Why the River Runs Read online

  “You didn’t. Don’t you see, Bo?” Tina placed a hand on his arm, turning in her seat to face him. “Your mother manipulated you with every turn. Sure, there were things you could’ve done differently, but in the end, they still would’ve found a way to hurt you. They’re selfish, messed up people, Bo. You can’t punish yourself for their actions.”

  “Yeah, well, the State of California didn’t see it that way.” His bitter retort came out harsher than intended. “Anyway, I think it was the wakeup call I needed. There was this head doctor who talked to me. Barker. Kind of helped me see a lot of things I couldn’t before. We still talk every other week.” He looked over at her, prepared for whatever rejection she might pass. “So there you have it. I have a record, a parole officer, and an anger management therapist.”

  Tina’s shoulders moved up and down with her deep breath. “Did my dad know this when he hired you?”

  “Yeah, he did. Don’t be mad at him. No matter what, I’m grateful for that.”

  She nodded her head, her eyes darting around the cab of the truck. “I guess you’ve given me a lot to think about.”

  Bo gritted his teeth. He’d wanted her to understand, to accept that while he might have made a mistake years ago, he wasn’t a dangerous person. He wanted her ultimate trust.

  “Do you regret it?” she asked.

  He inhaled and let the air set in his lungs for a moment before replying. Are there things he would have handled differently, sure. But he’d come out stronger on the other side. It had taken something drastic to open his eyes to his mother’s level of depravity. It had made him more cautious, more guarded. It had taught him what he didn’t want in a marriage or in a woman. He’d learned to deal with his guilt and anger in a healthy way. If he hadn’t gone to jail and been forced to take anger management therapy, he wouldn’t have met Dr. Barker and gotten the resources he needed. “No. It’s made me who I am.”

  “Do you like who you are?” she asked softly, her voice shaking.

  “I’m getting there.” He gave her a half-hearted grin. “I would like to point out that you have a repeat record of assault with nail guns. I honestly think I’m taking the bigger risk here.”

  He was relieved when Tina’s jaw dropped and she laughed outright. She pointed a finger at him. “You might have a point.” Her smile lit up the night and they shared a moment. “You’re the best surprise I’ve had lately, Bo. Even when you piss me off with your macho-man crap. I feel like I’d be stupid to turn you away.”

  “I want you to take your time, T. Being with me won’t be an easy ride or a short trip.” Before she could answer, he opened his door and came around to open hers. She slid out of the truck into his arms and put her hands on his chest. He didn’t hesitate when he bent down and took her mouth, claiming her with one passionate kiss. Her fingers dug into his chest, grasping his shirt. His body hardened painfully when she licked at his lips, giving as much as he was.

  He tunneled his hands in her hair, tilting her head for better access. She tasted damn good, too damn good. She moaned and melted deeper into their kiss, hanging onto his neck and pulling him closer while she rose on her tiptoes. Her tiny body drove him mad, rubbing on his, creating friction and heat until he had to come up for air.

  “Damn, baby, I just wanted to kiss you goodnight.” He rubbed his nose against her cheek and tried to steady his breath. She tore him up inside, made him raw and needy. He couldn’t decide if it was a good feeling or not. In his experience, being vulnerable to a woman led to trouble. But this brand of trouble, he’d take all day long.

  “That was no goodnight kiss. That was a mission statement. And you started it.” Her words were light and airy, as if she couldn’t catch her breath, either. She let loose of his shirt.

  Once again, she coaxed a smile out of him when least expected. “Maybe. I hoped that kiss would swing your vote. I need all the help I can get.”

  “You don’t need as much as you think.” She tiptoed up and kissed his cheek. “Would you like me to walk you to your door?” she teased, a gleam in her blue eyes.

  “My balls would prefer you didn’t.” He slapped her butt as she rounded the truck and hopped up in the driver’s seat, adjusting the seat for her shorter legs.

  Bo leaned his elbows on the passenger side windows sill. “Think about what I said, T.”

