“Oh, I’d forgotten…”
No, she hadn’t. He could see she was trying to come up with an excuse to not go. Time to pull out the big guns. “I know Lottie really wants to go, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking her around water by myself.”
“No offense, Beau, but you’re not taking my daughter anywhere by herself.”
He chuckled and held up his hands. “I hear ya, loud and clear. So, Sunday…”
She huffed out a breath. “Fine. Did you say one p.m.?”
“Yes.”
“We’ll be ready.”
“Great, it’s a date.”
“No. It isn’t.”
Hailey took inventory while Beau and the band rehearsed. Tabitha had a beautiful voice that blended well with Beau’s. Hailey hadn’t detected anything inappropriate in her behavior toward Beau. Not that she’d been paying attention.
Liar.
Okay, she’d totally been paying attention. It was hard not to. Something that burned in Beau drew the eye even in the most mundane situations, but the stage transformed that flame into a brilliant bonfire. Impossible to tear your gaze from, and something that could consume you if you let it.
It wasn’t a good idea for her to spend more time with him than she was already. That was why she’d tried to get out of the fishing trip.
If Newt hadn’t interrupted them the other night…
He was too tempting.
And she knew what that kind of temptation did to a person. No thank you.
Her phone buzzed on the counter. She checked the display. Ugh, Marla. Probably trying to micromanage the father–daughter dance. She’d already fielded two calls from her about how she thought Hailey should start organizing the volunteers. She also reminded Hailey that some of the children might have food allergies and to be sure to keep that in mind. She should probably let it go to voicemail.
She swiped the screen. “Hello, Marla.”
“Hailey, I was just talking to the other moms at lunch.” Yes, Marla was a mom who lunched. “And we’re concerned about what DJ you might pick for the dance.”
“How so?” Of all her responsibilities, this was the easiest.
“Well…I don’t know quite how to say it.”
“Just say it.”
Marla took a put-upon breath. “Since you deal with the, shall we say, seedier part of society, we want to make sure you understand what would and would not be appropriate for our children to be exposed to.”
Was this bitch serious right now? “Marla, I can assure you that I’m well aware of what is appropriate for elementary school children. I have one, remember?”
“Yes, but because of what you do, your standards may be lower than the rest of ours. We don’t want a DJ who will play that horrible rap music or anything by that female singer who wears strange clothing and hangs out with the gays.”
Hailey couldn’t find one thing to say that didn’t begin with an F and end with U. This town. So small-minded and petty. She wanted out, but since she was stuck here, she had to make it work for Lottie if nothing else. “No need to worry, Marla. I’ll protect the impressionable ears of our children.”
“Oh, good, but I think I should have final approval on whoever you choose. You understand.”
No, she sure as hell didn’t understand. She had to beat this woman. She just had to, but she couldn’t make it too obvious. How, though? A quick glance at the stage, and Beau smiled at her while he sang some song she’d never heard before. Would he do it? Could she convince him? “Oh, I’m sorry, Marla. I’ve already booked the entertainment.”
“You have? Already?”
“Yes, Beau Callen is going to perform. You can’t beat some good old-fashioned country music.” She was going to hell for lying, but she had to get this woman off her back.
“Oh. Really.” Marla’s cool voice warmed considerably. “Well, that should be very nice. Good job, Hailey. I told the girls that you had everything under control.”
Uh-huh. “I hate to rush you off the phone, but I have a delivery coming in. Have a good day.” She disconnected the call.
“What’d you think of that one, Hay?” Beau asked through the microphone at the end of the song.
She hadn’t even registered the song except that she hadn’t heard it before. She gave him a nod of her head and a smile that was held up by sheer force of will. “Is it new?”
“It’s the next single. We’re releasing it in a few weeks.” He swung his guitar behind him and bent to pick up a glass of water.
