Page 6 of Beau

“Do you have any siblings?” he asked, though he already knew the answer.

Aurelie shook her head. “I always wished I had a brother or sister. You’re fortunate to have some.”

His lips twisted into a wry grin. “Others might not think so. There’s never a moment’s peace when we’re all together.”

“I hope to have children someday. Not just one child. I don’t wish that on anyone. It can be very lonely.”

“And quiet,” Beau said with a sigh.

She laughed. “I take it you value silence.”

“I do,” he said. “But I love my brothers and sisters very much, even though they can drive me crazy at times.”

The five-string quartet transitioned into another song, not a waltz, but one that allowed Beau to slow to a rocking motion. His arm circled the small of her back, and he pulled her closer. “Speaking of silence...” He rested his cheek against her temple. “You smell good.”

“What does that have to do with silence?” she asked, her body stiff.

“Nothing. But if we don’t talk, we can almost imagine Elvis singing this one.”

She moved in rhythm with him to the orchestra’s version of “Love Me Tender.”

Together, they fit perfectly, a fact that gave Beau pause. The more he held her, the more he wanted to.

Dangerous...dangerous thoughts.

Yet, he didn’t relinquish his hold.

Slowly, her body melted into his. As the song came to its beautiful end, Beau dipped Aurelie low in his arms and kissed her.

As their lips met, the music ended.

She opened to him, letting him in for a brief and delicious taste. For a moment, their tongues touched and caressed. For a moment, he forgot where he was and that he was on a mission to protect this woman, not make out with her in front of her father and the rich and influential people there to contribute to the senator’s campaign.

When he brought her back up, he stared into her goggles, wishing he could see her eyes. He wondered what color they were, what they would tell him and if she’d enjoyed the dance and the kiss as much as he had.

He might not be able to see her eyes, but he could feel the change in her body where his hands still rested against her back.

Aurelie stiffened. “Excuse me.”

She stepped backward, spun on her booted heels and darted for the hallway where the bathrooms were located.

Beau started to follow.

“What the hell was that?” a voice said behind him in a tight whisper.

He turned to face an angry Abe Lincoln.

“I introduced myself to your daughter.” He couldn’t have come up with a dumber response if he’d tried. But once it left his lips, he couldn’t take it back.

“And that gives you leave to grope her on the dance floor? What kind of operation is this Brotherhood Protectors?”

Fuck.

He’d blown it with the man who’d hired him. What had he been thinking, kissing the man’s daughter?

“My apologies, sir. It must have been the song.” Beau glanced toward the hallway where Aurelie had gone. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to follow her and make sure she’s all right.”

“Damn right, you do. And while you’re at it, try not to molest her.” As he turned away, he muttered, “What’s wrong with the young people today?”

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