27 The Fresh Treats
Beau
One month later
Having no real idea what I was doing, I sat across the booth from the town’s top realtor/financial advisor, Ford Johnson, a guy I’d met while delivering packages. Between us were several sheets of paper scattered across the table, two cocktails were pushed to the side, making sure any condensation from the glasses didn’t alter the contracts I was about to sign.
I stared down at the sheets of paper, having no idea what I was doing. Dash always handled our finances. Funny how after all this time, I still thought about Dash and me as a couple. Another realization was that I’d taken much of what Dash offered me for granted.
It didn’t help that my thoughts were consumed with the emotional side of what I intended to do with my grandparents’ old property.
A whirlwind of questions lapped around my mind. Did I possess the skills necessary to rebuild their home? One of the spec pages was a rough illustration of their old home drawn by a local architectural firm. If I signed off on these contracts, they’d draw up blueprints to rebuild the house.
Although I didn’t understand how to read a blueprint, I hoped to learn sooner rather than later. Ford planned to hook me up with a company to help guide me on city permits, and how to find the various trades that I was unfamiliar with, such as electrical, plumbing, and the newest safety equipment and features that the city now required. I planned to put together the framing of the home by myself.
My goal was to craft an exact replica of the previous home, all three stories, to pass down to future generations. Pass down to whom? Well, I guess that would be my little sister, Kailey. If she has children…
“Have I overwhelmed you?” Ford asked, gathering the pages in front of me and placing them in a neat stack.
I smiled, embracing the reality of the situation. “Completely overwhelmed, but in a good way.”
As I stared at him, my mind lingered on my life here in Sea Springs. How would Dash feel about what I planned to do with my money? I guessed I was making Sea Springs my permanent home.
“Remember, the property’s been rezoned. It’s only residential. You can no longer run a B&B or list as a short-term rental property. The patch of land on the other side of the road, can be used as a commercial property, just not the area where the home is placed.”
I nodded, secretly thankful that the house would be a home and nothing more. The only other person who mattered in the design was likely Dash. I wanted him comfortable there, even if it wasn’t his permanent residence. I didn’t understand the changes inside me. For ten or so months, my thoughts on Dash were of us being separated. Now, in the final stretch of my imposed hiatus to find myself, I was beginning to see us as a couple. At the year mark, I was more than willing to date him again.
My guy brought a smile to my lips. He was beating me down like a sledgehammer through the carefully erected walls I had put in place. For some reason, I believed his constant apologies and his explanation. I always had. He wasn’t a cheater. Arrogant, absolutely. Most times when he trapped me in one way or another, I experienced solid rock-hard arousals.
Maybe what changed my mind in the last ten or so months was that I’d never considered dating another guy. I hadn’t even swiped right on an app. I only wanted Dash. The way I plumped in my blue jeans at just the mere suggestion said it all.
“I lost you again.”
This time I laughed at myself. “I’m lost to it all. So what’s the offer we’re making?”
“Between you and me, the company that owns the land has been liquidating assets. Something happened there. I think we go ten percent below asking price and see what happens.”
Hmm . Did Dash know that his father’s company was selling properties off? “What about the property next to it with all the trees?”
“I haven’t heard back from the owners. I’ll reach out again,” he said, nodding.
Wow . Expanding on what my grandparents owned had to make them proud, my mom too. “Okay. We’re doing this. And you remember they aren’t to know it’s me buying the property. Right? A hundred percent they won’t sell…” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Dash outside, staring into the café, smiling and lifting a hand in a wave. Talk about wearing me down, how did he always know where to find me? Instead of ignoring him like I normally did, I lifted a hand in return. His face lit up in a bright grin as his gaze moved to Ford. His expression morphed into a deep frown. His brows dropped into a hard V as his accusing stare landed back on me. A mix of anger and disbelief had him backtracking for the café’s door that he had already passed by.
I had no understanding of what triggered his disapproval, but suddenly, the front doors banged open, the bells on the knob rattling like crazy. Every diner turned Dash’s way, but his gaze fixed solely on my table. Not on me, only Ford.
“I’ve also arranged high-yield annuities for the four girls. The paperwork is here.” Ford lifted additional paperwork to put in front of me. “Also, I’ve arranged for Scott Lee…”
“Who the fuck is this?” Dash asked, sliding into the bench seat next to me. I’d never seen him like this. He was hot and bothered and hip-bumped me to scoot my ass over to give him more room. When his left hand landed firmly on the table, I couldn’t help but notice that he still wore his commitment ring. Realization dawned as he wiggled his fingers to make sure it was seen. My guy was jealous.
“Dash, what’re you doing?” I asked.
He hardly cast a glance at me. His eyes shot daggers at Ford.
“Who’s this?” Dash asked, tossing out his right hand. “You know he’s my husband, right? You’re spending time with a married man.”
Gauging Ford’s response, I wasn’t quite sure where he stood. I picked up an emotional range somewhere between alarm and humor.
