Page 10 of Runaway Bride for the Boss

“Wow,” I breathe.

“This is one of the prettiest seasons in town and one of the busiest too. The tourists flood in in droves, not wanting to miss out on the sights.” I can see why.

“Enjoy it while it lasts, though. It’s been raining a lot since last week; our first snow will come in any day now, and it will get really fucking cold.”

“I don’t mind the cold.” I shrug, still glued to the window, not wanting to miss the scenic views. But Andrea takes a left turn, and we leave it behind as we enter the downtown area. I know because we pass my car.

“That’s Betty, my car.” I point to my Beetle.

Andrea nods. “We’ll have it towed to the mechanic’s after you sell the necklace.”

Brattleboro is a New England hidden gem. It looks like a scene fromGilmore Girlswith its historic buildings, quaint parks, and gorgeous scenery. Not to mention the townspeople seem so friendly, many waving at Andrea as we drive by. I’ve never experienced small-town life, but so far I can’t say that I hate it! Downtown is a busy, but cozy looking hub, lined with bustling businesses: small cafes, art galleries and a few boutiques. We drive past Liquid Elixir and a large theater before Andrea takes another turn.

She pulls the car into a parking spot in front of Evan James LTD: Fine Jewelers and Goldsmiths. Underneath it in cursive letters are the wordsvoted best jewelry store in the Brattleboro area.

“We’re here,” Andrea announces as she turns off the engine.

A small tinkle rings through the store as we walk in. The interior is warmly decorated and smells like Christmas, if holidays can have a scent. I’m immediately put at ease. “Andrea Beaufort? Is that you?” An elderly man with a bald head greets us with a toothy smile.

Andrea returns the grin and ushers me forward. “The very one Mr. James. I have something here that you’re going to like!”

CHAPTER 7

ALEXANDER

She’s here. Autumn. I should’ve known Andrea would bring her to Thanksgiving dinner. My sister is a sucker for lost puppies and defenseless animals. When we were growing up, the house ran amok with all the creatures she’d bring home because of one tragic reason or another. Until Mom finally put her foot down.

So, thanks to my baby sister, not only is Autumn in my presence yet again – something I have yet to fully comprehend after a year of relentless obsession – but she looks fucking unreal. I’m talking heart stopping, blow your mind gorgeous. Nothing could have prepared me for the way she stole my breath yet again when I walked in and saw her standing alone in my parents’ dimly lit foyer gazing up at the sparkling chandelier.

The lights glisten in her eyes, and when she glances at me, I swear that I see a trace of tears in them, only further ripping my heart out. As her full lips part with a gasp at the sight of me, I nearly fall to my knees – it’s not a sensation I’m used to…or comfortable with. I kneel for no one…but her. In that dress. I nearly drop to one right then and there to insist she be mine forever, but instead she turns her back and walks away from me yet again. Watching her walk away has become one of the mostenjoyable yet infuriating occurrences of my life. And it keeps fucking happening.

After cocktails in the lounge, we all gather in the formal dining room for a Thanksgiving feast. Mom insists on having the chef make an absurd amount of food: turkey, yams, mashed potatoes, every vegetable you could imagine, way too many salads for my liking and enough pie for us to each have our own. But I’m not complaining, I secretly look forward to stuffing my face all year. And to offset our glutinous tradition, we always donate an equally large spread to the local women’s shelter, the homeless shelter, and a gathering at town hall for anyone who wishes to attend. We keep the donations anonymous, but everyone in town knows where the grand gesture comes from; and like me, they gladly partake in the free meal.

We may hold a monopoly in the construction industry, and the darker side of our business dealings are suspect throughout town, but our multi-generational success in business and investments has benefited us as well as the town’s economy, earning the Beaufort name respect and the understanding that if you don’t ask questions, you will be rewarded.

I try not to stare as we eat. I’m surrounded by vultures. Andrea. Mom. Dad. They’d pounce if they suspect I have even the slightest interest in Autumn. But my eyes can’t help being drawn to her. I’m entranced as her lips part to sip the dark red wine; her pick over the white the servers suggested pairs well with turkey. I guess my girl likes bold, rich flavors. I approve.

I can already tell that my entire family, and probably the whole of Brattleboro, is in love with Autumn. She offers her smile to everyone she meets; it’s as genuine as it is beautiful. It reaches every corner of her face, making her eyes squint at the corners and small dimples appear in her cheeks.

I don’t blame them, but I can’t help the stab of jealousy I feel every time I see another person fall for her. Mom hugged herwhen they first met as if she were part of the family. Dad paraded her through the house, making sure she saw every one of his God awful taxidermized hunting trophies; and because she’s so pure, she genuinely seemed to love every second of it.

Even Dad’s dogs, who are trained to stay on guard at all times, ran to her, their tails wagging, as soon as they heard her sweet voice. And, of course, she gave them the best ear scratches of their lives. That’s what Autumn does; she makes everyone feel like they’re the most important person in the world and there’s nowhere she’d rather be when they’re with her – the exact opposite of me.

Boredom and anger drip off my face during even the happiest of situations, making everyone keep their distance, just the way I like it. Autumn seems to be the only person who doesn’t avoid me. She keeps showing up in my life. And while she always runs away, I can see the tormented look in her eyes that tells me she wishes things were different.

But they aren’t: I’m destined to be alone. And she deserves all the happiness the world has to offer and exponentially more than I could ever give her. I told her that our slip up couldn’t happen again, and I meant it. As much as I want her, need her, nothing good can come from her being associated with me. I’m not willing to risk her safety for my own desire, even if I think she shares it.

Her soft hair glints under the glow of the lights, falling in loose curls over her shoulders. She’s done up tonight, reminding me of the night I had first laid eyes on her. Yet somehow she is more free, more colorful. Her flowing emerald green dress contrasts with her ivory skin and strawberry hair, making her features impossibly more vibrant. Her eyelids are dark and shimmery, and her lips a deep shade of glossy pink. Her gaze meets mine briefly, then quickly skitters away.

She’s seated to Dad’s right and across from Mom. Thankfully, Andrea is next to her, but that doesn’t stop Ezra from laying on the charm. He’s a shameless flirt. I spare a second to narrow my eyes at my younger brother. But the fucker is completely clueless, or he’s pretending to be.

“So, tell me Autumn, why did you leave your fiancé standing at the altar?”

“Dad!” Andrea exclaims with a scowl directed at him.

“What? You don’t think I heard that my daughter took in a woman in a soaked wedding dress? Just because I don’t come out as much as I used to doesn’t mean I don’t know what’s going on in my town.”

“No, it’s okay Andrea,” Autumn offers. She inhales sharply then meets Dad’s steely gaze. It can’t be easy. I’ve seen many grown men quake in their boots when met with his glare. Granted, she doesn’t know his reputation…or the reputation of all Beauforts in this town. It’s still a pretty ballsy move on her part.

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