Blue Moon Kisses: Georgia Moon Romance Book 3

by Cindy Roland Anderson

  Maybe she was destined to be in the friend-zone with him too.

  Beau took the next exit, and for the next few minutes, Ashlee acted as navigator. He made the final turn, and Ashlee spied the home of Grayson’s future in-laws. She knew no matter how fashionably late she was, it wouldn’t improve her social status. Not that she’d had any kind of social status before.

  Beau gave a low whistle and leaned on the steering wheel to get a better view of the large estate. “Who did you say these people are?”

  “The Tillman’s.” Ashlee pressed a hand to her stomach as they rolled to a stop in front of an iron gate. “Brittany’s daddy is Butch Tillman. He’s some guru campaign manager that helped elect the governor a couple of years back.”

  Lowering the window, Beau gave the attendant Ashlee’s name. After confirming her on the guest list, he waved them through the gate.

  The Tillman’s provided valet parking. “Thank you,” Ashlee said when one of the valets opened her door and helped her exit the vehicle. She watched as another valet opened Beau’s door for him. The young man refused the tip Beau offered, stating Mr. Tillman had already taken care of it.

  “Enjoy your evening,” the young man said, handing a claim ticket to Beau before getting in behind the wheel.

  Beau crossed the driveway. “You ready for this?” he asked, stopping in front of Ashlee.

  “I think I’d feel more comfortable entering through the servant’s quarters dressed as Cinderella,” she said, smoothing a hand over the front of her dress.

  “No way.” His eyes swept over her. “You look like a real princess tonight.”

  “Thank you, Beau.” She moistened her lips. “For the compliment and for coming with me.”

  “No problem.” He held her gaze and smiled. “I’m glad you asked me to come.”

  Ashlee counted it as a win when Beau didn’t mention anything about doing it as a favor for a friend or her mama. She wrapped her hand around the arm he offered her and they followed the pathway to the backyard. Music from a live band provided the perfect background for the guests to visit. A portable dance floor, draped with a sheer, pale-blue fabric, was set up adjacent to the band. Like the Walker’s, the landscaping was incredible. Ashlee almost pointed out the pool to Beau, just in case he needed it, but Kerianne, one of the secretaries she’d worked with, spotted her and rushed over to give her a hug.

  “Ashlee, you look so beautiful,” Kerianne said with a gentle squeeze. She stepped back and looked up at Beau. “And who is this handsome man with you?”

  “This is my friend Beau Jacobsen,” Ashlee said, wishing she had the right to call him her boyfriend. “Beau, this is Kerianne Michaels. I had the privilege of working with her for a few months.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Beau said, shaking Kerianne’s hand briefly.

  “Isn’t this nice of Grayson’s future in-laws to invite us to their party?” She looked around. “There are some pretty big names attending. I’ve even seen the hosts from the Macon morning show here.”

  “Very nice.” Ashlee’s stomach twisted with anxiety when she saw Grayson and Brittany walking toward them. She wasn’t sure she was ready to face them. “I think Beau and I are going to get a drink, but I hope we get to talk again.”

  “Me too,” Kerianne said with a wave.

  Wrapping her hand around Beau’s forearm, she pulled him in the direction of the bar.

  “You need a drink?” he asked with mild concern.

  “Nothing with alcohol.” She tipped her face up to look at him. “I’m already stupid enough sober.”

  He came to an abrupt halt. “You’re not stupid, Ashlee.”

  The serious look on his face was sweet. “Well, I’m not as smart as my twin.” She dropped her hand. “I’d like to think I got all the beauty while she got all the brains, but Taylin is much prettier than I am.”

  “No, she isn’t,” Beau said quickly. A flush darkened his complexion. “I mean, y’all are both beautiful.”

  His automatic defense was so endearing it tempted her to rise up on her toes to kiss him. “Thank you,” she said, inching forward. “That’s really sweet of you to say.”

  Beau’s eyes slipped down to her mouth, and he visibly swallowed. She took another step forward, but was interrupted when someone called out her name.

  She turned to see Kenny stumble toward her. He had a drink in one hand and, judging by the glassy look in his eyes, he appeared to have already made several trips to the bar. “Wow, you look hot,” he slurred.

