Chapter 4
4
TATE
Over the next week, Walter pops in several times while I’m in the shop. How many times is he there when I’m not? It’s excessive, according to Austyn. And I agree with him. The final fitting is more uncomfortable than having Austyn take measurements. Is it the way he smooths the cloth over my body? Pulls it tight? Or the pins in his mouth as he bends at my feet, and I try to keep my thoughts pure? But I’m not always successful, and we stop for breaks when needed. After we’re done, Austyn winks at me, and the tension in my shoulders relaxes. He doesn’t hate me. Yet.
When I get the call to pick up my clothes, Walter is there arguing with Rad.
Rad nods at me and then scowls at the pirate. “That might work with others, Walter. But I don’t respond to commands.”
Which is true. He ignores Austyn’s commands all the time. Is Austyn in the back? The store is still open for another five minutes, but no one else is around.
“What do you respond to?” Walter asks, his voice more of a purr. And did he bat his eyes?
Rad blinks, his lips slightly parted. I’ve never seen the shop clerk speechless.
Walter grins and then winks. “Maybe we can work somethin’ out, darlin’.”
After a minute or so, Rad snaps back to normal. “Not happening. Ever.” He waves a hand at me. “Watch him while I go get the boss.”
He exits through the door to the back, leaving me with Walter. His eyes are no longer friendly. I glance around the small shop. I’m completely alone with him. Where’s Mrs. Goulda and Poppy when you need them?
“Isn’t this cozy? Are you enjoying yer time with Austyn?”
“What? No. I mean—” I stumble over my words and the HOT NEW TRENDS sign. It falls and takes out a mannequin in a gray Henley. By the time I’m steady on my feet, the damage is done—clothes and mannequins litter the floor.
Walter chuckles and shakes his head.
Why am I such a clumsy oaf? Austyn won’t be happy about the mess, but if I try to put everything back, I’ll just make it worse. And I don’t want to humiliate myself in front of Walter more than I already have. Especially since his smirk tells me he’s enjoying this. I fist my hands at my side, where they can’t do any harm—to Walter or Austyn’s store—and glare at him.
He grins, showing his white teeth. “And they say bigger is better.”
“Stop being an asshat, Walter.” Austyn carefully walks around the clothes and the pirate, with Rad trailing after him.
Rad mumbles, “I shouldn’t have left him alone.”
Normally, those words would embarrass me, but my focus is on Austyn. He stops in front of me as if we’re the only two in the room. “Are you okay?”
I search for signs he’s upset, but his eyes only show concern. Somehow, that makes it worse. Would I feel better if he yelled at me? No, that would be horrible. But this acceptance, as if he isn’t surprised I made another mess, feels hopeless. I’ve always felt too big, yet somehow not big enough, which makes no sense at all. The clumsiness itself isn’t new. Just the ability to wipe out an entire store in a matter of minutes.
Austyn is the complete opposite of me. Beautiful. Graceful. And so darn sweet. His brow wrinkles. “Tate?”
Right. He asked a question, and I stared at him like a creep. My face heats and I nod. “I’m okay.”
He whirls around and jabs his finger at Walter. “Why are you always here?”
“It’s me job?—”
Rad scoffs. “They pay you to be an asswipe?”
“Make yerself useful, Rad. Go stock something.”
“Fuck off, Walter.”
They continue to argue as if Austyn and I are no longer there.
A screeching whistle slices the air, and everything stops. Austyn places his hands on his hips. “Go away, Walter. Rad, help me—with this.” He gestures at the floor.
This is my mess. I reach for the sign. “I can help?—”
“No!” The shouts come from everyone. Even Walter.
I fold my arms across my chest and frown.
“We’ve got this.” Austyn smiles and pats my arm. The current is still there but not as shocking. Am I getting used to it? Austyn stops mid-pat and stares at my arm. Is it the spark between us? Or is he disgusted? His hand returns to my bicep and squeezes. “Oh,” he says, sounding breathless. “You have—” He shakes his head. “How strong are you?”
“Do you need something moved? I’m good at lifting things.”
Austyn fans his face, and Rad snorts.
“This is fun and all, but it’s time to go,” Walter says, waving his hands.
My heart pounds faster. “What?”
Austyn glares at him. His jaw tightens. “We’re not ready.”
“Mr. Jacobs is tired of waiting.”
“What’s the rush, Walter? These things take time.”
Wait. “What things?”
“Time we don’t have,” Walter says,
“What things?” I ask again, louder. They both ignore me.
“Walter—”
“Enough,” he says in a booming voice. The easygoing pirate is nowhere in sight.
Austyn steps between us, his body poised. Walter’s hand rests on his sword. Rad’s eyes are huge. Oh crap. I swallow my fear. Not for myself but for Austyn. Can I protect him?
The tension in the air thickens as they stare at each other. It seems to last forever. Unease prickles over my skin.
Walter sighs, and his body relaxes. “Sorry, Aus. I know you have your way of doing things, but it’s out of me hands. I’m just the messenger.”
“I just need a few more days…”
Walter shakes his head. “Pack up ye things, boys. We’re going for a ride.”