“I brought you a beer too,” he says.
“Mmm,” is all I manage to get out.
Then, the worst thing I can think of begins to happen. It starts with a tickle in the back of my throat before progressing into my nose. I chew faster so I can swallow before the inevitable happens.
“Aaa-chooo.”
I spray half-masticated chips all over the living room. My first thought is, how did I get all of those in my mouth? Then I’m faced with the fact that I just shot spit all over the coffee table of the one person I should be trying to impress so I don’t get kicked out into the blizzard.
“Oh. My. Gosh,” I say, turning to face him. “I’ll clean that up. Reacher!”
The dog has sprung into action. He hoovers up the chips like he’s finally found his mission in life. I dive to the ground to try and hold him back.
“Beau, help me.”
He doesn’t answer; he’s too busy laughing. Not just a chuckle either. One of those deep in the belly, head thrown back, full body laughs. He’s laughing so hard his eyes have started to water. Okay, it is sort of funny. Before I know it, I’m laughing just as hard. I turn loose of Reacher and collapse on the floor.
“Are you okay?” he asks around a burst of laughter. “You really are bad at flirting.”
“Hey!” Yeah, I have to agree with him. One sexy spanking reference and I turn into a chip cannibal.
“You’ve sealed your fate as Reacher’s favorite now,” he adds. I place my hands over my already red face. How is it possible for it to grow even hotter? “Come on,” he says, thumping the couch next to him. “Let’s finish the movie.”
I crawl over to the couch and slide onto the end. He teasingly moves the bag of chips to the other side of him. I shoot him a glare and punch him on the arm.
Before I realize it, we’re sitting together with the blanket pulled over our legs. Reacher curls up next to me with his head on my leg. My life hasn’t been this easy for a long time. That’s how being with Beau feels. Easy.
We watch the movie in companionable silence until it ends. I’m in favor of moving to the next one, but Beau switches the input over to catch the news. The weather forecast is calling for even more snow as the temperatures continue to plummet. It even threatens of adding an ice storm on top of it. He’ll be stuck with me forever at this point.
“I’m going to have to check hay and water tomorrow,” he mutters.
“What can I do to help?”
“I’ll have to take the tractor.”
“I can help anyway. I promise I’m not totally useless.”
“Who said you were useless?” he snarls. His scowl has me shrinking back against the couch. Reacher growls deep in his throat.
“I just—” I’m not sure what to say. Most of the time, I’m treated like the only thing I’m good for is dressing up and entertaining a crowd. My assistant even arranged for a caterer once when I had my family for Thanksgiving. I promise I can cook a turkey without assistance.
“We’ll check on the neighbors in the morning,” Beau says finally. His brow smooths back out which makes me relax again. “Then after lunch, we’ll check around here.” He nods and stands. “I’m heading to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.” With that, he turns on his heel and walks to the back bedroom.
“Okay, then, Reacher.” I turn off the television and take the remains of our snacks to the kitchen. After checking the front door is locked, I turn around to find Beau standing behind me.
“I was coming back to do that.”
“Oh. Sorry.” We stand perfectly still, staring at each other. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do next. I didn’t realize I was breaking some sort of man rule by checking the door. Then he takes a step toward me. It’s followed by another, and suddenly he’s pressed against me.
His hand cups the back of my neck as his lips meet mine. They’re warm and firm and, heaven help me, the best thing I’ve tasted ever. His tongue sweeps inside my mouth with a moan.
I’m not sure which of us made the noise, but I don’t care. I just know I hope this never ends. I’ve never been kissed like I’m the very oxygen someone needs to survive, but that’s exactly what it feels like.
It’s over too soon sadly. Beau presses his forehead against mine as his chest heaves against me.
“Jesus,” he mumbles. “I’m sorry.” He stands straight and takes a step back.
I feel his gaze burn down my body and back up. He shakes his head. “Fuck.” Before I can say, “yes, please,” he’s stomping back down the hallway.
