She slanted forward and placed a lingering kiss on his lips. His body’s response quickened both his pulse and his breath. She broke away, but only long enough to press even closer to him as their mouths met in a much hotter kiss. Heat and desire suffused him, making it difficult to breathe. His lips moved against hers, want coursing through his veins.
Warning bells sounded in his head. They were all alone, and he knew how quickly things could get out of control. It would be like striking a match and tossing it on a field of dry hay. Once that happened, it would be too late to stop the firestorm.
He drew back and pressed his forehead to hers. “No more kisses until we’re outside saying goodbye, or your daddy really will kill me.”
“Okay.” She blinked a few times and then set her palm against his jaw. “But I want you to know that I trust you.”
Beau took her hand and kissed the center of her palm. He appreciated her vote of confidence, but he wasn’t sure he could trust himself. They were good friends and had known each other for a long time, making them comfortable with one another. So comfortable that the romantic shift in their relationship had been more natural than Beau had ever imagined.
Ashlee had teased him about friends being the best lovers, and now he knew why. The familiarity with each other created a bond that had both meaning and depth. Physical intimacy might deepen the connection, but only if they were married. Sex outside of marriage only offered temporary satisfaction. In the long run, it destroyed relationships rather than strengthened them. As she snuggled back into his side, he mentally drew a line he vowed not to cross with Ashlee. Even venturing too close to the line was dangerous.
The movie was entertaining, but he was a little disturbed by the ending when the evil witch stabbed Eugene with the shard of glass. That was pretty violent for a kid’s movie, even if the guy was healed by her magic tears. He also didn’t get why Rapunzel’s hair didn’t return to its normal color, especially since the long, blonde hair was a trademark part of Ashlee’s costume.
“You’re kind of overthinking things,” Ashlee said when he asked her about it. “But I do agree about the violence.” She got up on one elbow so she could see his face. “I always try to distract Izzy during that part.”
The soft light from the computer started to dim. Soon they would be in complete darkness. It was time to send her home. “Come on,” he said, getting up from the beanbag. “I’ll walk you out to your car.”
She took his hand, and he pulled her to her feet. The computer went into sleep mode as they crossed the room. Beau felt along the wall and switched on the den light, chasing away the darkness.
When they stepped outside, he noticed it had cooled a few degrees while they had watched their movie. Clouds covered the moon, but it still cast enough light for them to navigate the stairs. Standing next to her car, they were both reluctant to say goodnight.
“I really, really don’t want to go,” she said, lifting her face to him.
He didn’t want her to go either. Slipping his arms around her, he lowered his head and kissed her goodbye. He meant to keep the kiss short, but she fit against him perfectly and he loved the feel of her soft curves and the scent of her hair.
His hands lowered to the small of her back as he pulled her closer and deepened the kiss. Her response tempted him to slip his hands down a little further until he fingered the edge of her shirt. Intense feelings swept over him, making his head foggy and diminishing his sense of reasoning that would keep him from doing something stupid. He moved his hands back to her arms and ended the kiss before he crept any closer to that invisible line he’d drawn.
“It’s late,” he said loosening his hold. “Aren’t princesses supposed to be home before midnight or something?”
“Yes.” Ashlee’s full lips blossomed into a smile. “I’ll tell you what, if you can name the princess with the midnight curfew, you can choose our next movie.”
Beau should know this, but his brain was still sluggish. “Snow White?”
“What?” she said with a laugh. “Not even close. For one thing, she has short black hair.”
“Right,” he said, not sure if he knew any more names of the fictional princesses. “Unlike Flynn Ryder, I’m partial to blondes.” He reached out and fingered a section of her hair. “Blondes with long hair.”
Her eyes softened, sucking him back in. Beau quickly reached around her to open the car door. She slid onto the driver’s seat and looked up at him. “I guess I’m going to have to indoctrinate you on all the princesses I frequently play.”
Her threat to make him watch another animated fairy tale jolted his memory. “Cinderella. She’s the chick that has to be home by midnight, right?”
“I guess you get to pick out our next movie.” She blew him a kiss and then pulled the door shut.
Beau watched her drive away, already missing her. If it was this hard to part ways right now, how was it going to be next week when he moved to Savannah?
Making his way inside the house, he went straight to the kitchen and powered up his computer. He had a house plan he needed to complete, and he needed to compose another email to Jackson.
Chapter 23
For the first time in her life, Ashlee was learning to do a proper waltz. She was loving every second of it. Her partner? Not so much.
“Posture, Mr. Jacobsen, and please keep your hand placement up here where it belongs.” Their dance instructor, Mr. Charleston, moved Beau’s hand from the middle of her back up to just below her shoulder blade. “Maintaining a proper frame will allow you to lead your partner.”
“I don’t think I like this dance,” Beau said through clenched teeth. “Tell me again why we’re doing this?”
“Because it’s the nice thing to do.” And because I want us to waltz at our wedding. Ashlee gave his hand a squeeze. “Think of how happy you’re making your grandmother’s new neighbor.”
“You don’t think Nana has a thing for Mr. Charleston, do you?” Beau asked.