  Beau’s eyes hardened as he turned toward her former coworker. “No offense, man,” Kenny said with a laugh. He glanced over at Ashlee. “Your bodyguard isn’t going to punch me, is he?”

  “I’m not her bodyguard,” Beau said, slipping his hand to Ashlee’s lower back. “I’m her date.”

  “Sorry, man.” He took a drink before smiling. “I thought you were comin’ alone.”

  “She didn’t.” Beau’s voice was like steel.

  Ashlee should walk away from Kenny, but Beau’s warm hand against her back had reduced her bones to liquid. Thankfully, Kenny was the one to retreat.

  “Please tell me that wasn’t your ex-boyfriend,” Beau said.

  “No. That was Kenny. The handsy guy I told you about.”

  “Stay away from him,” he practically growled.

  “I already planned to.”

  They were interrupted again, but this time it was by Grayson and Brittany. “Hey, y’all,” Ashlee said, turning to face them. Beau’s hand slipped away, and she immediately missed the contact. “This party is amazing, and the house is too.”

  “Thank you. We’re so happy you came.” Brittany’s smile broadened as her eyes shifted to Beau. “I see you brought a date with you,” she said still looking at Beau.

  “Beau Jacobsen, ma’am,” Beau said, holding out his hand.

  “Brittany Tillman,” she said taking his hand. “Are you Ashlee’s architect?”

  Ashlee wanted to die and hoped Beau would cover for her until she could explain how they knew his vocation.

  “I am,” Beau said. The man was her hero. Then he did something that boosted his status to super-hero. He slid his left hand down her arm and found her hand, intertwining their fingers together.

  Ashlee could hardly draw in a breath as Grayson introduced himself. Without letting go of her, Beau shook Grayson’s hand. The two men chatted for a moment, but Ashlee had no idea what was said. Her entire body vibrated with awareness.

  Beau laughed and gave her hand a little squeeze. “It was nice meeting y’all,” he said.

  Ashlee realized Grayson and Brittany were staring at her. “Yes, it was nice meeting you.” The fog lifted a little, and she quickly said, “I mean, I’m glad y’all got to meet Beau.”

  “We are too,” Grayson said with a chuckle as he took his fiancée’s hand. “We have to make the rounds, but we’ll try to catch up with y’all later.”

  “He seems like a nice guy,” Beau said once they were out of earshot. “His fiancée too.”

  “Yes,” Ashlee sighed. “They’re perfect for each other.” They really were. She wasn’t exactly jealous— more like envious of what they had found with each other.

  Beau gave her hand another squeeze. “You doin’ okay?”

  “Of course.” She glanced up at him. “It’s just kind of weird seeing them together, but whatever. It’s all good. I’m good.”

  He considered her for a long moment, his hazel eyes soft with concern. Concern and something else she’d like to explore.

  The moment ended when Butch Tillman used a microphone to jovially thank everyone for coming to celebrate his daughter’s engagement to Grayson. He had the happy couple come stand next to him so he could toast them. Then, for the next twenty minutes, Brittany and Grayson took turns telling everyone how they’d met in school a few years earlier, but the timing hadn’t been right. They’d recently reconnected at a party for a mutual friend and had been together ever since.

/>   Beau was sweet and didn’t let go of Ashlee’s hand. She really was okay, especially after seeing them together. She’d never looked at Grayson the way his fiancée did. The couple ended the story with a kiss. Then Butch and his wife invited the guests to enjoy themselves, pointing out there was plenty of food, drinks and dancing.

  The band began playing a popular upbeat song by Michael Bublé. The lead vocalist sounded so similar to the original artist that Ashlee had to really look at the man to make sure it wasn’t actually him. The Tillman’s were wealthy enough to have the famous singer here. It wasn’t Michael, but the guy was good and a lot of people were crowding the dance floor.

  She glanced up to find Beau watching her again. Ashlee didn’t want their first date— possibly their only date— to be spoiled by him worrying she still had a thing for her ex. “Let’s dance,” she said, tugging on Beau’s hand.

