Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
SKYLA
“W ell, this is unexpected, my friend.” I usher Riley inside and close the door behind us, setting the alarm. “I think I have a huge crush on my best friend’s brother.”
I wrinkle my nose at that, then let out a little laugh. Riley stomps his feet as if he thinks it’s funny, too.
“You like him. You’re relaxed with him here, and that’s very telling.” I lean down and kiss the top of Riley’s head, then give him scratches behind his ears. “You were a very good boy in those restaurants. That means you get a special treat.”
His ears perk up at that, and I gasp as if I’m excited, too.
“Yes, you do. What a good boy.” Riley follows me into the pantry, and I get him one of the chews that he loves. It only takes him fifteen minutes to devour it, but he still loves them all the same, and with it proudly in his mouth, Riley scampers off to his favorite bed to enjoy his treat.
With thoughts of a shower in my mind, I walk down the hallway to my bedroom, and Riley follows, then curls up on his bedroom bed to continue working on his chew.
He’s been trained to always stick close to me, and I love that I have him nearby. He’s like a security blanket.
Before I can take my shirt off, my phone rings, and I smile.
“Where are you, and what time is it there?” I ask Connor.
“I’m in Paris, and it’s late. What are you doing?”
I bite my lip, wondering if I should tell him about my date.
“Skyla?”
“Well, I was just going to take a shower. I had a date last night—slash—today.” I bite my lip again as silence descends over the line.
“With whom?” he asks, his voice hard.
“Stop it. I’m great. I had a nice evening with a nice guy, who isn’t a psychopath, thank you very much.”
“How do you know ?”
“How do you know that the women you sleep with aren’t psychopaths? Christ, not that I slept with him. But you know what I mean.”
“Skyla, I’m in no mood for this. Who the feck is he?”
“For the love of all the saints, Connor, it was just Beckett Blackwell. Billie’s brother. Stop being a shite and tell me why you’re calling me from Paris. Also, how pretty is it there right now? Are the trees blooming then?”
“Aye, they are,” he says. “You should come with me next time.”
“I have a business here,” I remind him. “Tell me what you’re about.”
“I want you to change the codes on the doors again, and I’m going to hire security detail for your house.”
“No.” I shake my head and sit on the side of my bed. Immediately, Riley rushes to me and lays his head in my lap. He can tell I’m agitated. “I don’t want strangers wandering around my property, Connor.”
“I don’t bloody care.”
“What’s brought this on?”
“The Arsehole is back in the States, a stór . And he’s been googling you.”
I lean forward, burying my face in Riley’s neck.
“But he’s in New York City,” I reply, my voice a little muffled.
“For now, yes.”
“And he can’t find where I am. This house is owned by the corporation. My business is owned by an LLC that doesn’t circle back to the family in any way.” I lift my face and sigh. “I’m safe here, Connor.”
“I still want you to change the code.”
“What good does that do?” I demand as I stand to pace my bedroom. “If he can figure out a six-digit alarm code, it shouldn’t matter how often I change it.”
“Let me hire the men,” he says, softening his voice because he knows I’ll react better if he’s not demanding. “At least until he leaves the country again.”
“He may never leave the country again,” I remind him.
“Yes, he will. I don’t like that he’s looking for you.”
I’m suddenly so tired of all of this bullshite. “I’m fine , Connor. I have Riley, a bloody secure house, and I’m in a small town. I don’t want strangers walking around my property, and that’s that. I know you’ll be keeping an eye on if he leaves New York and where he goes, so unless he’s bought an airline ticket out West, I’m keeping things the way they are. You can’t just lock me down all of the bloody time. I’m going to live my life.”
The tension crackles through the phone.
“I don’t like it,” he says.
“Well, I’m an adult, and this is how it’s going to be for now. If he leaves New York and heads this way, we’ll hire the men.”
“Fine. Are you going to see more of this Blackwell?”
“I’ll say that’s none of your business because that’s what you said to me about Bee, and that still makes me mad.”
“It’s not the same thing.”
I laugh, and I can almost hear Connor gnashing his teeth together.
“Oh, Brother, it’s exactly the same thing. I’m not in any danger with Beckett.”
“I’m running a background check.”
“Fine. Do that. In the meantime, I need a shower. I love you, a stór . Enjoy Paris.”
“I love you as well.”
Connor ends the call, and I blow out a breath but then smile when I see a text from Beckett come through.
Beckett: *Sends photo of a cow* This is Bessy. She says hello.
Grinning, I pull my shirt off and pad into the bathroom, turn on the spray in the shower to heat it, and then set the phone down while I take the rest of my clothes off.
Me: Bessy is beautiful. Is she milked and happy, then?
The bubbles bounce on my screen as I twist my hair into a bun on the top of my head.
Beckett: Bessy and the other ladies are happy. What are you up to?
Glancing around, I grab a towel and wrap it around me, then turn so the shower is in the background and take a selfie.
Me: *Sends selfie* I’m about to enjoy this hot shower.
I let the water run as I wait for his reply. The bubbles appear but then disappear again. This goes on for several minutes before a reply finally comes through.
