Enchanted Enough, page 9
I turned to see two guys coming in. The genes were strong in this family. You could instantly tell they were brothers. Like Brock, they both had brown hair with gray running through it slightly. One was a bit taller than the other, but not by much. The taller one looked to be a bit older. Also like Brock, they were both in good shape, with built bodies that said they did manual labor for a living.
“Oh my God,” the younger one whispered. A pretty older woman stood next to him with a stunned expression on her face. “You look just like him. I mean, if I didn’t know any better…”
“I said the same thing,” Brock stated as he stepped closer to me. “Tanner, this is Beck’s son—Beck Dahlstrom.”
What was the name of Tanner’s wife again? Avery had told me. It was something different. She stepped to the side and let go of Tanner’s hand. He moved toward me slowly and looked down at my outstretched hand.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”
He glanced at Brock, who simply smiled. Turning back to me, he grabbed my hand and pulled me to him, hugging me so tightly, I thought for sure he was going to break a rib.
“My God, you’re a gift straight from heaven,” he whispered, holding me a few seconds longer before letting me go and taking a few steps back. Scrubbing his hand down his face, he looked back at his wife and motioned for her. “Beck, this is…this is my wife, Timberlynn.”
I shook her hand as I said, “It’s a real honor to meet you, ma’am.”
Her brows shot up. “Southern accent and those dreamy Shaw eyes.”
I felt my cheeks heat. “Texas, born and raised.”
Ty Junior—or at least, I was guessing that’s who it was—walked over, his eyes never leaving my face. When I faced him fully, I stilled. A single tear rolled down his cheek.
Stella approached and took his arm. “Junior, this is Beck, your nephew.”
Holding out my hand, I had an idea what was going to happen next. Sure enough, he ignored my hand and hugged me. He slapped my back a few times and said quietly, “He had a son. He had a son!”
His sobs nearly brought me to my knees, and I squeezed my eyes shut.
“Ty, you’re going to squeeze all the air out of the boy’s lungs.”
When I opened my eyes, I saw whom I guessed was Ty’s wife. He let me go and wiped the tears away. “Um…Beck…” His voice shook, and he pressed his lips together tightly.
“I’m Kaylee, Ty’s wife. It’s wonderful to meet you, Beck.”
I shook her hand. “Pleasure is all mine, ma’am.”
“Please, call me Kaylee.”
“Yes, ma—Kaylee.”
Tanner brought both hands up to his mouth and his next words were slightly muffled. “Oh my God, this is crazy.”
“Okay, let’s let them have some time, shall we?” Stella said, as she started to usher Dirk and Merit out of the room. Bradly and Mackenzie followed, and so did Avery.
“Avery…would you mind staying?” I asked.
Her entire face lit up. “Of course not.” She was by my side in an instant.
“Sit down, please, Beck,” Lincoln said, motioning for me to sit on the sofa. I did, and chairs and other sofas were moved around so that we were almost in a circle.
Tanner cleared his throat. “Please, start at the beginning because I have so many questions.”
Ty chuckled, as did Brock. Avery sat quietly next to me. I glanced at her and said, “Well…fate had a hand in all of this.”
“I’ll say,” Brock replied.
“Wait,” Tanner said, looking at Brock. “Do you already know the story?”
Brock leaned back in his chair, put his right ankle on his left knee and proudly said, “I do know the story.”
Ty Junior, still studying my face, asked, “Is your mother Heather?”
“Who’s Heather?” Tanner asked.
“You knew about Heather, and you never said anything?” Brock asked.
Glancing at Brock, Ty narrowed his eyes. “Did you know about Heather?”
Tanner asked again, “Who is Heather?”
Timberlynn patted his leg, “Don’t worry, honey, I’m sure we’re about to find out.”
“Of course, I knew. Beck told me everything.”
Ty let out a laugh. “Apparently not everything. And yes, he told me about Heather.”
Tanner sighed in frustration.
