's."
"He was a stray. You didn't take him to the shelter did you?" Sunny couldn't help the high pitch. She jumped to her feet prepared to go to the local shelter only to realize she had no car. "Shit, Stephan, how could you?"
"Calm down. Let me make a call. Kevin dropped him off to Beau Forrester."
"I'll go and get him. Just don't let me find out that man took him to the shelter. Beau Forrester is not a nice person."
Stephan let out a breath. "Kevin likes him. Said he was always polite. Distant, but polite."
"Can I borrow your car?" Sunny neared her boss' desk. "I have to go see about Moe."
"Aren't you the least bit interested in what your next assignment is?" Stephan covered the keys lying on his desk with both hands. "You'll be excited."
"My God, Stephan, please just tell me. I'm a bundle of nerves." Sunny forced herself to be patient. The man drove her nuts at times, but he was a good boss, so she could not complain.
"Braylen Forrester wants you to redesign the new retail space in London after the New Year. How interesting is that?"
Sunny frowned, opened her mouth and closed it again. "What? I've never done retail space, that's Kevin's specialty. Why would he ask for me after his brother fired me?"
"Right?" Stephan lifted the keys and held them out. "I was hoping you'd enlighten me."
"I couldn't possibly do it. It's not going to work. I mean, I need the work..." She lowered into a chair, forgetting about Moe for a moment. "I'll think about it. Maybe meet with him and talk."
Stephan waved her away. "I'll text you his contact info. Now go see about the dog and your car. I need my vehicle back by six."
At first glance, Beau Forrester's house looked to be empty. Sunny parked in front of the garage and rushed to the front door. After pressing the doorbell twice without answer, she knocked, then leaned on the door and pressed her ear to it. No barking.
She rounded to the back and stopped at spotting them. Beau was crouched down rolling a ball towards Moe, who picked it up and brought it to him. They repeated the process and each time, Beau patted the dog's head and praised him with exaggerated gleeful tones.
Moe's ears went up and he turned to Sunny. The precious dog yapped happily and hobbled toward her as fast as he could. Sunny rushed to him, picked him up and kissed his ugly face.
She held the wiggling dog against her and looked to Beau who now stood holding the ball.
The sunlight shone on his tussled hair. Wearing jeans and a gray sweater, he looked perfect. She'd forgotten how wide his shoulders were and the strong lines of his body as it tapered to a trim waist. Instantly, she remembered his nude body, his skin and scent.
Sunny took a breath and looked past his left shoulder. "I'm sorry about this. Kevin misunderstood and thought Moe was yours."
"Not a problem. He's a good dog."
"Can I get his bed and carrier please?" She met his eyes for an instant.
Big. Mistake.
Her heartbeat quickened and she had to swallow at the heat in his gaze. Sunny turned away, heading to the house and hoping he'd follow, give her Moe's things and she could be on her way.
The house looked amazing. She couldn't help but stop and look around. Her lips curved. Beau stood by silently.
"I hope you like the end product." She was proud and couldn't help smiling at him. He fired you. Her brain reminded her and she turned to the kitchen where she hoped Moe's things were.
"I am. You did a good job." He remained at the same spot. "His things are in my bedroom."
No way in hell was she going there. "Oh. I'll just wait here."
He turned and looked at her, the usual neutral expression in place. "I want to show you something."
Holding Moe against her chest, she followed him down the hallway, her eyes moving from his broad back to his pert behind before she caught herself and looked at the back of his head. "Is something wrong?"
He motioned for her to enter and, of course, her gaze went straight to the bed. Shit. She let out a breath. "It turned out very nice.”
There was a wooden frame above the headboard framing a metal design.
On the side wall above the dresser were black and white pictures she'd taken of the trees outside. On the dresser itself, beside a tray to hold his watch and wallet, was a framed black and white portrait of Beau and his brother when they were children.