Beckett: Fucking hell, Irish.
I start to giggle, but then my phone rings through with a video call from Beckett.
“I like you, but I’m not going to get naked on a video call,” I inform him.
“Are you trying to kill me?” he demands.
“If I kill you, I don’t get to enjoy you, and I plan to do plenty of enjoying you, Mr. Blackwell.” I grin when his eyes narrow on me. “Why are you calling me so soon after leaving here?”
“I texted you a photo of a cow, and you replied with that. Why do you think I’m calling?”
I snort and shake my head. “I need to get in the shower before all the hot water is gone. Go away.”
“Do not hang up?—”
But I do hang up and leave the phone on the counter as I get in the shower and do my business. I can hear it buzzing with another call but ignore it because the water feels too good.
Last night was better than I could have imagined. I love that Beckett seems to be physically affectionate because I am, too, and it’s something that I’ve never really had in a partner.
Not that I’ve had many serious relationships. There was never time, and then The Arsehole happened.
So to be held by Beckett’s strong arms, to feel his lips on my skin, and see how much my story affected him made me feel warm inside.
Yes, I’ll be seeing much more of Beckett.
And yes , the thought of The Arsehole being back in New York does scare me. But I worked hard to ensure I’m safe here in Bitterroot Valley. He can’t get to me here.
I’m safe.
He’s three thousand miles away, and Connor will be alerted if he leaves New York City.
There’s nothing to worry about.
* * *
“My mom’s here,” Birdie says when the door to the studio opens, and Dani Blackwell steps inside, hugging Birdie to her in greeting.
“Hey, pumpkin. How was dance?”
“The best,” Birdie replies, making me feel good. I love that this wee girl loves my class so much.
“And how are you?” I ask Dani.
“Glad it’s Friday,” she replies with a tired smile. “What are your weekend plans?”
Before I can answer, Beckett himself walks in with intense eyes aimed at me.
“Well, well, well,” Dani murmurs, grinning widely.
“Uncle Beck,” Birdie exclaims.
“Hey, peanut,” Beckett replies, and kisses her on the head. Then he moves straight for me, cups my face in his hands, and presses his lips to mine, making my toes curl.
“Uncle Beck is kissing Miss Skyla,” Birdie says in a loud whisper, making me laugh against Beck’s mouth.
When he pulls back, his whiskey eyes are on fire, and I have to clear my throat.
“Well, it’s good to see you as well.”
Dani laughs at that, and Beckett finally looks away from me.
“It looks like I’m the last one to collect my kiddo,” Dani says, taking Birdie’s hand in hers. “So we’ll head on home. It’s our night to take dinner to the fire station.”
“We take Daddy dinner,” Birdie informs us. “It’s extra special. Tonight is taco night.”
“Have fun with that,” I reply as I walk them to the door. Birdie runs back and gives her uncle a quick hug, and he holds her close, his eyes shut. How this big man loves his wee niece.
“Bye, Uncle Beck,” Birdie says.
“See you later, peanut. Be good.”
“I’m always good,” she answers, then runs to Dani.
When they’re gone, I lock up behind them and turn to the sexy man watching me from across the room. “Hi.”
His lips twitch, and I slowly walk back to him, taking him in. His beard has been trimmed since yesterday, but it’s still just begging for my fingers. He’s in a red Henley, with the sleeves pulled up his forearms, showing off muscles and veins that make me go weak in the knees.
His jeans envelop his muscled thighs perfectly, and based on the way his hands flex in and out of fists at his sides and his hot gaze as he watches me, I’d say he wants to get those sexy hands on me.
And I wouldn’t tell him no.
“Stay the weekend with me at my farm.” His voice is rough as I close the distance between us and push my fingers into that beard.
“I don’t have an overnight bag.”
“We’ll stop and get your things,” he replies, his mouth hovering over mine. “Say yes, Irish.”
I’d say yes to just about anything when he calls me that.
“We’d like that.”
He brushes his lips over mine, gently this time. His hands land on my shoulders, then ghost up to frame my neck, his fingers in my hair, and it feels like little tiny fireworks explode up and down my skin.
“We’d better go,” he whispers against my lips.
“Okay.”
Beck follows me home, and the three of us bustle inside so I can pack up Riley’s and my things.
I only pack casual clothes and a few things that I don’t mind if they get dirty, given that we’ll be out in barns and on the ranch. With my bag packed, I take it to the living room and pass it to Beckett.
“I just have to gather Riley’s food and a bed and?—”
“I already have that out there,” he informs me.
“You have his food ?”
He shrugs. “I noticed which brand you fed him and picked some up on my way home yesterday. I also grabbed him a bed, bowls, and toys. He should be good to go.”
My mouth opens but then closes again because I’m not sure what to say.
“I know, it’s pushy.” His knuckle drifts down my cheek. “And if this weekend goes badly, you can take it all home with you and keep it. But I’m hoping you’ll want to spend a good amount of time out there with me.”
“I don’t think it’s going to go badly.”
He kisses my forehead, igniting more fireworks down my body.
“I don’t either. Let’s go, you two. I’m making dinner tonight.”
