CHAPTER FOURTEEN

 

 

For the first time since Beau started staying with me, I get to wake up next to him—or more precisely, on top of him.

I’d always thought positions like this in movies were forced. I mean, I’ve leant on my brothers’ shoulders in the car and that shit gave me neck ache for a week.

But enjoying Beau’s warmth beneath me, my head lay on his chest… I’m proved wrong. There’s no other way I’d rather sleep now.

I’ve dreamt of this moment for so long. This feeling inside me is something I’ve craved, needed. All my life it’s been this way, and I always knew it would be a blessing.

Now I have it and it’s nothing like I ever dreamed of, ever craved or needed. It’s so much more. It’s not just a blessing, it’s a gift. It’s frightening and exhilarating, but most of all, completely wanted.

The feelings I have for him have only amplified with our time together. Every day is a new experience, but what stays the same is how I feel when I see him or hear him speak. Nothing else on this earth could ever make me feel that way.

And it scares me.

Seeing Beau asleep, I take my time running my gaze over him. I’ve always found is tattoos appealing. His body is a work of art on its own, but add those in and it’s beyond hot.

I don’t think I’ve seen tattoos look sexier on someone. Ever.

My fingers run down his bare chest, his skin soft like silk to touch. He’s perfect. In every way.

I’m still unsure how he manages to stay in such good shape. His chest his hard, muscular. However, I’ve never seen him lift a weight, or known him to go to the gym.

My belly flutters when I run my finger between the lines of his abdomen muscles. It brings a smile to my face when he tenses and moans softly in his sleep. He’s affected by my touch, just as I am his.

His eyes flutter open and a sexy smile greets me. “Morning, beautiful. You sleep okay?”

My cheeks burn. “I slept like the dead.” Thanks to him and the incredible orgasm he gave me last night.

He notices my mild embarrassment and pulls me down on his chest, smiling cheekily. “Kiss me.”

Obliging, I lean down and do just that. His lips feel soft against mine and I revel in the kiss. His hands go to my hips, gripping me tightly, like he did the night before. Wetness forms between my legs when I feel just how aroused he is.

My raging hormones are on fire, his touch burning me. It makes me want to do something I’ve never done before.

Touch him.

I pull back from the kiss, my eyelids heavy and my breath raspy. “Beau, can I… Can you—I mean, will you show me how to pleasure you?”

He looks stunned at my question, and at first, I begin to think he’s going to reject me, but a blooming smile fills his face. His hard cock twitches against my thigh, and I gasp out loud. He chuckles, pulling me back down for another kiss.

When he’s done, his eyes are burning into mine. The heat behind them have me trying to close my thighs together to get rid of the ache.

“Yeah, baby, I’ll show you.”

I feel my face light up with excitement, and he chuckles. I pull the blanket down, ready to take him in my hand. I may be a virgin and clueless, but I still hear things from other girls.

Before I can reach where I’m yearning to touch him, a knock on the front door interrupts us.

Breathing heavily, Beau sits up on his elbows. “Ignore it. It’s probably one of your brothers or cousins. They’ll go away. Eventually.”

Whoever is at the door starts knocking again and I bite my lip. “Maybe we shouldn’t. My brothers have keys, you know.”

He groans, falling back on the bed. Before we can move off the bed, a voice I don’t recognise calls through the door.

“Beau, are you in there? It’s your mother and father.”

My eyes widen in panic and I flip around to face Beau. He looks just as surprised as I do—more so when he falls out the bed.

“I think I heard him. He’s coming, honey.”

The male voice is deep and rugged, and I picture a mountain man in my head. He sounds just like one. I guess watching too many movies will make you imagine the strangest things.

Beau pulls on a pair of jogging bottoms before trying to straighten out his messy, unkept hair. I’d laugh if I wasn’t so freaked out.

He’s always so calm and collected that sometimes I get jealous over how perfect he is. Seeing him a complete wreck is kind of amusing.

I get out of bed, looking around the room for something to pull on, when I realise, for the first time since waking up, Beau put his T-shirt on me before bringing me to bed.

He rushes out the door first, me at a much slower pace.

Why are they here? Did he tell them he was staying here? God, so many questions are running through my mind when he opens the door and greets his mum and dad in a nervous voice.