  “Can’t we eat first?” he asked as they passed by a table of fancy looking appetizers.

  “Later.” She pulled him onto the floor. “I like this song.”

  Beau was a good dancer, and they had fun together, just like they’d had at Taylin’s wedding. After a few fast dances, the band began playing another Michael Bublè song, only it was one of his ballads. Perfect for slow dancing.

  A hush fell over the dancers as the talented vocalist crooned the first few lines. Ashlee lifted her eyes to look at Beau and found him watching her with a simmering and intense gaze. She had no idea what he was thinking, but she hoped he didn’t walk off the dance floor.

  The lines in his face softened as he reached out to take her hand. Her stomach felt bottomless as he pulled her close and curved one hand around her waist, coming to rest on her lower back. His touch sent warmth through her entire body as she leaned in, fitting against him perfectly.

  She breathed him in and snuggled in closer as she slid her hand around his neck and rested her cheek against his shoulder. How many times had she dreamed about him dancing with her like this? Too many to count. But she never imagined it could feel this amazing. She wasn’t even sure her feet touched the ground as they swayed back and forth to the music.

  All too soon the song ended, and Beau held her for a few seconds. She could hear his heart hammering inside his chest, beating as rapidly as her own. She could stay right here forever and be happy.

  The strains of another slow song began and she edged back to look up at him. Their eyes connected, and then his gaze dipped to her mouth. Ashlee held her breath, hoping he would finally kiss her.

  She wasn’t sure what happened next, but Beau suddenly dropped his arms and stepped back from her. “Hey, let’s get something to eat.” Without giving her a chance to protest, he took her hand and pulled her from the dance floor. The moment they were clear of the crowd, Beau dropped her hand.

  “You must be hungry,” she said when he piled food onto his plate.

  “Yep.” He avoided looking directly at her. “I see a table clear if you want to follow me.”

  And that was how the rest of the night went. Beau talked to her, but without really looking at her. She knew exactly what he was doing. He was distancing himself from her again. Maybe it really was hopeless to think he’d ever see her as anything other than his best friend’s little sister.

  When he took her home an hour later, he thanked her for a fun evening and then shook her hand. Yep, a handshake. She was too disappointed to tease him about it.

  Addie was in the kitchen when Ashlee walked in. “How was it?” her sister-in-law asked.

  “He just shook my hand goodnight.”

  Addie was in the process of taking a drink of water and spewed a mouthful of liquid across the countertop. “Sorry,” she said, wiping her mouth. “Please tell me you’re joking.”

  “No joke.” Ashlee tore off a paper towel and cleaned up the water. “He walked me to the door and shook my hand.” Ashlee sat down on one of the barstools. “I can’t believe it. We had a lot of fun and even had a few moments where I knew he wanted to kiss me.”

  Addie scooted one of the barstools back to accommodate her tummy when she took a seat next to Ashlee. “The guy is more stubborn than I gave him credit for. We need a plan.”

  “We had a plan, and it didn’t work.”

  “It kind of worked.” Addie took a drink of water. “I know Beau’s into you, but I don’t know what it’s going to take for him to do anything about it. From what I’ve known about him, he isn’t the impulsive type and always thinks everything through thoroughly. Chase said that joining the Army was literally the only impulsive thing he’s ever done.”

  “That’s true. Mama and Daddy loved Beau because he kept Chase and Jackson from doing some pretty stupid stuff.”

  Addie laughed and shook her head. “Lord only knows what kind of trouble those two would’ve gotten into without Beau.”

  “No wonder I’ve been in love with him forever,” Ashlee said with a groan.

  “Maybe we need to rethink our approach,” Addie said, shifting on her seat to look at Ashlee. “Everyone, including Beau and your brother, knows you’re in love with him, right?”

  “Pretty much.”

  “So, Beau doesn’t really need to work to win your affection.”

  “You don’t have to remind me how pathetic I am,” Ashlee said. “I already know.”

  “You’re not pathetic, just predictable.” Her sister-in-law reached out and patted Ashlee on the back. “You just don’t hide your feelings very well, sweetie.”

