An overwhelming feeling that something had changed was nagging at Beau's conscious before he even opened his eyes. It was an unsettling feeling, the sort he'd had only a few times in his life, like when his Nana had passed away. The next morning it had taken him a few moments to remember, yet the dread had been there, waiting for his mind to catch up. As he rolled over to check the time, he remembered that Mia should be there. But she wasn't.
Wiping his hand down his face and running his fingers through his hair, Beau let out a sigh. He'd told her he loved her. Like a buffoon, he'd let it slip from between his lips. Not that it wasn't true, but it was too early. She clearly didn't feel that way about him. Despite how much they enjoyed each other's company, both in and out of the bedroom, she wasn't ready to be in a relationship with him. She'd made that abundantly clear more than once. Now, he'd gone and ruined everything, and by the looks of it, he wouldn't be getting another chance.
He lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling for so long, he thought he might be late to work. Did he even want to go to work? Should he even go to work? Could he face his brother when he knew Sam was the real reason Mia didn't want to be with him?
A light tap at the door alerted him to the fact that he was well behind schedule. By now, he was usually showered, dressed, and downstairs for breakfast. The sound that came out of his mouth was a cross between a groan and a sob, but assuming it was William, it wouldn't prevent him from understanding he should come in.
He did. The butler opened the door slowly. "Beau? Are you all right? Not feeling well this morning?"
The urge to toss the blankets over his head and disappear from the world was real. Instead, he sat up slightly, shaking his head as he pondered what to say to William. While the man had worked for him for years, they had been friends longer than that. Back when William worked for his parents, there were times when he was the only one Beau could confide in. His parents were strict and had high expectations for success. Any failure on Beau's part would result in a stern chastising, or worse-punishment. He absently wondered if that was part of the reason why Sam liked to punish others so much. His brother hadn't become close to William or anyone else back then. Sam had had nowhere to turn to, so he'd internalized all of it.
But Beau had had the man standing in front of him, and still did. William crossed toward the bed. "Did you check your phone?"
An eyebrow arched. Beau hadn't picked it up. Part of him had been too afraid to see that Mia had sent a text saying she didn't want to see him at all anymore. He shook his head.
William stepped over to the nightstand and picked it up, handing it over to him.
Catching his eyes, Beau took it, and slowly turned it over, unlocking it, and seeing that he had a text from Mia. It wasn't long, but it did help ease his worries-slightly. "Beau, I had an amazing time last night. Thank you so much for everything. I would like to speak to you about our relationship, but I need some time to think. I hope you'll understand."
He read it twice and then dropped the phone in his lap, pondering what that meant. At least she hadn't said there was nothing to think about, and she was ready to be rid of him forever.
"I drove her home," William said, his hands deep in the pockets of his slacks. "She is a lovely woman. Both inside and out."
"Yes, she is," Beau agreed. He wanted to ask a million questions about what Mia had said to William, but he was hesitant to ask.
"She cares a great deal for you, Beau. She's just confused. You know how your brother can be."
A scowl automatically came to Beau's face. Oh, yes. He knew how his brother could be. He knew exactly how he could be. Thoughts of all the things he'd already done with Mia made Beau's stomach tighten and his hands ball up into fists. He knew she liked it, though, that she wanted it. That made it worse.
"I suggested she speak to some of his former secretaries. Perhaps hearing their stories will let her see that she's playing a dangerous game."
Again, Beau couldn't control his surprise. "Do you think that's a good idea?" Some of those women were so broken now, such horrible messes. One was so obsessed with Sam that she had been arrested several times for stalking him. A few had a desperate hate for him, though, and a couple had threatened to kill him. They weren't the type of people Mia should be around. But then... when they were first hired, they had been a lot like her. Not as beautiful. Not as sweet and innocent. Not as smart, kind, funny.... He'd gone off on a tangent. William was right, though Sam had ruined so many women. Maybe it would help if Mia were to speak to one of them. Perhaps it would be best if he had a hand in who it was, though. A specific woman came to mind-Shaylie. She had been Sam's secretary right before the woman Mia replaced. If he could arrange for Shaylie to meet with Mia, maybe send his own secretary along to make sure she was comfortable, would that be enough to open Mia's eyes to the dangers of continuing down the path she was on?
He let out another sigh. "God, I should've never suggested to Sam that he hire her."
William was rocking back and forth from his heels to his toes. "Why did you?"
"I don't know. I didn't have an opening, and I didn't think I should be dating an employ, even if I did. She'd interviewed for Sam's job, not having any idea what she was getting herself into, of course. I guess I thought...."
"You could convince her to quit?"
He nodded. "Yeah. If I dated her, and I liked her, I was hopeful that I could be... enough."
William leaned over and patted Beau's arm. "You are enough. She's just in too deep at the moment. He's like a warlock or something that messes with their minds. He becomes an addiction, and while those aren't easily broken, it is possible.
Beau clasped William's hand. "Thanks for your help, and for getting her home safely."
"Of course. Now, you should get up, get ready for work, and go fight for the woman you love."
Knowing he was right, Beau began to feel more confident. "I think I'll have a protein shake for breakfast today, in the car. I don't want to be any later than I have to be, and I'm going to need the energy."
"Shall I call the office and let them know you're running a little behind?"
According to the clock, it was more than just a little, but Beau agreed. "Yes. Let them know I'll be there soon."
With a nod, William left the room, and Beau got out of bed, ready to fight for Mia.