Page 26 of Hold Me Tight

“Is everything all right?” Beau asks.

I quickly flip my phone over. “Yup. Just checking in with River. I should probably get home soon.”

Beau frowns. “Really? I was hoping we could check out one of my clubs afterward.”

A laugh tumbles from my lips.

When I realize he’s not joking, my chuckle fades into awkward silence. “Sorry, I’m not really into the club scene anymore.”

Surprise flashes across his face before he shrugs and waves our waitress over. “I hope you enjoyed dinner.”

“I did,” I assure him. “Everything was fantastic.”

That said, tonight hasn’t gone the way I expected. I still have no idea what he thinks about the bakery or my desserts.

Just like he has all evening long, Beau talks the entire ride home. One thing’s for sure, the man certainly has a lot to say. I force a polite smile and nod, all the while counting down the minutes until I can escape the confines of the sedan.

What’s become apparent is that tonight has been a total bust.

Even though I didn’t want to get my hopes up, I was counting on this partnership to pan out. It would have made life just a bit easier and given us a little wiggle room. It’s been so long, I almost don’t remember what simple feels like.

Thankfully, it doesn’t take long to reach the townhouse. As the vehicle rolls to a stop, Beau swivels toward me, and our knees bump.

When he leans closer, panic sparks in me, and I blurt, “Well, thanks again for dinner.” I flatten myself against the door and yank the handle. “Let me know if you have any questions about the desserts.”

“I was thinking we could start with a few hundred a week,” he says with a chuckle. “Gabby, my assistant, will be in touch with exact numbers on Monday.”

My mouth falls open. “Really? That’s amazing.”

His grin softens as his gaze drops to my lips. “I’d also like to take you out again.”

Well, hell.

“Oh. I’m, ah, flattered. I just… I’m not sure I’m in a place to start dating.”

He shrugs. “Is it really necessary to slap a label on whatever this turns out to be?”

Um…

It takes effort to keep the smile pasted in place. “As much as I appreciate the offer, I’d prefer to keep our relationship strictly business.”

He arches a brow. “Perhaps I can change your mind about that.”

Unlikely.

I shake my head. “Thank you again for the opportunity. I look forward to hearing from your assistant.”

Before he can attempt to change my mind or rescind the offer, I’m tumbling out of the car and onto the curb. It only takes a moment to straighten and dust myself off before I’m halfway up the steps to the townhouse. Once there, I turn and lift a hand to wave. Using the key, I slip inside the safety of my home. Only then does the tension I’ve been carrying around all night ease from my shoulders.

No matter what River texted earlier, I’m fully expecting to walk into pandemonium. Nora’s probably running wild, refusing to go to bed, and every toy she owns will be strewn around the place.

Instead, I find the lights dimmed and the TV volume on low. My footsteps stall when I spot River in the armchair and Nora curled up against his chest, fast asleep with her cheek mashed against his sweater and her hand clutching the fabric.

I freeze as everything inside me constricts.

They look so cute together.

Kind of like they belong.