Chapter Fifteen
Anson
T he smell of coffee and something warm and buttery pulls me from my dream.
I was back in the cab of my truck with Tabby. I had meant to just tease her a little and didn’t expect for her to kiss me. But it was a damn good kiss—one that left me worked up and wanting more. A lot more. I came home and took a long, cold shower, which didn’t help in the least.
For a second, I just lie here, eyes closed, listening to the faint sounds of movement coming from the kitchen. The clinking of dishes. The quiet shuffle of feet. The low hum of Audrey singing under her breath.
I groan and stretch, rubbing a hand down my face before sitting up. The sun’s already spilling through my bedroom window, bright and inviting. I throw on a T-shirt and some sweatpants before making my way down the hall.
Audrey stands at the stove, her long red hair in a messy bun, wearing an oversize sweatshirt and a pair of leggings. She looks up as I step into the kitchen and smirks. “Well, look who finally decided to wake up.”
I yawn, running a hand through my hair as I drop onto a stool at the kitchen island. “Didn’t realize we were having a full breakfast this morning. I like having you around.”
She gestures to the frying pan. “Figured I’d be nice since I’m technically still a guest here. You’re welcome.”
I glance at the plate she slides toward me—scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a slice of buttered toast. “Well, damn. If I’d known you were this domestic, I would’ve talked Parker into asking you to move in months ago.”
She laughs, pouring me a cup of coffee before turning back to the stove. “Parker’s in the shower, so I figured I’d make myself useful.”
I take a sip of coffee, letting it jolt me awake. “You’re going to damage your badass reputation, spoiling us like this.”
She tosses a glance over her shoulder, smirking. “Yeah, well, that’s what happens when you’re happy, I guess.”
I can’t argue with that. Parker’s a good guy. Always has been. And Audrey? She’s probably the best thing that’s ever happened to him.
“So,” she says, sliding another plate onto the counter for Parker, “what’s on your agenda today?”
I lean back, rubbing a hand over my jaw. “Got a meeting with my realtor this morning. She’s showing me another house.”
Audrey’s brows lift. “Another one? What’s this, the third?”
“Fourth.”
She whistles. “You being picky, or has nothing tickled your fancy?”
I shrug. “If I’m gonna buy, I want it to be the right one.”
She studies me for a second. “You’re really serious about moving out, huh?”
I nod, taking another sip of coffee. I finally told Parker I was looking at homes. “Yeah. I mean, I don’t have to, but …” I pause, searching for the words. “Feels like it’s time, you know?”
She smiles, understanding. “I get it.” Then, with a teasing glint in her eye, she adds, “Though, for the record, I wouldn’t mind if you stayed. I think I could handle living with both of you.”
I chuckle. “Oh, I know you could handle it.” Audrey’s never been one to be intimidated by much—least of all me. “But it’s not about that. It’s just …” I exhale. “I don’t know. Feels like I should have my own space.”
Her grin widens. “Aww. Look at you, growing up.”
I roll my eyes, but she just laughs, setting down the spatula.
“So, after your house-hunting adventure, what else do you have going on?”
I clear my throat, suddenly very interested in my eggs. “I’m taking Tabby out on Dad’s boat.”
She snorts. “Of course you are.”
I shoot her a look. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Audrey shrugs, trying to appear casual. “I’ve just noticed that you’ve been spending a lot of time with her, and you did introduce her to the pack last night.”
“I was kind of forced to do that, if you recall,” I reply.
She grins as she takes a sip of her coffee. “Maybe, but it seemed like you enjoyed it. Don’t think we didn’t pick up on that.”
I raise a brow. “Enjoyed it?”
“Yep. You liked having her there. You were so attentive—fixing her a plate, making sure her wineglass stayed filled, and cuddling up with her while we all watched the sunset. The way you looked at her made it clear that you think she’s something special.”
“We’re friends,” I say.
“Uh-huh. Sure.”
I shake my head.
Audrey smirks but lets it go as Parker finally emerges from the hallway, his hair damp from the shower.
“Something smells amazing,” he says, dropping a kiss onto Audrey’s lips before stealing a piece of bacon off her plate.
“Don’t get used to it,” she warns playfully. “This was a onetime deal.”
We eat together, the three of us slipping into easy conversation. Then, after I’ve cleaned my plate and drained my coffee, I grab my keys and head out to meet Margie.
The house is nice. A one-story place right on the beach with a wraparound deck and big windows that let in plenty of light. It’s got potential. But something about it doesn’t feel quite right. I can’t put my finger on it, but when Margie asks if I’m ready to make an offer yet, I shake my head.
“Not quite,” I tell her. “I wanna see what else is out there.”
She nods, as if she expected that answer. “We’ll find the right one—if we haven’t already. You know that cottage you liked? It’s still on the market.”
“It is?”
“Yep. They had an offer come in, but it fell through. You need to make up your mind soon though because it’s going to get snatched up,” she says.
I know she’s right.
After we say our goodbyes, I swing by my parents’ place to pick up Dad’s boat. I back my truck up to the trailer, hitching it up, as Dad steps out onto the porch, coffee cup in hand.
He leans against the railing, watching me work. “Taking her out today?”
“Yep.”
He sips his coffee. “By yourself?”
I hesitate just a second too long.
Dad smirks. “Who’s the lucky girl?”
I roll my eyes, securing the hitch before straightening. “It’s just Tabby.”
His brows lift. “Just Tabby?”
I exhale, scrubbing a hand over my face. “Not you too.”
“What?” He grins. “I’m just asking. You don’t take just anyone out on that boat.”
“She’s not just anyone; she’s a friend who is new to the island, so I offered to show her around.” I shrug like it’s nothing, but Dad isn’t buying it.
“She must be something special,” he says, taking another sip as he comes down the steps to stand beside me.
I nod because he’s right.
He studies me for a moment before clapping a hand on my shoulder. “Well, have fun. And, uh … don’t do anything stupid.”
I huff a laugh, shaking my head as I climb into the truck. “No promises.”
As I pull out of the driveway, I check the time.
Tabby will be waiting.
And for some reason, the thought of spending the whole day on the water with her makes my pulse race.
Just a friend, my ass.