  She turned over the ignition. “I asked you out tonight for a reason, Bo. Even after everything you said, that reason hasn’t changed.”

  Thrilled, he nodded his head. “Okay.” As her truck backed out of his driveway and disappeared into the darkness, a sense of peace settled over him. Tina knew his darkest secrets and she hadn’t peeled out of the driveway in fear. Hell, she’d kissed the shit out of him. For the first time since he was in college, his life had a heading. Things were running well… All except his truck.

  Just before he dozed off to sleep, his cell phone chimed with an incoming text.

  Thinking about that kiss.

  So was he. No doubt his dreams were going to feature a beautiful blonde with bright blue eyes and a great ass.

  Since Tina wasn’t staring him in the face, he felt bolder in his reply. I want u.

  I need time. Is that a problem?

  Only for my… ego.

  Lol. If it makes u feel better, I do wish u were here.

  It did make him feel better. This was what he wanted, for her to think about him as much as he thought about her. He wanted her to need his presence the way he craved hers.

  I can’t sleep either, he replied, knowing her mind was racing if she was reaching out to him at midnight.

  Want me to come tuck you in? ;)

  Baby, u have no idea how sweet that sounds. But it’s a bad idea.

  He grinned when his cell phone rang and her number was on the screen.

  “Why is that a bad idea?” she asked, her voice sleepy and husky, filling him images of her naked in bed.

  “Tina.” He sighed, ran his hand over his face. Didn’t she understand what kind of a cliff she was jumping off of by getting involved with him?

  “Talk to me, Bo.” This time her words were whispered, a sexy plea that nearly tore him apart.

  “I’m starving for you.”

  She gasped on the other end of the phone, but didn’t speak.

  “Desperate men do crazy things.” He closed his eyes and bit his bottom lip. “You, you make me want to do crazy things.”

  “You know what kills me? You haven’t said this many words to me in the entire two months we’ve worked together. And now everything that comes out of your mouth makes me want to be with you more.”

  “Keeping my distance for two months has been hell. I can’t keep it up. That’s why I’m not holding back now. I want you with me. There won’t be any hiding it, either. I won’t pretend you don’t belong to me while we’re in front of the crew. The work place is your domain, that will never change. You’re the boss and the drama stays at home. I know your rules. What we do after hours, that’s mine. I’ll consume you, baby. I’ll be greedy with you but I’ll worship you in return. You have to make sure you want this.”

  She made a whimpering sound. “Are you going to make me wait until Monday to see you again?”

  “Tell me what you want.”

  “Tomorrow night. My dad and Terry are taking his boat upriver for an overnight fishing trip. I want you here with me. I’ll cook.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Tina laid in bed after they hung up contemplating the depth of what Bo offered. He was the kind of man who didn’t do causal. This would be nothing like Trey. If Bo let a woman in, she would be the only woman in his heart. That woman would be the center of his universe, the one person who would see inside of him, be treasured in his life.

  That woman would be the luckiest woman in the world. Was she ready for that level of commitment or devotion? Hadn’t she just told her father when the right man comes along, she wouldn’t wonder if he wanted her or not?

  I’m st
arving for you… I’ll be greedy with you… I’ll worship you.

  “Dear God.” Tina sighed and pushed her hair off her face. His words sent thrills and chills down her spine and she knew he would haunt her dreams in the best of ways.

  The next morning, she had a minor headache as she headed downstairs to have coffee with her dad. Her mind was still reeling over Bo. For a man of little words, he sure had some nice ones.

  “Mornin’, honey.” Her father greeted her from the living room as he packed up his fishing gear. “How was your night?”

  “Fine.” She grabbed a mug and poured some coffee. Gathering up her courage, she confessed to her dad. “Bo came.”

  His hands faltered for a second. “Did he, now?”

  “He’s a nice guy, don’t you think?” she asked as inconspicuously as she could.

  “Yup.”

  “Quiet, but nice.”

