by Kathy Ivan
“Hey, Sis.” Tessa sauntered through the bedroom door, her eyes instantly zeroing in on the stack of dresses, jeans, and tops. “What’s going on?”
“I’m trying to figure out what I’m going to wear tonight.”
Tessa’s eyes narrowed, and she studied Beth intently. “You never mentioned when you called and asked me to watch Jamie what you were doing.” Then her mouth dropped open for a second before she whispered, “Don’t tell me. You’ve got a date? You’ve got a date!” Her voice got louder with each syllable, until she was nearly yelling by the end.
“It’s nothing serious, Tessa. Just dinner between friends, that’s all.”
Tessa snorted. “You’re not fooling me for a second. Spill. Who’s the lucky guy? Give me all the deets.”
Beth picked up a pale blue sheath and held it up to her chest. “There are no deets. Simply dinner as a thank you.”
“Still not buying it. You haven’t shown an interest in any guy since moving to Shiloh Springs. Unless…no, I don’t believe it.”
“What?”
Tessa’s body practically quivered on the bed, and Beth rolled her eyes, before tossing the blue dress back on the bed, and picking up a soft peach-colored blouse with tiny buttons down the front and lace edging around the collar. From the corner of her eye, she watched Tessa, her expressions ranging from astonished to amused.
“Please, oh, please…tell me you’re finally going to put Brody out of his misery and go out with him.”
The blouse she held slipped from her fingers and she stared at her sister. “What are you talking about?”
“Sis, are you blind? Or just out of practice? Brody is definitely interested in getting to know you.” She waggled her brows in an exaggerated fashion. “The guy is totally besotted.”
Images of Brody raced through her head, playing like a slideshow. His cheeky grin. His crooked half-smile when he watched Jamie. Could she have missed all the signs? Granted, she’d been careful not to give out any mixed signals, but Brody hadn’t given any indication he was interested in more than being her friend, had he?
“I think you’re seeing things that aren’t there. Brody and I are simply friends.”
“Yeah, right. I might buy that if I wasn’t sitting in the middle of your entire wardrobe, with you trying to find the perfect outfit to wear on your date.” Tessa lightly fingered the edge of a knit top, the vibrant red color striking against the majority of pastels that made up the mainstay of Beth’s wardrobe. Never one to stand out, she tended to wear the more subtle, subdued palate. Along with a couple pair of black pants and a black skirt, that comprised the extent of her wardrobe. That brilliant red top had been her one splurge, but she’d never had the nerve to wear it.
“I’m right, though. You’re going out with Brody?”
Beth drew in a deep breath before answering. “Yes. I called him this morning.”
Tessa bounced on the mattress. “You actually called him? That’s kinda awesome, Sis. It’s about time you put that jackass Evan behind you and got on with your life. You deserve the best, and Brody is definitely one of the good guys.”
“Look, Sis, don’t make more of this than what it is, dinner between two friends. I don’t know if I’m ready for anything more than that. It’s too soon. Think about it, the ink is barely dry on the divorce papers—”
“Don’t hand me that bull hockey. We both know Evan is a ratfink, no good louse, and you shouldn’t waste another minute thinking otherwise. Notice I’m using my polite words here, instead of cursing him, which truth be told, I’ve done many, many times. He’s the one who cheated, practically the whole time you were married. Then he planned to kill you. Shoot, tried to kill me and Rafe.” Tessa rose from the bed and wrapped her arms around Beth. “Please, Beth, don’t let him steal your happiness. You and Jamie have started over. It’s a brand-new life. A new beginning. Be open to new experiences. Be brave. Be the sister I remember, the one who looked life in the eye and smiled. I want to see your smile again.”
She sniffled, fighting back the tears that threatened. Tessa had been there for her through the horrendous aftermath of Evan’s betrayal. There were times, she was convinced, she’d never have made it through without her. Plus, she was right, she couldn’t allow Evan to steal one more moment of her joy. Jamie deserved better. She deserved better, too. Evan made his choices, and now he could deal with the consequences, but that didn’t mean she had to bury herself in regret or shame. What happened rested squarely on his shoulders.
