Chapter Six
Audrey
Has it already been two weeks since I danced beneath the stars and was kissed by a man like he already knew the taste of my soul? Has it been two weeks since that same man left me standing on that patio breathless, wondering what in the heck had just happened?
I’d been the one putting on the brakes, then he turned it around and was the one to walk away. Payback? Possibly. Did I deserve it? Most definitely. Did I like it? Hell no. No one wants a taste of the medicine they’ve been so diligently doling out for long periods of time.
Has Wolf Young disappeared from my life since that fateful dance I haven’t been able to forget? Nope. Not even close. Even though I haven’t seen him since that night, we’ve been texting. Yes, I know this is what teens do, but Wolf doesn’t text like a child, not at all. He makes me burn, and makes me want to see him again no matter how much I’m trying to fight the feelings he’s been consistently building within me.
Wolf doesn’t send one or two-word texts. He doesn’t do simple. He’s clever, persistent, and maddingly flirty. He’s a pro with well-timed emojis that should be illegal when paired with the man’s incredible looks and unmatched charm.
I look through my texts with Wolf, the first one coming in the day after our dance in the moonlight. I’d thought about ignoring him, had even managed to do so for about three hours. But, of course, I caved. He intrigues me too much not to do that.
Wolf : You left before I could make breakfast. I make an incredible burrito, extra spicy. I was counting on you providing dessert.
Me : Sounds like a health code violation to me.
From that one reply I’ve re-read in the dark tucked beneath my warm blankets, a digital volley of one-liners and teasing have been thrown back and forth between us. There’s safety in a text message, a liberation of what can be said.
The messages started out a bit flirty, but cautious, as we felt each other out. Each morning he sends me a hello, and each night, sweet dreams. But it’s the messages throughout the day that have really gotten to me. It shows he’s thinking about me 24/7, just as I’m thinking about him. I have no idea what it means in the long run, but I’m not going anywhere yet, even though I haven’t agreed to meet with him again. It helps my conviction to stay away that we’ve both been incredibly busy.
My favorite messages from him are the photos from his travels with silly passengers, incredible sunsets from high in the sky, and my all-time favorite, a picture of him in nothing but a pair of swim trunks as he steps out of a pool with water dripping down his chiseled body. I suspected he was rocking an incredible body, but I’d underestimated what was beneath his clothes. The man is damn fine.
As much as I appreciate how funny, charming, and great-looking he is, it’s also the biggest negative for me. Why would a man like him want to lock himself down? Why settle for one woman when he can have a new piece of candy in his bed each week? With a man like Wolf, will I ever feel safe and secure, or will I worry each time he’s traveling? I don’t do cheating, but there are many people out there who think monogamy is against our nature. I don’t want to be one of those women who are always worried and jealous. That means it would be best for my sanity not to date him, but I can’t seem to stop texting with the man.
Wolf : How’s the haunted bed today? Is it still creaking in the middle of the night?
Me : I don’t know as I sleep like the dead all nice and cozy and by myself.
Wolf : Isn’t it lonely? It’s such a shame to waste all of that space. I could change that for you.. and even bring snacks... like whipped cream.
Me : Do you honestly think snacks will get you into my bed?
Wolf : Oh yeah, I see how much junk food you consume on flights.
This makes me laugh. The man isn’t wrong. When I’m home, I’m pretty strict with my diet, but the second I start traveling I crave everything from Ding Dongs to Doritos to extra-spicy jerky. In my defense, I work out extra long after my binges. The thought of whipped cream, Wolf, and a cozy bed doesn’t sound too bad. How bad would it be to have a wild weekend with him?
It would be foolish to get into a relationship with Wolf, but to never get to taste him seems like a crime, however I’ve always followed the letter of the law, so I shouldn’t stray off the beaten path now, should I? Ugh. Why can’t I get out of my own head long enough to simply make a rash decision? I’m sure he can make my body sing. I’m not going to pretend I’m not into flirting with the man.
Right now, I’m home in my robe, brushing my teeth, and mentally planning my newest review for a boutique inn nestled on the coast in Oregon. It’s another rainy state, but they have great summers, and it’s close to travel to. My heart jumps when I hear that all-too-familiar sound of my phone alerting a new message. It doesn’t necessarily have to be Wolf, but I’d be disappointed if it’s anyone else.
