Chapter Twelve Rex
Chapter Twelve
Rex
Tonight. I’ll ask him tonight.
Or not.
I’m so inexperienced when it comes to relationship protocol. I don’t have a clue when it’s too soon to take the next step. Especially since I was already ready to level up after that first scorching hot kiss.
It’s only been a little over a week since we’ve been seeing each other, so shouldn’t I dial it back a bit? The thought alone of slowing down makes a pit form in my stomach.
What did Boone say? Something about my spirit knowing if it was right? Right now, my spirit is screaming, ‘you guys were meant to be together so quit being a big dork and ask him to the solstice already’.
My spirit is very pushy.
Then there’s my logical side, my brain that thinks it’s so damn smart.
It’s telling me not to get my hopes up, considering how my relationships—if you want to call them that—usually turn out.
If it isn’t incompatible lifestyles, it’s being from different planets that messed things up.
I shake my head in frustration as I tuck my T-shirt into my jeans and try to calm my pounding heart.
Damn, but Darien is so damn cute. He’s what’s considered tall for a human—almost six feet. Lanky build, that tousled hair that I can finally tangle my fingers in, and his wide, toothy grin that makes my knees turn to jelly.
After checking one last time in the mirror that I’ve done the best I can with what I’m working with, I pat Clover on the head and ignore Winston’s suspicious stare as I head to the truck.
Once I’m on the road to pick Darien up at the market, my chest tightens.
Getting to spend time with him has become the highlight of every day, the reason I’m excited to wake up every morning.
Even if it’s only for a couple of hours to grab breakfast or dinner because of our busy schedules, it doesn’t matter. Every moment with him is precious.
I chew on my thumbnail, trying once again to keep from getting ahead of myself. It’s kind of a drive to the market—for both of us. And I know Darien loves his job and feels an obligation to be there for his boss. Maybe once the summer is over, we can discuss other options?
I tap my fingers on the steering wheel, mentally kicking myself in the ass.
That’s definitely getting ahead of myself.
Never mind asking Darien to the solstice.
What if he does go with me and completely freaks out?
The moment Thunderbird Bob does the booming awakening call at dawn, and every monster answers with their distinctive shouts, howls, roars, and screeches, Darien could end everything between us.
One thing at a time.
With renewed determination, I decide the first step is the solstice invitation. That will be a great indicator of how things are proceeding. If he’s not ready to meet any of my cryptid friends, then he’s not ready for us to take things to the next level.
I swallow past a lump in my throat. There’s a genuine possibility that’s how things might go down. However, I remind myself that I’ve been on my own for a long time. Going slow with Darien is still a thousand times better than being so completely alone.
I pull up to the market right as Virgil is locking up.
We wave to each other, and I wonder what Darien’s shared with him about our relationship.
I’ve always been known to the locals as the confirmed bachelor innkeeper.
I want to respect Darien’s privacy, since he’s never been open about his orientation.
As I park the truck, I muse over the fact that I haven’t exactly announced my sexuality to the world either. It hasn’t been intentional. More that I’m used to being private about everything, so my Howler identity isn’t revealed.
Darien appears from the back of the store and jogs over to me, a smile highlighting his features. It’s clear he’s as happy to see me as I am to see him. I seriously need to calm down. Especially since tomorrow’s his day off, and this will be the first time he spends the night.
Darien climbs in the truck, and without thinking, I lean over to give him a kiss. He leans in too, and I take that as a good sign. Are we official? Can I call him my boyfriend? That could be a good segue to the solstice invitation.
Stay in the moment.
I never realized how much of a squirrel brain I have.
“Did you have a good day,” I ask.
He nods, still grinning. “Virgil let me reorganize the herbal remedies and supplements today. I also did a display of some of the gifty things, like the jams and goat milk soap. He said we’d better do it now, since it’s starting to get so busy now that we’re past Memorial Day.”
And getting closer to the solstice.
It’s decided. I have to ask him tonight so there’s time for him to request the days off.
“That’s wonderful. Sounds like he really trusts you with his store.”
“He does,” says Darien. “However, I think he’s also tired. He’s joked a few times that he’s jealous of me.”
“Oh? Why do you think he said that?”
“He meant that he’d rather not have the responsibility of running the place, that he’s reached the age where he’d rather just putter around and do little projects, talk to the customers. That kind of thing.”