“Mum, Dad, what are you guys doing here?”

His mum steps in, wasting no time in pulling her son in for a hug. Even though they are close, I know from conversations with Beau that they haven’t seen each other in a while. You can see she’s missed him.

She looks younger than the forty-six years Beau said she is. If I hadn’t known her age to begin with, I’d have said she was beginning her forties—and that’s pushing it. She’s beautiful. She has pale skin, rosy pink cheeks and startling green eyes. The only thing that shows her age are the laughter lines at the side of her eyes.

I’m smiling when his dad pulls his wife back just so he can step in to hug his son. When his wife glares at him and rolls her eyes, I giggle, which turns her attention to me.

“Oh, my.”

She gapes in shock as she takes me in, her fingers pressing into her cheeks. It’s the tears in her eyes that have me worried though. I shift on my feet, feeling self-conscious, wondering why I’m receiving such a reaction.

Part of me worries it’s because I’m not what they expected, that I’m not good enough for their son, but then my injuries come to mind, and I bite my lip. I don’t know how to explain them without sounding like a walking disaster and someone putting their son in danger.

I know they can’t see my bruises—most of them have healed, and the ones on my body are covered. The only thing to stir such a reaction is my cast.

“Mum, I’d like you to meet―”

“Faith! Oh, you are a beauty, just like my sister told me you were. She loves visiting with you when she does her six-month house inspection. Son, you didn’t tell me she was this pretty.”

I’m amused by the blush creeping up Beau’s neck, but I can’t study him for long because his mum pulls me against her, hugging me.

“Hi, Mrs. Johnson.”

“None of that, call me Julie. We’re practically family now. My son has told me so much about you,” she gushes, beaming with pride as she takes my hands in hers. “Barry, just look at her.”

“She’s a beauty,” his dad remarks, smiling at his wife. “Nice to meet you. I’m Barry.”

“Hi, I’m Faith.” I inwardly smack my own forehead for sounding so stupid. I just feel so out of my depth right now.

“Mum, think you could let her go?” Beau asks, grinning as he pulls me away slowly, like he’s worried his mum will attack me. He tucks me into his side and I’m more than happy to be there.

His mum’s eyes fill with even more tears, now threatening to spill over, and I begin to worry when she starts sobbing. I give Beau a panicked look, pleading with my eyes for him to do something. But he just rolls his own eyes at me, like he expected this kind of reaction.

“Come on, Jules, stop with the waterworks.”

She slaps her husband’s chest and glares up at him. “No. My baby boy is finally settling down. I’ve been waiting years for this, Barry. Years. And look at her.” She points my way dramatically and I tuck myself further into Beau’s side. “She’s an absolute angel. Our grandbabies are going to beautiful, Barry. Beautiful!”

“Mum!” Beau groans, hiding his face in the top of my head.

I giggle under my breath and he squeezes me in warning. But what can I say, I’m a Carter; we live for the dramatic flair.

“Well, you will,” she sniffles, her wide smile turning my way.

“They really will. Your son is so beautiful.”

She giggles in Barry’s chest, looking up at him. “She is an absolute gem.” She turns back to us, her eyes looking around the flat, before landing on Roxy and Buster. “Oh, my, you have dogs. Barry, we should take these two for a walk and get some breakfast, let these two get on with making us some grandbabies.”

“Mum!” Beau shouts, covering his face now. “We aren’t making babies, so calm down, will ya. We’ve got stuff for breakfast and we can take the dogs for a walk later. First though, why didn’t you call and let me know you were visiting?”

His dad grins before chuckling. It’s his mum that answers, “Well, when Wendy phoned me after Harry had phoned her and told me you hadn’t been coming to the flat for a while, I got worried.”

“What?” Beau asks, looking at his dad now.

“Harry said he had some security put in after this flat got broken into. The feed runs to their house. He checks in to make sure nothing else happens. He said you had been staying over here for a while.”

Beau sighs, looking at his dad a minute longer before turning his attention to his mum. “I have to fill you in on what happened, but first, Faith and I are going to get ready and meet you out here for breakfast. And I want to know if Faith is okay with me giving you the information.”

Before my eyes I watch his dad straighten, looking like a man that could snap you in half and not the cuddly bear he seemed to be. He notes the seriousness in his son’s voice no doubt and is ready for whatever he has to say.