The purple wall behind his bed didn't fit the room layout as much as most would expect, but she'd off-put the bright color by using muted purple pillows on the bed, which was unmade at the moment.
"I didn't approve that color." He looked to the purple wall. "Kevin pointed out it was bright purple."
Unsure what to say, she bit her lip. Moe's things were at the foot of the bed. He'd let the little dog sleep with him. Her heart melted just a bit to know the man might not be a total asshole. "I will have it repainted free of charge."
"It's the only wall I can see color on. It looks blue to me. I like it. Thank you."
Once again Sunny was struck silent. She looked at him for a long time as he tensed. "You're welcome. I will send you the paint sample in case you decide to paint the entire room or something.” She hurried to pick up the dog bed and carrier, struggling to hold them and not drop Moe.
"I'll help..."
"No need!" Sunny hadn't meant to raise her voice, but she didn't have time to ponder on what he'd meant by bringing her to his bedroom. All she knew was the sooner she got away from him, the easier it would be for her heart.
Every cell of her being screamed for him and she gritted her teeth.
Once outside and in the car, she let out a breath. Now to go back to Stephan and tell him she could never accept the job at Forrester Ranchwear. Nowhere on God's green earth was it a good idea to be near that man.
Beau watched as Sunny drove away. She was driving a different car, possibly because hers remained in the shop he'd had it towed to. He'd planned to tell her he wanted to keep the dog, but she was apparently quite attached to it.
Not exactly what he'd expected from her visit. She'd not lashed out about him firing her. Instead, when she'd walked into the house she had smiled. Actually smiled, pleased with the end result.
Her eyes had lit up as she'd taken in the final result of her efforts. He had to admit the result was stunning. Everything fit each space perfectly, the furniture looking to have been accumulated over years and not all at once. Long, sheer draperies framed the large, front, picture window, not distracting from the view of land and horses.
He let out a breath feeling guilty at not apologizing to Sunny about firing her. She'd done an amazing job.
Not putting off what he planned, he picked up his cell phone and placed two phone calls.
"What are you doing for New Year's Eve?" her stepfather asked, his eyes not leaving the football game on the flat screen. "A night out with friends?"
Sunny laughed. "I was planning pizza and champagne with Moe."
Dougl
as Stilton laughed. "You need to get out. Meet a nice young man."
He'd been after her to date since she'd broken up with her ex a year earlier. They'd remained amicable, realizing they made better friends than lovers. He was dating someone else now and she'd yet to meet the right man. "It will be my New Year's resolution. How about that?" Sunny reached for a handful of popcorn.
It felt good to see him doing better. His spirits up after regaining mobility with his right arm.
Her stepfather peered at her. "I have some news."
"Really?" She looked to Beth, who read in a recliner, too lost in her book to listen. "Is it good news?"
His crooked grin made her heart melt. How she loved this man. If only she could meet someone as caring and giving. "I got approved for disability. Getting a good payout we'll put into a savings account and the monthly check will cover all our expenses. No more giving us money, young lady."
Sunny sniffed and wiped a tear that slid down her cheek. They'd been waiting for the request to be approved. It had taken almost two years. "Seriously?" she whispered and hugged her stepfather tightly. "Oh, my goodness. That is the best news ever."
"Maybe you can buy a reliable car now," he told her, his own shiny eyes meeting hers. "I want you to do something extravagant for yourself. You can afford to go out and have an expensive dinner."
Her cell phone beeped and she looked to see a text from the garage. Her car was ready to be picked up. She frowned and called them.
"Your car is ready Miss Stilton. We replaced the alternator, the wipers and aligned it since we installed new tires."
"Wait. What?" She walked to another room. "Who authorized all this? How much will it cost?"
The sound of papers crinkling sounded. "It’s been paid in full. I don't know who called and paid for it, but there's a note here. Some sort of apology." He sounded annoyed. "We close at seven if you could come get it today I'd appreciate it, since we'll be closed until after New Year's."
Montana Beau: Montana Cowboys Page 5
