EMMA

A loud banging at my front door almost makes me slip in the shower. Rushing to rinse the suds from my hair, I hop out of the hot stream, feeling some left over shampoo as water dribbles down my back. I quickly towel dry and put on my bathrobe before making my way downstairs, the smooth silk grazing my freshly shaven legs.

"Alright, I'm coming," I groan as another pounding rattles the door on its hinges. Normally, I wouldn't even bother answering if I'm not expecting anyone. But lately, with Gemma around more, I've had to learn to welcome unexpected visits.

"God, Gem, it's called patience," I roll my eyes as I swing the door open wide, but can only stare dumb-founded, when I reveal who was behind it. "Beau? What're you-"

He interrupts me by bending to wrap his arms around me tightly, face nestled into my neck. His breath tickles my skin as I finally return the gesture, his familiar smell floods my senses. I try not to be surprised that I don't detect any alcohol on him, instead relishing in the sweet smell of his skin.

This is so much better than an old t-shirt, I sigh, letting my body melt into his as I exhale. God, I missed this.

After a couple of seconds, Beau lets me go and meets my eyes, his face serious. The air between us is cool against my skin and I long to be wrapped up in his warmth again. Thoughts of him with Jace and Rey nag at me, reminding me to stand my ground.

"I'm sorry Emma, I fucked up." His eyes search my face intently, dark brows crinkled above them.

The apology surprises me; I'm not used to hearing those words from Beau's lips so easily. It's not hard to stay mad at him when he isn't around. But staring at him now, dark, crazy hair pushed off his face to reveal clear, green eyes, a bouquet of sunflowers in his hand, I feel my icy resolve melting.

"Beau, what're you doing here?" Suddenly I feel silly standing in the doorway, so I step aside and let him in, crossing my arms over my chest. "What about the tour?"

He shrugs, running a hand through his bed head. "We have a day in between shows and I was close." He looks to his black combat boots shyly. "I know I messed up, I just want to make it better."

His expression is so innocent and torn, and I can't help but give into him - anything to get things feeling back to normal between us.

"Oh, Beau." I sigh, raising my arms to him again and letting him hold me close to his chest. "Next time you can just call and apologize, you know?"

He cocks his head to the side like a confused puppy.

"Don't you miss me?" A smirk plays at the corners of his lips as he twists a strand of my damp hair between his long, tattooed fingers.

"Of course I do," I nod, heart beat quickening. "I just meant... I'm sure you have people looking for you," Rey, my thoughts remind me, Jace. Rocco, more realistically.

Once more, he shrugs, expression indifferent. "With the way you look in that bathrobe," He smirks his Cheshire Cat smile, eyes twinkling deviously as he tugs the edge of my robe. "The president of the United States could be looking for me by name and I wouldn't care."

I roll my eyes, playfully swatting his hands away to distract him from the blush building in my cheeks. It's been so long since I've gotten to touch him... my eyes trail down his torso, chest tattoos exposed through the couple of undone top buttons.

"I actually was getting ready," I mutter sheepishly, making myself refocus on his face.

"For?" He slumps into my couch, already more relaxed, and lays the sunflowers on the table. "Those are yours,"

I thank him and grab a vase from the kitchen. As I fill it at the sink, I shout back into the living room. "I was planning to go out with some people from work, actually."

Then Beau is right behind me, almost startling me into dropping the vase when he speaks.

"Here," He hands me the bright flowers before tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "So go then, I'll wait here."

Part of me wants to stay with him. Twenty minutes ago, I was excited to go out - not thrilled about seeing Lizzie and Tori, but looking forward to hanging with Adam and Wren. I was even going to meet Wren's girlfriend. I bite my lip, considering my options.

"Go finish getting ready," Beau instructs, finding his way to the couch again, this time laying down with his feet crossed at the ankle. "I need a nap, anyways."

Perhaps against my better judgement, I blurt out my next sentence: "Why don't you come with me?"

Beau sits up immediately, eyes squinted at me skeptically. "Really?"

I nod my head, smile growing the more I think of the idea.

He looks deep in thought for a moment before he finally shrugs. "Why not?"

***

For the millionth time since we've arrived at the bar, I find myself peering at Beau when he isn't looking. Does he seem okay? I take a sip of my water and reach for his hand, resting on his thigh.

He smiles at me quickly, tightening his grasp around my fingers.

We got here early - I wanted Beau to have time to acclimate to the bar before the others got here, too. Just in case.

"Sorry about the... you don't have to, you know," He points a finger, adorned with his usual chipped black polish, at my water sheepishly. "I'm fine, is all I mean,"

"Oh," I gasp, realizing what he means. "Beau, I'm never going to make things harder for you. I can go without wine, don't worry about it." I lean in to kiss his cheek at the same time as Adam and Wren enter the bar, a petite brunette under Wrens' arm.

"Hey guys!" I call them over to our table, Beau standing beside me, as well. "This is Beau, my boyfriend. Beau, this is Adam and Wren, you must be..."

"Delilah," The young woman smiles politely and offers me a hug. Even while embracing her, I notice the awkwardness between Beau and the guys immediately.

