You Belong With Me - One Shot
Characters: Reader (y/n) - Beau Arlen- Cassie Dewell - Jenny Hoyt - Denise Brisbane - Mo Poppernak - Tiffany (o.c)-Knox (o.c)-Pete (o.c) Mention of Cody Hoyt.
Warnings: Drinking, Language, Jealousy, Angst, Fluff, lmk if I missed any.
Summary: You're in love with your best friend, but he is with someone else. You try to move on when the new cute guy in town asks you on a date.
Please don't copy my work
Like, comments and reblogs are highly appreciated 💜
“I need a favor.” Cassie grimaced walking over to your desk.
“What now?” you playfully whined.
“I need you to go sweet talk your bestie about the getting a copy of the report.
“Cass, I don’t think he’ll be ok with that.” You took a drink of your coffee. “They sealed it.”
“Oh, come on it’s you. He’ll at least let you see it. I just need a couple dates.” You gave him an unamused look “Please.” You sighed and picked up your phone. “Thank you (y/n) I owe you one”
“Yea, yea, yea” you teased as you opened your contacts, you scrolled until you found his picture and tapped the call icon next to it. You put the phone up to your ear as it begins to ring.
“Hello Darlin’.” His gruffy voice stirred up the butterflies in your stomach.
“Hello, Sheriff Arlen.” You said in your best flirty voice. He chuckled. You returned to your normal voice. “How’s your day going?”
“It’s been alright. Checking up on paperwork. How’s yours?”
“Eh ok, I guess. I was just sitting here thinking and ya know what I realized?”
“What’s that?” You could hear the smile in his voice.
“I haven’t told my best friend was a handsome son of a bitch he is today."
He laughed. “What do you want?”
“Beau Arlen, I had offended you would accuse me of kissing ass to get something!”
He stayed silent for a second. “Are you done?”
“Are you gonna tell me what you want.”
“Have you eaten lunch yet?”
“Oh lord. What are you getting me into now sweetheart?”
As you walk up to the front doors of the sheriff’s station armored with a paper sack containing one of Beau’s favorite sandwiches from a local dinner, you pass Mo. He tipped his hat. “Mornin', little lady.” He said with a smile.
“Deputy.” You returned the smile with a nod.
“He’s in his office.” He told you as you grabbed the door handle.
“Thanks Pop!” you walked in and made your way back to his office, but he wasn’t there. You grin as an idea pops into your hand. You sit in his chair and clear a space. Careful not to mess up his organized chaos. Leaning back, you plop your boots on his desk and cross your ankles. When he opens the door ⁴ you lean back further and cross your arms behind your head.
He laughed. “Please make yourself at home.”
“Just trying to see how the other half lives.” You smiled at him. He laughed again. “Now I hope you don’t mind, but I did some paperwork organizing while I waited.”
He pressed his lips together and flared his nostrils. “Please tell me your kidding.”
Your grimaced “I thought I was helping.” You said as you sat up.
He rushed over to his paperwork and started looking through the piles. You inhaled through your nose as he leaned in front of you, taking in his intoxicating scent of blue vetiver, sandalwood and citrusy notes. He always smelled so good.
You started laughing. “Beau, I’m just messing with you. I know better than to mess with your system.” You put air quotes on the word system.
“Hey, my desk, my process.” He finally noticed the paper sack sitting on the empty side of his desk. “Is that?” he looked at you and pointed to the bag. You nodded. “Oh, you can have whatever you want.” He said as he unwrapped his sandwich.
You smiled. “Now remember you said that.”
“Yeah, yeah. Get to it.” He said in between bites.
“I need a copy of the Goodwin report.” You gave him a big smile. He swallowed and his face went hard. “Or just the dates. Cassie has a theory, and she needs dates to confirm it.” you puckered your lips and stuck out your bottom one.” He stared at you, his face still hard as stone. “Please B.” You pleaded.