While Brock and Ty bickered back and forth, Avery leaned in and said, “I cannot say this enough—avoid game nights if at all possible while you’re here.”
I smiled at her, and when she smiled back, I had the crazy urge to grab her hand and hold it.
“Okay, that’s enough!” Kaylee shouted. “Can we stop now and please let Beck tell us about himself and his mother, whom I’m guessing is Heather?”
Nodding, I replied, “Yes, ma’am…I mean, Kaylee.”
When all eyes were on me, I drew in a deep breath and, once again, started from the beginning.
The room was quiet as everyone processed the story I’d just shared. It was Lincoln who broke the silence first.
“What are the odds that Avery’s flight would have been rerouted and she ended up sitting next to you on that flight?”
I looked at Avery. She shrugged. “Crazy, isn’t it? But it was clearly meant to be.”
“I’ll say,” Kaylee said with a wide smile. “How long are you planning on being here, Beck?”
“I’m not sure, but I did take two weeks off.”
“You said you worked for your grandfather? You’re on vacation then?” Timberlynn asked.
It seemed like the wives were asking all the questions, as Brock, Ty Junior, and Tanner all just stared at me.
Smiling, I nodded. “I do work for him, and yes, I’m on vacation; although, he seems to think that means I can still work.”
“I hope you told him no.”
That came from Stella. Before I had a chance to respond, she went on.
“If we get you for two weeks, then I want you for the entire full two weeks. Have you thought any more about staying here instead of your hotel?”
Again, before I had a chance to reply, someone else spoke.
“You can’t stay at a hotel,” Brock said. “You have to stay here with Mom and Dad. That way you won’t have to drive back and forth to town, and you’ll be here so we can show you the ranch.”
“That’s what I said!” Stella added with a smile. “Please say you’ll stay.”
Avery leaned closer and said, “You’re not going to win this battle, so you might as well just agree.”
Vanilla and roses filled my senses, and I almost forgot where I was for a moment. I nodded and smiled at her before looking around at all the waiting faces.
“If you’re sure you don’t mind me staying…”
Stella clapped, then hugged Ty Senior.
Tanner laughed. “They wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Um, Beck, do you have plans for this evening?” Ty Junior asked.
“I’m probably just going to head to the hotel to pack my things. Or I can do that tomorrow and stay at the hotel tonight.”
“Oh no! I want you to stay this evening. Ty, you and the boys can have him tomorrow. He’s bound to be exhausted by all of us and having to repeat his story so much. Avery, you go with Beck to the hotel and help him get his things.”
“That’s not necessary,” I quickly said, glancing between Avery and Stella.
“I don’t mind. I just need to let my parents know. You can drop me off on the way back to the ranch.”
All I could do was nod. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to spend time with Avery. I did. But I also needed some alone time to process this instant family. It was all a bit overwhelming—and I hadn’t even met everyone yet.
I was feeling overly emotional. Normally when I felt this way, I got lost in a woman…which wasn’t often, but it had happened a time or two. Meaningless sex wasn’t a healthy coping mechanism. I knew that. And Avery wasn’t the type of girl I would ever do that to anyway. For one, she was too young. Two, she was a part of the Shaw family, even if it wasn’t by blood. And…
Okay, I didn’t really have any other reasons, beyond the fact I was becoming dependent on her, wanting her by my side—and that wasn’t a good thing, either.
Avery had left the room to go find her parents and tell them she was going with me to the hotel. I would love to be a fly on the wall to see how her father reacted to that plan. Despite Stella being the one to suggest it, I wasn’t sure how that would go over with Dirk.
Brock stood, so I did as well. Tanner and Ty Junior followed suit.
“The weather is supposed to be clear tomorrow after some late-night snow tonight. You up for trying your hand at horseback riding in the snow?” Brock asked.
I raised a brow and replied, “How hard can it be?”
Tanner laughed. “He’s a Shaw, all right.”
Ty Junior and Brock both chuckled. “We’ll let you spend some time with Grams and Grandad, then swing by around one and show you the ranch.”