Wolf : Woke up thinking about your laugh after having a great dream about us that would make even the birds flying by the windows blush. It’s a problem. You need to either send help... or have mercy and send me a voice memo.
I spit toothpaste out and glare at my reflection in the mirror as I lecture myself. “Don’t smile. Don’t smile. Don’t smile. Ugh. You freaking man.” Why does he have to be so charming and know just the right things to say? How am I going to keep my distance if I’m obsessed with each message he sends?
Wolf : I know you’ve read that. I saw the dots. If you don’t reply I’m going to have to text your mother.
I laugh. There’s no stopping it. This man is bold, and I wouldn’t put it past him to do just that.
Me : What makes you think she’d answer? And I can guarantee she’d be on my side.
Wolf : I can win over a ninety-year-old woman with a cane she’s used to hitting children with, so your mama would be a cakewalk. She’ll be eating out of my very big, strong, magical hands. I can move my fingers in ways you’ll greatly appreciate.
I nearly drop my phone at his bold words that make my skin all tingly. This man makes me want beyond anything I’ve ever felt before. I’m not a virgin, but not that far removed from that sort of innocence. It’s hard to sleep with men when you don’t respect them.
Me : Slow down, little boy. I have my own magic fingers that do just fine.
There’s a pause as the dots stay on my screen for a long moment. I’m a bit mortified at sending such a bold message. There’s no taking it back now, though. After what feels like an hour, but is most likely about two minutes, a new message appears.
Wolf : We’ll use our fingers together... among many, many other pieces of our bodies.
That’s it, I have to stop or I’ll never get anything done today. I put away my phone and get dressed. I practically run from my house as I put my phone on driving mode so I won’t be distracted by messages coming in as I drive down the busy I5 freeway.
It takes about six hours to arrive in Florence, Oregon at the Heceta Head Lighthouse Inn that is supposedly haunted. Will I have my first spooky night? If I’m going to get it anywhere, it should be here. I check in, then head to Bay Street and straight to River Roasters, which turns out to be an incredibly quaint coffee shop with freshly made coffee and tasty treats. I step out onto the patio overlooking the river and pull out my laptop as I start writing things down while sipping on a lavender cold brew that tastes like dreams coming true.
I’m barely into my initial article when the icon on my laptop dings, letting me know I have a new message. I smile. I should ignore it and work, but that’s not going to happen so I don’t try to fight wanting to see what he has to say now.
Wolf : I passed a woman in the airport wearing your perfume. My heart beat a little faster til I realized she wasn’t you. How rude.
Me : How do you know my perfume?
I do tend to wear the same perfume as I love the subtle scent, but I’ve only been in person with this man a couple of times. If he already knows my scent, that’s impressive.
Wolf : Of course, I know your scent. It’s been burned into me from the moment I sat next to you on our first flight together. It’s sweet and spicy, just like you.
I smile, dreamily thinking of this man. I look up and see a barista grinning at me as she cleans the table beside mine. I flush a bit, embarrassed to have been caught acting like a teen talking to her first crush.
“Looks like you’re reading something nice,” she says with a giggle.
I wipe the smile away, though I’m sure it’s still showing in my eyes. “Nope, messaging a stalker,” I tell her with a wink. She laughs again before leaving. He might be a bit of a stalker, but I’m enjoying it. Maybe we’re meant to be together because we’re clearly both nuts.
I work for a while after turning off my notifications. I head out when it cools off and make my way back to the quaint little inn north of town. Once I’m settled into my room, I ring Chloe. She answers with a statement instead of a hello like we always answer one another.
“I love my baby, but sometimes she puts a true cramp in my lifestyle. I wish I was with you right now.”
I laugh. “I know what you mean. I wish you were with me too.”
“I’m also blushing a bit from all of the messages you’ve been sending me about Wolf. When are you going to jump that man? You’re clearly obsessed, and the only way to beat an obsession is to conquer it. You’re in lust with him... unless it’s more than wanting to get sweaty and sticky.”
“What happened to my sweet best friend?” I gasp with a laugh. “I might be mentioning the man a little too much, but that doesn’t mean I want to get naked with him.”
“If you don’t want to get naked with him, something’s seriously wrong with you. He’s hot and has kept you interested far longer than any man has before.”
“He keeps me entertained,” I tell her, trying to justify it to myself as much as to her.