"It's great to meet you, man. Emma's told me a lot about you," Adam sticks his hand out for a shake and Beau takes it, albeit somewhat reluctantly.

"Good things, I hope." Beau smirks at me, but I hear the message in his words, even if Adam doesn't. Back off.

While the three of them head to the bar to grab drinks, Tori and Lizzie appear next. My body tenses involuntarily and Beau notices, gripping my thigh so I look at him beside me.

"What's wrong?" He mutters.

"Nothing, I just don't get along well with these two," I mumble, forcing a polite smile when they approach, mock interest plastered on their own faces. I never got around to telling him about these two and their little game of "let's-try-our-hardest-to-make-Emma-uncomfortable."

"Emma! This must be the famous Beau Lewis we hear so much about," Tori's eyes widen sarcastically and I know Beau heard her loud and clear, too.

"So good to finally meet you, Emma's a lucky girl," Lizzie smirks, the implication that she thinks I'm anything but lucky very clear.

My mouth presses into a firm line as I wonder how long it takes Adam to get a damn drink. He's always a great buffer.

Beside me, Beau's expression changes just slightly enough that only I would notice, a dark glint casting over his eyes. "Hm. Sorry to disappoint ladies, but I can't say I've heard anything about you."

My eyes flash to his face instantly as I bite back my own grin. I turn to the women and am amused to find Lizzie opening and closing her mouth like a fish out of water.

"We're going to get some drinks," Tori mutters, pulling Lizzie away with her.

"I'm sorry," I sigh when they're out of earshot, wondering if I should've let him in on the trouble I'd been having from the start. "I mostly just ignore them."

"What do I care?" Beau shrugs. "You and me, and fuck everyone else right?" He winks as Adam returns to the table, carrying his own beer, and two more waters for Beau and me. Wren and Delilah follow, both with light beers, nothing too strong.

"Emma, you wouldn't believe the pages I got today - I was just telling Wren and Delilah," Adam begins animatedly, filling me in on a novel built around some cheating husband or something along those lines. Tori and Lizzie return and soon everyone is sharing some of their great finds, discussing some upcoming works from our big authors that they're excited for, and making jokes about random things that have happened in the office.

Delilah laughs and tells us about her own boss, a lazy man with the unfortunate trait of turning purple when he gets angry, which is more often than not. Beside me, Beau is quiet, I think only half listening to the conversation, and not contributing much himself. He startles when Adam addresses him by name.

"So Beau, how's the tour so far? Emma mentioned New York the last time we talked." All eyes turn to Beau and I see him squirm in his seat, uncomfortable being the center of their attention.

"It's been good," He nods, tucking a fallen strand of hair behind his ear. Lizzie smirks. "It's always a fun time,"

"You went on a world tour before though, right?" Wren asks, licking beer from his lips. "Which countries should I visit, like top ten? I'm ready for my next vacation."

"Um," Beau's fingers drum against his thigh rapidly beneath the table. "I really like Japan-"

His words are cut short as a glass crashes across the table, sending tequila into my lap. I jump as the cold liquid saturates my clothes, my only thoughts on Beau and how strong the smell is.

"Oops!" Lizzie grabs a handful of napkins and hands them to me, eyes wide in mock innocence. "Here, let me help!"

"No, I've got it." I snap, standing up quickly and putting some distance between Beau and me. Adam quickly begins wiping up the mess, as Beau sits there, his fists clenched and jaw wound tightly shut.

"I have some clothes in my car," Delilah offers immediately, biting her lip as she looks up at me. "Leggings and a t-shirt, it should work,"

I quickly lean down to ask if Beau's okay. He barely nods before muttering "bathroom" and shooting up from the table to find the restroom. Staring after him, I feel my heart sink.

I glare at Lizzie as I follow Delilah to her car and quickly change into the gym attire, since no one else is in the parking lot. I shove the alcohol sodden outfit into my own trunk, hoping it's enough of a barrier for Beau.

"Thanks for this," I tell her gratefully. I'd laugh at how short the leggings are on me if I wasn't so worried about Beau. "I'll wash them and get them to Wren on Monday,"

"Don't worry about it," Delilah brushes it off, chuckling at the fit of the pants, as well.

When we're back inside a few minutes later, I notice Beau is still missing from the table. Looking to Adam, he says, "Still in the bathroom, I think."

"Wait," I mutter, scanning the rest of the table. "Where's Lizzie?"

My gaze falls on Tori but she only shrugs, her eyes telling me she knows more than she's letting on. Disregarding her, I stand on my tip toes to scan the now crowded bar, full of dinner rush patrons, my heart hammering in my ears.

I find them at the bar at the same time as Beau looks up, his gaze meeting mine. As he looks up from Lizzie's phone, his eyes turn to me, full of anger and something more. Hurt?

Just as quickly as he looks my way, his eyes find Adam, a new wave of fury taking over his expression. Just then, he charges forward, pushing through groups of people as Lizzie leans against the bar top, a satisfied grin on her lips.

Suddenly unable to move my feet, I look to Adam and then back to Beau, quickly barreling across the venue towards him.

Oh, shit.

I think Emma said it best - oh shit!
What do you guys think went down with Lizzie?
More updates soon loves ❤️