And that is what Beau gets from his dad, because he looks too much like his mother. He has the same ash-blonde hair, and green eyes, although Julie’s are sharper than her son’s. His dad’s hair must have been once brown but is now more silver, and his are blue. Beau gets his height and size from his dad, but after seeing his dad’s reaction, they seem more alike than I first thought.

“Okay, we’ll let you two get ready. Me and your mum will cook us up a nice healthy breakfast.”

“You’re supposed to be watching your cholesterol.”

He rolls his eyes at his wife and pulls her over to the kitchen.

Beau pulls me away and towards my bedroom. I’m still feeling kind of dazed, so I don’t question why he’s coming with me. The spare clothes he left here—so he didn’t have to keep heading across the hall each morning—are in the guest bedroom.

I hadn’t expected a visit from his parents when I woke up this morning. I had wanted to explore things further with Beau, having thoroughly enjoyed last night. That said, I am intrigued to find out more about Beau. I want to know what he was like as a kid growing up. It’s only fair, since my family have made it their mission to fill him in on every embarrassing detail of my life. 

“Are you okay with them being here?”

A wide smile lights up my face. “Of course, I am. They seem awesome.”

He rolls his eyes at me. “They’re a little nutty. Well, my mum is. My dad just goes along for the ride. He said it’s what drew him to her and wouldn’t change her for the world.”

I laugh at that. “Well, she can’t be worse than my family.”

His eyes light up in amusement. “Oh, she would probably give them a run for their money.”

“Come on, let’s get dressed so I can hear some embarrassing stories about you growing up.”

His face drops and pales considerably. “Nope! No way.”

Ha! “Oh, yes way. I’m totally going to ask your mum to send me baby pictures if she doesn’t have any handy.”

“You wouldn’t want me to go snooping for your baby pictures, would you?”

I give him a wicked smile when I turn to look at him over my shoulder. “I was a cute baby. Look away.”

He groans, running his fingers through his hair. “I’m so going to regret introducing you.”

Just as the words leave his mouth, there’s a knock on the front door, before we hear it open. We look at each other before turning towards my closed door.

Only a few members of my family have keys.

“Oh, aren’t you handsome. I’m Beau’s mother, Julie, and this is my husband, Barry.”

“Cool!” Aiden booms, and I stare at Beau in horror. “Beau’s parents, I’m Aiden, Faith’s better brother.”

“Any embarrassing stories?” Ashton adds, and more male chuckles fill the room.

Beau moves like lightening, tripping over his feet to get to the door. I start laughing as he races outside, running into the room next to mine. They all laugh after his door bangs, making me giggle. Seems today is going to be an interesting day.

 

*** *** ***

 

“So, you’re telling me you are only staying here because there’s a madman out for her, over something he did wrong?”

We’ve just finished telling his parents all about Noah. We’d had no choice since Aiden started telling them they were only allowing Beau here because he’s protecting me. It had led to more questions, and embarrassing ones at that.

“That’s not the only reason, Mum.”

If I were to guess, I’d say Beau was blushing, but before I get the chance to confirm it, her eyes swing my way.

“So, you are a couple?”

I nod, smiling at the woman who, minutes ago, thought her dream of future grandchildren was over. She looks happy and I didn’t want to be the one to point out we haven’t known each other long and grandkids weren’t going to happen any time soon.

It was then I realised I pictured a future with Beau, one where we did have kids and got married. It’s premature to think of something like that—I’ve known girls who’ve been dumped because of it.

I guess when something feels right, there’s nothing you can do but hold on to hope. And as far as things go, I’m hoping Beau feels the same and sees us going somewhere other than the bedroom.

“We’ve not been dating long.”

Around a mouthful of food, Aiden interrupts, “She wouldn’t be at all if we had our way, but Beau kind of bullied us.”

Beau grunts under his breath, but stops short when his mum turns to him, her eyes frosty. “Beau Johnson, I taught you better than to bully people, especially people younger than you. They are still children.” Beau doesn’t seem fazed at his mum’s rant, but when I turn to Aiden, his smug expressions falls at being called a child. Even if he does act like one. When her gaze turns his way, he sits up straighter, ready for the arse-rimming he’s about to endure. “And you, what is wrong with my son?”

