9. Wilder
WILDER
“ F ucking fool. Goddamn idiotic, lovesick fool,” I mutter to myself as I drive through town.
I shouldn’t have let her go. That became evident about three seconds after she drove away and left me looking like the biggest dickhead in the entire universe.
Why couldn’t I say anything? I wanted to tell her how much our time together meant to me, how she’s healed me in so many unexpected ways. But when I opened my mouth… all I could think about were excuses why we would never work.
For starters, I don’t have the internet. I don't even have a cellphone, just a satellite phone that only a select few people know the number of. Dammit, Ari isn’t one of them. Isn’t that like, step one of courting a woman? Getting her number?
Jesus, courting . That’s such an old term, but dating feels too juvenile for what we have. Fuck . I fucked this all up and did everything backward.
Speeding through a yellow light, I hit the gas and turn left into the Walnut Street Cafe parking lot.
Thank fucking God, Ari’s car is still here.
I had a few errands to run before coming straight here to apologize and beg her to give me another chance.
I wanted to ensure I could come through on all the promises I’m about to make.
I never want to disappoint my woman again.
I climb out of my truck and beeline for the front door, grunting when I run into two old ladies. They stare way, way up at me, then look at each other and giggle. I suppose I probably look a bit insane at the moment.
Inside the cafe is a cute little setup, but I don’t have time to pay attention to any of the details. Not when I have to find the love of my life. My eyes catch hers, those gorgeous green irises cloudy with tears.
I did that to her. I have to make it right.
I see her breath hitch when she recognizes me, and I head straight toward her, knocking over a chair on my way. I’m not sure if anyone was in it or not. I’ll have to apologize later.
“Wilder,” she starts, sliding out from the booth she was sitting in.
“Ari,” I breathe seconds before cupping her face. Green eyes shine back at me like she can’t believe I’m here. “I’m having Wi-Fi installed on the mountain. And cell towers.”
She furrows her brows, and I know I’m not saying any of this in the right order.
“It might take a few weeks for it all to get in place,” I continue, “but I’ll drive you down here every day to use the internet until it’s all set up.
And I’ll build you your own office. Obviously, the cabin will need an upgrade.
A separate bedroom, for sure. More storage.
I did some research on paranormal investigators, and it seems like we’ll need more storage for some of the equipment you’ll use. ”
“Um, what?” Ari squeaks.
I realize I’m still holding her cheeks. I’m being super intense and nonsensical. Dropping my hands from her face, I rub the back of my neck and shift my weight from one foot to the other. “This isn’t coming out right,” I say with more than a bit of frustration.
“You’re getting Wi-Fi? And extra storage?” Ari tilts her head to the side, those green eyes curious but confused.
God, she’s so adorable.
“I love you, Ari. That’s what I’m trying to say.”
She blinks at me, her face slowly morphing from shocked to… happy?
Ari smiles and throws her arms around me. “And you’re setting up your place so I can still write and conduct my research.”
I nod, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
“Don’t forget your office. And whatever else you want.
I just…” I lean down, brushing my lips against her ear.
“I’m no good at this relationship stuff.
I don’t want to hurt you, and I don’t want to drag you down with me.
We haven’t known each other long, and to the world, this must look absolutely insane, but–”
“But it’s perfect,” she finishes for me. “I love you, too, Wilder. I feel it deep in my soul. We fit.”
I nod seconds before our lips meet. I lead us in an all-consuming kiss, stroking my tongue against hers until she trembles against me.
“As much as we all love a good show, can you lovebirds move it into the parking lot?”
Ari gasps and hides her face in my chest while I wrap my arms around her.
I chuckle, turning to address the barista chastising us. “I was just thinking the same thing,” I tell her with a wink.
I bend slightly, hoisting my woman over my shoulder, and carry her out of the cafe.
“Oh, my god, Wilder, seriously?” she scolds, though I can tell she’s not all that upset. My woman likes it when I carry her around. She certainly likes surrendering to my touch.
When I help her in my truck this time, I know I’m taking her home. Our home.