Chapter 18
The Saturday of the barbeque dawned bright and sunny. Carter looked out the window at a cloudless blue sky that promised a beautiful day ahead.
The window looked out into the back yard, where he could see the tables set up and waiting. His men had done most of that work the night before, covering everything with tarps to be removed when the sun came up.
Smoke rose from the large smoke pit that Kit was using in the backyard. He wondered if he should head out there and see her. Maybe he could help.
Or distract her.
He didn’t know which possibility would make him happier.
It didn’t take him long to make the decision and he headed out the sliding door and into the backyard to see her. Kit leaned over the smoking pit, the top open as she stuck a thermometer into the meat.
“How’s it going?” He smiled as she turned to see him.
“Everything will be right on time,” she said. “Sauces are already done and corn is roasting.”
“Can I steal you for a minute?” He had to try.
“Steal me?” She laughed. “I don’t think you could actually steal me. I’d probably go willingly.”
“If that’s the case.” He wrapped his arms around her. “Can you take half an hour for me?”
She sighed with need as he kissed her neck. “I have a lot to do to get ready.”
“Can’t blame a man for trying.” He kept his smile. She had been working so hard on this, and it meant a lot to her.
“I know.” She laughed. “You’re just impossible.”
That laugh nearly sent him to his knees. After all the time they had spent together, after all the nights sneaking around to try to hide their relationship, her laugh still got to him.
God, she was beautiful. Every time he saw her, every chance he had to be with her, his heart grew fuller and fuller. He’d enjoyed women, he’d had close relationships with a few—but he’d never loved any of them. Hell, he hadn’t even known what love felt like.
Until now.
Love. Damn. But there it was.
I love Kit.
Kit swept her gaze over the tables and chairs set out on the extensive back lawn. “This couldn’t be a more perfect day.”
Carter put his arm around her shoulders “I ordered the weather just for you.”
“You did?” She gasped in feigned surprise.
“I did.” He smiled at her.
She leaned her head against his chest. “Thank you, for being so sweet like that.”
He laughed. He loved their conversations and their playful banter.
“Get used to it.” He gave her a cocky smile.
“I probably will get used to it.” She wiped off the thermometer before shoving the kitchen towel back into her pocket.
“Smells amazing out here. Pretty sure this is what heaven smells like,” he said.
“I’d better get back to work.” She raised her head and he let his arm slide from her shoulders, even though he wanted to continue to hold her. “You go do your thing and I’ll do mine.”
He saluted. “Yes, Ma’am.”
She laughed and swatted him with the kitchen towel she pulled out of her pocket.
“Ouch.” He rubbed his ass. “I think you’d better kiss my boo-boo.”
She rolled her eyes. “Get on out of here, cowboy.”
He checked his cellphone for the time and then ruffled her silky hair. “Guests start arriving in two hours.”
“Hey.” She smoothed down her hair. “Watch the ’do. I just took a shower and fixed it.”
“That’s why you smell so good.” He lowered his head and drank in her orange blossom scent. Such a clean and fresh scent. “You always smell good.”
“Belle bought the shampoo.” She teased. “You should tell her.”
“I should give her a raise.” He drew in one last breath of her scent and let her pull away. “You sure I can’t steal you?”
“Pretty sure. After though?” She smiled. “You can come by the guest house after the place clears out.”
“Sounds perfect.”
Carter watched her cook for a good while after she turned away from him.
He enjoyed the silence as he watched her sway about the smoking pit. A pit master in her own right.
After a few minutes she turned back around and raised her brows. “What are you still doing here?”
He winked. “Watching you work.”
“Last time I’m going to tell you.” She put her hands against his chest and he felt the heat of them through his shirt. “Go on now.”
He swooped down for a kiss and felt her soft mouth beneath his, and she parted her lips. Damn, did it feel good kissing her, and she tasted so sweet. He made sure it was a good long one that would take her breath away. It sure took his.
“See you later, cowboy.” She shook her head and smiled as she started back to the sliding glass arcadia door that led into the house. Her blonde ponytail swung against her back, and he watched her cute ass as she walked. He loved the way her blue jeans and T-shirt molded to her curves.
She paused at the door and glanced over her shoulder, smiled, and waved her hand in a shooing motion before entering his home.
He grinned to himself. He didn’t think he’d smiled so much in his life before Kit came to work for him.
Something came to mind that he’d heard Kit hum a time or two before—an older Dierks Bentley song, What Was I Thinking?
Carter started whistling the tune. He knew what he was thinking, and it had everything to do with a future with Kit.
He surveyed the yard and watched a couple of employees use a helium tank to blow up red, white, and blue balloons before tying them in bunches and securing them at the side table filled with red Solo cups, paper plates, and plasticware, then placed balloons at another table that would be filled with all the fixin’s for the meal. Another staff member set out centerpieces with red, white, and blue carnations on each of the tables. No doubt, Kit’s ideas. They’d never had decorations or centerpieces at the annual barbeque before now.
Looked like everything outside was under control. He made his way into the house to check on a few things, including making sure they had a clean bathroom. Of course, it was spotless. Hell, the whole house was. Belle was the best at her job.
He wanted this barbeque to be perfect, but only because Kit wanted it that way. If it was just for him, he wouldn’t have put the extent of effort into it that Kit had. She was a miracle worker when it came to food, and she had a reputation to protect as one of the best cooks in the area—more like the best cook in the area. He was happy to show off her talents to the hundred or so guests.
The morning passed quickly and soon it was time to greet his guests. A lot of friends, neighbors, and their kids made their way to the annual SSR BBQ every year, and it seemed like more than ever had showed up. It kept him occupied for nearly an hour to even say a short hello to most of them.
The event started without a hitch, but he still couldn’t find the time to see Kit. He was tugged in one direction, then another, to speak to guest after guest. People laughed and chatted, and the younger children chased each other on the lawn and around the tables.
Hosting was difficult enough when he wasn’t wanting to spend time with the one person who was also being pulled in a different direction.
His mom and the rest of his family arrived, then more neighbors, friends, and their guests.
Grace appeared at his side. “I need to talk to you.”
He looked over at her. “What’s it about?”
“I just had some questions.” She tried to lead him away from the mass of people gathered around the food that Kit and the staff had laid out.
The food smelled and looked perfect. Shredded pork with a range of sauces in quart jars to choose from; potato salad and macaroni salad; along with roasted corn on the cob, cowboy beans, cooked greens, and corn bread. Of course, everything had Kit Beaumont’s signature touches. No way would Kit settle for simple cowboy beans and corn bread, or regular macaroni salad. Whatever she’d done, it smelled amazing and made his stomach growl loud enough to be heard by those around him if they’d been close enough.
Everything about the barbeque was just the way Kit had described her plan for it. Truth be told, it was actually a lot better looking than he had pictured. He didn’t know barbeque could look so pretty. It was supposed to be such a messy food.
He didn’t have much chance to enjoy the sights and smells before Grace had him pulled away from the rest of the group.