“Ya know you are putting me in a very difficult position sweetheart.”
“Nobody would know.” You turned on your puppy dog eyes.
He sighed “I can’t give you a hard copy, but I can give you dates...”
He leaned over you again onto his keyboard. “Look away.”
You rolled your eyes. “So paranoid.” You put your hands over your eyes. You can hear the lead on paper and he starts to hum. “Are you humming Elvis?”
“Yes. Ya know you never cease to amaze me. Not many people could recognize an Elvis song from a hum.” He stopped writing. “Alright.” He turned to face you and leaned against his desk. He held out the piece of paper but snatched it back as you reached for it. “Hold on there darlin’ he haven’t agreed on a price yet.”
Your jaw dropped. “Beaufort Arlen.” He rolled his eyes. That wasn’t his name and you knew it, but you could resist calling him that. His reaction was adorable. “You want me to offer you a bribe?”
“No, not a bribe. More like one hell of a good cook persuading her handsome sheriff friend with her famous chicken and dumplings” He winked at you.
“Fine, but I won’t have time tonight.” You bargained. “I’ll drop them off tomorrow night.”
“Oh yeah. You’re date.” You nodded. “Maybe if you keep this one around you guys could double with me and Tiffany.” You rolled your eyes when he said her name, “Don’t be mean (y/n). She regrets what she did, and Things have been good lately.”
“Yeah, ok.” You stood up and he handed you the piece of paper. “Thanks for your help sheriff.” You head towards the door
“How did he smell today?” Denise asked you as you walked into the office.
You smiled and took a deep breath remembering his cologne. “Dreamy.” You sink down in the chair in front of her desk.
She smiled. “And tell me why you never asked him out again?”
“Never got the chance. Tiffany just keeps weaseling her way back in, but” you pointed your finger at her. “I am over Beau Arlen.” She raised her eyebrows. “I am Denise. I have a date tonight.”
“Yes, He’s name is Knox.”
“Oh, the new guy! He so cute.”
“I know. Which is why I said yes when he asked me out.” You turned your head as you heard the bell that hung above the door. “Speaking of cute.”
Cassie smiled. “Did you get it?”
“I got the dates. He said he couldn’t make me a copy.” You held out the paper for her.
“That will work.” She took it. “Thank you.” she started walking to her desk.
“Welcome.” You called after her.
“Well, I should probably get back to work, got a big ol’ pile of nothing to get back to.
“Hon you’ve closed 3 cases in the last 2 weeks, I’d say it’s a good time for a break.” Denise advised.
“Or you could do some digging for me and give me something to do.” You said with a smile.
“I can try, maybe you should call Beau.” She smiled and you rolled your eyes.
You made your way back over to your desk. You turn your computer on as you sit down. Drumming your finger while you watch the loading screen you decide to text him. You take your phone out of your jacket pocket and open it to your existing conversation.
You opened your email while you waited for a reply. Nothing, absolutely nothing.
Beau: I’m all out of favors today darlin’
Y/N: Rude of you to assume I’m only texting you for a favor. I was actually gonna ask you if you needed help with anything.
Beau: Calm down. It was a joke. Not today. I’m still stuck at the office I have to get this paperwork done TODAY.
Y/N: Damnit. I need something to do.
Beau: Why don’t you go home early and get ready for this big date you have tonight.
Y/N: My big date isn’t until 7. Are you saying I need 5 hours to pretty myself up. 🤔
Beau: You roll out of bed beautiful, and you know it. Just think you deserve to pamper yourself every once in awhile
You hit the send button and turn off your screen. “Cassie!” You yelled.
“Please tell me you need help with something!”
“Actually yes.” You jumped out of your seat and rushed to her desk. “Are you that bored?” she asked.
“Yes, I’m freaking dying here.” She handed you the papers in her hand and started giving you the run down of the case she was working on.
“I’m right.” Cassie whispered as you finish reading the dates that were in Beau’s handwriting to her.