“Dash, this is Ford Johnson. He’s my financial advisor and realtor.”
Dash kept a close watch on the guy, clearly skeptical. “Jack of all trades, huh? How does one become an expert in two different fields?”
“Dash, hold on. He’s helping me with purchasing some land…”
“I’ll give you two some space to chat,” Ford said, sliding a decent size stack of paperwork to my side of the table. “Take a look through the contracts, decide what you want, and stop by the office. I have a notary on staff.” As he spoke, he slipped across the seat, dragging his briefcase with him. He stood ready to bolt at first chance. “I’ve heard about you, Dash. You have a strong track record in court. I wanted to stop by to discuss the possibility of collaborating with you.”
“You’re out with my husband…” he started, his tone turning nasty.
“Dash, stop,” I said firmly. “Ford, I’ll show him what we’re working on. He’ll understand soon enough. Thank you for meeting with me.” Ford never looked back.
“Why do you need a financial advisor?” All of Dash’s attitude pinned me in my spot. “I’m right here. I’ll handle whatever you need.”
“You embarrassed me,” I said, though deep down, that wasn’t entirely honest no matter how much I wished it were. I enjoyed having him here next to me in the booth, something we’d always done when we’d gotten back together the first time. A shared dessert would arrive at the table with one spoon. He’d choo-choo train the bites into my mouth, and we’d laugh. The memory was so vivid and special I wished it were happening right now.
“No, I didn’t. You weren’t embarrassed at all. Why were you here with him?” Dash asked. “Was this some kind of scheme to show me what you went through? Because I don’t like it at all.”
“If you believe I’m trying to get you back for Chandler—” I ignored the snap of Dash’s finger and how he pointed at me as I continued to speak. “Then you’re admitting that there was something going on with Chandler.”
“I had no involvement with Chandler. How often do I need to say it?”
I held my gaze steady on him for what felt like an eternity, hoping he would grasp the meaning. It took him more time than I anticipated based on the indignation written all over his expression.
“Ford’s a UPS client. He’s married to a woman, has a few kids, and is trying to start a business for himself. He took care of a few things for me.” I patted the stack of paper in front of me.
“What’re you trying to do?” Dash asked and rolled his shoulders and neck. At least he tried to be reasonable as he reached for the stack. I placed my hand over his to prevent him from taking them away from me. Dash was such an intriguing guy. Stealthily, he flipped his hand around underneath mine, threading our fingers together. I didn’t withdraw from his touch. The weight and feel of his hand in mine caused my fingers to close over his. “Please stop pushing away from our bond. I’m ready for us to be a couple. I’ll always put you first, just as I know you do for me. This time apart was essential for me to gain clarity, but I’m back on track now. I promise.”
Dash apologized so often that I did believe his sincerity, making my next words painful to say. “We decided on a year apart. I’ve undergone some significant changes to my life. You may not appreciate the new version of me,” I confessed.
“That’s impossible.” He shook his head sweetly as if I was absurd. “Show everyone that you’re taken,” he pleaded, placing the ring on the table. “Please. You’re too handsome. I can’t take another moment like the one I just stumbled upon.”
He carried my ring around with him. His love for me remained unchanged. My heart connected then ached at the worry on Dash’s face, and I tightened my grip on his hand. With my other hand, I instinctively reached for the ring. It felt as right in my palm as the handhold did.
“Hold on to it. For some reason, sticking to our time apart matters to me. This way, there won’t be any doubts about us rushing back into each other’s lives. It wasn’t only you that grew apart, I did too.”
Tears welled in his eyes. Not quite enough to spill over, but they were there, nonetheless. “I love you, Beau. I miss you. Nothing’s changed. What if you meet someone and want to replace me? I don’t like it.”
What did I say? Dash’s special scent and striking face tugged at my heart strings. I didn’t want to lie to him, yet wasn’t ready to speak my truth. It almost killed me to lose him. The only way I survived was to stick with the calendar and move myself forward systematically through life. Dash began to nod at me, swallowing a lump in his throat. His attention went to the papers below our hands. “I know you want us together as much as I do. I’ll wait the six weeks.”
The handhold continued, now on the table, as he read the first few pages. His ability to speed read and retain information always impressed me.
“You’re buying your grandparents’ land?” Dash asked. Bewilderment crossed his expression. “That brings you closer to the resort.”
“My goal’s to create a replica of their house that feels less like a B & B and more like the home it was intended to be. The purchase includes a swath of land in front of the house, my grandparents owned that too. It’s sort of in front of the house, you cross the parkway to get there. The city bought the land for the road. The part on the other side is zoned for commercial use and leads directly into the bay with easy access to the ocean. If it works out, I can build a dock and start my charter service.” I explained a plan that I hadn’t said aloud to another person. Insecurity messed with me. What if I couldn’t handle the project?