I nodded. “That sounds nice, thank you.”
The way all three of them looked at me with a mixture of sadness and happiness was so strange. I just hoped they knew I wasn’t Beck, their brother. I was my own person, and I wasn’t here to replace my father.
As if reading my mind, Brock said, “We all know that no one could ever replace our brother, but having you here is…” His voice trailed off, and Ty Junior and Tanner both looked at him. He drew in a breath and let it out slowly. “It’s like having a piece of him again. Our brother would’ve wanted us to fold you into the family and take care of you.” He held up his hand and smiled. “I know you’re a grown man, Beck…but I hope you’ll let us spoil you a little these next couple of weeks. We’ll most likely chase you away, but I sure hope that it won’t be for forever.”
I felt a muscle in my jaw twitch and realized I’d clenched my mouth in an effort to keep my emotions in check. “From what I’ve seen so far, my father was a lucky man to have such an amazing family. I wish…well…I wish I could have known him.”
Ty Junior let out a shaky breath. “I wish you could have as well. He was an incredible man, soldier, and friend. He would have made one hell of a father.”
I smiled. “My mother used to say the same thing.”
“She was a smart woman, it sounds like,” Tanner stated. Then he frowned at his older brothers. “Why in the hell didn’t I know about Heather?”
Brock and Ty Junior both rolled their eyes. “You were a baby,” Ty said.
“I wasn’t a baby!”
Brock huffed. “You would’ve run and told Mom the first chance you got.”
Tanner looked offended to the third degree. “I would not!”
“Who was the one who told Mom that Beck broke the vase from playing football in the house?” Ty Junior asked.
“And who was the one who told Dad that Beck was in the barn making out with Melinda Jackson?” Brock asked.
Tanner looked away and mumbled, “I liked her, that was the only reason I said something.”
I couldn’t help it, I laughed. “I can’t wait to hear more of your stories.”
Brock grinned like a small boy. “Oh, hold onto your cowboy boots. We’ve got a lot.”
Chapter Ten
AVERY
My parents were talking to Bradly and Mackenzie in the kitchen while Bradly ate spoonfuls of the fruit dip that Beck hadn’t had a chance to taste yet.
“Grams is going to kick your ass when she sees you eating that.”
Bradly jumped, covered his heart with his hand, and said, “You scared me! I thought you were her.”
“She’s right behind me, so if you value your fingers, you better put that away.”
Mackenzie giggled.
“Stella talked Beck into staying here, and for some reason, she suggested I go with him back to his hotel to help him pack his things.” Knowing my father would quickly object, I looked at my brother. “Did you want to go with us?”
Bradly frowned. “Not really.”
“Bradly,” Mackenzie and Mom said at the same time.
“What? She asked if I wanted to go, and I don’t. I’d like to get home, snuggle up with Kenzie, and watch a movie.”
My father folded his arms over his chest and glared at my brother.
“Dad, nothing is going to happen. Is it, Avery?”
“No, but even if it did, I’m an adult.”
Bradly screwed up his face. “Oh, wrong response.”
“That’s enough,” Mom said. “Avery, is Beck going to drop you off before heading back to the ranch?”
I nodded. “That’s the plan. He’s still talking to the uncles.”
“How did it go, by the way?” Dad asked.
“Really well. I think Uncle Brock, Ty, and Tanner are still in a bit of shock.”
The rest of the gang started making their way into the kitchen. Lincoln hugged Merit, and they promptly started whispering about something. I was curious, but the moment I saw Beck walk in, deep in conversation with Tanner, I was instantly distracted. I tried not to react. My heart, on the other hand, started to pound in my chest. I casually looked past him to Grams. She seemed to be happy, but there was sadness in her eyes as well.
“Grams looks sad,” I softly said to my father.
He placed his hand on my shoulder. “I’m sure she’s feeling a deluge of emotions right now.”
Turning to him, I asked quietly, “Dad, you’re not really worried about Beck and me, are you?”
