Read Online Beau (Remington Ranch Book 4) by SJ McCoy - Free Book Online Page B

loved the banter and the sparring those two had going most of the time. She turned away and found Beau watching her. A jolt of electricity shot through her veins, making her scalp tingle—and other places too.
    He raised his glass to her and came toward her. He really was a good-looking guy.
    “Listen, I wanted to apologize for what I said about Ruby.”
    She nodded. She didn’t know what to say, she hadn’t thought he’d address it directly.
    He leaned his head down and looked into her eyes, making her heart flutter, just the way he had when she’d first laid eyes on him. “I mean it. I’m sorry.”
    For a moment she stared back into those big brown eyes. It’d be so easy to get lost in them and to believe that he meant it. Like she’d just told the girls, if it were only about her, she’d take the risk and see where it went. But it wasn’t just about her. It was about Ruby too. “Thank you.”
    He held her gaze for a moment longer and then gave a brief nod.
    ~ ~ ~
    Beau turned away. What was he supposed to do? He couldn’t lie and say that he thought Ruby was great really. He didn’t! He did want to get to know Corinne, but he wasn’t sure that Ruby was an obstacle he wanted to overcome in order to do so.
    He was relieved when Summer called them all to sit down. Though when he made his way to the table he found himself seated beside Corinne. He gave her a rueful smile as he sat down.
    “Do you think you can stand it?”
    “Stand what?”
    “Having to sit next to me.”
    Her smile took his breath away. She was so goddamned beautiful! “Of course I can. And since Ruby’s not here, I’m guessing you can stand to sit by me as well.”
    He nodded. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”
    “I know.” She shrugged. “It’s hard not to be defensive about her though. I’m all she’s got. She’s all I’ve got.”
    Beau thought about that. The perspective of a parent wasn’t one he’d considered before. He nodded. “I’m sorry.”
    She gave a little laugh. “You don’t need to keep saying it. How about we move on from there?”
    “Gladly.” He looked up to see the others watching them. He caught Mason’s eye and lifted a shoulder.
    He was pleased that Shane seemed to be in great form tonight. He kept everyone entertained with tales about the guest ranch. Occasionally Beau stole a glance at Corinne. She was enjoying herself, laughing with the others, not afraid to throw in a comment here and there. On more than one occasion their eyes met as he caught her looking at him. Why, oh why did she have to be Ruby’s mom? It’d be a no-brainer if she wasn’t. He was pretty sure that she felt the same way, but she did have a kid to consider. No matter what he thought of the kid, he did respect that. He thought again about what she’d said earlier. She was all Ruby had, Ruby was all she had. What must it be like to be wholly responsible for someone else’s life? He shuddered at the thought. He’d never really given much thought to the matter of parenthood. Yeah, he’d assumed he’d be a dad someday. But someday was a long way away.
    When they’d finished eating, the conversation turned to Corinne. Beau sat up a little straighter, eager to get to know more about her.
    “Yeah,” she was answering Mason. I did love Napa, I would have stayed there if I could.”
    “Just as long as you don’t plan on hightailing it back there the first chance you get!” interjected Shane. “I need you.”
    Cassidy pushed at him. “Then start behaving like a grown-up or poor Corinne will want to get out of here as fast as she can.”
    Corinne laughed. “No, I like it here.” She grinned at Shane. “Even though I’m not sure about my new boss yet.”
    “You should have a probationary period,” said Cassidy. “Only the opposite of the usual. He needs to be on his best behavior if you’re going to stay.”
    Corinne nodded. “That could work.”
    “And how about Ruby?” Beau couldn’t figure out the look