  Daddy picked up his coffee mug and narrowed his eyes over the rim as he sipped. “Was this a date or a co-worker thing?”

  Tina sat down and put her feet up on the coffee table. “A date.”

  “Do you think that’s a responsible decision?” He sat down across from her in his recliner.

  “Did you think it was a responsible decision to hire him and not say anything to me about his record?”

  Daddy narrowed his eyes, not the kind of man to cower to her challenge. “The risk factor was low. If it didn’t work out, I’d simply fire him. Relationships are different. Much higher risk factor.”

  “I think the risk is great, but the payoff is greater.”

  This must’ve surprised her daddy. His mouth came open to speak, but he said nothing.

  Tina studied the way her black coffee swirled in her mug. “He told me everything last night. About his parents and going to jail.” Her father sat quiet, waiting for her to continue. “He told me a lot last night.” She smiled to herself, remembering the way his words wrapped her up and made her feel wanted.

  “Which goes to prove that until recently you didn’t know him very well.”

  “Not true. I know he’s responsible. He’s respectful and prompt. He keeps his head under most circumstances. When we have an issue at work, he’s the first person to offer solutions or options. He’s pleasant to the other men, they respect him. Jason seems to think he’s a riot based on how they go on all day. He fit in with my friends last night, something Trey never did. He’s kind and thoughtful. He’s talented and not afraid to learn new things. I also know that he talks to a therapist twice a month.”

  “Good for him. Maybe he should pass on the number, you’re sounding crazy.”

  “Dad!” She threw a couch pillow at him.

  “I’m teasing.”

  Their conversation was interrupted by a knocking at the door. Dixie barked and headed to see who was there.

  “Speak of the devil,” Daddy muttered. “It’s too early for Terry. Twenty bucks says that’s him.”

  Tina met his eyes. “He’s… he’s special.”

  “I agree. He’s a good guy, honey. He’s just had a rough life, made some poor choices. I think he’s all right.” He patted her leg and gave her an assuring smile. “Go answer the door.”

  Tina’s stomach fluttered at the thought of seeing Bo. Then she realized she was in her cotton pajama shorts and a baggy shirt with no bra on. Oh well, let him get an eye full.

  Bo stood with his hands in his pockets, patiently waiting. When she opened the door, he looked her up and down then met her eyes. The rhythm of his breathing changed. Had she not been catching her own breath, she might not have noticed.

  “Mornin’, beautiful,” he said softly, melting every cold, dark area of her heart. He knelt to love on Dixie, scratching her ears and kissing her head.

  “She likes you.”

  “Dogs have good judgment.” Bo petted Dixie’s head and stood, once again shoving his hands in his pockets.

  Tina leaned her head against the door and smiled. “So, I didn’t imagine last night.”

  Bo shook his head, a kind smile playing at his lips. They stared at each other, her nervously fidgeting, him still as death, fixated on her.

  “I think I fixed the truck… again. Just taking it out for a test run.”

  “And you came all the way over here? On a test run?” Her chest constricted. Did that mean he missed her?

  “Something like that.” He reached up and rubbed his chin. “Truth is, I couldn’t wait. I’ve been up since six working on the truck and trying to keep busy for the last two hours.”

  “I know the feeling.” She smiled. “We were just having coffee, you want to join us?”

  “I’m supposed to be giving you space.” He looked down at his feet for a moment.

  “I don’t want space.” Tina rocked back on her heels and took a deep breath. “Can we spend some time together today? Just the two of us? Maybe the three of us?” Tina glanced at Dixie who stared up at Bo like he was made of dog treats.

  “I’m all yours.”

  Those three words hit her hard. She drummed her hands on her thighs, resisting the urge to fondle the hard body in front of her and invited him into her home. He cussed behind her and turned. “What?” His eyes were low, as if they’d been on her butt. They popped up to her face. Her jaw dropped open when he blushed. “Were you checking out my ass?”

  Bo showed no remorse and shrugged his broad shoulders. “It’s a nice ass.”