His brows drew down a bit, but he said, “No, I’m not. I think you’re a friend that he needs right now.”
Ignoring the way that made my chest squeeze, I nodded.
“I guess I should head on to the hotel so I don’t get back here too late,” Beck said, glancing at Grams and Grandpa.
“Avery, you’re still driving with Beck, right?” Stella asked.
“Yes, I’ll make sure he gets there okay.”
“Does his phone not have GPS?” Dad asked. I wasn’t sure if Beck heard him. If he did, he chose to ignore the comment. He was walking away with Uncle Ty.
Glancing back at my father, I stuck out my tongue at him, and he laughed.
Stella joined us. “The reason I suggested Avery go with him is because it seems like they’ve become friends. I’m sure Beck is feeling overwhelmed, and it will be nice for him to have someone to talk to.”
I forced myself to smile. I wasn’t sure why her words hurt like they did.
Mom took my hand and pulled me to her. “If it starts to snow, maybe you should drive.”
I smiled and hugged her. “I promise if it snows, I will. I’ll text you when we get to his hotel and when we leave.”
The drive to Beck’s hotel was mostly a silent one. I knew his mind had to be churning, so I left him to his thoughts. When he was ready to talk, he would.
We pulled up to the Bitterroot Inn, and he put the SUV in Park and sat there for a moment, simply staring out the front window.
“Beck? Is everything okay?” I asked.
He didn’t respond until I said his name again.
“Beck?”
Looking at me, he almost started, as if he’d forgotten I was even in the car. He smiled. “Yeah, everything’s okay. It’s just…a lot.”
I nodded. “You don’t have to stay at Grams and Grandpa’s house, you know. You can stay here. I can call an Uber and—”
“No, it’s not that. I want to stay there. I’d like to get to know them better, and try to find out more about my father.”
“Okay.”
His eyes met mine, and for a moment we just sat there, neither of us speaking or moving. Finally, he shook his head slightly and said, “Hold on, I’ll get your door.”
I dug my teeth into my lower lip. Growing up, I’d always seen my father and uncles open car doors for my mother and aunts, and had always considered it such a sweet thing to do. Guys my age didn’t do that.
My age. I sighed. Was a nine-year difference really that big of a deal? I didn’t think so. Would Beck think it was?
The door opened, and Beck reached his hand out for me to take it. I did, and tried not to react to the way a bolt of electricity raced from his touch through the rest of my body. He hadn’t even flinched, so clearly the touch hadn’t affected him any.
Smiling politely, I murmured, “Thank you.”
We headed into the hotel and straight to the elevator. Beck hit his floor number and motioned for me to go in first when the doors opened. I followed him out of the elevator and down the hall to his room. He unlocked the door, and we walked in. I glanced into the bathroom to see he only had a few things on the counter. His suitcase was sitting on a chair, and the bed was made up, the room cleaned by housekeeping.
“Wasn’t here long enough to really mess anything up,” Beck said with a slight laugh.
“What can I do to help?” I asked, looking around the room.
Beck shrugged as he put his computer in a backpack. “Would you mind getting the stuff out of the bathroom for me? It’s just a few things.”
“Not at all,” I replied, turning and making my way into the bathroom. Upon closer inspection, I couldn’t help but smile. Beck was very organized.
His toothbrush was already stored in the travel case. I reached for the bottle of cologne, removed the cap, and sniffed. Fruity, spicy, and just a touch woodsy, it had hints of bergamot and citrus. Frowning, I sniffed again. Rosemary, nutmeg…and was that apple—
“Like the smell?”
I let out a small scream and jumped. “Jesus, Beck! You scared me.”
When I turned around, he was leaning against the door frame, and goodness, was he handsome. His dimple was on full display. It was almost sinful how good-looking this guy was.
“So?”
Confused, I shook my head and asked, “So what?”
He smiled, and I tried to ignore the way it sent a warm feeling through my lower belly. “Do you like the smell of my cologne?”