Realizing she’d been carrying around a gigantic burden from Evan’s perfidious behavior, it felt like an epiphany, the shedding of the weight of guilt and remorse for not realizing sooner what he’d been doing to her and her family. No more. Today, she started living again.
“I promise things will be different. I’m done hiding. Done paying for something I didn’t do and had no control over. How about you help me choose an outfit for tonight?”
Tessa smiled and cupped her sister’s cheek. “There she is, the sister I remember. The fighter.” She turned to the bed. “Where are you going tonight?”
Beth shrugged. “I have no idea. I suggested Daisy’s, but Brody wanted someplace else. He’s going to pick me up at seven.”
Tessa tapped a finger against her lips. “Hmm, since we don’t know formal or casual, wear the red top and the black pencil skirt. It’s classy, but not too fussy. Perfect for dressing up or down.”
“The red one? Are you sure it’s not too…I don’t know…flashy?”
“Nonsense. You’ll look gorgeous in it, and knock Brody on his keister. Here,” she picked up the skirt and the top and shoved them into Beth’s hands. “Pair this with your black boots, and you’ll look amazeballs, Sis. Go get changed, and I’ll help you with your makeup. I’ll check on Jamie while you dress.”
Beth hugged Tessa tight. “You are the best sister in the world.”
Tessa chuckled. “I know. Get dressed.” She left the bedroom, and Beth smiled at her bellowed call for Jamie. Turning, she headed for the bathroom to change, anticipation swirling inside along with excitement, feelings she hadn’t experienced in a long time. Too long. She couldn’t wait to see Brody.
Brody cursed for what had to be the dozenth time since he’d left Austin. Everything that could possibly go wrong did, until he’d been ready to shoot the next person who complained, questioned, or delayed his leaving town. All through the morning, he’d replayed his conversation with Beth in his head. Finally—finally—his patience was about to pay off, because they had a date. He’d handled her with kid gloves, because he knew after the traumatic turn her life took, she wasn’t ready to deal with anybody coming on too strong. Instead, he’d taken things slow and easy, had become her friend. Now, he was hoping she might be ready for more.
A loud pop sounded, and his truck yanked hard to the side. Tightening his hands on the steering wheel, he maneuvered to the shoulder of the road and climbed out. Cursed when he saw the shredded left front tire, the rim resting on the gravely dirt beside the two-lane road.
“Perfect. Just freaking perfect.”
Reaching behind the driver’s seat, he felt around for the spare tire kit, his fingers fumbling around, and finding nothing. Tilting the seat forward, he banged his fist on the seat, because it was easy to see the kit and jack were missing. I’m going to kill Ridge. When he’d been home, Ridge had a flat, and asked to borrow his jack, and promised to put it back when he finished. Apparently the jackass hadn’t, and now Brody was stuck thirty minutes from home.
Whipping out his cell phone, he punched in Ridge’s number. He’d better answer his phone, or I’m gonna tear him a new one when I catch up to him. The call went straight to voice mail after one ring, and Brody huffed out a long breath. Why? Why did this have to happen on one of the most important days in a long time?
A red Ford pickup eased to a stop directly behind him, and Brody glanced at the driver before a huge grin spread across his face. Somebody upstairs was looking ou
t for him, because Liam sat behind the wheel. Walking back to his brother’s pickup, he leaned on the open door.
“Bro, am I happy to see you. Got a flat, and Ridge apparently didn’t return my jack after he borrowed it.”
“No problem, I’ve got mine. Want a hand?” Liam’s words were accompanied by a smile. “Good thing I headed home early today, or you’d be stuck waiting for Frank to come fix it.”
“Appreciate the help. I need to get home and grab a shower. I’ve got plans tonight and really don’t want to cancel.”
Liam slid from the truck and reached behind the driver’s seat, pulling out everything to fix Brody’s flat. Between the two of them, they should be able to make quick work of change it, and Brody would get back on the road before too much more time passed.
“Hot date, huh?”
Brody grunted as he looked under the back of his truck for the spare, then straightened, holding his hand out for the tools. “Yeah. I’m going out with Beth Stewart.”
