Chapter 35 Beau
BEAU
I breathe in Honey’s sweet scent as I hold her against my chest. After everything that happened yesterday, I didn’t want her to be by herself. She was expecting to deal with her father and maybe Trig, but her parents separating has really upset her. It’s a lot to deal with at once.
As we lie in bed, I run my hand up and down her back. She just wanted me to hold her, which I was happy to offer. When her alarm goes off, she groans and burrows deeper against me.
“Babe, you said you wanted to go to work today.” I suggested she call in sick, but she said she had too much to do.
Her head comes up, her hair a tangled nest. I brush it out of her beautiful face. “Want some coffee?”
“Yes, but don’t go yet.”
When she tucks herself against my chest again, I have a hard time getting my ass out of bed. I lie there, happy to comfort her. Stroking her hair. Rubbing her back. Keeping her warm.
At first, I think she fell asleep, but when I glance down, I realize she’s gazing out my window. I know she’s thinking about what happened yesterday.
Fireball joins us, curls up against Honey, and purrs wildly. Fortunately, Mav and Rhett adopted the other three kittens.
Honey snuggles my orange fluffball closer, but the forlorn look in her eyes does me in.
I struggle to think of something to say to make her feel better. “Do you have plans for Thanksgiving? It’s next week.”
She turns and looks up at me. “My mom usually makes a big meal, but I’m guessing that won’t happen this year.”
“You know you’re invited to our dinner, right? Paige and Baylee are planning a feast. We’d love to have you.”
Her eyes go glassy. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”
Reaching over, I lace our fingers together. “This won’t last forever. It’s just a bump in the road.”
“I like your optimism. I wish I felt as hopeful.”
“I’m sorry everything went sideways yesterday.” I still can’t believe Trig aimed a shotgun at me. This stupid feud has twisted him up. Because I guarantee no one in my family is stupid enough to salt another man’s field.
“It’s not your fault my brother is insane.” She wipes her eyes as her voice cracks. “I’m just scared I’m losing my family. I know my brothers and father are assholes, but I don’t want to lose them.”
“Of course not. I think the important thing is to not rush to any judgments. Let’s give everyone time to calm down.”
Her voice cracks again. “A part of me feels like my father is ditching us for his other family.”
“Come here.” I set Fireball to the side and hug Honey. “We’ll be your family. Anything you need, I got you.”
“Thanks, Beau. I’m sorry I’m so much trouble.”
I cup the back of her neck and pull her close for a kiss. “You’re no trouble. I promise.” I don’t have any answers, but I can make her breakfast. “Want some eggs and bacon?”
That gets me a tiny smile. “I can always eat bacon.”
I smile, loving that my woman enjoys eating. “You got it.”
After I grab some clean clothes, I head for the bathroom to take a quick shower and brush my teeth.
Then I get busy making our food. When she wanders out into the kitchen a few minutes later donning another Wild Heart Fire Department t-shirt, I lift her onto the island.
“You look good in my clothes. Feel free to wear them anytime.”
“Thank you. I might keep this shirt. It smells like you.”
She wraps her arms around me, and I hold her tight. “You doing okay?”
She shrugs. “I’ll keep busy grading essays. It’ll take my mind off my family drama.”
While I finish making breakfast, she heads to the bathroom to take a quick shower. As I’m cooking, my phone lights up with texts on the counter.
Jace: Want me to back my truck over that assclown?
Mav: Who’s the assclown?
Jace: It’s code for a word that rhymes with ‘pig.’ Only it starts with ‘tr.’
Me: No one’s driving over anyone. Calm down.
Mav: I feel left out. What happened?
Paige: Come over. Bring Baylee. I’m making pancakes. Then I’ll explain in person so it can’t be used as evidence in court.
Finally, someone’s being smart.
Me: Honey’s going to work, and I’m headed to the fire station if y’all need me.
Rhett: Watch your back.
Me: Always.
Honey emerges in a towel, and I set my phone down. It takes effort, but I keep my eyes firmly planted on her face so my dick doesn’t get any ideas. I hand her some coffee. “Whatcha need, babe?”
“I have a duffle bag in my SUV. Should have some extra clothes in there. Would you mind getting it for me?”
“Sure thing.” When I return, I hand it to her and then clean up the kitchen.
A few minutes later, she emerges, wearing another one of my t-shirts tucked into her jeans and cowboy boots. Damn, she looks good.
After we eat, I walk her out to her SUV. “I’ll be at the firehouse for the next three days. I can’t leave, but if you need anything, you can always swing by or call me.”
“I might do that.”
I open her door and help her in, then lean in to kiss her. “See you soon.”
She gives me a small smile. “Not soon enough.”
As she drives away, I suddenly start to wish I wasn’t a firefighter. Because my three-day shift feels like an eternity. What if she needs me?