Aiden looks at everyone around my living room for answers, but none of my cousins who arrived with him back him up. He swallows his eggs as he prepares to answer. “Nothing, Julie. It’s not Beau we have a problem with, it’s the fact our baby sister/cousin is dating. We’ve worked hard to keep the boys away. It seems your son is immune to our threats.”

Much to Beau’s dismay, his mum actually melts at Aiden’s confession. “Oh, dear, that is the sweetest thing I have ever heard in my life.” She looks up at her husband who is sitting on the arm of my armchair. “Isn’t that just sweet, Barry.” Her gaze turns back to Aiden, all soft and mushy. I want to giggle but I’m worried if I do, Beau will find some way to pay me back. “You keep being protective of your sister, Aiden. If we had a daughter, we’d expect nothing less from Beau. But I do have to tell you, my boy is a good boy. He’ll do right by your sister.”

Aiden doesn’t look convinced, but nods anyway.

“Sorry to interrupt,” I start, my attention turning to my brother. “But why are you here this early? I didn’t realise you ever even saw this time of day.”

My cousins laugh, knowing how much my brother loves his sleeps. It was hard to get him to school when he was younger because he never wanted to get up. It wouldn’t matter if he went to bed early, or in the early hours of the morning, he still hated getting up before midday.

He narrows his eyes at my dig, but then his face lights up with a smile. “I came to tell you I’ve found a house to move in to.”

“A house?” I ask doubtfully, wondering what idiot rented a house out to him. I know for sure my dad wouldn’t. Since we were teenagers, my dad always said that unless Aiden got his shit together, he wouldn’t let him live in his shed, let alone one of his homes.

“Um, yeah.”

“Wait for it.” Mark grins as he gets up to take his plate to the kitchen.

“What am I missing?” I ask, looking at each of my cousins. Ashton is on the verge of laughing and Maddox looks ready to die—whether from a hangover or because what I’m about to be told is too funny, I don’t know. It’s only Landon who doesn’t seem interested, busily typing away on his phone, frowning every now and then.

“Shut up, you lot. You’re just jealous you won’t have it so good.”

“I still don’t see how you think you’ll have it good,” Mark calls out from the kitchen, helping himself to another plate of food Julie and her husband cooked up.

“The suspense is killing me.” Julie giggles, nearly bouncing in her seat.

With a sigh, Aiden faces me. “I’m moving in with an old lady on Sparks Lane. She’s needed help around the house since she moved back from Cyprus two months ago.”

Okay, so wasn’t expecting that.

“Um, how old is this lady? And how did you qualify to help her out?”

Please don’t say you slept with her. Please.

“Before you go thinking I slept with her, I didn’t. She’s sixty-two, for Christ sakes.”

“I don’t know, a woman a few doors down to us is in her sixties and she’s married to a guy in his forties.”

We all make a grossed-out face.

Aiden shakes his head. “Look, I didn’t sleep with her. The ad only said they had a guest house to rent. When I got there, she took one look at my strapping body and made me a deal. She said if I helped fix up her house, she would knock rent off. The first few months will be basically free. The person who was supposed to be housekeeping, wasn’t actually doing it. They were getting paid each month but never actually did any work.”

“Oh, my, what a terrible thing,” Julie gasps.

“You didn’t tell us that,” my other brother and cousins bark.

One thing we can’t stand is people being mugged over, especially older people.

“Because I knew you would take the piss out of me. I wasn’t going to say yes, not wanting to add more work to my schedule now that I’m starting work for Mason at the restaurant and starting culinary school next September. Then she told me about what happened and I couldn’t refuse. The guest house is pretty cool. She had it extended above her garage.”

The silence in the room is deafening. Even Landon looks up from his phone to gape up at Aiden in shock.

“You’ve got a job?”

He blushes. “Yeah, my other one wasn’t something I could keep doing.”

“And you’re going to school?” I ask, still trying to wrap my head around this being real.

When he nods again, adding a shrug this time, I dive on him. He falls back, landing on the floor with a grunt. Roxie and Buster bark, rushing over to us and licking our faces. I laugh, shoving them off, but look down at my brother in awe.

“I’m so proud of you, Aiden. I never thought I’d see the day.”

His cheeks have turned red now, but he carries on playing it off as I get up and move back to my seat, but not before giving him a peck on the cheek.

