I take the tablet from him, enter a new amount that I guess is about 20% over the actual price, then swipe my card. "I appreciate the thought, but I don't need discounts." I glare mock daggers at Griffin, which makes him laugh.
"But you and your brothers have been such great customers over the years." I take my receipt, then turn to see an odd expression on his face. "Hey… I hope I didn't cause any stress with your girl."
"Stress?"
"She wanted to pay the bill. Said she had money and wasn't a charity case. I said no way – until I hear otherwise, the bill goes to you." He shrugs uncomfortably. "Thatwasthe right thing to say, yeah?"
"Yeah. Thanks.” I jam my wallet back into my back pocket and shake his hand. "I really appreciate you going above and beyond the call. And getting the work done super-fast. I need to know she's driving something with your seal of approval."
"Of course."
I wave to Walker and Carson, who nod from their spot elbows-deep in a van engine.
As I get back into my truck, that prickle of uncertainty washes over me again. Do I apologize to Audra for not letting her pay? Do I buy her a present to make up for it? Or do I ignore the entire situation and hope it blows over?
I'm glad that I didn't really date anyone before Audra came along, since anyone else would have been a waste of time. She's the one. I know it in my bones. At the same time, part of me wishes I had more experience with relationships so I would know how to handle this. I have no idea what I'm doing here.
I can't ask my brothers. And I don't have a lot of close friends aside from them, just casual acquaintances. Nobody I could have a real heart-to-heart with.
Even though it's barely lunchtime, I head toward Main Street.
I'll ask Audra directly. Even if it's awkward as hell, she's the only one that matters. If I’ve handled something poorly, she needs to be the one to correct me.
Plus, that can lead into the conversation that I want to be there for her. Take care of everything she needs, from getting her Jeep fixed to ensuring she has a great place to live…which will hopefully be right here on the mountain.
I cannot stomach the thought of her leaving. I refuse to let that happen.
12
AUDRA
Why does my entire life suddenly feel like a movie speeding through on fast-forward? Everything has been happening with Thane so quickly that I haven't had time to process what's going on.
Before I came to this quaint town and met him, I would have been irritated by a man insisting on paying for something for me. It's too old-fashioned. Not exactly smothering, but kind of in the same part of the forest.
But everything is different with Thane. He’s not doing it because he’s controlling but because he wants to care for me. Sure, there's a bit of a "big man look after his woman" caveman vibe. But it’s rooted in a place of sweetness.
After spending all morning working while my mind spins with worry, I decide that I’ve earned a break. I brush my hair, throw on one of my comfortable, loose dresses, then head out the door. I've barely made it across the parking lot when I get a text.
Thane: You up for lunch today? It's beautiful weather for a snack on a patio. Or maybe a picnic? I’m in town, so I’ll cruise by. But if you’re busy just text me so I don’t interrupt.
I grin from ear to ear. There's that wholesome vibe that I'm falling for.
Wow. I reallyamfalling in love with him, aren’t I?
It feels incredible to think that. Sure, it might take some time before I felt able to say that out loud, but the idea of real love with Thane…at least, the potential for it…rings through my mind like a quiet bell.
Before I can respond to his text, my phone rings. My smile drops like a stone. "Hi, Mom."
“Audra, darling. How are you?"
Just then, Thane’s truck pulls into the parking lot. The window is down so he can see I’m on the phone, and he nods when I hold up a finger to indicate I'll be a minute.
"I'm fine. How are you, Mom?"
"Well, I haven't heard from you about that event. Why didn't you tell me when you got to New York?"
Thane’s head jerks toward me. Crap, he must be able to hear her shrill voice through the phone. It's fine. There's no point in hiding anymore.