“No.” She peeked over his shoulder to see their dance instructor talking with Miss Barbara. “He might have a thing for her, though.”
“Why do you say that?” Beau spun her around so he was now looking at the man talking to his grandmother. “Shoot, he saw me do that and is marching our way.”
“Well done, Mr. Jacobsen.” The flamboyant man clapped his hands. “You executed that spin perfectly.”
“I’d like someone to execute me,” Beau mumbled under his breath.
“The song is almost done, and then I promise we can leave.” She was impressed he’d made it this long. They’d stopped by the day before for her to follow up with Miss Paulette, the director of Peach Tree Village, about the volunteer students from the beauty school starting next week. Ashlee had messaged her former instructor about using the facilities located in the commons, and her instructor had been excited to have another venue where the students could get their hours in.
While Ashlee talked with Miss Paulette, Beau had installed Miss Nora’s new faucet. After, Ashlee and Beau had joined his grandmother and her Irish neighbor for a late dinner. Although the appliance repairman had fixed Miss Barbara’s oven, Peach Tree Village had a new chef in the cafeteria, and Miss Nora wanted to treat Ashlee and Beau for all the help they’d given her.
That’s where they had met Mr. Charleston. He was new to the village and was having a hard time adjusting. Miss Barbara invited him to sit with them and asked enough questions to discover he used to teach ballroom dancing and missed his dance studio terribly. His wife had passed away the year before, and without her, he couldn’t keep up anymore and had been forced to sell it.
Beau had excused himself to take a call from the realtor, and when he returned a few minutes later, Ashlee announced they were coming back the next day for their first dance lesson.
“I’m sorry I made you come with me.”
“You didn’t make me come with you.” Beau gave her a crooked smile and increased the pressure of his palm agains
t her shoulder. “But if I’m gonna dance with you, I’d rather have you much closer than this.”
Her mouth went dry and her feet tripped up. When he said things like that to her it made her realize that this was real. She was dating Beau.
“Careful,” he said, pulling her a tiny bit closer to him to steady her.
It was times like this that she wanted to pinch herself. The past few days they had been together every chance they got. Being with him was like playing the starring role in her own fairy tale with Beau as her hero. She didn’t want the magic to end.
“I think I prefer your way of dancing too.” She resisted the temptation to rise up on her toes and kiss Beau on the mouth. That would for sure bring the dance instructor back over to them.
Ashlee stumbled again, and Beau winced when she stepped on his toe. Perhaps, dancing a proper waltz at the wedding wasn’t a good idea after all. She’d want to be as close to him as she could get if they were dancing as husband and wife for the first time.
Knowing where her thoughts were heading, and how quickly her wedding fantasies could get out of control, she switched gears. “So, is tonight the night I finally get to go for a ride on the motorcycle?” Beau had finished installing the special fenders they’d picked up in Atlanta on their first official date and had taken the vintage motorcycle out for a test run.
A grin stole across Beau’s face. “I say we ditch the dance lessons and go right now.”
“I totally agree.” She peeked over his shoulder and saw Mr. Charleston was talking with a few other residents. “Okay, he’s not paying attention right now. The song is ending, and as soon as it does let’s make a run for it.”
He chuckled and shook his head. “You really like this whole incognito thing, don’t you?”
“Yeah, but I’m pretty sure your grandmother isn’t buying that we’re just hanging out together.”
“I know she isn’t buying it anymore.” He leaned in close to her ear. “Remember that kiss last night in the courtyard?”
How could she forget? Her knees felt weak just thinking about it again. “It’s a vague memory,” she teased.
“You’re such a liar.” His warm breath tickled her ear, making her shiver. “Anyway, Nana saw us kissing. First, she congratulated me, and then she threatened me with no inheritance if I did anything more than kiss you.”
Her knees were in danger of giving out again, so she tightened her hold. Beau’s kissing skills were epic. He made her feel things no man had ever made her feel. It also made her want more than just kisses. That was new to her, and the powerful desires made her realize how good girls got into trouble.
“I already told her that I care about you too much to do anything stupid.”
Beau had said those exact words to her a couple of nights ago when they’d almost let things go too far again. It had happened so fast that it scared her. After that, being in the house after the sun went down was banned. It was one reason why they were spending so much time at Peach Tree Village, but it would be nice if they could hang out at Ashlee’s house too.
She nuzzled in closer, not caring if they broke their hold or not. She loved Beau and wanted to tell him, but knew he wouldn’t make any declarations until he spoke to her family.
All the sneaking around was getting old. She wanted to come clean with her family, but Beau was still hesitant. Besides, there hadn’t been an opportunity for him to talk to her brother. Chase had been in Nashville for the past couple of days. He and Addie had extended their stay in Georgia to be with family, but it was also so Chase could meet with Phillip Jacobs. The famous country music star wanted to collaborate with Chase on more than just song writing, but nobody knew what that meant. Not even Chase.
Originally, Phillip was supposed to come to Mitchel Creek, but he’d been tied up in Nashville and had offered to fly Chase and his family to Tennessee. With Izzy just getting over her ear infections, Addie opted to stay in Georgia.