“Oh my gosh, you’re full of denial. You’ve been texting with the man nonstop for two weeks. You giggle like a little girl when you talk to him, and it’s affecting your work, which I’ve never seen anyone be able to do.”
“I don’t giggle,” I say with a growl.
“You’ve most definitely giggled, and I’m sure I’m going to hear a lot more of it. You also look forward to his texts more than a freshman girl hoping to get invited to prom.”
I roll over in my bed, burying my face in the pillow for a moment. “Okay, I like the texts, but this is just fun and games. Eventually, the fun of it will fade,” I tell her, trying to convince myself at the same time.
“You both might be playing, but it’s simply foreplay. This is a game you’re going to lose if you think you can stay away from him.”
“I don’t do serious,” I tell her.
“You might not have done serious in the past, but I believe it’s different with Wolf. I think you’re already in too deep to pull out.”
I don’t know what to say to her. I take a long moment to think on it. Chloe gives me time, knowing how my brain works. It’s why no matter what happens in life, we’ll always be besties and always know each other more than any other person will be allowed to know either of us.
“I might have to agree with you. However, I haven’t decided what to do about it,” I admit.
“You’ll figure it out, and in the meantime, I can keep teasing you. It’s a win-win for me.”
“We enjoy each other suffering a little too much at times,” I tell her with a laugh.
“Of course we do, as long as it’s this kind of suffering. Neither of us ever wants the other to truly hurt,” she says.
“That goes without saying. I love you. I’m going to finish my work and crash early tonight so I can have a full day tomorrow.”
“Love you too. Can’t wait to read the next blog. I hope the ghosts tickle your fancy tonight,” she says.
I laugh hard as I hang up the phone. With how achy my body has been since meeting Wolf Young, I wouldn’t mind a ghost helping me out. Wow! I’m pretty dang desperate if I’m wanting to be violated by a ghost. I really should pull my act together.
I toss and turn all night, and am a bit cranky in the morning when I wake up to walk down the path from the inn to the beach. I laugh when I realize it’s only a little cove. There will be no morning jog at this secluded place. I manage to get in a nice run on the trails surrounding the area, though, so I feel good enough to munch through some more snacks as I travel the Oregon Coastline. I send Wolf a picture of the woods before I begin my drive. It doesn’t take him long to respond.
Wolf : Hot. Thinking of you in the woods sounds like a great setup for a romance... or a thriller. Text me you’re alive when you’re out safe and sound.
I laugh again as I quickly respond.
Me : I’m tucked safely in my vehicle now. I might’ve spotted Bigfoot behind a tree, but he was too shy for me to get a picture.
Wolf : Too bad. I’ve always had a thing for Bigfoot.
Me : If you’re into the whole hippie thing, you’ll be sadly disappointed in me.
Wolf : Baby, I’ll take you just as you are. There’s nothing about you that disappoints me.
Me : Smooth talker. I’m gonna drive now, so no more texting.
Wolf : MMMMMMMMM, I love a bossy woman. Wanna pull out your whip and make me behave?
Holy hell! This man! I blush as I put my phone down. I’m not going to go there. I clench my thighs together and drive. Maybe I need to stop at a toy shop and pick up a vibrating boyfriend. If only that sounded as appealing as Wolf, but it doesn’t come close, dammit.
I manage to go the entire day without messaging the man. I tell myself I’m not going to. But when I get home and sink into my oversized tub filled with soapy water, I reach for my phone.
Me : I made it home. It was touch and go for a while because I stopped at a park where a bandit squirrel tried to steal my granola bar.
Wolf : I’ll kick the squirrel’s ass. No one messes with my woman.
These words send a shiver down my entire body. I don’t like how good it feels for him to call me his. I’m in much deeper trouble than I realized. I decide not to acknowledge his second sentence.
Me : You’re a silly man. I can fight my own battles.
Wolf : You love all sides of me, and you know it.
I gaze at the screen far longer than I should as I read these words. He’s not wrong. I truly can’t name anything I dislike about the man. He’s not only flirty, but he’s attentive and remembers what I say to him. He knows my favorite places to go, asks me about my writing, and even sends me voice messages of him humming silly songs that make me laugh. Without me knowing when, my walls started to crumble. It’s happening slowly, but it’s certainly happening. I should pull back immediately. Spoiler alert, that’s not going to happen. No, I don’t think I’m going anywhere right now... or in the near future.