Montana Beau: Montana Cowboys

by Hildie McQueen

  After she didn't reply to his call or voice message, Beau had texted Sunny asking she reconsider coming to the party and asked that she be his date. She'd yet to reply. The woman was infuriating. If he texted or called any of his exes, none would hesitate to accept. But he knew Sunny was wary of him and with good reason.

  He'd hoped dinner together would have put her more at ease, but so far it seemed it would take more than that to get to spend more time with her.

  "Hey, what are you doing sitting in the dark?" Braylen dropped into a plush chair. "I can't sleep."

  "Want me to make you warm milk?" Beau asked making a high-pitched voice. "Or do you need a lullaby?"

  "Nah. I think I need to read or something, that usually helps and I forgot my iPad. Can I borrow yours?"

  Beau looked at his twin. They were fraternal, both with the same dark hair, although Braylen kept his short. But Braylen’s eyes were a bright blue unlike Beau’s dark eyes. Since they were children, Braylen loved to read, often spending entire afternoons with his nose in a book. "Sure, it's on my nightstand."

  "Holy shit," Braylen came out a few moments later. "Your bedroom wall is great! Did you pick that out?"

  "Like the purple, huh?" He couldn't help but smile.

  Braylen shook his head. "Heck no, it's ugly as hell, but I know it looks good to you. How cool. How'd you think of it?"

  "I didn't. Sunny did it."

  "Well, she's awesome. You're an idiot to let her go.” Braylen padded toward one of the spare bedrooms, already looking at the reading selections.

  Beau pushed the call button and held the phone to his ear. Sunny answered on the second ring.

  "Is something wrong?"

  It was then he realized it was almost midnight. "No, I’m sorry to call so late. I expected it would go to message. Did I scare you?"

  "No, it startled me though. I forgot my phone at home today and when I got here it was dead. I just plugged it in and it rang.” She laughed and he smiled at the sound. "How are you?"

  "Will you be my date for New Year’s Eve?"

  "Oh."

  "Is that a yes?"

  Once again he heard her chuckle. "I won't fit in Beau. Not with your circle. It would be awkward."

  "No it won't. I would have not figured you to be a scaredy cat."

  "Scaredy cat? I wouldn't have figured you to use that term." She let out a loud sigh. "Okay. I'll come. I'll do my best not to do something stupid."

  "Good night, Sunny."

  "Good night, Beau."

  Sunny smiled as her head sunk into her pillow. Moe snored loudly from his bed and she reached over and covered him up with a little blanket. "What is happening?" she said out loud. "I can't do this. It's going to hurt so bad when he breaks my heart."

  The next day she'd go shopping for a new dress and shoes. She'd have to find out what the attire for the event was. She texted Beau and asked. He replied quickly. The dress was semiformal.

  Great, now to figure out what her role would be. Did he expect her to show up early and help set up. No, that was silly, she remembered notes from a catering company.

  The way her mind started spinning, she knew it would be hard to fall asleep. She threw the blankets off and retrieved her laptop. Then typed in the local society page.

  Her mouth fell open upon seeing a picture of Beau and the woman, Carla, leaving Paulo's. The headline read: "Paulo's Taverna, the new Hot Spot for single socialites."

  "Ugh," she grunted and fell back into the pillow. "What game is he playing? Why did he take her there?” She lifted her head and studied the picture. Both looked stoic. He wasn't touching her as she walked in front of him. As a matter of fact, his hands were in his pockets as he frowned toward the camera.

  The woman looked down with her hand up either sweeping hair from her face or covering it.

  It was interesting. Of course he could date. It wasn't as if there was anything between her and Beau. But did he have to take her to Paulo's? If anything, this helped keep her mind straight. She'd go to the party and network. He was doing her a favor and that was it. So why not accept and use it to her advantage?

  Sunny closed the page and typed in cocktail party wear to study what sort of outfit she needed to plan.

  When she sniffed, it made her mad. It would take a lot of grit, but she'd work on protecting her heart.