Hopefully Beau would talk with her brother as soon as he returned. The family party was coming up this weekend, and Ashlee wanted them to attend as a couple. Taylin and Luke were flying into Montana tonight to pick up their son. Then, after spending a few days with Luke’s family, they were all flying home. Ashlee could hardly wait for her sister to return.
“The two of you aren’t being very discreet,” Miss Nora whispered as she and her new boyfriend swirled around them.
Ashlee and Beau straightened up. Miss Nora winked at them before her partner whisked her away. The older couple had obviously danced the waltz before, and they were clearly enamored by one another.
It was a very successful online dating experience, and Ashlee was glad she’d been able to help bring two lonely people together. In fact, Miss Nora’s makeover and successful online dating experience had spread throughout Peach Tree Village. There had been several requests for another social media class with an emphasis on internet dating for seniors. Ashlee wasn’t sure when she could fit the class in. She had several birthday parties coming up in the next couple of days. Then Taylin and Luke would be home, which meant Chase and his family would go back to Idaho and Beau would move to Savannah.
She’d have plenty of time on her hands then.
As soon as the song ended, Beau didn’t waste any time in making their exit. He took Ashlee’s hand, and they walked toward his grandmother to say good night. Mr. Charleston glanced up and saw them and excused himself to speak to them.
Beau stiffened, until he realized that Mr. Charleston wasn’t there to order him back out on the dance floor. With moisture in his eyes, he thanked both of them for allowing him to instruct them in the art of dancing. He seemed so much happier and clearly thrived on having new students. Maybe Ashlee would speak to Miss Paulette about starting a ballroom dance night.
After saying goodbye, she and Beau hurried out to his SUV. There were only a couple of hours of daylight left and she really wanted to take a ride on the motorcycle. They were nearly to the house when Ashlee got a call from her sister-in-law. She told Beau who was calling and then answered the phone.
“So,” Addie said after they exchanged greetings, “assuming you’re with your mystery boyfriend, whom I’ve decided to call Joe, I thought you and Joe should know that Chase is coming back from Nashville tomorrow evening. He’s going to want to hook up with his best friend for a little B-ball so maybe you could pass that info on to Beau, that is if you happen to see him before Chase calls.”
“Cool,” Ashlee said. “I’ll let him know if I see him.”
“Awesome.” Addie groaned, probably trying to get into a comfortable position. “By the way, Mom and Dad are growing more and more curious about all the time you’re spending with…” She cleared her throat. “Um, Joe. They want to know when you’re going to introduce him to the family.”
Ashlee couldn’t tell her they were waiting on Chase. Then she’d know for sure who Joe was. “I’m not sure, but it will be soon.”
“Mom wonders if you’ll wait until the family party at Taylin and Luke’s house.”
“Hmm, that’s an idea,” Ashlee said, as if she hadn’t thought of it before.
“I can’t wait until you and Joe come out of the closet. This is killing me not knowing any details.”
Ashlee laughed. “Don’t worry, I promise to catch you up as soon as I can.”
“You better.”
“See you,” Ashlee said before ending the call.
“What’s so funny?” Beau asked, glancing over at her. “And who is the him you’re supposed to tell something to?”
Ashlee relayed the entire conversation to Beau. He laughed in all the right places, but when she mentioned the part about Chase coming home, she could feel his stress levels spike. She wasn’t sure when Beau would be ready to reveal their relationship, but she didn’t want to press him. She didn’t want to do anything to burst her bubble of happiness, so she immediately changed the subject.
“What are my chances that you’ll teach me how to drive your
motorcycle?” she asked as he pulled into the driveway.
Beau’s face went a little pale. “Um, the Indian probably isn’t the best bike for you to learn to drive a motorcycle on.” He rubbed his hand across his jeans. “I can show you the basics, though.”
“Relax, Joe, I’m just messing around with you.”
“Very funny,” he said, opening his door. “You about gave me a heart attack.”
When he came around and opened her door, Ashlee popped out of her seat and kissed him. It was only supposed to be a peck on the lips, but Beau’s hand came around her back, pinning her against him.
“Not so fast,” he whispered against her mouth. “It’s been way too long since I kissed you.”
Actually, it had been more like two hours ago since he’d kissed her, but she wasn’t complaining.
The lingering kiss was interrupted by Beau’s phone. Ashlee was close enough to him when he answered that she knew it was the realtor. She was planning on taking pictures of the house the next day and preferred that it be empty so she could also capture video. Beau reminded her about his bedroom and the dinette table and chairs. She was fine with those things, but requested that he move the beanbag from the den.
Ashlee didn’t want the gloomy reminder about the house selling and Beau’s impending move to ruin the rest of their time together. “I really don’t want to learn to drive a motorcycle,” she said, tugging on his hand to lead him to the garage. “It would totally blow my opportunity to cuddle up close to you.”
That made him smile, easing some of the tension. Once they were inside the garage, she asked plenty of questions about the motorcycle she knew Beau would love answering. She was good at making people feel better and had him smiling and relaxed by the time she climbed onto the back of the motorcycle.
Blue Moon Kisses: Georgia Moon Romance Book 3 Page 22
