Page 3 of Beau

“I just got here. I was on my way to the house.”

“I didn’t see a vehicle.”

“It’s out at this end.” He pointed his thumb over his shoulder.

“I see. Well, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going for a ride.”

He touched the brim of his hat. “Yes, ma’am. Enjoy your ride.”

She rolled her eyes and shook her head playfully.

“Beau, we’ve known each other for years, you don’t have to call me ma’am.”

He chuckled and apologized for the habit.

“How are you?” he asked her.

“I’m fine. You?” she replied.

“Same.”

“I remember you saying you didn’t work weekends.”

“I don’t, but since I finished a case yesterday, my boss told me about this one. I wanted to get started on it right away. Officially, I’m not on duty,” he said with a grin.

“I see.”

Silence filled the air, and she struggled to think of something to say. It had been two long years since their spouses had an affair, leading to their respective divorces. Beau had always been kind in her eyes, and his handsome looks were just a bonus. Standing tall with his dark hair peeking out from under his hat, he was truly a good man. Unlike Eric Phillips. She cleared her throat before speaking again.

“Well, it was nice seeing you. I’m going to head out.”

“Enjoy your day,” he said.

“I’m hoping to.” She smiled and headed toward the stall her horse was in.

“Are you living here now?” Beau asked, stopping her in her tracks. She turned to look at him.

“Yes and no. I live in the apartment above the third barn. I love my parents, but I don’t want to live with them.” She grinned. “Sometimes, the barn even seems too close.”

Beau huffed out a laugh. “I understand that. According to the file, your dad sold a good bit of his land recently. Do you know who he sold it to?”

“John Callaway. Supposedly, he wanted more, but dad wouldn’t sell any more. He didn’t like the fact that Callaway wanted to develop the land, so he kept a hundred acres so no one could build close to the ranch. I know that Callaway also purchased land from the Palmer ranch, since it butts up to ours.”

“Yeah, I’m familiar with Callaway. Okay. I’m going to speak with your father. You have a safe ride.”

“I will. Have a good day.”

“I’ll try,” he replied with a smirk.

She smiled at him before walking toward the tack room. She couldn’t help but glance back at his figure, admiring his long stride. As she looked down at his long legs, her grin widened when she noticed his well-worn cowboy boots. He may be a livestock agent, but he was a cowboy at heart.

However, her smile quickly faded as she thought back to the day, she discovered Eric’s affair with Beau’s wife and her best friend, Liz. The memory was forever burned into her mind…

“Brenna, we need to talk,” Eric had said when he entered the house, and she knew by the look on his face that it wasn’t going to be a pleasant conversation.

“What about?” Her heart sank as she saw him avoiding eye contact.

“I... I’ve been having an affair.” Brenna gasped in shock, and he held up his hand. “It didn’t mean anything. It’s over. I’m sorry.”

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