I look at Riley and give him the hand command to follow me.
“Do you want to take my SUV again for Riley?” I ask.
“Come see if what I did to the truck will work,” Beck replies, holding the door open for me.
I follow him down the steps, and when he opens the back door, my stomach clenches, and tears fill my eyes as I clamp my hand over my mouth.
“Beck.”
He’s taken the back seats out of the truck entirely, and in their place are two thick, plush industrial dog beds, side by side, so Riley will have a soft place to ride.
“Will this work?”
Before I can reply, Riley jumps into the truck, turns a circle, and then lies down in the middle of the space, letting out a satisfied huff.
“I guess it will, yes.” I shake my head and look up into his gaze. “Thank you.”
“I need our guy to be comfy.” He shuts the door, but before he opens my passenger door, he reaches up and brushes his thumb down my neck. “I need you to be comfortable, Irish.”
“I’m more comfortable by the minute.”
He winks and opens my door, then helps to boost me into the truck. He doesn’t shut the door right away. No, this cowboy buckles me into the seat belt, kisses my cheek, then shuts the door. He circles the hood and gets into the driver’s seat.
I let out a long breath, willing the butterflies in my stomach to calm the hell down.
I can’t help glancing over my shoulder to where Riley’s curled up, already snoring, in the back of the truck.
“I need our guy to be comfy.”
I shake my head. One date. We’ve spent such a short time together, yet he’s gone out of his way to ensure I feel safe. That my dog feels safe and welcome. It’s surreal and so unexpected.
“That might be the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.”
He takes my hand and lifts it to his lips. I love how his whiskers feel against my skin as he presses soft kisses on my knuckles.
“Riley and I are buddies,” he says. “We have to look out for each other.”
I let him keep my hand as he drives us out of town to his property, and when he has to put a code in, and we wait for a gate to open, some of the tension leaves my shoulders.
“The Arsehole is back in the States, a stór . And he’s been googling you.”
“You have security.”
“I do,” he says with a nod. “I have quite a lot to protect out here. Does this make you feel more at ease?”
“Honestly, yes.”
“Good. You’re safe out here. Nothing will hurt you.” He drives down a gravel road and pulls up to a stunning farmhouse you’d expect to see in a movie.
The two-story charmer has a deep, wraparound porch complete with hanging swings and furniture that looks like you could nap away an entire summer afternoon in the soft cushions.
“Beckett, this is beautiful. Homey. How many naps have you taken on that porch?”
He blinks over at me. “None.”
“What? That’s criminal. It’s begging for naps.”
He laughs and kisses my hand again. “Do you nap often?”
“No, but I’m telling you right now that this porch was made for lazy summer afternoons, with a cool drink, a book, a breeze, and a refreshing sleep.”
He follows my gaze. “When you put it that way, I can picture it. I’ll give you a tour of the rest of the ranch tomorrow since it’s about to get dark.”
I hop out of the truck. Beck lets Riley out and leads us up the porch steps to the front door. He opens one side of the double door, and I can’t help but grin.
“Are those cows etched in the glass?” I ask, nodding to the frosted glass in the door.
He nods and grins.
“Of course. Welcome,” he says before he picks up my bag and follows us in. “Nothing in this house is off-limits to you, so make yourself at home. I mean that.”
“Thank you.”
He sets my bag at the bottom of the stairs, then takes my hand and leads me back to the kitchen. The house is beautiful, with vintage and modern touches that make it feel like a home.
When I see that Beck not only bought Riley’s food but also bought him a raised feeder with big bowls for food and water, my heart catches.
Across the room, there’s another new bed, similar to the ones in the truck, and Riley stomps over after getting a big drink of water, making a mess on the floor, and curls up on the bed.
“Well, Riley’s made himself at home.” I laugh and grab a towel off the countertop so I can wipe up my dog’s mess.
“Good. That was my plan.” Beckett wraps his arms around me from behind and brushes my hair to the side so he can press his mouth to the crook of my neck. “Thank you for being here.”
“Thank you for inviting us.” I lean back against him, soaking in his strength, his warmth. He feels so damn good, I could stand here like this all night long. “Can I help you make dinner?”
“No, ma’am.” He kisses me once more, then leads me to the island, pulls out a stool, and helps me onto it. “You sit here and talk to me while I cook.”
“What are you making?”
Beckett grabs a clean towel out of a drawer by the sink, tosses it over his shoulder, and then pulls a knife out of a block and fetches vegetables out of the refrigerator.
“Wait, before I start, do you have any allergies?” He leans against the counter, watching me.
“No. No allergies. I don’t like mussels, but aside from that, I’ll eat just about anything.”
“How does roasted chicken with asparagus, carrots, and rice sound?”
“Like I’m at a restaurant.” I grin at him. “Seriously, what can I do to help? I’m not too bad in the kitchen myself.”
He narrows his eyes at me, making me shiver. Between everything he’s generously bought for Riley, his soft kisses, and now beckoning me with a wicked gleam in his eye, I’m a mess of need.
“Come here, Irish.”
With pleasure, Beckett.