Gus #2
“Given that I’ve lived most of my life putting up with daily rain, I can admit that what this place lacks in charm, Starbucks, and decent Thai food, it makes up for in dry skies.”
“Okay, I’ll take it.”
“Good, it’s all you’re getting,” he said, crossing his arms. “I’m ride or die for Chloe, and although I think I could possibly tolerate you, I’m not spilling her secrets.”
He was fiercely protective, and I respected that. It eased my soul a little to know that she had people looking out for her. Not that it surprised me. She was incredible. How could people not flock to her?
I just wanted to be one of her people. Her person, really.
The more time I spent near her, learning about the person she had become over the past twenty years, the more I fell in love with her all over again.
Because the woman I’d known all those years ago? She was perfect and amazing.
But this woman, standing a few feet away laughing, was so much more. I was desperate for a chance to show her I could be more too. That I was a better man now.
“She’s not invincible,” he warned.
I nodded.
“Now you have to answer a question for me. Why do you call her Dragonfly? She refuses to tell me.”
I put my hands behind my head, looking up at the stars.
“Easy. Dragonflies are these beautiful and delicate-looking creatures. You look at a dragonfly and see iridescent shimmer and gossamer wings. But they’re deadly.
The most effective predators on earth. Cunning, protective, fierce. All wrapped in a beautiful package.”
Karl let out a huge sigh. “I want to hate you Beast, but you’re making it very hard.”
“I get that a lot,” I replied, holding back a smirk.
As one o’clock approached and guests were heading out, I helped coordinate rides for those who’d been drinking, and I kept an eye on Chloe.
I’d spent most of the night walking around, cleaning up, and chatting with folks.
I’d expected strange looks from her guests, but no one seemed surprised to see me there.
It was a relief not to have to stumble through an explanation.
At one point during the evening, I’d ended up in an hour-long friendly debate with JJ over sapling management.
Celine had drunkenly retired to one of the guest bedrooms, and JJ and Karl had wandered back to their cottages not long ago.
As the last of the guests left, I found a trash bag under the kitchen sink and gathered up the cups and plates and napkins still scattered around the patio.
It was late, but the outdoor lighting made the space feel cozy and highlighted the water views.
I’d never been the showy type, but this house was incredible.
“Figures you’d buy the most expensive house in town.”
Chloe, who was busy collecting empty bottles, scoffed. “I like the lake.”
“The gate is a little much, though.”
“How else am I supposed to keep you out?”
The glare she hit me with sent a zing of electricity shooting up my spine.
This.
This was what had been missing from my life. Excitement, flirtation, a woman who barely tolerated me. It was the middle of the damn night, and one glare could power me through a marathon.
“You can try,” I murmured, keeping my voice low, “but we both know I’ll never stay away.”
She turned her back on me. “Says the guy who abandoned his wife,” she mumbled.
I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to lash out. That was not even remotely close to what had happened. But the last thing I wanted was to fight with Chloe on her birthday. At some point, we’d have to rehash what had gone down all those years ago. Preferably after she agreed to marry me again.
Instead, I focused my attention on cleaning up. As I worked, gathering empty bottles and straightening the deck chairs, I could feel her attention on me.
When the space looked acceptable, I grabbed two bottles of water from the small fridge at the outdoor bar and walked over to where she was sitting, staring out at the lake.
She wordlessly took the water I held out, and I sat down, stretching my legs on one of the lounge-style chairs that were angled at the dock.
We sat like that for a while, listening to the chirping crickets and the soft movement of the water.
“I opened your gift,” she said, never taking her eyes off the water. “Dr Pepper Lip Smackers?”
I smirked. “That was your favorite flavor. I used to love kissing it off you.”
With a huff, she threw her hands up. “Goddamn you, August Hebert. Damn you straight to hell. How dare you show up to my birthday party looking all mountain-man sexy, with thoughtful gifts and your stupid shoulders?”
Here we go. We’d moved on to the yelling portion of the evening. “Sorry.” I held back my laughter. “I didn’t realize my shoulders offended you.”
“Everything about you offends me,” she snarled. “Because you’re still you. An older, hotter version, but still the same Gus.”
I opened my mouth to respond, but she was still going, shredding the label off her water bottle as she ranted.
“And then you stay to clean up, acting all polite and helpful, making sure everyone gets a ride home. You even helped my sister.”
“I like Celine.”
She crossed her arms. “She’s too nice to you. You’d think she’d be on my side. We’re sisters.”
“I’m not sure this is a situation where sides have to be chosen.”
“You’re missing the point.” She pointed at me with her water bottle. “You’re supposed to be miserable, not cheerfully helping out at my damn birthday party.”
Ah. And here it is. What I’ve long suspected. “You wanted me to stay in town, didn’t you? Sounds like you wanted my shoulders around more, not less.”
She threw the empty water bottle at me, not even coming close to hitting me.
“Fuck,” she said. “I throw like a damn girl.” She snatched up a hunk of cheese left over from the fruit and cheese platter on the side table next to her and threw it. This time, her aim was dead on, and it smacked me square in the cheek.
I held my hands up in surrender. “No need for violence.”
Rapid fire, she launched a few more pieces of cheese and a strawberry at me.
It took everything I had to hold back my laughter.
She curled her lip and flung herself back in her chair. “When it comes to you, violence is the only answer. I could have sent you on your way across the country, but instead, my dumb ass keeps you here.” She put her face in her hands. “Fuck me. I made you sign a contract.”
“So then fire me.”
“I would,” she groaned, “but I know you won’t actually leave, and replacing you would be so much work.”
Why those words shot a thrill through me, I wasn’t sure. “Looks like you’re stuck with me.”
“Can’t you just be angry and bitter? Please?”
Part of me wished I could. Anger was a far simpler emotion than what had been swirling inside me lately. If I was angry, then the doubt and guilt and shame I’d been grappling with would disappear. I could retreat behind my walls and not go through the painful process of growing.
But it was too late to turn back now.
“Trust me, Dragonfly, it guts me that we couldn’t hold on to the company and the legacy of my ancestors. But you know what? If anyone was gonna buy it, I’m glad it was you.”
She growled—fucking growled—and side-eyed me, gripping the arms of her chair. “Don’t say shit like that.”
“I mean it. You’re amazing, and you have a hell of a team. When Owen told me I’d have to stay on as GM, I was sick. I thought it would be the worst year of my life.”
“And now you’re having fun,” she said, her tone full of disappointment.
“I wouldn’t say fun, but I’m learning, and the pressure is off. And seeing you all the time has been an unexpected bonus.”
She snorted and rolled her eyes.
“One toss of that hair and one whiff of your sweet but spicy scent, and my day is made. And God.” I clutched my heart. “When you shoot those eye daggers at me? I’ve never felt so alive.”
She turned slowly and stared at me, her skin glowing in the moonlight. God, she was magnificent.
I clutched my heart as it pounded out an uneven rhythm in my chest. “See? They’re especially daggery right now. Does the light of the moon restore you to full power?”
She shook her head, shoulders sagging. “I have so many reasons to be mad at you, Gus Hebert, but mostly, I’m deeply offended that you continue to surprise me.”