“We completely understand, Honey,” I interrupt, the word slipping out before I can stop it. It lands heavier than I mean it to, and I swear I can feel the air shift between us. “Whatever makes you feel comfortable. Beau can take you over there, but if at any point in the night you need anything, don’t hesitate to come here. Okay?”
She nods, her voice barely above a whisper. “Okay, Lawson.”
The words are barely audible. Just a breath of sound. But they hit me like a shot.
Because hearing my name on her lips—soft, unsure, but trusting—does something I can’t name. It digs in deep, right beneath my ribs, and stays there.
And as I watch her turn away, then Beau, giving me one of his gentle smiles before he does so, something inside me warns that I’ve already crossed a line I can’t afford to cross.
Because I wouldn’t mind hearing her say my name again… and again.
And that…
Well, that’s a problem.
Chapter five
Abigail
Theskyisstillstreaked with the last bits of sunlight as Beau and I walk up the narrow sidewalk toward the guesthouse. The building itself is quaint, but stunning nevertheless, with its black siding, clean lines, and the soft porch light glowing like a welcome beacon against the treeline behind it, painted in dusk. It’s beautiful in an unexpected way. Visually, a stark contrast from the main house, the barn, and everything around it. But despite its dark exterior, everything about it feels peaceful.
My brief interaction with Lawson lingers in my head. He’s not what I expected at first glance. I thought he’d be cold and dismissive. Instead, there’s something steady about him, something that feels both safe and dangerous all at once. Like standing near a roaring fire. You find yourself craving the warmth of it but know it could burn you if you get too close.
Beau, however, his warmth feels effortless. He fills the silence easily. Like it’s second nature. Like he’s used to playing that part. As if to further prove my point he pulls me out of my thoughts by saying, “I think you’ll really like it here,” as we approach thefront steps. “We actually built it last spring in hopes that it would entice Joe to come visit more often.”
“No such luck?” I ask him.
He rubs at the back of his hand. “Nah. None of us really blames her, though. She’s not like Jasper. After… well, after everything the two of them went through, she left and made a new life for herself. One she’s clearly happy with. And we’re happy for her. But we just wanted her to know there’s always a place for her here if she wants it.”
I don’t know much about Josephine Jenkins, but I do know what’s important. I know that less than forty-eight hours ago, two of her men, Dante and Enzo, saved me on that beach as I ran for my life. And then they brought me to their home, where I met Luca, Sebastian, and Josephine. The five of them kept me safe until they realized New York was a place I’d never be safe again. Then, they sent me somewhere they knew I would be. They sent me to Joe’s brother, Jasper. To Beau and Lincoln and Lawson. None of them know me. But they don’t need to. Because, while it was clear that Josephine lived in a dangerous world, she and her men are good people at their very core. And they took one look at me and knew I needed help. So they helped.
That’s what I know about her. That’s what I know about her men. And that’s what I know about the men here. They help people.
And that, in and of itself, is such a stark contrast to the world I was living in, where people only did what they did to help themselves.
“Hey,” Beau says softly as he places his hand on my lower back. I immediately flinch, not because he makes me feel unsafe, but out of instinct, and his hand instantly pulls away.
“Sorry. I—”
Beau shakes his head and smiles. “No need to apologize. Just wanted to see if you were okay. Looked like I lost you for a second there.”
Before I can respond, a blur of red-and-white fur comes barreling down the walkway, tail wagging wildly at the sight of us. Beau’s soft laugh releases the tension in my shoulders I didn’t even realize I was holding as the dog runs straight toward me.
“Lucy girl,” he scolds, even though I can tell there’s not an ounce of heat behind it. “You mind your manners.”
The border collie doesn’t seem to care as she rubs her side against my legs, bright eyes full of joy at the prospect of someone new to give her attention.
“She’s friendly,” Beau assures me, though it’s clear that I don’t need the warning. Lucy’s already treating me like we’ve known one another our whole lives. Must be that woman-to-woman connection.
I crouch down slowly, scratching this pretty girl behind her ears, and she rewards me with a soft whine and a lick to the cheek. My throat tightens unexpectedly. It’s been a long time since something, or someone, greeted me without hesitation, like they were genuinely happy to see me. “She’s perfect,” I murmur, before a warm smile takes over my face.
“Yeah,” Beau says with that easy grin of his. “She really is. Lawson likes to act like he’s in charge, but Lucy girl here is really the boss of the ranch. And she knows it too.”
“A woman who knows the power she wields. Atta girl, Lucy.” When I straighten, Beau and I move up the front steps with Lucy in tow. Beau pushes the door open with his free hand, revealing a cozy glow inside the guesthouse. He sets my duffle and backpack down gently on the table to our right as I take in the warm wood floors, the small but cozy kitchen, and the pieces of furniture that look like they were made to live within these walls.Everything smells faintly of cedar and soap. The thought of them going out of their way to clean not one but two places, unsure of where I would feel most comfortable, pulls at something inside my chest.
Running my hand over the smooth granite counter, I say softly, “It’s beautiful.”
“Glad you think so,” Beau says. “The fridge and pantry are stocked. So is the bathroom, and there’s some laundry detergent on the shelf above the washing machine in case you need it before we get you some more clothes. There’s also fresh sheets on the bed and clean towels in the linen closet. Lawson got everything stocked as soon as we found out you were coming.”