Clearing my throat, I put the cap back on. “I do. It has a woodsy smell, but at the same time, it’s spicy and fruity. I can smell apples, nutmeg, some bergamot, and…”
My voice trailed off as I looked up and saw his brows raised.
“Oh my God,” the younger one whispered. A pretty older woman stood next to him with a stunned expression on her face. “You look just like him. I mean, if I didn’t know any better…”
“I said the same thing,” Brock stated as he stepped closer to me. “Tanner, this is Beck’s son—Beck Dahlstrom.”
What was the name of Tanner’s wife again? Avery had told me. It was something different. She stepped to the side and let go of Tanner’s hand. He moved toward me slowly and looked down at my outstretched hand.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”
He glanced at Brock, who simply smiled. Turning back to me, he grabbed my hand and pulled me to him, hugging me so tightly, I thought for sure he was going to break a rib.
“My God, you’re a gift straight from heaven,” he whispered, holding me a few seconds longer before letting me go and taking a few steps back. Scrubbing his hand down his face, he looked back at his wife and motioned for her. “Beck, this is…this is my wife, Timberlynn.”
I shook her hand as I said, “It’s a real honor to meet you, ma’am.”
Her brows shot up. “Southern accent and those dreamy Shaw eyes.”
I felt my cheeks heat. “Texas, born and raised.”
Ty Junior—or at least, I was guessing that’s who it was—walked over, his eyes never leaving my face. When I faced him fully, I stilled. A single tear rolled down his cheek.
Stella approached and took his arm. “Junior, this is Beck, your nephew.”
Holding out my hand, I had an idea what was going to happen next. Sure enough, he ignored my hand and hugged me. He slapped my back a few times and said quietly, “He had a son. He had a son!”
His sobs nearly brought me to my knees, and I squeezed my eyes shut.
“Ty, you’re going to squeeze all the air out of the boy’s lungs.”
When I opened my eyes, I saw whom I guessed was Ty’s wife. He let me go and wiped the tears away. “Um…Beck…” His voice shook, and he pressed his lips together tightly.
“I’m Kaylee, Ty’s wife. It’s wonderful to meet you, Beck.”
I shook her hand. “Pleasure is all mine, ma’am.”
“Please, call me Kaylee.”
“Yes, ma—Kaylee.”
Tanner brought both hands up to his mouth and his next words were slightly muffled. “Oh my God, this is crazy.”
“Okay, let’s let them have some time, shall we?” Stella said, as she started to usher Dirk and Merit out of the room. Bradly and Mackenzie followed, and so did Avery.
“Avery…would you mind staying?” I asked.
Her entire face lit up. “Of course not.” She was by my side in an instant.
“Sit down, please, Beck,” Lincoln said, motioning for me to sit on the sofa. I did, and chairs and other sofas were moved around so that we were almost in a circle.
Tanner cleared his throat. “Please, start at the beginning because I have so many questions.”
Ty chuckled, as did Brock. Avery sat quietly next to me. I glanced at her and said, “Well…fate had a hand in all of this.”
“I’ll say,” Brock replied.
“Wait,” Tanner said, looking at Brock. “Do you already know the story?”
Brock leaned back in his chair, put his right ankle on his left knee and proudly said, “I do know the story.”
Ty Junior, still studying my face, asked, “Is your mother Heather?”
“Who’s Heather?” Tanner asked.
“You knew about Heather, and you never said anything?” Brock asked.
Glancing at Brock, Ty narrowed his eyes. “Did you know about Heather?”
Tanner asked again, “Who is Heather?”
Timberlynn patted his leg, “Don’t worry, honey, I’m sure we’re about to find out.”
“Of course, I knew. Beck told me everything.”
Ty let out a laugh. “Apparently not everything. And yes, he told me about Heather.”
Tanner sighed in frustration.
While Brock and Ty bickered back and forth, Avery leaned in and said, “I cannot say this enough—avoid game nights if at all possible while you’re here.”
I smiled at her, and when she smiled back, I had the crazy urge to grab her hand and hold it.