“I like it.” Did he notice the unease in her voice? How was she going to get out of this mess she’d just created with Marla? Her thoughts looped around her head. She had to convince the rising star to sing, for free, at the Zachsville Elementary PTO Father–Daughter dance.
No big deal.
Chapter 17
Hailey popped a couple of ibuprofen and chased them with the last of her lukewarm tea. A slight headache and muscle aches had her feeling a little off, but nothing would stop her from going on this fishing trip, not when Lottie had her heart set on it.
“Mom, did you pack the sunscreen?” Lottie dug through the bag they were taking with them.
“Yes, it’s in the side pocket.” Hailey loaded her teacup in the dishwasher. “Find it?”
“Yep. Will you help me?” Lottie held up a giant white glob of sunscreen in the middle of her palm.
“Think you’ve got enough?” Hailey laughed.
Lottie’s toothy grin squeezed Hailey’s heart. “Just a little. I thought maybe you needed some too.”
Hailey dipped her fingers in the lotion and began rubbing it on Lottie’s face. “Hold still.”
“Don’t get it in my eyes.”
“I’m not, baby. But if you don’t hold still, it might accidentally happen.”
That was enough of a warning for Lottie to become still as a statue. This close to her girl it was easy to see the resemblance to her ex-husband. Her long, dark lashes and the dusting of freckles on her cheeks were all Derek Odom.
An old familiar pain pinched under her ribcage. Lord, had she loved that boy, had loved the man too. But the relationship never stood a chance. It was never good when one person was all in, and the other only had one foot in the door. And if she was honest, she’d been more in love with who Derek could’ve been than who he was.
He could’ve been supportive and kind when she got pregnant.
But he hadn’t.
He could’ve been a loving and faithful husband.
But he wasn’t.
He could be a present and adoring father.
But…
And that was the worst of all his sins. He hurt Lottie at every turn.
She kissed her daughter’s forehead. “Okay, I’m done with your face. Let me have some more for your arms.”
Lottie held up her hand, and Hailey scooped up more lotion. “Mom, have you ever been fishing?”
“Nope.”
“Me either. I’m excited.”
With one of Lottie’s skinny arms slathered up, Hailey reached for more sunscreen and went to work on the other. “Why the sudden interest in fishing?” She released Lottie’s arm and wiped what was left of the lotion in the girl’s smaller palm into her own hand and began smoothing it over her face.
“I was kind of sad, kind of mad because Dad took Piper and Colt fishing. I told Beau that Dad’s never taken me fishing, and he said every girl should go fishing at least once, so he’d take us.” She slipped a fishing hat she’d found at Hailey’s Dad’s house on her head. It was too big and covered most of her forehead. “How do I look?”
“Like a real fisherwoman.” Hailey struggled to keep the emotion out of her voice. Derek was an SOB, and Beau had been the one to be there for her girl. He’d never know what this meant to her daughter…to her.
A rap, rap, rap on the door and a sharp bark announced Beau and Walter’s arrival. Lottie ran to the door and swung it open. “You’re here!”
Beau grinned.
“Nice hat.”
“Thanks. Hey, Walter.” Lottie threw her arms around the hound’s long neck.
Hailey tapped her daughter’s shoulder. “Lottie, why don’t you make one more potty run before we head out?”
“Okay. Be right back.”
“Wash your hands when you’re done,” Hailey called after her.
“Duh, Mom. I’m not a baby,” Lottie yelled.
Hailey poked her head around the corner. “Watch it, girl.”
Her girl’s laughter rang from beyond the closed bathroom door.
Beau went to the bag on the table. “Is this all—”
Hailey moved to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Thank you.”
His warm arms came around her. “You’re welcome, but for what?”
“Lottie just told me how sad she was about Derek taking Piper fishing. Thank you for stepping up for her.” She stepped out of his embrace and wiped her eyes. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry.” He shrugged. “You love your daughter.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
His hands went to his front pockets. “I figured that was her story to tell.”