“You’re right.” You reassured her.
“Holy shit. I have to go talk to Jenny.” She pulled her coat on. “See you at the bar tonight.”
“I’m sorry I forgot, I hope I don’t see you tonight,” she winked at you. “Can we give this one a fighting chance though?”
He sat down at the bar and looked up at the clock. 8:55. She’d probably be getting rid of the loser and walking through the door any minute now. “Hey Pete.” He said as the bartender approached him on the other side of the bar.
“How’s it going sheriff?” Pete said as he sat on a beer and a shot glass in front of Beau.
“We may need a bigger glass.” He told Pete as he poured the whiskey.
“That bad huh?” Pete asked. Beau just shook his head. He downed the shot of whiskey.
“I don’t know Jenny. She seemed different about this one.” Cassie said as her and Jenny walked up to the bar. “Hey Beau.”
“Ladies” Beau said tipping his hat.
“You want some company?” Jenny said as she sat on the barstool beside him.
“Well, geez don’t get too excited.” Cassie teased sitting on the other side of him
“What’s gotcha down?” Jenny asked as she got Pete’s attention. He brought over 2 more beers and 2 shot glasses for the girls. “
“Oh, that’s right.” Pete began pouring their shots and a second one for Beau. “Cheers” Jenny said holding the full shot glass up. Beau and Cassie repeated. The three of them took their shots and sat the glasses on the bar.
Beau looked up at the clock again, 9:00. Come on where was she?
“Pete, can we just get a bottle?” Jenny said grabbing her beer and her glass. Pete grabbed an unopened bottle of the same whiskey and handed it to her. “Thank you. Can you put it on my tab?” Pete nodded. “Grab your glasses and bottles.” She led them over to a high top by the dart board.
“You really wanna play darts?” Beau asked sitting his beer and glass on the table.
“Well not really, but it gets you away from that clock.”
“Come on. We’ll make it fun. Every time someone gets a bullseye, we drink, every time someone misses the board, we drink.” Jenny persuaded.
“Every time someone throws a dart, we drink.” Cassie teased making Beau chuckle.
Jenny grabbed 3 darts of different colors, handing one color to Cassie and another to Beau. “Alright.” He gestured for her to go first.
They took turns throwing the darts on the board and he was actually having a decent time. After 3 shots he checked his phone. 9:30. What the hell.
“Well, I guess (y/n)’s date must be going well. 2 and a half hours. No calls, no texts, and she hasn’t shown up here yet.” Cassie said.
“Or she’s at home drinking alone.” Beau rebuttals
Jenny poured another round of shots. They clinked and downed them. “Beau, you’re up.”
As he was throwing his last dart, he heard Jenny let a whistle out. There she was finally. Beau threw his dart and turned around. His heart nearly exploded in his chest. She was wearing olive green western looking dress, low cut, very low cut. The lower hem dangle over her cowboy boots, His eyes traced up to her face, God she was just beautiful. Makeup done up all nice and her hair in curls under a cowboy hat that matched her boots. What he wouldn’t give to be the guy holding her hand right now. It should be him not this pretty country boy wannabe. Ugh he rolled his eyes. She smiled at them and mouthed the words oh my god as they made their way to the bar.
“Damn she looks good.” Jenny exclaimed.
“So does her date!” Cassie added as they sat down at their table. He purposely sat in the chair facing the opposite direction.
“He ain’t that good lookin’.” Beau sneered.
“Oh Beau. Don’t be jealous. You know we love you too.” Cassie teased.
His ears got hot as he heard her laugh. Clearly, she was interested in this guy. He huffed and poured himself a shot.
“Hey pretty lady!” Cassie said as (y/n) walked up to the table.
She smiled. “Hey guys. This is Knox.” She gestured towards him. “Knox. These are my best friends. Jenny,” Jenny put out her hand the Knox shook it. “Cassie.” They repeated. “And this is Beau.”