  Chapter Twelve

  It was a perfect night. A multitude of stars sparkled from the dark blanket of the sky. Beau stood outside with Braylen and their mother greeting guests. Jazzy music wafted from speakers giving the night a festive air.

  When a group of four women headed to them, the brothers’ mother elbowed them. "Be nice boys. They are all single and from the best families."

  Braylen pressed his lips together to keep from laughing, while Beau groaned. "Mother, I have a date tonight."

  "What?" they both asked Beau in unison.

  They greeted the women, who'd obviously been primed by their mother. Each taking more than enough time to ensure the brothers noticed them. Braylen smiled widely, complimenting their looks while Beau kept his greeting more cordial than friendly.

  Once the women went inside after getting promises to "talk later", Beau’s mother gave him a pointed look. "Who is your date? Do I know this woman?"

  "No, I don't think so." Beau kept his voice level. Morgan Forrester-Johnson was a social maven, who spent more time a month attending parties and functions than most people did in an entire year.

  She took pride in being in the know and part of the most prominent social circles. Although not a bad person, she lacked any mothering instinct. The only time he'd realized she loved him was upon her learning of their stepfather's abuse. She'd divorced him within weeks, regardless of his attempts to get her back. Once she threatened to bring him up on charges, the man had given up.

  The abuse, which had lasted five years, from the time the twins were five until they were ten, left a lasting effect now twenty-four years later.

  "She decorated the house. I'm not sure you met her unless you stopped by while she was here last month."

  "Hmmm," Morgan replied tapping her chin. "I don't think so. I feel obligated to point out that her attempt to get to know you after working for you is pretty transparent. She could be one of those women looking to climb up the social ladder."

  He let out a breath trying hard not to be rude to his clueless mother. "It took me a long time to convince her to be my date. So please be nice."

  "Of course dear," his mother didn't sound convincing and he looked to Braylen, who shook his head.

  "Mother, you really need to work on your social skills. Not everyone is high society," Braylen said.

  "I know that," their mother snapped, and then stopped talking as another guest arrived.

  Beau could not tear his eyes from the woman who walked up. Her long, brown hair was pulled up in an elegant twist, showing off her graceful neck. The simple white dress she wore accentuated her figure, hugging every curve in a tasteful way. The dress went to just below her knees showing off her well-toned legs and tan heels. She pulled a shawl over her shoulders and looked to him, her gaze uncertain.

  "Holy cow," Braylen said under his breath. "She's beautiful."

  "Yeah,” Beau replied walking toward the vision that was his date for the evening.

  At Sunny's tentative smile, he felt the need to reassure her. He took her slender hand and led her to where his mother and grinning brother stood. "Mom, Braylen, this is Sunny."

  "Welcome," Braylen moved close and kissed Sunny's cheek. "Nice to finally meet you."

  Sunny smiled and looked to their mother. "Hello."

  "How are you," their mother smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. "I just now learned about you." She gave Beau a pointed look. "Please come in, you must be freezing in that light shawl."

  "Yes, I am. I didn't have a coat that looked good with the dress, so I left it in the car."

  His mother's eyebrows rose. "Oh, that's a shame. I'm Morgan F
orrester-Johnson by the way."

  The women went inside and as much as Beau wanted to follow, he turned when more guests arrived. Carla was among them.

  "This is going to be an interesting night," Braylen said with a cough to cover his chuckle. "We need to go inside."

  They followed the last group into the house. The caterer greeted them instantly with hot mulled wine and appetizers. Beau grabbed two cups and went to find Sunny.

  "I didn't plan to come, but Margo was so looking forward to it." Carla blocked his path. She swiped her hair to the side. "It's all very well done." Her eyes scanned the room stopping at spotting Sunny, who stood beside the fireplace flanked by two men he recognized as friends of Braylen's.

  Carla let out a delicate cough. "Well, she came to the right place to find a man."

  "Excuse me." He went past her to Sunny who gave him a relieved smile.