This man was going to be the death of her. Why did he have to check all her boxes? Why him? The worst possible man for her in the world. “Well, thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
A sincere Beau was dangerous. She needed out of this moment with him. Where was her daughter? “Lottie, are you ready?”
“Born ready!” Lottie hollered and sprinted into the kitchen.
Hailey whirled around and stared at Beau. “You have got to be kidding me. You’re bringing it back using my kid?”
He threw his head back and laughed so hard he had to hold onto the kitchen chair. Correction, a laughing Beau was far more dangerous.
Lottie glanced from one adult to the other. “What?”
“Nothin’, Lil’ Bit.” Beau wiped his eye with the heel of his hand and grabbed the bag. “I thought we’d pick up some burgers on the way out of town. Have a picnic before we start fishing.” He placed his hand on Lottie’s head and moved the too-big hat from side to side. “That okay with you?”
“Can I get a milkshake?”
“That’s your mom’s call.”
Lottie turned big doe eyes to Hailey and folded her hands under her chin. “Pleeeeease, Mom?”
Hailey and Beau both laughed. “Only if I get one too,” Hailey said.
“Really?”
Hailey grabbed her ball cap and slipped her ponytail through the hole in the back, then slid it onto her head. “Sure. Strawberry milkshakes are the best.”
Lottie and Beau shared a look that communicated some people ain’t got no sense.
“What?”
Beau shook his head and opened the door. “Everybody knows that chocolate is the best kind of milkshake.”
“In the whole world,” Lottie added, and slapped Beau’s hand as he held it out for her.
“I stand corrected.” Hailey ushered them out of the house and locked the door, her head pain and body aches forgotten. The medicine had done its job.
She only wished there was a pill to cure her ever-growing attraction to Beau Callen.
Beau handed out life jackets to Hailey and Lottie.
“Why do we have to wear these? I’m not a baby.” Lottie yanked on the jacket.
He put his on and made sure Lottie’s was secure. “Safety first, Lil’ Bit.”
“We all have to wear them. See?” Hailey turned in a circle and modeled hers for them. “They’re all the fashion.”
Lottie laughed and twirled around too. “What do you think of mine, dawwwling?”
The haughty tone of her voice made Beau laugh. “Girl, you’re something else.” He took her hand to help her into the johnboat. But Lottie dug in her heels. “What’s the matter?”
“Is it safe?” Her voice shook just a little. “Piper didn’t say anything about a boat.”
“Perfectly safe.” Hailey, who’d already climbed in, held her arms out to her sides. “See, I’m fine.”
Of course, she hadn’t waited for help. If he’d been expecting her to ask for assistance, he’d be waiting a long damn time.
Lottie looked to Beau as if to confirm her mom’s statement. “She’s right. Perfectly safe.”
“Alright.”
“Watch your step and have a seat on this end, opposite your mama.” After Lottie was situated, he carefully lowered himself into the boat and took the middle seat facing Hailey. The late September temperatures were still warm, but he had no interest in taking a dip in Wilson’s Lake.
“Now what?” Lottie held onto the boat as it rocked side to side while he climbed in.
“Now, Beau rows.”
Hailey’s sugary sweet, teasing smile made him want to kiss it from her face. “Now, I row.”
You’re a fool, Callen.
He was finally free to do exactly what he wanted to do. Not that taking care of Clyde the last year of his life had been anything other than what he wanted to do, but it had forced him to put his career on hold. Now, all of his dreams were within reach, and yet, he couldn’t seem to stop himself from becoming more and more entangled with this woman and her kid.
It had to stop. He wouldn’t be unkind, but he’d start drawing some boundaries with them.
Hailey rested her hands behind her and leaned back with her face to the sun. “Good call on the sunscreen, Lottie. It’s a warm day.”
Lottie tugged her hat into place. “Safety first, right Beau?”
He chuckled. “Right, Lil’ Bit.” He rowed for a while, and no one said anything. He figured Lottie’s fear kept her quiet. Hailey soaked up the sun with her eyes closed, and he soaked up the sight of Hailey.