“Allow me to make a few changes to the contract. I want to guarantee your privacy. I doubt my father’s company will sell to you if he has any idea it’s you.”
“I agree,” I said, nodding. “They’re selling a lot of land around here. Ford said they were liquidating assets.”
Oh, there it was, Dash’s satisfied grin. Whatever he had in motion, must be working.
“I heard the same thing,” Dash said, flipping through the pages. His stare jerked to mine. “You’re giving Scott five hundred thousand dollars?” Dash asked, surprised. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah. Each of the four girls will have two hundred thousand dollars in an annuity. Scott’s will be an annuity too, I guess. The bank told me they could live off the interest,” I explained, reciting some of what the bank manager outlined, or what I remember he said. “Maybe it wasn’t an annuity? A high yield…something or other?”
Dash chuckled at my confusion. “Some things don’t change,” he teased.
“All right, now. I want the girls’ funds secured until they reach twenty-five, but I want Scott to have access to all the money. I guess. He’s been a good friend. Like a brother to me.”
“Is he aware of this?”
I only shook my head. Dash’s expression turned doe-eyed. “You’re a good man.”
“I’m not,” I replied. “I don’t want the money, and you won’t reclaim it. Scott carries a heavy burden, and he protected me when I couldn’t protect myself,” I explained my reasoning. “And he had my back when I came out. I might not have gone to find you without his interference.”
“I’ve never seen anyone more selfless in my entire life,” Dash said. “I’ve often felt the same way about Scott. I owe him.”
I kept my thoughts to myself, particularly regarding Dash’s selflessness toward me. Dash was the best man I knew… Wow, a positive thought. Clearly, I’d let go of what had torn us apart. I couldn’t tell where this current sweet smile landed. He either sensed my feelings or simply valued my generosity, but he lifted our joined hands and placed a kiss on my knuckles.
“I want to share with you that I’m not earning as much as I used to, and I’ve hired a paralegal to assist in the office, which impacts the profits. Amelia does her best, but she’s more suited for answering phones and welcoming potential new clients. We’ll need to rely on this income for some time, possibly even years, maybe longer,” he said.
I nodded, maintaining my silence. How many different ways could I say that I wanted to live off the money I earned? Even now, with Scott taking so much money, I had way more than I wanted.
“Come home with me tonight,” he murmured quietly. “Before you say no, I won’t pressure you to stay. It’s been too long since we’ve been together. I’m hard as hell, and you know only you can relieve me.”
Since I felt the exact same way, my desire desperately nudged me to say yes. Yet, something held me back. Maybe it was the thought of Duke or Dixie, who only tolerated me being gone for the hours I had to work, or maybe I was the dumbest human being on the planet. The truth probably fell closer to the latter, but my mind insisted on upholding my boundaries and timeframes until we slowly began dating again.
“Not tonight.” The words tasted like sawdust in my mouth.
“I’m disappointed,” he replied, leaning in closer. “Have you eaten? Would you like to have dinner with me?”
No, I hadn’t eaten and needed to get home to let the dogs out of their cramped quarters, but I found myself nodding. Neither of us moved to the other side of the booth. For the first time in years, I felt the connection we had once shared tugging me closer to him.
Dash
Two weeks later
I had a knack for being sneaky—or at least, I hoped I did. Hidden behind one of the highest sand dunes, I sat crisscross in wait. I had two treats already to be devoured. Initially, I aimed to win over Beau’s dogs before moving back in with him. Now, I found I genuinely enjoyed Duke and Dixie. Many may say my actions bordered on stalkerish, and maybe they were right, but I chose to believe these were acceptable actions in my quest to win Beau back. Either way, this was my routine every Tuesday evening. To my knowledge, Beau didn’t know I was here. The dogs, on the other hand, quickly sniffed me out, darting behind the dune with me to wolf down the treats and receive a full body rub.
Based on how well cared for and well trained they appeared, I deduced Beau fed them a nutritious diet, which led me to seek out homemade dog treats. I was spending quite a bit of money on organic fresh food treats.
This evening, when they darted around the dune to greet me, they came rushing toward me, taking the turn with skidding haste, tumbling into each other to get to me.
“Hi, you two,” I whispered, extending my hands, no longer afraid that they’d gobble them up.
I offered another treat, petting each of their heads. “Make sure you keep taking care of our guy, until I can get there. Okay?”
We never had long. Beau kept an eye on his dogs. As if on cue, I heard his familiar whistle. They both eagerly grabbed the last treat and took off as they arrived, in a rush.
I sat there, digging my toes in the sand, dressed in shorts, a T-shirt, listening to the ocean churn. I was surprised that the seagulls hadn’t spotted me yet. Eventually they would. Despite the tranquility of the moment, I rose to my feet but remained crouched to check if Beau had left. Sometimes, he lingered, playing with balls and frisbees, but not this evening.
I grabbed my sack and backpack and headed off in the opposite direction.