Nicole was nervously waiting outside the restaurant, and when she saw Beau striding towards her she stood up and greeted him with her warmest smile.
“Hi, Beau. I feel like it’s been ages,” she said leaning forward and pecking him on the cheek. “I hope it’s okay to do that, I’m just so happy to see you.”
“I’m happy to see you too,” he grinned, and he was, very happy; she was wearing a white dress. “That’s quite a welcome,” he continued, “it sure beats the first one you gave me.”
“Sorry about that,” she replied feeling a blush cross her face. “Are you okay, you look a bit-”
“Yep, fine,” he interrupted, “but before we go in can I ask you something?”
“Sure, what?”
“Were you here earlier?”
“Earlier? I’m staying here, remember?” she winked.
“Yes, Nicole, I do know that, I mean earlier as in, about half-an-hour ago.”
“No, why?”
“I, uh, thought I saw you,” he mumbled. “Let’s go in, and that’s a real nice dress, you look very pretty.”
“Thanks,” she beamed. “You don’t look bad yourself. Almost like a regular guy.”
He’d chosen khaki slacks and a pale khaki and blue checked shirt, but light tan cowboy boots peeked out from the bottom of his pants.
“What’s a regular guy,” he chuckled as they walked into the dining room.
“I guess, not a cowboy,” she giggled.
The hostess appeared and walked them to their table, one of the restaurant’s best. It was tucked away in a corner but next to a window overlooking the lighted swimming pool, and after handing them menus and promising to send over the drinks waiter, she left them alone. Smiling, Beau placed his menu in front of him and leaned across the table.
“Doesn’t matter what I’m wearin’,” he said softly, “I’m still a cowboy underneath.”
“Works for me,” she sighed, and that shirt is making your eyes sparkle like crazy. I swear, I’m going to kiss you before this night is over.
“Why did you want me to think your contractor had left you just a couple of weeks ago?” he asked, his look demanding he tell her the truth.
“Really?” she sighed. “Can’t we talk about something else?”
“Sure, after you answer the question.”
“You won’t like the answer,” she said dropping her eyes to the silverware in front of her.
“I’m not likin’ not knowin’, so…”
“Okay, I’ll tell you. I’ve spent weeks trying to get someone else and everyone said no. They were either too busy, or didn’t want to work so far out of town, always some excuse. The one company that did agree, wanted to charge me crazy money. I didn’t want you to know that you, uh, were, um…”
“Last on your list, and your last hope? I already knew that,” he winked.
“You did? How?”
“For starters, you didn’t want to even talk to me when you first started buildin’ that place, and then it sat untouched for ages. You honestly thought I wouldn’t have noticed?”
“Oh, yeah, I guess, sorry.”
“No problem, I get that you didn’t know me, you still don’t know me.”
“I know enough. You saved me. You totally took care of me, even after I was so rude.”
“Let’s take a look at our menus. You want some wine? A drink?”
“I would. I’ve been off those pain pills for a couple of days, so I’m good to go! A glass of Chardonnay would be great, thanks.”
As if on cue their waiter appeared and Beau ordered a bottle, then looking across at the gorgeous girl in her white dress and deep green eyes, he couldn’t deny the immense attraction, and he noticed there was a freshness about her.
“You look, different,” he said, his brow creasing in a quizzical stare.
“Thanks, I think,” she smiled. “To be honest I didn’t realize how tired I was. This week has completely decompressed me. I’m not sorry I stepped on that nail, not at all.”
“Sometimes things happen for a reason,” he remarked.
“My dad says that we make things happen, and fate doesn’t exist.”
“That so? Huh. Well, regardless, the rest has done you a world of good.”
“Thanks, I feel it, I really do,” she sighed.
“I want you to tell me more about Nicole Harris. If I’m gonna build your house, and I’m not sayin’ I will, but if I do, I need to know who I’m buildin’ it for. Besides bein’ a handful,” he said without batting an eye, “tell me about your life. What do you do for fun, what do you love and what don’t you love?”
Her reaction was not one he expected. She didn’t blush, or sigh, or smile, or begin talking; she looked directly at him, frowned slightly, then picked up her wine. He waited, not sure if he should press; finally she put down her glass and sat back in her chair.
“I’m rich, but you know that, I’m smart, you know that too, I don’t like crowds or standing in line, I like ice cream, a lot, I like anything creamy, and…” she paused.
“and?” he pressed.
“and I’m building a house here because…”
“Because?”
“This is hard and I don’t know why I’m telling you. Maybe I shouldn’t,” she muttered, then picking up her glass she took a big swallow.
“Up to you,” he said softly.
“I’m building the house because I don’t want my old life anymore. I want to be away from the traffic and the noise and the phony demanding people. I’m building the house because I want to escape. There, I’ve said it. Fuck, that’s the first time I’ve said it out loud. Look at me, I’m shaking,” she breathed, holding her hand in the air.
Reaching across the table he wrapped his fingers around hers.
“Congratulations,” he smiled, “that was impressive. Thank you for tellin’ me. I’ll bet it’s real hard to break away.”
“You have no idea,” she murmured. “You have no fucking idea.”
“You know what, I’m not gonna call you Nicole,” he said firmly. “You’re much more a Nickie, Naughty Nickie, and I will build your house, and if you want, I’ll be your friend.”
She felt a hot wave of emotion flood her heart, and gazing into his smoky-blue eyes she sensed a protective energy and a depth of caring that almost took her breath away. He was real, and she knew she could trust him.
“That would be…wonderful…if you would be my friend,” she managed.
“But Nickie,” he said tilting his head to the side and squeezing her hand, “tonight, after we have dinner, I’m gonna spank you.”