“Okay, that’s enough!” Kaylee shouted. “Can we stop now and please let Beck tell us about himself and his mother, whom I’m guessing is Heather?”
Nodding, I replied, “Yes, ma’am…I mean, Kaylee.”
When all eyes were on me, I drew in a deep breath and, once again, started from the beginning.
The room was quiet as everyone processed the story I’d just shared. It was Lincoln who broke the silence first.
“What are the odds that Avery’s flight would have been rerouted and she ended up sitting next to you on that flight?”
I looked at Avery. She shrugged. “Crazy, isn’t it? But it was clearly meant to be.”
“I’ll say,” Kaylee said with a wide smile. “How long are you planning on being here, Beck?”
“I’m not sure, but I did take two weeks off.”
“You said you worked for your grandfather? You’re on vacation then?” Timberlynn asked.
It seemed like the wives were asking all the questions, as Brock, Ty Junior, and Tanner all just stared at me.
Smiling, I nodded. “I do work for him, and yes, I’m on vacation; although, he seems to think that means I can still work.”
“I hope you told him no.”
That came from Stella. Before I had a chance to respond, she went on.
“If we get you for two weeks, then I want you for the entire full two weeks. Have you thought any more about staying here instead of your hotel?”
Again, before I had a chance to reply, someone else spoke.
“You can’t stay at a hotel,” Brock said. “You have to stay here with Mom and Dad. That way you won’t have to drive back and forth to town, and you’ll be here so we can show you the ranch.”
“That’s what I said!” Stella added with a smile. “Please say you’ll stay.”
Avery leaned closer and said, “You’re not going to win this battle, so you might as well just agree.”
Vanilla and roses filled my senses, and I almost forgot where I was for a moment. I nodded and smiled at her before looking around at all the waiting faces.
“If you’re sure you don’t mind me staying…”
Stella clapped, then hugged Ty Senior.
Tanner laughed. “They wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Um, Beck, do you have plans for this evening?” Ty Junior asked.
“I’m probably just going to head to the hotel to pack my things. Or I can do that tomorrow and stay at the hotel tonight.”
“Oh no! I want you to stay this evening. Ty, you and the boys can have him tomorrow. He’s bound to be exhausted by all of us and having to repeat his story so much. Avery, you go with Beck to the hotel and help him get his things.”
“That’s not necessary,” I quickly said, glancing between Avery and Stella.
“I don’t mind. I just need to let my parents know. You can drop me off on the way back to the ranch.”
All I could do was nod. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to spend time with Avery. I did. But I also needed some alone time to process this instant family. It was all a bit overwhelming—and I hadn’t even met everyone yet.
I was feeling overly emotional. Normally when I felt this way, I got lost in a woman…which wasn’t often, but it had happened a time or two. Meaningless sex wasn’t a healthy coping mechanism. I knew that. And Avery wasn’t the type of girl I would ever do that to anyway. For one, she was too young. Two, she was a part of the Shaw family, even if it wasn’t by blood. And…
Okay, I didn’t really have any other reasons, beyond the fact I was becoming dependent on her, wanting her by my side—and that wasn’t a good thing, either.
Avery had left the room to go find her parents and tell them she was going with me to the hotel. I would love to be a fly on the wall to see how her father reacted to that plan. Despite Stella being the one to suggest it, I wasn’t sure how that would go over with Dirk.
Brock stood, so I did as well. Tanner and Ty Junior followed suit.
“The weather is supposed to be clear tomorrow after some late-night snow tonight. You up for trying your hand at horseback riding in the snow?” Brock asked.
I raised a brow and replied, “How hard can it be?”
Tanner laughed. “He’s a Shaw, all right.”
Ty Junior and Brock both chuckled. “We’ll let you spend some time with Grams and Grandad, then swing by around one and show you the ranch.”
I nodded. “That sounds nice, thank you.”
The way all three of them looked at me with a mixture of sadness and happiness was so strange. I just hoped they knew I wasn’t Beck, their brother. I was my own person, and I wasn’t here to replace my father.