  "Hi." She accepted the drink and took his proffered arm. "Everything looks beautiful."

  "Thanks to you," he replied just as his mother neared with one of the single woman she'd invited.

  "I'm not sure you knew this Beau, but Ava and you attended the same social class."

  After the third time either Beau’s mother or the woman, Carla, made it obvious she was interloping, Sunny began moving towards the door. A group of violinists were setting up and she held on waiting for the distraction so she could slip out. It was a huge mistake to have come. As nice as Beau attempted to be, the women from his social circle were not pulling any stops to ensure he realized the mistake he'd made in inviting her.

  "These people are relentless, aren't they?" Braylen leaned on the wall next to her. "Come, hurry." He took her hand and led her down the hallway, through the study to a side patio. There were outdoor heaters, which made it bearable to stand outside. "There. I wanted to be sure they wouldn't run over and stop me from talking to you. Hold on a minute, don't move.” He rushed away.

  A few moments later Beau walked out and went directly to her. He embraced her, bringing her against him and let out a long breath. "I'm so sorry. Are you all right?"

  "Yes I'm fine. What did your brother tell you?"

  "That you were about to slip out and leave. I don't blame you." He looked down at her searching her face. "Hell, I want to leave, too. I never realized how shallow and elitist these people are. Actually, mostly the women are. The men hover because they want to get to know you."

  "It's okay. They are being protective of you and what they perceive me to be. Don't be upset. Enjoy the party. I'll head home and celebrate with Moe. He's quite the party animal it turns out."

  "No.” He lifted her face. "Sunny, will you accept to be in a committed relationship with me?"

  "Oh, no. We can't do that.” What was she saying? She wanted to do a happy dance in a circle and scream, "Hell Yeah!"

  His mouth covered hers, the kiss so deep and urgent, she couldn't resist wrapping her arms around him. When he slid his hands down her back and pulled her closer, Sunny moaned. He was not playing fair.

  Beau pulled back and waited for her to open her eyes. "I have not been in a relationship before, so I know I will screw up from time to time, but I promise you I won't hurt you. I will be committed to you and ask that you give me a chance. Say yes."

  "Yes." Her voice was breathless. Before she could recover, he kissed her again until she lost her breath and could barely stand up. Her knees wobbled when he held her against him.

  "Let's go back to the party, okay?"

  "Okay."

  She went to the bathroom and checked her lipstick. Thankfully, it wasn't smeared across her face. What color was left was enough to give her lips a slight blush tone, which matched her cheeks perfectly. Her eyes sparkled at Beau when he looked in to check on her. His gaze was inquisitive as if he expected her to change her mind any minute.

  A part of her considered it.

  They walked back out to the party holding hands garnering everyone's attention. Beau pulled her against his side and whispered in her ear. "Chin up, Miss Stilton. Beau Forrester's girlfriend is not the kind to intimidate easily."

  She giggled and hit his shoulder playfully.

  "Would you like some champagne?" Braylen handed her a flute and winked.

  They spent the next few hours milling about, both she and Beau relaxed as they became attuned to each other's body language. He didn't leave her side, either holding her hand or keeping his hand on her back or elbow. His protectiveness was both reassuring and sweet.

  "I don't believe we've met," the blonde women she'd met and seen in the online picture came up and gave Beau a pointed look.

  He spoke up. "Carla, this is Sunny Stilton. You've met her. She’s the one responsible for redecorating this house."

  "Oh, that's right, the decorator. How cliché." She lifted her glass.

  "You don't think an ex being snarky is cliché?" Sunny couldn't help the comeback. Beau did not want her cowering and she would not allow these people to make her feel bad because she wasn't rich.

  Carla blinked in surprise then stalked off.

  "She's much prettier from a distance," Sunny told Beau whose lips twitched.

  "It's almost midnight. Do you want to join us outside?" His mother neared speaking only to Beau before giving Sunny a cursory glance. "Your guests are all going out for the fireworks display."

  They walked out to a magical set up of twinkling white lights entwined into the tree branches and waiters moving about serving fresh champagne to all the guests.