  Ashlee’s shoulders sagged, and she dropped her head in her hands. “See, I am pathetic.”

  “No, you’re not,” Addie said with a light laugh. “But it’s time to put those acting skills to the test. The next time you’re with Beau— which needs to be quite frequently to help speed the process along— do not go all gooey-eyed whenever he looks at you. Be his friend, and let him be your friend. It wouldn’t hurt if you were to go on a few dates either.”

  “You mean, like make him jealous?”

  “Well, you saw how he reacted when he thought you were going out with a Navy SEAL.”

  “True. That’s the only time he actually admitted he doesn’t see me as a sister.” Ashlee sat up straight. “And I could tell he was jealous of Grayson.”

  Addie grinned. “Exactly.”

  “Okay, but since we’ve already established Beau isn’t impulsive, how am I going to get him to admit his feelings before he moves to Savannah?”

  “That’s the reason y’all need to spend more time with each other. What’s your schedule like tomorrow?”

  Ashlee sighed heavily. “I have two parties back to back, but I should be home around four.”

  “Perfect. You can head out to his place and bring him a home-cooked meal and dessert.”

  “Yeah, except I can’t cook or bake without ruining it.”

  “Well, that’s what sisters are for.” Addie grinned. “And you happen to have a sister who excels at both.”

  “Um, she’s on her honeymoon.”

  “I was talkin’ about me,” Addie said indignantly.

  “I’m kiddin’.” Ashlee wadded up the paper towel in her hand. “Thank you, but I don’t know if Beau will be swayed by good food.”

  “The food is just a front. You, my dear, are the one that will break his resistance.”

  “I don’t know. I might just use that new dating app to find my Prince Charming.” She frowned. “Scratch that. Prince Charming doesn’t even exist. I think I’ll see if I can find a real Navy SEAL to date.”

  “Well,” Addie said with a grin, “If the food doesn’t do the trick, mention dating a Navy SEAL. I guarantee he won’t like that.”

  “Isn’t it kind of pathetic that I have to resort to tricks to get him to notice me?” Ashlee said, feeling even more depressed.

  “Sweetie, he’s already noticed you.” Addie scooted back from the bar. “He just needs time to admit it.”

  Chapter 12

  Beau got to his feet and wiped his grease-staine
d hands across his jeans and walked to the edge of the garage to see who had just pulled into the driveway. The crew of men working on the porch had just packed up and left for the evening, but he wondered if one of them had forgotten something.

  He didn’t recognize the compact car, but the moment the woman stepped from the driver’s seat, he inwardly groaned. Why was Kate Taylor visiting him?

  His phone buzzed inside his pocket as he watched Kate walk toward the front door, carrying something in her hands. She hadn’t noticed him in the garage. If he remained silent then maybe she would assume he wasn’t home.

  Fishing his phone from his pocket, he read a news alert about some baseball player being in a motorcycle accident. That’s when he noticed a text message from Chase that had come in more than an hour ago. Beau had been holed up in the garage all afternoon working on his motorcycle and hadn’t checked his phone for the past couple of hours.

  I hope you don’t kill me, but I ran into Kate at the grocery store and she asked about you and what your favorite dessert was. Don’t be surprised if she stops by with a pecan pie.

  There was another message right after that.

  By the way, I don’t think she plans on making it from scratch. I saw her buy one from the bakery. Just thought you should know in case you decide to date her for her culinary skills.

  Beau didn’t bother sending his friend a reply since Kate was now walking toward him. “There you are,” she said with a smile. “I thought maybe I’d missed you.”

  “Sorry,” he said, shoving his phone back into his pocket. “I’ve been working in the garage.” He didn’t elaborate anymore and hoped she wouldn’t question him further.

  “I brought you something,” she said, holding out the covered pie tin. “Pecan pie. I heard it’s your favorite.”

  “It is. Thank you.” He held up his hands that were stained with dirt and grease. “I better clean up a little.” He turned and grabbed the plastic container that contained moistened wipes specifically to get grease off of your hands. The orange scent was strong, reminding him once again of his granddaddy. Nana always kept the orange cleanser under the kitchen sink that he and his granddaddy had used frequently.