As if reading my mind, Brock said, “We all know that no one could ever replace our brother, but having you here is…” His voice trailed off, and Ty Junior and Tanner both looked at him. He drew in a breath and let it out slowly. “It’s like having a piece of him again. Our brother would’ve wanted us to fold you into the family and take care of you.” He held up his hand and smiled. “I know you’re a grown man, Beck…but I hope you’ll let us spoil you a little these next couple of weeks. We’ll most likely chase you away, but I sure hope that it won’t be for forever.”
I felt a muscle in my jaw twitch and realized I’d clenched my mouth in an effort to keep my emotions in check. “From what I’ve seen so far, my father was a lucky man to have such an amazing family. I wish…well…I wish I could have known him.”
Ty Junior let out a shaky breath. “I wish you could have as well. He was an incredible man, soldier, and friend. He would have made one hell of a father.”
I smiled. “My mother used to say the same thing.”
“She was a smart woman, it sounds like,” Tanner stated. Then he frowned at his older brothers. “Why in the hell didn’t I know about Heather?”
Brock and Ty Junior both rolled their eyes. “You were a baby,” Ty said.
“I wasn’t a baby!”
Brock huffed. “You would’ve run and told Mom the first chance you got.”
Tanner looked offended to the third degree. “I would not!”
“Who was the one who told Mom that Beck broke the vase from playing football in the house?” Ty Junior asked.
“And who was the one who told Dad that Beck was in the barn making out with Melinda Jackson?” Brock asked.
Tanner looked away and mumbled, “I liked her, that was the only reason I said something.”
I couldn’t help it, I laughed. “I can’t wait to hear more of your stories.”
Brock grinned like a small boy. “Oh, hold onto your cowboy boots. We’ve got a lot.”
Chapter Ten
AVERY
My parents were talking to Bradly and Mackenzie in the kitchen while Bradly ate spoonfuls of the fruit dip that Beck hadn’t had a chance to taste yet.
“Grams is going to kick your ass when she sees you eating that.”
Bradly jumped, covered his heart with his hand, and said, “You scared me! I thought you were her.”
“She’s right behind me, so if you value your fingers, you better put that away.”
Mackenzie giggled.
“Stella talked Beck into staying here, and for some reason, she suggested I go with him back to his hotel to help him pack his things.” Knowing my father would quickly object, I looked at my brother. “Did you want to go with us?”
Bradly frowned. “Not really.”
“Bradly,” Mackenzie and Mom said at the same time.
“What? She asked if I wanted to go, and I don’t. I’d like to get home, snuggle up with Kenzie, and watch a movie.”
My father folded his arms over his chest and glared at my brother.
“Dad, nothing is going to happen. Is it, Avery?”
“No, but even if it did, I’m an adult.”
Bradly screwed up his face. “Oh, wrong response.”
“That’s enough,” Mom said. “Avery, is Beck going to drop you off before heading back to the ranch?”
I nodded. “That’s the plan. He’s still talking to the uncles.”
“How did it go, by the way?” Dad asked.
“Really well. I think Uncle Brock, Ty, and Tanner are still in a bit of shock.”
The rest of the gang started making their way into the kitchen. Lincoln hugged Merit, and they promptly started whispering about something. I was curious, but the moment I saw Beck walk in, deep in conversation with Tanner, I was instantly distracted. I tried not to react. My heart, on the other hand, started to pound in my chest. I casually looked past him to Grams. She seemed to be happy, but there was sadness in her eyes as well.
“Grams looks sad,” I softly said to my father.
He placed his hand on my shoulder. “I’m sure she’s feeling a deluge of emotions right now.”
Turning to him, I asked quietly, “Dad, you’re not really worried about Beck and me, are you?”
His brows drew down a bit, but he said, “No, I’m not. I think you’re a friend that he needs right now.”
Ignoring the way that made my chest squeeze, I nodded.
