Beau (Remington Ranch Book 4) (5 page)

“Well, the others seem to do just fine with her. Mason had her eating out of his hand. He didn’t think she was a monster!”

Summer touched her arm. “I don’t think Beau does either. He just doesn’t know how to deal with her. He’s a good guy really.”

“Yeah. He’s just got his head up his ass!”

Summer laughed. “Oh, so you have had a chance to get to know him then?”

Corinne smiled. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. But it’s what Ruby came out with. Apparently she overheard Cassidy.”

“I’m sorry. Cassidy’s another one who doesn’t know how to behave around children. I’ll tell her to watch her language.”

“No. You can’t do that. We can’t just come in here and make everyone change their ways. I do understand that.”

“It’s not exactly a big deal. It’s what you do, when you’re used to kids. It’s just that these guys aren’t. They’ll get used to it, just give them a chance.”

“I suppose. You sound as though you’re used to kids.”

Summer nodded. “I have a lot of cousins who are much younger. I haven’t spent much time with them in the last few years, but in our family there were always little ones around. And, believe me, compared to most of them, Ruby is an absolute angel!”

“She is a little strong-willed.”

Summer smiled. “And that’s a good thing. She knows her own mind and she’s not afraid to speak it.”

“That’s true. I should forget it. Forget Beau.”

Summer raised an eyebrow.

Oh, no. Corinne had to hope that Summer didn’t realize that it was more than his opinion of Ruby that had gotten to her. “He’s just a guy who doesn’t like kids. It’s not as though we’re going to run into him that often.”

“He’s a good-looking guy,” said Summer.

Corinne nodded. There was no point denying it. All the Remington men were.

“And you’ll probably run into him on Wednesday evening.”

Corinne’s heart leaped, and then sank. “We don’t have to come.”

“Yes, you do! We invited you. We want you there.”

“But I don’t want to spoil things. You’re used to having a grown-ups night. I’m sure Beau won’t want Ruby spoiling it for him.”

“She won’t spoil it for him. Or anyone. He might not even make it. He says he’s got some meeting to go to and might not be back in time. I just wanted to warn you.” Summer smiled. “And to see what your reaction might be. You like him, don’t you?”

Corinne met her gaze. She didn’t know what to say. She couldn’t deny it, but she didn’t want to admit it. She shrugged. “He’s a good-looking guy. That’s all I know about him. That and the fact that he doesn’t like my daughter. How could I like him when he thinks Ruby’s a monster?”

Summer gave her a knowing look. “He doesn’t. Anyway. I just came over to give you my number before we go home. I realized you didn’t have it. If ever you want me to keep an eye on Ruby for you, you just give me a call, okay?”

“Thank you!” It was so strange to think that she was living out here in the middle of nowhere and now if she needed someone to watch Ruby, she could call the country superstar, Summer Breese! Once she saved the number in her phone, she looked up at Summer. “Do you mind if I ask you something?

“Ask away.”

“How’s your voice doing? You sound perfectly fine most of the time.”

Summer smiled. “I am. It’s doing great. It gets a little bit scratchy if I talk too much for too long, as you’ll probably notice on Wednesday, but it’s so much better than it was. It seems it was stress that made it worse, and I was stressed about a lot of things. Now I’m not. I’m happy.” She certainly looked happy. Who wouldn’t be if they were engaged to Carter? He was gorgeous and he obviously adored her. They made such a cute couple.

“And that’s all down to you coming here, and to Carter?”

Summer nodded. “It is. When I came here I thought all I was looking for was some peace and quiet and a rest. I had no idea I’d find everything I didn’t know I was looking for. Everything I need to be happy.”

“I’m glad it worked out that way for you.”

“You never know, it might work out that way for you.”

Corinne shook her head. “I came here for a job, and hopefully to build a good life for Ruby.”

“And who knows what else you might find.”

They both looked up at the sound of a truck approaching. Summer smiled. “I told him I’d walk back up.”