He put his hand out “Sheriff Beau Arlen. I’m sorry Knot was it” (y/n) glared at him.
Knox chuckled. “No sir, Knox” he emphasized the x on the end. “With a x”
“My bad.” Beau said with a smile.
“So, tell us Knox what do you do?” Jenny asked.
“I’m a veterinarian.” She raised her eyebrows at Cassie.
“Oh, are you going to work at Andy’s place?” Jenny asked
“Until I take it over.” Jenny and Cassie furrowed their eyebrows. “Andy is my dad. He is fixin’ to retire within the next year or so.”
Beau’s phone started to ring. “That’s probably Tiff.” He noticed (y/n)’s eye roll. “I should get going anyways. See you girls tomorrow. Box nice meeting you.” She shook her head. “Good night y’all.”
Today was your return to the office after taking a 3-day week. You and Knox made things official after 4 weeks of dating. He took you out to his family’s lake house for the weekend to celebrate. You took a deep breath and walked through the door.
A big grin spread across Denise’s face when she looked up “How was he. I mean it? “
You chuckled. “It was good.” You turn to walk to your desk
“The weekend or the sex?” she asked.
“Both.” You said and started walking. She chuckled.
As you sat down your phone started ringing. You looked at the screen “Really?” you said out loud. It was Beau, you haven’t really seen or talked to him in about 2 or 3 weeks, only in passing. Wonder what he wants you thought to yourself.
“Beaufort. What’s wrong?”
“not sure I just got in.”
“ok well find out and let me know. I need you.”
“Ok. Let me talk to Cass and I’ll call you back.”
“Ok Beau.” You opened the door to find him pacing in his office. “what’s wrong?”
“Should I ask Tiffany to marry me?” He blurted out.
“Um excuse me?” You practically fell into the nearest chair as your legs went numb from shock.
“So, this morning as I was leaving Tiffany stopped me and told me 3 years is long enough to know whether I want to marry her or not.”
Your eyes widened as your jaw dropped. “You’re kidding me.”
“Well, what did you tell her?”
“I told her I couldn’t do this right now. I had to get to work. And if I was gonna ask her to marry me it was going to be on my terms. Not her forcing me into it.”
You know the question you had to ask, but you didn’t want to. You didn’t want the answer. Your heart hastened as you though over what he would say. “ Do you want to marry her?” you couldn’t hid the quiver in your voice.
You pulled on the bill of your baseball cap trying to hide the tears building in your eyes. “Do you love her?”
“ I’ve stuck by her through everything. The lying, the cheating.”
“That’s not what I asked B.” You began to blink rapidly trying everything that wasn’t too obvious to dry out your eyes.
“Why would I do all that if I didn’t.” He stopped mid step. “I think I should just do it. We’ve been together this long. And I’ll probably be with her for the rest of my life anyhow.”
“Well that’s a hell of a reason.” The words came out before you could stop them.
“Look I know you’re not here biggest fan, but I do care for her. It’s going to be hard to keep a friend that is mean to my fiancée don’t ya think.”
You shot up out of the chair. The nervousness and pain you felt turned into a white-hot rage. “Are you fucking kidding me right now Beau?!” Your hands begin to shake. You can’t hold back the things you’ve been dying to say for so long. “She cheated on you for 2 months. Several times. It’s not like it was a one-time mistake. God, I swear you’re as dumb as a box of rocks! I have absolutely no idea why you would stay with her. And if you really wanna marry someone that takes the greatest person on the face of this earth for granted, then be my freakin guest.” He just looked at you with a dumbfounded look on your face. Tears started coming back and you didn’t bother trying to stop them. “Beau you are my best friend, and I love you, but I can not and will not sit here and watch you throw your life away and marry her.” He opened his mouth; you continued not giving him a chance to argue. “I really don’t want to be this person, and I hate that I am saying this. but I can’t be your friend if you do this.” You walked out the door, not giving him the chance to tell you he was going through with it anyway. You heard him yell after you, but you couldn’t stop. You just wanted to get away from everything.