“I guess I should head on to the hotel so I don’t get back here too late,” Beck said, glancing at Grams and Grandpa.
“Avery, you’re still driving with Beck, right?” Stella asked.
“Yes, I’ll make sure he gets there okay.”
“Does his phone not have GPS?” Dad asked. I wasn’t sure if Beck heard him. If he did, he chose to ignore the comment. He was walking away with Uncle Ty.
Glancing back at my father, I stuck out my tongue at him, and he laughed.
Stella joined us. “The reason I suggested Avery go with him is because it seems like they’ve become friends. I’m sure Beck is feeling overwhelmed, and it will be nice for him to have someone to talk to.”
I forced myself to smile. I wasn’t sure why her words hurt like they did.
Mom took my hand and pulled me to her. “If it starts to snow, maybe you should drive.”
I smiled and hugged her. “I promise if it snows, I will. I’ll text you when we get to his hotel and when we leave.”
The drive to Beck’s hotel was mostly a silent one. I knew his mind had to be churning, so I left him to his thoughts. When he was ready to talk, he would.
We pulled up to the Bitterroot Inn, and he put the SUV in Park and sat there for a moment, simply staring out the front window.
“Beck? Is everything okay?” I asked.
He didn’t respond until I said his name again.
“Beck?”
Looking at me, he almost started, as if he’d forgotten I was even in the car. He smiled. “Yeah, everything’s okay. It’s just…a lot.”
I nodded. “You don’t have to stay at Grams and Grandpa’s house, you know. You can stay here. I can call an Uber and—”
“No, it’s not that. I want to stay there. I’d like to get to know them better, and try to find out more about my father.”
“Okay.”
His eyes met mine, and for a moment we just sat there, neither of us speaking or moving. Finally, he shook his head slightly and said, “Hold on, I’ll get your door.”
I dug my teeth into my lower lip. Growing up, I’d always seen my father and uncles open car doors for my mother and aunts, and had always considered it such a sweet thing to do. Guys my age didn’t do that.
My age. I sighed. Was a nine-year difference really that big of a deal? I didn’t think so. Would Beck think it was?
The door opened, and Beck reached his hand out for me to take it. I did, and tried not to react to the way a bolt of electricity raced from his touch through the rest of my body. He hadn’t even flinched, so clearly the touch hadn’t affected him any.
Smiling politely, I murmured, “Thank you.”
We headed into the hotel and straight to the elevator. Beck hit his floor number and motioned for me to go in first when the doors opened. I followed him out of the elevator and down the hall to his room. He unlocked the door, and we walked in. I glanced into the bathroom to see he only had a few things on the counter. His suitcase was sitting on a chair, and the bed was made up, the room cleaned by housekeeping.
“Wasn’t here long enough to really mess anything up,” Beck said with a slight laugh.
“What can I do to help?” I asked, looking around the room.
Beck shrugged as he put his computer in a backpack. “Would you mind getting the stuff out of the bathroom for me? It’s just a few things.”
“Not at all,” I replied, turning and making my way into the bathroom. Upon closer inspection, I couldn’t help but smile. Beck was very organized.
His toothbrush was already stored in the travel case. I reached for the bottle of cologne, removed the cap, and sniffed. Fruity, spicy, and just a touch woodsy, it had hints of bergamot and citrus. Frowning, I sniffed again. Rosemary, nutmeg…and was that apple—
“Like the smell?”
I let out a small scream and jumped. “Jesus, Beck! You scared me.”
When I turned around, he was leaning against the door frame, and goodness, was he handsome. His dimple was on full display. It was almost sinful how good-looking this guy was.
“So?”
Confused, I shook my head and asked, “So what?”
He smiled, and I tried to ignore the way it sent a warm feeling through my lower belly. “Do you like the smell of my cologne?”
Clearing my throat, I put the cap back on. “I do. It has a woodsy smell, but at the same time, it’s spicy and fruity. I can smell apples, nutmeg, some bergamot, and…”
My voice trailed off as I looked up and saw his brows raised.
