Page 33 of Beau

“Sounds good.”

“I’ll be right back.”

As they watched the movie together, laughing at the silly scenes, Brenna found herself leaning against Beau’s shoulder. It felt nice, she liked him a lot and hoped things would continue to go well between them. If it didn’t work out, then it wasn’t meant to be, but she missed being intimate with a man and here was Beau, right by her side. She quickly sat up, causing Beau to look at her with a concerned expression.

“Is something wrong?”

“Uh, no.”

“It sure sounds like there is.”

She sighed. “I’m just wondering what’s going to happen.”

“With us?” Beau sat up straighter. “Do you mean our relationship?”

“Yes. I don’t want to pressure you, Beau, but it’s been years since I’ve dated and I’m not sure what to expect.”

With a gentle yet firm grip, he intertwined his fingers with hers and gazed deeply into her eyes.

“I think we just need to take it as it comes,” he began. “We can’t know what’s going to happen between us, but I’ll be honest here... I hope something does come from this.” He paused. “I’ve always liked you, Brenna, but never in a sexual way—”

She let out a chuckle. “Oh, gee, just what every woman wants to hear.”

Beau joined in her laughter. “You know what I mean. I always thought you were beautiful, but I never wanted to take you to bed—”

Brenna crossed her arms in front of her chest. “Keep going, McCallister. You’re on a roll.”

With a self-deprecating smile, Beau ran his hand through his hair. “I’m not saying this very well. I always thought of you as a friend because we were both married, and as much as I hate to admit it, I did love Liz and I would never cheat. But she’s in the past and I have no feelings for her, other than anger at what she did. Am I making sense?”

Brenna nodded, realizing that she felt the same way about her own past relationship.

“Yes, I feel the same. I never looked at you as a man... just a good friend. But now...”

“Now?” Beau prompted.

“All I see is a man I want to know so much better, but I don’t want to scare you off.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” he assured her with a smile. “Look, we can’t predict what’s going to happen between us, but I want to find out. If you don’t or you’re not sure, I can go, and we’ll never see each other again.”

Brenna’s heart sank at the thought of never seeing him again.

“I don’t want that. I want to see what’s between us, too.”

Beau leaned in and pressed his lips to hers in a tender yet passionate kiss. As they broke apart, he slowly stood up.

“I should go. It’s late.”

Reluctantly, Brenna stood up as well and watched him put on his coat and hat.

“Okay,” she replied, trying to hide her disappointment.

“Walk me to the door?” Beau took her hand and led her toward the door and opened it. Then he turned to face her. Cupping her face in his hands, he pressed another gentle kiss to her lips before he raised his head. Their eyes met, and Brenna smiled as she pushed the door closed. “Are you sure about this?” he asked.

Brenna nodded confidently. “Very sure. I just don’t want to disappoint you.”

He grinned, causing her heart to skip a beat. “You could never do that,” he reassured her with a raised eyebrow. “What if I disappoint you?” he asked as he brushed a stray hair off her face.

“I seriously doubt that. Please stay tonight.” She watched as he removed his coat, hung up his hat, then pulled her close to him. She gasped when he effortlessly scooped her up into his arms and carried her over to the sofa where he sat down with her across his lap. Their kisses deepened as they lost themselves in each other, both eagerly exploring the unknown possibilities of their budding relationship.

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