Liam whistled and bumped his shoulder against Brody’s. “Whoa, seriously? You finally got off your butt and asked her out?”
“Nope. She asked me.” Brody tried to hid his smirk, but wasn’t sure how successful he was. “Called me this morning, out of the blue, and asked me to dinner.”
“That’s awesome. Maybe now you can both stop making goo-goo eyes at each other when you think nobody’s watching.”
Brody straightened to his full height and spun to face his brother. “What are you talking about?”
“Dude, are you oblivious or simply blind? You look at her like she is a roast beef dinner and you haven’t eaten in days. She looks at you like you hung the moon and the stars. Frankly, it’s getting kinda old.”
“I thought I hid my feelings pretty well.”
Liam slapped him on the back. “Don’t forget, I’ve known you most of our lives. I’ve seen how you look at women, and I’ve seen how you look at Beth. There’s no comparison. She does something to you none of the others did. It’s about time you figure out if she’s the one.”
Brody knelt and began removing the lug nuts off the flat. “What if she is? The one, I mean? Won’t it be weird, seeing as how her sister is marrying our brother?”
Liam shrugged and folded his arms across his chest. “Naw, I’m fine with it. Not saying some folks won’t gossip. That’s human nature, a little scandalous, a bit salacious. Fodder for the rumor mill, especially in a small town like Shiloh Springs. Nobody in the family’s gonna object, if that’s what you’re wondering. Anybody else says anything, they’ll answer to us. And I doubt anybody wants to cross Momma.”
Brody gave an expert flip of his wrist and pulled off the last lug nut. Pulling the flat off, he laid it on the ground and lifted the spare, shifting and turning it to fit into place, all the while considering Liam’s words.
“She’s been through a lot. It’s a good thing her ex is behind bars, or I’d be tempted to hunt him down and teach him a lesson.”
“Trust me, you’re not the only one. I think Dad would be first in line behind you.”
Their father had made his feelings clear on more than one occasion exactly what he thought of Evan Stewart and his actions toward Beth and Jamie. Though never when Tessa or Beth were within earshot. None of the men in the Boudreau clan disagreed with their father’s assessment and his multitude of suggestions of what Stewart deserved. Personally, Brody wished he could get five minutes alone in a room with the other man.
Finished tightening the lug nuts, Brody released the jack and lowered the truck. Liam grabbed the flat and tossed it into the truck bed, and Brody gathered the tools and handed them back to his brother.
“Thanks. You’re a lifesaver.” He plucked at his sweat-soaked shirt. “I definitely need a shower now. I should have just enough time to get home and changed before picking up Beth.”
“Where are you taking her?”
“Claudette’s.”
“Nice. I figured first date you should go someplace special, where you might get a bit of privacy,” Liam chuckled. “Not something you’re likely to get if you went anywhere in Shiloh Springs. The gossip mills would be running overtime before you even sat down.”
“Which is why I vetoed Beth’s suggestion of going to Daisy’s. I want to spend a little private time with her. Just the two of us, you know?” Brody brushed his dirty hands on his jean-clad thighs. “Tessa’s gonna watch Jamie for the night.”
Liam quirked a brow and gave him a knowing grin. After giving Brody a slap on the back, he headed for his truck. “Have a good time, bro. You deserve it.”
“Thanks. And thanks for the rescue.”
“No problem. Call me tomorrow and let me know how it goes.”
Brody waved as Liam pulled back onto the road, before climbing behind the wheel and starting his truck. A quick glance for oncoming traffic, and he was headed back toward Shiloh Springs and his date with Beth.
Nothing better ruin his plans for the perfect evening. Nothing.
CHAPTER TEN
It felt like a million butterflies had taken flight in her stomach as Beth watched through the front window as Brody’s pickup truck pull into her drive. Her hands clenched into fists, and she nervously opened and closed them several times, her breath caught in her throat. She’d been on pins and needles for the past half hour, fussing over and over with her hair, wondering if she had on too much makeup or not enough.