  Beau surprised her by insisting all the servers get glasses for themselves and celebrate the countdown. The guests stood in the open space and the staff lined up next to the house, everyone looking up as fireworks exploded overhead.

  “Three! Two! One!” everyone called out, "Happy New Year!" and toasted.

  Sunny sipped her champagne while encircled in Beau’s arms. The most perfect beginning in her opinion.

  "Happy New Year, Sunny," he whispered in her ear and she turned to his kiss.

  She laughed when he pulled away and turned his head to burp. "Sorry, the bubbles came up."

  "Stay the night," he implored as his eyes met hers and she could only nod. She'd drunk a lot more than she meant to and would not be able to drive home. A shiver of excitement dulled when a woman neared. She instantly recognized her as the blonde who'd fought with Beau the first day she'd come there.

  The woman held out her hand and smiled. "I'm so glad someone finally got this man to settle down."

  Beau seemed surprised, but managed to introduce them. "Alexa, this is Sunny. Sorry, I hadn't seen you."

  "I came late, just an hour ago. With Everett. We're dating now."

  She smiled at Sunny again. . "Don't make it too easy for him. Happy New Year." The woman walked away with her date and Sunny looked to Beau. "She's nice."

  "Yeah, I spoke to her not too long ago. I wasn't very nice to her, had to apologized. Actually not a good person to most of the women I dated."

  "I know," Sunny said and kissed his jawline when he frowned. "You've changed."

  "Yes, you make me a better man, Sunny."

  After the last of the guests left, Sunny stood before the hearth and waited for Beau to come back inside.

  Warm from not just the fire, but also the knowledge that Beau had committed not just to be hers, but to try his best to be a good man. She smiled at the thought of how things changed so quickly. From virtual strangers to understanding what the other said with only a look or a touch.

  Just then, she felt his need for her when he reached around her waist, his strong arm curving around and pulling her against him just as his lips pressed to the side of her neck.

  "Everyone's gone except Braylen. He's passed out, drank a bit too much. I just checked on him."

  Sunny reached up and slid her fingers through his hair. She didn't speak, instead looked to the flames and turned her head to give him more access to her neck. He didn't need to be told and trailed kissed down from her earlobe to her shou
lder.

  "I'm glad you came tonight. I know my mother can be difficult. She'll come around when she sees I'm serious about you."

  Sunny chuckled. "No, she won't."

  Beau couldn't help but laugh. "No, she probably won't."

  Slowly he turned her to him and lifted her face. "I want you in my bed. Need to touch every inch of you. Kiss you everywhere."

  Tugging her hand, he led her to the bright purple room. She laughed at seeing he'd had the entire room painted the color she'd done one wall in. "Oh my God. I love it!" She turned and hugged him, enjoying the rumble of his laughter.

  He chuckled and looked around. "It's a calming color if I do say so myself."

  Stepping away from him, she pulled the zipper down the back of her dress and allowed the garment to fall to the floor in a puddle at her feet; she stepped from it in her bra and slip of material covering her sex. Sunny knew the shoes made her legs look extra-long as she curled her finger to him. "Come here."

  His dimples formed when he smiled and came to her. "Gladly." He unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it off, his undershirt quickly followed. She helped him with his slacks and those joined the other discarded clothing.

  When she started to take her undergarments off, he stopped her. "Not yet. I want to do it." He lifted Sunny and placed her on the bed. Sunny was more than glad to be a spectator as he took his briefs off, his arousal all too evident.

  She licked her lips in anticipation when he looked at her, his eyes dark with passion. First he leaned over the bed and kissed her, then unlatched her bra. His gaze scanning over her exposed skin made her squirm in anticipation.

  He moved onto the bed and climbed over her, his mouth eager on her breasts, his hands sliding down her sides until holding her hips in place while he pressed his penis into her, letting her know how much he wanted her.

  "I think about you all the time. You are the one for me, Sunny," he whispered in her ear, his words breathless.