Corinne smiled at the sight of Carter leaning out of his truck window. She would have waved, but he only had eyes for Summer. That was a man in love if ever she’d seen one.

“I’d better go.”

“Okay, see you. And thanks for your number, and the offer.”

“It’ll be my pleasure. I do love Ruby, don’t you go thinking anything else okay?”

“Thanks.”

“What in hell’s name is wrong with you today?” asked Wanda.

Beau turned to scowl at her. “Is that any way to talk to your boss?”

She laughed. “It is when he’s behaving like a butt hurt five year old. What’s your problem?”

“I don’t have a problem. Unless you count having an assistant who can’t keep her nose out of my personal business as a problem. Then I’d say you’re my problem.”

Wanda shook her head. “Okay, so it’s your personal business that’s got you in a tizzy, is it? As long as you’re not losing money, or about to go bankrupt. I need this job. I didn’t know you had a personal life. I thought you just locked yourself inside your fancy house at the end of the day and ceased to exist until business needed you again in the morning. So come on, tell your Auntie Wanda. What’s upsetting my Beau-Beau?”

Beau pushed his chair away from his desk and leaned his head back against the wall. He looked up at the ceiling and let out a reluctant laugh. “You know I should fire your ass?”

Wanda smiled. “Apart from two small details. For one, you wouldn’t know what to do without me anymore, and for two, no one else in this town would work for you. You’re screwed, you’re stuck with me. So why don’t you tell me why you’ve been stomping around all day like a toddler in a tantrum?”

“A toddler in a tantrum?”

Wanda folded her arms across her ample bosom and leaned in the doorway to his office. She nodded her head firmly.

“That’s harsh.”

“It’s true is what it is.”  

Beau sighed. “If you really want to know, I’m supposed to go to dinner at Carter and Summer’s place tonight.” He stopped. He wasn’t really going to explain to Wanda what had on him on edge, was he?

“And?” She raised an eyebrow. “I thought dinner with your brothers was one of the few things in life you actually enjoy?”

“It is. Usually.”

“So what’s different about this time? What’s got your panties in a wad?”

He had to laugh. “Okay. If you really want to know…” He stopped again, not quite believing he was going to admit it.

“I do. So spill. Tell your Auntie Wanda all about it.”

He shook his head at her. “I can’t believe I’m going to tell you. We both know you’re only going to give me shit.”

She nodded eagerly. “Just tell me already.”

He blew out a sigh. “Okay. Well, you know Shane brought in a new manager for the lodge at the ranch?”

Wanda nodded. “She’s the one who came from California. Carly’s sister? Corinne, is that her name?”

Of course Wanda had dealt with Corinne’s sister Carly when she was here looking at property. “Yeah. That’s her. Well, she’s invited to dinner, too.” The glint in Wanda’s eye made him nervous.

“And this is a problem because…?”

Beau scooted his chair back up to his desk, folded his arms on it and leaned forward. “Because she is the mother of the two-foot tyrant. You remember that little kid that was running around with Carly and James?”

“Ruby? She’s a little sweetheart.”

Beau snorted. “She’s a little demon.”

“And she’s going to dinner too? You’re going to let a five year old scare you away?”

“I don’t even know if she’s going to be there.”

Wanda came into the office and pulled up a chair. She was trying to conceal a grin, but she wasn’t succeeding. “Okay, so let me get this straight. You’re not happy that Corinne is going to be at the dinner. The only thing you have against her is that she’s Ruby’s mom, but you don’t know if Ruby is even going to be there. So…” She folded her own arms on the desk and leaned toward him. “Why would it be a problem that she’s Ruby’s mom?”

He shrugged.

“Come on now, tell me. You like her, don’t you?”

He shrugged again.

A victorious smile spread across Wanda’s face. “I knew it. You’ve been weird all week.”

“No, I haven’t!”

“Yes, you have! And now I know why. This Corinne’s caught your eye, and you’re pissed that you finally met an attractive woman, but she has a five year old kid in tow. Am I right or am I right?”

“You’re right.” There was no point denying it. “But I don’t know what you’re looking so pleased about. It sucks.”