He sighed as he got back into his Defender. He pulled his phone out to call (y/n) for the 17th time, straight to voicemail. “Son of a bitch.” He yell as he hit the steering wheel. He scrolled in his contracts and hit the green icon. “Cassie.”
“Please tell me you’ve from (y/n)”
“I thought she was with you.”
“Yea? What the hell happened Beau?”
“Ill tell you when I get there.”
Denise and Cassie jumped as Beau charged through the door. “You guys really haven’t seen or talked to her?” He asked.
“No. Tell us what happened!” Cassie demanded.
“Well, I called her and told her I needed her help. I was given an ultimatum this morning.” Cassie raised her eyebrows. He went over the fight with them. “And then she stormed out.”
“Oh, Beau. I can’t believe you don’t see it” Denise realized what she had said and put her hands over her mouth.
“Never mind. I’ll make some coffee.” Denise walked away.
“Her phone is going straight to voicemail. She’s not at the bar, not at her house. I tried the dinner, a couple parks I know she likes, I tried the gazebo by the lake, I have looked literally everywhere, Cassie, I can’t find her.” He was anxious and jittery. They have had some fights in the past. The one they got into was when he took tiffany back was especially bad, but she was always waiting at the bar for him with a beer and a shot.
“Just calm down. Give me a minute.” Cassie got up and walked to the kitchen. “What do you know Denise?”
“I shouldn’t had said anything.” She kept her back to Cassie. “It’s not my business.”
Cassie walked up to her and put her hand on Denise’s shoulder “Denise.”
“I thought it was pretty dang obvious, but I guess not. She’s in love with Beau. Has been since she’s known him. That’s why she never keeps a man around. She’s been hoping one day he would wake up and realize.”
Beau felt the air leave his lungs as he leaned on the kitchen doorframe. She was in love with him. This had to be a joke. What was so special about him? There’s no way someone like her could love him. “She’s in love with me?”
Cassie and Denise spun around. “Frick.” Denise said.
Cassie’s phone started to ring. “Hey (y/n).” His eyes shot to Cassie. She was nodding. “Alright. I understand. Take the day. I’ll see you in the morning, ok?” “If you need anything just call, ok?” ok.” Cassie hung up and walked to her desk. Beau followed. She started writing on a piece of paper.
“Go to the Strickland stables. Follow these directions.” She handed him the paper. “She’ll be there.”
“Trust me.” she shook the paper at him.
You inhaled deeply looking out at the view as you sat on the wooden fence. You turned your head as you heard the swishing of the grass on jeans. “Cassie told you where I’d be huh?”
“She wrote me out directions.” He leaned on the fence beside you. “She told me you used to come here with your brother.”
“Yeah, Cody would bring me up here back in the day, when life got too stressful. When we were kids, he told me to throw my problems at the mountains and they would throw solutions back.” You said with a chuckled. The cold wind made the tear drop’s trails sting your skin.
“They give you anything good today?”
You chuckled. “Sure.” He hopped over the fence and stood in front of you. After a minute or two he turned back to you with a big smile on his face. You hopped down. “What did they say?”.
He took a couple steps. He was close. “They told me to stop being such a chicken and do this. He pulled you into him, his hands cupping your face as he leaned in, the anticipation crackling in the air. Then, with a swift, decisive movement, he dipped you backwards, your heels lifted off the ground, his lips meeting yours in a fervent collision, as your bodies pressed tightly together, the world around you faded away.
He brought you back up and rested his forehead against yours. “Well. That was. Some. Damn. Good advice.” You said between heavy pants. He chuckled and kissed you again. You smiled with wide eyes as a thought popped into your head.
"I just realized that I have several more ways to persuade you now."
his head lifted as he let out a laugh.