Chapter 26 Honey #2
He shakes his head. “Darlin’, you’re forgetting when the Walkers beat y’all last spring.”
“I was coming down with something that day. Not sure that should count.”
“We probably need a rematch. Maybe next spring.”
I wish. “My father won’t let me compete with my brothers anymore.”
“Why?” Beau bites into a nacho.
“He says it’s not ladylike. He thinks I should be more refined. But I miss working with the animals. Riding my horse. Competing with my brothers.”
He frowns. “I’d love to see you back in the saddle.”
“Thanks. Maybe someday.” But if my dad disinherits me for not marrying Ian, I won’t be able to afford a horse on my own.
That’s a depressing thought. I fiddle with my napkin.
“It’s one of the reasons I like being the sponsor of the Harvester Club at school.
I get to teach my students about raising animals and gardening. That probably sounds lame.”
“Not at all. I had friends who loved that club.”
I smile when I see the genuine interest in his eyes.
“We’re trying to expand. I have a lot of students who live in houses with small yards or apartments, so they can’t raise any animals.
Or their parents are apprehensive. I’m hoping my family will purchase Quaid Turner’s old farm down the street from the high school and donate it to this cause.
On five acres, my students could raise chickens, sheep, and maybe a cow.
The possibilities are endless. And I’ll oversee everything so their parents don’t get stressed out.
” I’m praying my father doesn’t shut down this idea because I won’t date Ian.
“Our town has a wealth of knowledge about animal husbandry, and I think we should foster that interest in kids. Otherwise, they’ll just grow up and go off to big cities to look for employment instead of taking advantage of jobs we need to fill in Wild Heart. ”
He takes a sip of his beer. “We have the toughest time finding good ranch hands.”
“Cash complains about that constantly. I was thinking it would be cool to coordinate student internships with local ranches, so our kids can see what those jobs entail.”
Beau nods. “I bet Rhett would be open to that. Let me know when you’re ready to move in that direction, and I’ll talk to him.”
God, could this guy be any more perfect? “Thanks. That would be great.”
When we finish dinner, the band is just starting to play, so Beau pays our bill, and we make our way to the back. “Babe, would you like another beer?” he asks when we reach the bar.
I’ll never get tired of hearing him call me that. “Just some water, please. I have to grade tomorrow.”
As we wait for our drinks, he rests his arm over my shoulders, and I wrap mine around his waist. “This is nice.”
“It is. We’ll have to do it again soon.” He kisses the top of my head. “Did you still wanna stay at my place tonight?”
“If it’s not any trouble.”
“Not at all. Having you in my bed is the best way to wake up in the morning.” He pulls me closer, and I close my eyes as I hug him. Part of me is paranoid someone is going to see us, but I tell that voice in my head to shut the hell up so I can enjoy tonight.
The band starts playing “Don’t Mind If I Do” by Riley Green and Ella Langley, and Beau motions to the dance floor. “Shall we?”
I nod, and he takes my hand and leads me out.
We pass by a wall of mirrors, and I’m struck by how good we look together, how right we feel together.
Like we’ve always been meant to be. He’s so striking with that rugged jaw and those wide shoulders.
With those muscular thighs that tug at his worn jeans.
When he pulls me close, I let out a sigh. There’s just something about dancing close with the guy you like.
We two-step across the room, and he spins me one way, then the other, perfectly timed with the music. It’s exhilarating, how well our bodies move in sync. When the music ends, he dips me, and I laugh. “Well, I’ll be damned. You’re a good dancer.”
“Ye of little faith.” When a Jason Aldean song starts, Beau moves me across the dance floor again. “I haven’t done this in a million years,” he admits.
“I love dancing, but I don’t get a lot of chances to go out.”
“We’ve got to change that, huh?” He twirls me away, and then pulls me close, fast.
I laugh when I end up snug against him. “I’d like that.”
He keeps me there, slowly swaying as he runs his fingers through my hair before he kisses me. “You’re a dream, Honey McAllister, and sometimes I’m afraid I’m gonna wake up.”
Looking up at his soulful green eyes, I nod. “I feel the same way. Where ya been all my life, Beau Walker?”
He chuckles. “Being a dumbass.”
I smile as he resumes our dance. With the low lights and the way he’s looking at me, I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep my feelings in check. This thing with Beau is already so much more intense than I imagined.
After a few more dances, we stop by the bar again to get some more water. He pulls out his phone when he gets a text from Maverick.
“Damn.” He pinches the bridge of his nose.
“What’s wrong?”
“Mav’s power went out, and he asked if he, Baylee, and Leo could crash at my cabin. I have two spare bedrooms. One’s full of boxes, but they could sleep in the other one.” He gives me a rueful smile. “Not sure we’re ready to tell them about us.”
“They have a baby. Of course they should stay with you since you have the space.” I shrug. “So come home with me. I’ll need a few minutes to put away all of my clothes, though. I was nervous about tonight and couldn’t decide what to wear.”
He tugs on a strand of my hair. “You were nervous, huh?”
“Shut up.”
“I was nervous too.” Pulling me into another hug, he nips my earlobe. “Wanna get out of here?”
I nod, my heart kicking in my chest.
Because I’m finally going to be alone with Beau Walker again.