She patted his hand. “Aww, poor Beau.”

He shook his head at her. “It’s not funny, Wanda. I managed to thoroughly piss her off.”

“Uh-oh. What did you do?”

“Well, I didn’t know Ruby was hers.”

Wanda raised her eyebrows and waited.

“I may have mentioned that Ruby was a monster and that she gives kids a bad name.”

“Why the hell would you say something like that?”

“Because it’s true!”

Wanda shook her head. “So you haven’t exactly endeared yourself to her then.”

“That’s an understatement if ever I heard one. I think she hates me. So even if Ruby doesn’t go tonight, it’s not exactly going to be comfortable to be around Corinne. And if Ruby does go…”

Wanda laughed. “If I were you, I’d be hoping Ruby
does
go.”

Beau looked at her as though she’d lost it.

“That way you could start to show her momma how good you can be with her.”

Beau shuddered. “No way. I’d rather not go. In fact, I’m thinking I won’t.”

“And that’s what got you all pissy. You want to go.”

“Yeah, but either way it’s not worth it.”

Wanda gave him a stern look. “Just like I said. A toddler in a tantrum.”

“Yeah. Thanks for the understanding. Glad I opened up to you. This little chat is over.”

Wanda laughed. “No, it isn’t. I’ll tell
you
when it’s over. You’re so closed up you never let anyone in. I’ve barged my ample ass through the walls you keep up, and I ain’t leaving till I’ve said my piece.”

Beau wanted to laugh. She was right. He didn’t let anyone in, didn’t confide in anyone. This was weird, opening up to Wanda of all people, but he kind of liked it.

“You listen to me, Beau Remington. You’re a good man. You’re smart, and you’re used to making things happen. You’re not used to things getting out of your control and because you’re not used to it, you don’t know how to deal with it. Right now you’re stropping around like a little kid who can’t have things his own way. And I’m only telling you that so that you’ll see the truth of it and quit it. When you do admit it, then you can man up and deal with it. Either you’ll decide that this Corinne is worth you getting used to Ruby for, or you’ll accept—graciously—that you can’t have what you want this time and move on.”

When she’d finished Beau stared at her for a long moment.

Eventually she cocked her head to one side. “So say something already. Even if it’s just that you’re firing my ass!”

He laughed. “Sorry. It’s hard.”

“What is?”

He gave her a rueful smile. “I might choke on the thing I have to say.”

“Which is what?”

He nodded. “Thank you.”

She grinned at him “You are more than welcome. I really thought I’d blown it for a minute there. No one talks to you like that, do they?”

“No and it’s not easy to hear. But that doesn’t make it any less true.”

She nodded.

Beau smiled at her. He didn’t have the words to tell her how grateful he was for the verbal ass-kicking. And he wouldn’t have spoken them if he did. No one
did
speak to him like that,
ever
. Maybe his family used to, but these days they tended to just avoid the subjects that set him off. That wasn’t good. Why had it taken Wanda to make him see it? He looked up and met her gaze. “Why do you care so much?”

She looked flustered for a moment and then grinned at him. “Care? All I care about is my job. I need the pittance you pay me, so while I have to be around you every day I’ll take any chance I get to make you into an almost-decent human being.”

That made him laugh. What else could he do? If she hadn’t flipped things back to their usual banter, he might have had trouble swallowing the lump in his throat.

“Of course. I’m just a paycheck to you. I knew that. So, if you want your day to be bearable tomorrow, what do you think I should do?”

She smiled. “Go to dinner. Don’t make excuses, go. If Ruby’s there, be nice to her. That kid loves you.”

“Jesus! What would she be like if she hated me?”

Wanda laughed. “You’re just not used to little kids. They’re just little people, like you and me only with less filters.”

“Is that why you relate to them so well?”

“I’m trying to help you here. If Ruby’s there, make an effort with her, play with her. And if she’s not, well, you don’t need me telling you how to make an effort with her mother, I hope?”