Tessa and Jamie left for their sleepover at the Big House right after Tessa had finished helping her get ready. Thinking about Jamie made her heart feel light. She’d adjusted beautifully since they’d come to Shiloh Springs, better than Beth could have hoped. Ah, the joys of youth. Nothing seemed to phase her daughter except, heaven forbid they, run out of frozen waffles. That catastrophe might be the end of the civilized world.
The knock on the door brought her thoughts flying back to Brody. He’s here. Standing on my front porch. Not with the rest of the Boudreaus hanging around. Not with a house full of people, chattering and futzing around. Alone. He’s here to see me. Not me and Jamie. Me.
Her stomach quivered, nerves fluttering deep inside, and she felt almost lightheaded. Which was ridiculous, she reminded herself. They were simply two friends going out to dinner. People did it all the time.
Except most people weren’t Brody Boudreau.
Pulling open the front door, Brody stood on the other side, dressed in dark jeans and a white shirt open at the throat, hints of sun-bronzed skin peeking out. The dark cowboy hat he favored, the one he wore when he wasn’t working at the fire station, covered his sandy-brown hair. A smile lit his face, reflected in his cognac-colored eyes, ones she could stare into for hours.
“Hi.” Her voice crackled on the single word, and she swallowed.
“Evening, Beth.” His slow perusal slid along her skin like a silken caress, and from his heated stare, she knew he liked what he saw. Boy, oh boy, was she glad she’d listened to Tessa’s advice and worn the red top. His gaze paused for a long moment, studying her, and she couldn’t miss the way his eyes seem to eat her alive, before slowing meeting hers.
“Would you like to come in?” There, that was better. At least the words didn’t stick in her throat this time. She needed to pull herself together. Stop acting like she’d never talked to a man before. She could do this. Taking a step forward, she pushed open the screen door, and Brody stepped through. The creak from the hinges broke through the awkward silence.
“Remind me to fix that,” Brody murmured, as he took off his hat, holding it casually at his side.
“Would you like something to drink before we leave?” She smoothed her sweaty palms against her skirt, wishing she could be suave and sophisticated, instead of a heaving bundle of nerves. Just her luck, getting ready to go out with the man of her dreams, and she was acting like the nerdy girl from high school, the one who never got asked out.
“Is everything okay? Did I do something wrong?”
Beth gave a nervous laugh. �
��Nothing’s wrong. It’s me. I…it’s been so long since I went out on an actual date, it’s like I can’t remember how I’m supposed to act. It’s stupid, I know.”
“It’s not stupid. It’s simply different. Have you changed your mind—about wanting to go out? I’ll understand if you want to call it off.”
Beth’s brain seemed to freeze at his words, before a thousand things sped through it, each one faster than the last. Had he changed his mind? Maybe he didn’t want to go out with her, or worse, he looked at this as a pity date.
“Stop it.”
“What?”
“No, this is not a pity date. Nothing could be farther from the truth. And I haven’t changed my mind. I’ve wanted to take you out for ages.”
Heat flooded Beth’s cheeks when she realized she’d spoke her thoughts out loud. At least Brody wasn’t fleeing out the door, even though she’d given him every excuse under the sun to run as far and as fast as his feet would carry him.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “Things are such a jumble in my head right now. I’m the one who called you and asked you out. Then I had second thoughts. Heck, third and fourth thoughts. I really don’t want to screw up our friendship.”
Brody cupped her cheeks between his hands, his touch soft and gentle. “I’ve been looking forward to our dinner together ever since you called. I couldn’t get out of Austin fast enough, wanting—no—needing, to get home because all I could think about was going out with you. Yes, Beth, we are friends. But who says being friends can’t lead to something more if we want it to?”
Beth stared into his golden-brown eyes, wanting to lose herself in his gaze, because she knew he meant every word. Maybe she wasn’t the only one drowning in desire. A heady mixture of desperation and excitement sizzled through her, and she barely bit back a moan. Her lips parted as Brody leaned in, holding her breath because she wanted this kiss. The warmth of his exhaled sigh against her skin had her eyelids closing in anticipation. This moment? This instant out of time? She’d dreamed of it for so long—their first kiss.
