Chapter 11
THANE
Something feels off.
Audra and I exchanged good night texts last night, which felt cozy.
But this morning, as I drive around running a few errands, I have a nagging suspicion that something isn’t right.
Maybe I'm paranoid because I've never been in a relationship before.
Never been so completely consumed by a woman – not to mention the whole sleeping together so soon thing.
Even though it felt deeply, perfectly right at the time, now I'm second-guessing myself.
Maybe we should have waited a few weeks.
Maybe I should have proven that I'm not some back country hick who can't control his physical urges.
Although, to be honest, around her… That's nearly impossible.
After loading up the truck with groceries, I drive to Valley Auto. Griffin comes walking out, wiping his hands on a rag. "Delivered that Jeep yesterday. Starter fixed, full tuneup, safety checks, the whole works. Full princess treatment."
I follow him into the office, where he shows me an itemized bill on a tablet. Damn, they did a lot. I notice there's been a couple of discounts wherever they could sneak them in.
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. "That was the 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.