“Yeah, honey. I’m perfect,” I tell her, turning around to get back on Merle. I can feel her eyes on my body the entire time.
Once I’m on and settled, I look at Lily. A smile is plastered on her face, her hair dancing across her face with the wind, not a care in the world. “Do you need some time in the arena to get used to being on her?”
“I should be fine. I might be slower at first, though, so if you want to go ahead of me, I’ll be okay too.”
“Nah, we’re good. I exercised Merle after we got off the phone. Emma too. She’ll be pretty lazy today, so we won’t be gone for too long.” We head out to the trails I have on my land. My ranch has about twenty acres, and with the help of my dad and brother, we’ve managed to make a few trails that lead to the creek on the back of the property. My eyes return to Lily’s. Merle and Emma know this place without me leading the way, giving me the time to start up a conversation.
“So, tell me more about this Chad guy. Has he bothered you lately?” I ask, dropping the reins and letting Merle do his own thing.
“This is so dumb, you know. We went on a coffee date, and then met another day for lunch. That was it. Sure, we texted a bit, but not to the point that I’d consider us close. I’m honest to God embarrassed, Beau.”
“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s him who should be. You didn’t do anything wrong, but, honey, if a woman like you cut me off cold turkey, I wouldn’t stop just because you said no.” I’m probably giving her more than she asked for.
“Really? So, this is normal? And besides that, this week, it’s only been one call and a few texts. I have him on Do not disturb. I’d block him, but I wasn’t sure if that would be smart. I’m at a complete loss.” I hear the defeat in her voice.
“What Chad is doing isn’t normal. Of course, he doesn’t know you. He’s probably not even from around here. Where did you even meet him?”
“You have to promise not to laugh at me.” She holds her hand out to mine, pinky finger at the ready.
“Something tells me I’m not going to like this at all.” I place my finger around hers and give her my word not to laugh.
“Blender,” she says almost too low for me to hear her.
“Where the hell is that?” Never heard of what this place is.
“Surely, you’re not that old. It’s not a place. Well, it’s kind of is, but it’s more of a social media dating app.” Her hand leaves mine, something I wasn’t prepared for.
“Fuck’s sake, no wonder he’s being a creep. We’ll get it taken care of. Not sure I even want to know how he found out where you work or where your apartment is, but I’m sure since you found him online, it doesn’t take anyone that long to figure anything out.” I’m pissed as hell. I have half a mind to find this Chad character and let him meet the end of my fist.
“This is why I didn’t want to tell anyone, but Beau, I’m twenty-eight years old. It’s not like I have a line of suitors banging on my door,” she admonishes.
“Lily, I’m well aware of your age. I’m not pissed about that. It’s for a completely different reason.” God damn, it’s not like I didn’t know who Lily was or what she looked like or that when I saw her, something in my body settled.
“Then why are you so upset?”
“Because I could have prevented it, the entire time. Clearly, I fucked that up.” I don’t say another word, instead letting my words soak in with her. We’re both quiet. It’s not uncomfortable, but it’s definitely not what I expected for today either.
Chapter Eight
Lily
Beau being quiet for the remainder of our ride was different. I wasn’t sure what to say. So, after we made our way back to the barn to untack, brush the horses down, and let them out to their pastures, I break the silence.
“I’m sorry, Beau. I didn’t mean to drag you into this. If I knew it was going to go down like this, I wouldn’t have ever got on that dating app or brought you into the fold. It wasn’t fair of me.” As much as I hate to do it, it’s probably best that I get in my car and ask for help elsewhere, even if that means telling not only my brother but my parents too.
“Lily, honey. That’s not what this is about. Shit has me thinking about sitting on my ass when you were right in front of me the entire time.” Beau’s hands slide around my hips, under my jacket until they’re bringing me closer, and he hugs me. I soak in his scent—warm leather and cardamom hit my nose, turning my head, allowing me to hear his heartbeat, and to be still.