  “Behave. My father is in there.” She held her smile until he couldn’t see it. She was giddy. Good God, it was like being a teenager with a crush all over again. Her heart fluttered when their hands brushed. She sat down in a wide comfy chair while Bo sat across from her on the couch.

  “Morning, Bo,” Daddy said from his recliner.

  “Morning’, sir.”

  “Did you have fun last night?”

  Tina’s pulse spiked when Bo cast her a quick but heated glance.

  “Y’sir. I was hoping to see Tina perform again, but no such luck.”

  Tina rolled her eyes and shook her head. She reached down and ran her hands through Dixie’s soft fur.

  “She got that from her mama,” Daddy said, eying them both. “Angie could out sing the birds in the trees. When we were dating, all I had to do was take her somewhere with a stage and a dance floor and she was happy. Nothing fancy, just let her sing and dance.”

  “Apparently, I got my looks from her, too, right, Daddy?” Tina loved to hear her father talk about Angie.

  Daddy smiled wide and put a hand over his heart. “Dear Lord, that woman.” He shook his head and looked over at Bo. “I loved her from the first moment I saw her. No doubt about it. She was singing, imagine that.” Daddy went back in time, telling Bo all about the night he met her mother and how they were head over heels in love from then on.

  Her father might be lost in the memory, but Tina was lost in Bo. His lips pulled back, just a fraction, just enough to let her see that hidden affection. His hazel eyes were soft and warm as they held hers. Even though he was sitting across the room, he might as well have been right beside her, touching her face. A warm blush rose up her neck and she used her coffee as an excuse to look away. But Bo kept his eyes on her, burning into her, telling her he knew exactly what Daddy meant when mentioned instant attraction.

  “Maybe one day you two will be lucky enough to find the kind of relationships Angie and I had,” Daddy said, finally back in the present. He looked back and forth between Bo and Tina. “Or maybe you have,” he muttered into his coffee cup and took a sip.

  “I should get dressed.” Tina hopped up, not ready to have this discussion with her father. Bo stood up, too, an old fashion sign of respect. “I’ll be right back.” She bounded up the stairs and closed her apartment door before she let out her breath.

  She’d just left Bo alone to deal with her father. Talk about throwing him to the lions. “Crazy, Dixie,” she said to the dog who had followed her upstairs. “I’m bat-shit crazy.” She shook her head and fished fo
r shorts and a shirt.

  BO BLEW OUT A deep breath the moment Tina was out of sight. He didn’t realize he’d held it.

  Then he was left alone…with her father…who was assessing him like he was buying a used car, looking for problems.

  “You’re playing with fire, son.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “She’ll eat you up and spit you out if you’re not careful.”

  Bo met Duane’s hard stare. “That’s a hell of a thing to say about your daughter.”

  The man gave him a knowing look, one that told him he liked Bo sticking up for Tina. “But true. She won’t stick with a weak man, Bo. That’s why that engineer didn’t last long. A real wuss, that guy was.”

  “I caught on to that, sir.”

  “Think you can handle a woman with balls as big as yours?”

  “I don’t like weak women. Never have. Don’t like needy women, either. Tina’s neither.”

  “She’s still a woman.”

  “I caught on to that too, sir.”

  “You realize if you piss her off, I’ll fire you right after our crew kicks your ass?” Duane crossed his arms over his chest.

  “That was abundantly clear the first day, sir. Along with the fact we should never argue around a nail gun, sir.”

  Duane huffed and rubbed his temple. “And you’re still pursuing her?”

  Bo made sure his face and eyes conveyed his conviction. “With everything I have.”

  “Humph.” Duane shook his head. “You’ve got gumption; I’ll give you that. And if she turns you down?”

  “Then I’ll find another job. I won’t make her uncomfortable.” Bo leaned over, put his elbows on his knees and linked his hands. “The thing is, I know she can do better, a shit-load better than me. That doesn’t matter because I know exactly what you mean when you talk about loving her mom from the moment you saw her.”