8. Chapter Seven #2
His shoulders relax slightly as he nods toward different corners of the room.
"Ah, right. Well, we've got Sheriff Cooper by the window—the one looking like he'd rather be anywhere else.
There's Frank Barrett over there at the bar, scowling at his whiskey like he always does.
And, oh, that's Doc Greene near the fireplace.
She's probably plotting ways to lecture me about my blood pressure again. "
Before I can process all of that, Charlie returns with our drinks—a tumbler of amber liquid for Beau and an elaborately garnished cocktail for me, complete with a sugar rim and a sprig of fresh rosemary.
"Stone River Sunset," Charlie announces, setting the drink before me with a flourish. "Made it special. First time visitor gets the royal treatment, and it's on the house."
I take a sip and nearly moan as flavors explode across my tongue. It's beautifully sweet, a little tart with a hint of smoke, and definitely a kick of something strong beneath it all.
"Oh, wow. Charlie, this is amazing ," I tell him, taking another sip.
Charlie grins. "Glad you like it. Cook says the venison is perfect tonight."
"Venison sounds—" I begin, but Beau cuts me off.
"She'll have the ribeye," he says. "Medium. And the truffle fries."
I blink at him in surprise.
"Unless you don't eat red meat?" he adds, suddenly looking uncertain after such confidence in knowing what I'd want.
"No, I do, I just—"
"Best steak in the county," Charlie confirms. "Good choice. Two ribeyes coming up."
As Charlie walks away, I raise an eyebrow at Beau. "Do you always order for your dinner companions?"
His jaw tightens. "Habit. My brother—" He stops, looking uncomfortable. "Shit. Sorry."
And just like that, I understand.
He's not trying to control my choices like Riley did. He's trying to prevent what Riley would have done… embarrass me for ordering the wrong thing then making a scene out of it.
"It's okay," I say softly. "The ribeye sounds perfect. And I love truffle fries."
The tension in his shoulders eases slightly. "Good."
Surprisingly, dinner with the town's most notorious recluse turns out to be... fun.
The food is incredible, the steak so tender it practically melts on my tongue. The fries are crispy and fragrant with truffle oil, and a bottle of red wine that Charlie brings out "on the house" again.
As we eat and talk easily, the tavern fills with more locals, many of whom find excuses to walk past our table.
After our plates are cleared and we're nursing the last of our wine, Beau surprises me with a question.
"What did you mean earlier? About being free."
I blink, caught off guard. "I dunno. It's like with Riley, I was always trying to be someone else. Someone he liked. Now I'm figuring out who I really am, because I never got the chance to find out exactly who that is."
Beau leans forward, and I find myself continuing, the words spilling out like water through a broken dam.
"It suddenly feels like I've been drifting ever since I left home. Temporary apartments, seasonal jobs, never putting down roots because... well, I didn't know how. With Riley, home was wherever he wanted it to be, and that was never about what I wanted."
I trace the rim of my wineglass, Beau studying the liquid sloshing as I continue rambling.
"But ever since I left, then coming to this town to see my sister? I dunno. It just feels different here." I laugh softly. "Hell, maybe I'll just stay here."
Beau's eyes never leave my face as I speak, and there's something validating about his complete attention.
"Sounds like a good idea," he says after a moment. "Staying here, I mean."
"Yeah?" I can't help the hopeful note in my voice.
Across the tavern, I notice Doc Greene elbowing Sheriff Cooper and nodding in our direction, clearly amazed by the sight of Beau Callahan almost smiling.
"The town could use someone like you," Beau continues. "Fresh perspective."
"I'm pretty sure what this town needs is someone who knows the difference between a hammer and a screwdriver," I laugh.
"That can be taught," he says. "Mountain life can be tough, but I think you've got what it takes. Maybe with some extra practice."
I smile, hoping the blush from his kind words is disguised by the heat of the room. "Thanks, Beau."
By the time we leave the tavern, the temperature has dropped and stars are scattered across the clear night sky. The drive back to Sienna's is quiet but comfortable, a new ease between us that wasn't there before.
When Beau pulls into the driveway, the house is dark except for the porch light Sienna has left on for me.
Beau cuts the engine but makes no move to get out.
"Thank you," I say softly. "For dinner. And... everything else."
"I had a nice time," he says, then adds with a touch of surprise, "Which is... not something I usually say."
I laugh. "Well I'm honored to be the exception."
To my shock, I manage to climb down from the truck without assistance, my feet finding solid ground with newfound confidence.
"See," Beau says, coming around to my side. "You're already getting better at this mountain life."
He walks me to the door, and at the bottom of the porch steps, I turn to face him, suddenly very aware of how tall he is, how close we're standing.
"Goodnight, Beau," I say.
He reaches out and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers linger, just for a second, against my cheek.
"Thank you," he says, his voice deeper than usual. "It's been... a long time since I enjoyed myself this much."
I don't know who moves first—maybe both of us—but suddenly we're inches apart, his breath warm against my lips, his eyes dark pools I could drown in.
My heart hammers against my ribs, and every nerve ending in my body is screaming for his touch. Then, just as I think he's finally going to kiss me, a buzzing sound erupts between us.
Beau jerks back, reaching for his pocket.
"Sorry," he mutters, checking his phone screen.
"Is that your phone, or are you just naturally vibrational?" I joke, trying to mask my disappointment with humor.
"Fuck. It's Mountain Rescue," he says, already stepping back. "Jamie says he needs me."
"Oh. Sounds exciting!" I add, trying to sound supportive despite my disappointment.
Beau looks uncomfortable on his feet. "I really should go. Jamie only calls me when he's absolutely desperate."
"It's fine," I say. "Really."
Beau studies me for a moment, his eyes traveling from my face down to my completely impractical shoes and back up again.
"You know what?" He sighs then smiles. "You wanna come?"