He shook his head. Women liked him. Well, they usually did. Corinne had, until he’d goofed up about her daughter. He sighed. “What’s the point though?”

“What do you mean?”

“Yeah, I like her, but what’s the point? Why make an effort with Corinne?”

“Because you’d like to go out with her?”

“Exactly, but what would that look like? We’d get maybe one or two dates before Ruby was tagging along too.”

“That’s how it goes when you date a single mom.”

Beau glared. “That’s why I don’t date single moms. And this one especially. The thought of having a kid tagging along is bad enough, the thought of that kid being Ruby is a deal-breaker.”

Wanda sighed. “Then I guess all you can do is accept that things didn’t work out for you this time. And if you could work on the gracious part, I’d appreciate it.”

He stared at her. The humor was gone from her face and her voice. He nodded. He didn’t know what to say. He felt like he’d disappointed her—and it wasn’t a feeling he liked, but what choice did he have?

Wanda stood and made her way to the door. She paused and looked back when she reached it. “I hope you’ll still go to dinner though. You shouldn’t let the things you can’t have screw up the things you do have.”

“Wow, that’s deep.” He wanted to make her smile again. It didn’t work.

She shrugged and made her way back out to the reception desk. She’d left him with a lot to think about.

~ ~ ~

Corinne checked the mirror. She looked good. She just hoped it was right. She had no clue what people wore to dinner around here. In fact, she hadn’t seen anyone wear anything but jeans to do anything at all. However, did that mean that they all dressed up to the nines whenever they got an excuse to? She hoped not. She could have asked, she could have called Summer or Cassidy, she supposed. She hadn’t wanted to though. She needed to appear capable and confident as she moved into her new role managing the lodge. She sighed. She’d erred on the side of caution and chosen her nicest jeans and paired them with a green top. If she had it all wrong, she shouldn’t be too far underdressed or overdressed—she hoped.

She turned at the sound of a knock on the door. It seemed that door might wear through with all the callers she’d had since she’d moved in. At least this wasn’t a surprise.

“Hi, Susie,” she greeted the woman standing there with a smile. “Come on in.”

Ruby came flying out of her room with a big smile on her face. She wrapped her arms around Susie’s legs and smiled up at her. “Can we do letters?”

Susie smiled back. “Maybe in a little while. I need to talk to your momma first.”

Ruby looked at Corinne. “You look pretty.”

“Thank you.” Corinne hadn’t been sure about this arrangement at first. Susie worked at the lodge and Shane had suggested that Corinne talk to her about watching Ruby when she needed help. That had turned into what sounded like an ideal arrangement for both of them. Susie worked from eight to two everyday so she could get her grandkids to school and pick them up. Now she was going to take Ruby, too. And she was happy to watch her whenever Corinne needed. Her first meeting with Ruby had been a great success and Corinne was hopeful that this would all work. She wasn’t holding her breath on it, though. She looked at Susie. “I shouldn’t be too late back.”

Susie gave her a reassuring smile. “You just go and have yourself a good time. That’s what we’ll be doing.”

“Yes,” said Ruby. “We’re going to do letters.”

Ruby had spent a couple of hours at Susie’s yesterday afternoon. Apparently she’d had a grand time, made fast friends with the grandchildren and was now eager to get started at Pre-K with them.

“You’ll do as Miss Susie tells you, okay?”

Ruby nodded.

“Honestly, you don’t need to worry about a thing. I’ve had lots of practice at this and I have your number in case we need anything.”

“Okay. Thank you.” Corinne was nervous, but it wasn’t only about leaving Ruby. She was confident in Susie and her ability to handle anything that came up. If she was honest, she was more nervous about the evening ahead. She shouldn’t be. Summer and Cassidy were great. Shane may be her new boss, but he was a great guy. Carter was an absolute sweetheart, even if he didn’t say much. Mason had been so kind to her and to Ruby, and his fiancée, Gina, had been pleasant on the few brief occasions they’d met. No she wasn’t nervous about any of them, or about spending an evening with them. It was Beau.