“It’s not a big deal, for god’s sake. It’s just a job and school.”

Mark shakes his head, his hand still frozen half way to his mouth from when Aiden told us what he’s up to. He begins to choke before sorting himself out.

“Aiden, what the fuck? Why didn’t you tell us?”

“Language, you’re still young enough to go over the knee you know.”

Mark audibly swallows. “Sorry, Mrs Johnson.” He turns back to Aiden, still looking dazed. “This is a big deal. We didn’t think you’d ever go to school and you’re finally doing something you’re good at.”

“I don’t know about that.”

This time I roll my eyes. “Aiden, your cooking is amazing.”

Aiden took a leaf out of my uncle Max’s book and pretended he couldn’t cook. Hearing he can will be a surprise to the others, that’s for sure. But he knew if they knew, he’d be the one cooking at all the family meals.

“Yeah, but I can’t bake for shi—sugar. And don’t tell Mum or Dad, I want to tell them tonight. I just wanted you to know that I had found a place. But the reason I came over so early is because when she cleaned her shed out, she found a litter of kittens and their mum. She’s taken them inside but she can’t keep them. She thinks they’re old enough to be rehomed. I told her I’d ask you.”

I’m still reeling over him going to school, but I break out of my haze to answer him. “If you give me the address I can go over to take a look at them. They’ll need vaccinations and a full health check. She shouldn’t have moved them. If they’re stray they could be a little vicious when handled.”

His eyes widen in alarm. “Should I go over and put them back? She said that once she got the kittens inside, the mum followed. The mum hid them in her boiler cupboard.”

“Ah, sounds about right. They like it dark and warm, so that’s perfect. If she hasn’t tried to escape with them, then they should be fine. She’ll also need to be checked for a chip. I’ll go over tomorrow morning. Just let her know I’ll be visiting.”

He nods, taking his phone out. When I turn back to everyone, Julie is staring at me.

“You really are a wonder, Faith. You have a heart of gold and a beautiful family.”

“Thank you.” I blush at her praise and begin to fiddle with my fingers.

“We’d like to take you out later for dinner. Our treat. All of your family, dear. Beau said you’re all really close. We’re only here for the night, as Barry has to get back to work. We just wanted to make sure everything is okay.”

Barry nods in agreement and Beau’s hand tightens around mine. “Mum,” he starts, seeming unsure—probably worried over the size of my family and the cost of feeding them.

And it doesn’t pass my notice that it’s the second time she’s indicated she and Beau have spoken about me at great length. It actually feels pretty amazing to know that.

“It sounds like a plan, but for now, it should just be us four. My family is too big and could eat restaurants out of business.”

“I take offence to that,” Maddox growls.

I sigh. “Maddox, you’re the reason we can never go back to the steak house. All you can eat salad bar doesn’t mean eat the whole thing.”

He rolls his eyes at me, grunting. “It said all you can eat. It was all I could eat and then some.”

“Oh, dear.” Julie giggles, taking us in.

“Sorry. As you can see, they can be a little difficult, but Beau and I would love to join you for dinner. Next time we have our family get together, I’ll make sure to let you know so you can book it off work. With the weather cooling down, we have to find space for it as none of our houses are big enough to hold us all.”

Her smile grows. “We’d love to, wouldn’t we, Barry?”

“Sure would. Always up for some grub.”

“We’re going to pop over and see your aunt Wendy and uncle Harry. Is there anything you need while we’re out?”

“No, thank you, Mum, we’re covered.”

She bites her lip, looking doubtful. “I’ll just get a few things I think you’ll need. Oh, and maybe some nice yummy treats for the dogs.

“Mum―” he starts, but she cuts him off.

“It’s not every day I get to see my son finally settling down. Let me enjoy it. Now, we’ll be back in a few hours. If you need to pop out, just send me a text message on my mobile.”

He chuckles. “I will, Mum. I’ll see you guys later.”

We say goodbye to his parents and, not long after, to everyone else who’d raided my morning with Beau.

But as soon as the door shuts, I jump in his arms, demanding he take me to the bedroom to finish what we started this morning.

He grins against my lips and obeys my order with pleasure.

One thing is for certain: Beau Johnson is my person.

Life with him will never be boring.