“Figured that. It’s fine.” I shrugged. And it was. I wasn’t threatened by her in the least. But I was curious. “I thought she was a model?”
He snorted. “Guess that well dried up.”
“What did you say to her?” I wanted to know.
He cocked his head to the side assessing me. “What makes you think I said anything?”
“Well, for one, you’re you.” I pointed out the obvious knowing full well Ruston wasn’t one to keep his opinions to himself. “And two, she looked like her puppy died when she saw us.”
“Her bullshit could have cost me you,” he growled. “As far as I’m concerned, she’s lucky I didn’t do more than tell her off, promising she’d be run out of this town if she pulled any more of her shit.”
“Well, let’s forget about her,” I suggested gently, wanting to quell the anger that had his gaze narrowed. “We’re supposed to be enjoying our first date.”
“With you looking like you do, I can definitely do that,” he agreed.
And we did. Over mouthwatering steaks, wine for me, and a beer for him, we forgot about everything but each other.
“I was wondering if we could go to Hawthorne for Thanksgiving,” I hedged as I dug into the chocolate cake we were supposed to be sharing but that he’d only taken a bite of.
He wasn’t big into sweets, which just meant there was more for me.
“Course we can, babe,” he murmured, his expression soft.
He’d made it clear that he wanted me to stay connected to my family and friends in Hawthorne, and from his efforts with my pop, was obviously committed to making his own connections as well. So, it wasn’t a surprise he was agreeable, but I was still relieved. I hadn’t realized just how much it mattered to me until now.
He cocked his head to the side. “Were you worried I’d say no?”
“No.” I shook my head. “But I also really wanted you to say yes,” I admitted as my gaze narrowed on his suddenly gleeful expression. “Wow, I didn’t realize badass Ruston King could do giddy. What are you grinning about?”
He chuckled. “Well, you know what this means… we can get you officially,officiallymoved in.”
“True.” I smiled, my heart swelling at how obviously happy the prospect made him. And though the logistics of the move weren’t something I was looking forward to, letting go of my old house for good didn’t scare me.
I was ready.
Chapter 20
RUSTON
Despite the overcast sky, nothing could dull my spirits as I drove over to the mechanic’s shop formerly known as Hank’s with Grace at my side.
I’d had my eye on the business for years, and the fact it was now mine felt good.
“Are you going to rename it?” she wanted to know as she looked over at me, looking gorgeous with her full lips painted pink and a purple jacket I hadn’t seen her wear before.
The fact she thought of her current outfit options as limited made me realize how much we definitely needed the extra shelving I’d been putting in our walk-in closet. I made a mental note to stop at the hardware store for more plywood.
“Not sure.” I shrugged. She’d insisted on joining me on my first trip over now that the shop was officially mine. Not that I would have protested. I wanted her there for all the important moments and everything in between. “I’ll let Porter make that call,” I added as we pulled up in front. The man himself stood there, arms crossed and expression severe. Though Porter was a good man and a loyal friend, he didn’t give off a welcoming vibe. Not that it was surprising after the combat he’d seen.
“King,” he grunted, extending a hand to shake.
“Good to see you, Porter. This is my Grace,” I introduced, gesturing to Grace, who also extended her hand with a warm smile.
“Nice to meet you. I’ve heard such good things.”
“Not sure who’s been lying to you,” he muttered.
She laughed, unaffected by his surliness, and I was once again reminded how naturally she managed even the gruffest of personalities. All my men respected her, even Tank, and he was a tough nut to crack.