“I think this is as good a spot as any.” He pulled the oars in and laid them on the sides of the small boat, then glanced over his shoulder. “Lottie, can you hand me that green tackle box?”
“Uh-huh.” She pushed it toward him with her foot, her butt firmly planted on the little bench where she sat.
“It’s alright, Lottie. As long as no one does anything crazy, then everyone stays in the boat. It just takes a minute to get used to it.”
“Promise?”
He couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face. “I promise, darlin’.”
She got to her feet a centimeter at a time. It was like watching a robot come to life. A few long moments of getting the feel of the boat and she picked up the tackle box and walked it to him. “Here you go.”
“Good job.”
He patted the bench he was sitting on, indicating she should sit beside him. “I’m going to bait your hook. Then we’ll cast it in the water and see what we can catch.”
She played with the strap of the life vest she was wearing. “I bet Piper didn’t have near as much fun as I’m having today.”
Beau cut a look at Hailey, whose eyes glistened with moisture. “I bet your dad didn’t either, ’cause he wasn’t with you. I’d say I’m the winner in this contest.”
One side of Lottie’s mouth kicked up. “Me too.” She glanced at her mom. “Don’t you think Beau’s a winner, Mom?”
Hailey quickly wiped a tear from her cheek. “I do.”
And that was it. That was when the Odom women blew his boundaries to hell.
Chapter 18
The Odom women were evil.
That was why Beau was sitting in wet, cold clothes trying to warm up in the Texas sun. Why his tennis shoes were hanging on a tree branch, why his balls had shriveled to the size of raisins, and why Hailey and Lottie couldn’t stop laughing. “Go ahead. Laugh it up.”
Hailey snorted. “It’s not our fault you tried to show off and ended up in the lake.”
Busted. “I wasn’t showing off.” He’d been singing as the women climbed out of the boat. Once they were on the dock, he’d made a spin move and ended up in the lake. While the day was warm, the water was not. Hence his raisin-sized balls.
/> “He was like… He was like…” Lottie could barely get the words out for laughing. “He was like…” She spun in a circle then fell to the ground.
“Don’t forget the girly scream,” Hailey added while she wrapped a towel she’d found in the truck around his shoulders.
No telling what was on the towel, but at the moment he didn’t care.
“Oh yeah.” His ex-best friend Lottie repeated the move and added a girly scream.
Nice.
Walter, who’d missed all the excitement because he was asleep in the shade, licked Beau’s face.
He leaned his head into the dog’s neck. “At least you’re still on my side.”
“Wanna play, Walter?” Lottie said, and waved the dog’s favorite toy then threw it as far as she could. The animal was off in a flash. Beau had to catch himself with his hand to make sure he didn’t fall.
“Traitor.” He wiped his nose with the towel. “You’ve turned my own dog against me.”
“Sorry,” Lottie sang and started to run after the dog.
Hailey grabbed her daughter’s hand. “Hold on, girly.”
“Why?”
“You need your inhaler before you go running around.”
Lottie took the cylinder type thing and shook it, then inhaled the medicine. After several seconds she exhaled, tossed the container to Hailey, and took off after Walter.
He tightened the towel around his shoulders. “I didn’t know she had asthma.”
She sat down next to him on the blanket. “Since she was a baby. Mostly it’s controlled, but this time of year it can get bad. I’m just being cautious.”
“I had asthma when I was a kid too. It used to scare Clyde to death.”
“It can be scary, mostly because it can go bad so fast.” She watched the dog and the girl fighting over a toy. “I hope she grows out of it too.” She tossed a grape at him, and he caught it in his mouth. “Score!”
Though she was smiling, and he could tell she was having a good time, she looked a little pale. “You feelin’ alright?”
“Just a headache that’s hangin’ around, and my muscles ache, but it’s nothing a little ibuprofen won’t fix.”
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