I take the truck out of park. “Now that I think about it, he’s had that place for almost forty years. It sure would be a shame if he gave up and closed it down.”
Darien straightens in his seat. “Oh no. You think he will?”
I shrug. “Not right now, but probably soon. He’s pushing seventy.”
And I should know. I remember when he was a toddler.
Darien’s shoulders slump. “That would suck. I’ve gotten really attached to that shop.”
I pat Darien’s knee. “I’m sure it won’t be this summer. He wouldn’t want to miss out on that income.”
“Right…”
Darien is seemingly lost in thought, and I’m wondering why I had to open my big mouth. A change of subject is in order.
“Where would you like to eat tonight? You must be getting tired of my café.” I chuckle. “There are a lot of nice places in Hot Springs.” I smile. “My treat.”
“You don’t have to pick up the tab again.” He ducks his head. “I don’t want to become a burden.”
“You’re not,” I reassure him. “I enjoy…”
I almost say ‘taking care of you’, but that might be weird. I’m old-fashioned because, well, I’m old, but that’s beside the point. He comes from a modern perspective, and I’m already coming on strong enough.
I clear my throat. “But if it makes you uncomfortable, maybe we could do something more low-key.”
I really don’t want him buying me dinner. Especially since he’s on such a tight budget. And anyway, eating at my diner isn’t even close to being a burden. It’s my food essentially, and the amount he eats is minuscule compared to my huge portions.
He nods slowly. “Okay, what if I get some sandwiches and snacks from the market, and we take them back to your cave. I have an employee discount.” His features light up.
“We also have an awesome cold pasta salad that’s my new favorite.
The lunch lady just started bringing them in.
They’re filled with different olives and cheese chunks. ”
A pound of salad and twelve sandwiches would likely be needed to fill me up, but did he say bring it to my cave? Who cares about food when I can have Darien all to myself.
Whoa. I must really have it bad if food fell to second place.
“That sounds great.” I put the car in park again. “Any roast beef or ham?”
Darien’s brow furrows. “Sorry, we never get roast beef. The vendor mostly sells us turkey and chicken, although we sometimes get egg salad. Oh, and ham salad. Not my favorite. But the hummus wrap is very good. Freshly made.”
I wrinkle my nose before I can stop myself. “I’m sure it is.”
Darien laughs. “But not for you.”
I laugh with him. “I’m afraid not. Either the turkey or chicken will be fine, thanks”
“Cool. I’ll be right back.”
Thoughts of sandwiches drop from my mind as Darien jogs away. I could watch that perfectly round ass swing from side to side for the rest of my life, and never tire of the sight.
As I wait for his return, I ponder this unexpected turn of events.
Darien’s self-invitation is an unexpected, happy surprise.
One that I’m not prepared for. I suppose I should follow my own advice and stay in the moment.
It’s probably better that I didn’t get any warning.
I would’ve overplanned the night and stressed us both out.
Our first night alone shouldn’t be fraught with unrealistic expectations and pressure.
Darien returns with a large tote filled to the brim. I’m hoping he hasn’t blown his entire paycheck on food. He hands me the bag as he climbs into the cab.
“I wasn’t sure which you’d like best, so I got both the turkey and chicken.
And just because I don’t like the ham salads doesn’t mean you won’t.
” Darien won’t meet my gaze and busies himself putting on his seatbelt.
“Also, we got in these new scones. I haven’t tried them yet, so I got a few. You can tell me what you think.”
Aww. Instead of me taking care of him, he’s taking care of me. He’s seen how I eat. One sandwich is like a few bites for me.
“That was very nice of you, Darien.”
His cheeks pink. “You’ve been very good to me. I really didn’t expect you to buy me all those meals.”
“What did I tell you?” I tuck a loose curl behind his ear. “It’s my pleasure.”
I decide we’re taking care of each other.
On our way back to my place, we swap cranky customer stories and try to determine which one of us had it the worst.
“I think you win.” I chuckle. “I’ve never heard anyone complain about asymmetrical blueberries before.”
“Right?” Darien slaps his knee. “And she kept insisting that they must be defective because they weren’t all perfectly round.”
“Has she never had a blueberry before? How could she not know this?”
Humans.
Darien barks out a laugh. ”That’s the best part! She assumed the blueberries she gets at home are crappy ones and that once she bought them in the country, she’d get real ones.”
“Boy, she must’ve been pretty disappointed when you explained it to her.”