Chapter 14
AUDRA
Ifeel like a princess.
No…like Thane’s angel. He won't stop calling me that, or treating me like his. I love it.
My hand wraps firmly around his arm as we walk into the grand ballroom where the awards are being held. I've been dragged to dozens of these things, but it feels so much better having backup, especially when that backup comes in the form of a six-foot-four (and a half) hottie.
My mother has made me endure stylists and makeovers since my early teens. Today was the first time I enjoyed it – especially since the entire rack of clothing was suited to my tastes. Apparently, Thane told them that I like earth tones and loose, simple dresses.
As soon as we’re checked in, Thane slips an arm around my waist, pulling me slightly away from the crowd. "How are you doing, angel? Still okay about this?"
"Yes. Especially since you're here. I'm actually pretty comfortable."
He chuckles as I do a little twirl in my forest green dress.
Compared to most of my clothing lately, it's pretty form fitting, but the buttery soft bamboo fabric feels as comfortable on my skin as a nightgown.
I tap the edge of his shoe with my chunky heeled designer boot.
"I like these a lot more than stilettos. "
Stretching up, I give him a quick kiss, pulling away again before our indescribable heat can take over. "I really appreciate this."
"I’m glad. I need you to be happy and comfortable on my watch." His fingers tighten around my waist, then slip down a few inches to settle on my hip. "For the record, I’d like my watch to be all the time from now on, if you'll let me."
My palm lands in the center of his beautifully knotted silk tie.
It’s a deep green that coordinates perfectly with my dress.
Thane looks stunning. He still has that rough, wild spark in his eye, but his physique is even more impressive when barely restrained in a sleek black suit.
He honestly looks like a movie star with his neatly trimmed beard and stylish new haircut.
"What exactly are you trying to say, big guy?"
"That I want you to stay on my mountain. Move in with me. Please?"
My low gasp echoes around the space surrounding us. He’s absolutely serious. This is a lot to take in.
He chuckles, pulling me close to kiss the top of my head. "Don't worry, I won't mess up your hair. I don't want you to answer right now, anyway. Let’s wait till this shindig is over, and we're home."
Home. As in…with him. This incredible man who makes me feel everything I’ve ever dreamed of feeling.
"Do you promise not to call this a shindig in front of my parents?”
"I promise nothing."
He takes my hand and then raises my wrist to examine my stack of bracelets. Nestled among the silver bangles and chains are the strings of blue and green glass beads.
“You brought…” He swallows hard.
“Of course. I’m going to wear my special gifts from my man every opportunity I get.”
His eyes shine. “Someday I’ll get you other jewelry to show you that I really, really, really like you.”
“Not necessary – but if you do, make sure it goes with these.” I turn my wrist, examining the beads. “I’ll be wearing them for a very long time.”
I love the way Thane grips my waist possessively as he nods without another word. I also love the way he notices any time a man glances in my direction. There’s a subtle tightening of his hand that politely says, She’s with me – don’t get any ideas.
The room fills up fast, and we find our table near the front. My mother looks utterly shocked as we approach, then she and Dad both jump to their feet, openly analyzing Thane from head to toe in a way that makes my skin crawl.
My gorgeous mountain man extends his hand first. “Mr. Barclay, sir. It's a real honor to meet you. Thane Wolfe."
Dad blinks in surprise at the name. His eyes narrow slightly as he peers closer, probably noticing the obvious family resemblance Thane has to his cousins, who are well-known in Dad's field. “Just Robert is fine. Good to meet you.”
Thane turns. “You must be Marlena.” He lifts her hand and kisses the back of it, making Mom blush. “A pleasure.”
As soon as we’re all seated, Mom leans in to ask Thane, "So, you live in Old Hemlock Valley?"
"Close by – in Rathlock, actually."
"And what is it you do?" Dad leans in close.
"A variety of things, sir," Thane replies smoothly.
"Managing my investment portfolio doesn't take much time at all: I have professionals for that.
I spend most days in my workshop making bed frames, dressers, and other furniture for a charity that helps people who are struggling to get back on their feet.
I'm also an angel investor, putting money into small companies with creative ideas who just need a little boost to get over the line.
I especially like supporting businesses run by women. "
My mother's eyes are huge. Dad leans over and murmurs to her, "He's related to those five brothers who won the award last year."
"Yes indeed. Those are my cousins. Good guys."
Mom's mouth opens and closes a few times, as if she's trying to figure out what to say.
Thane takes my hand on the table and squeezes.
"Actually, I'm going to introduce Audra to them very soon. They use nature listening stations to add to the randomness of their security algorithms. Since Audra has expertise with recording bird calls and rivers and rain, I think we should all get together and talk shop. Make sure my cousins are using the best equipment. They also change some of their locations every year or so. I’m hoping Audra might be able to help with that. "
This is crazy. My parents have never taken my soundscapes seriously, but now Dad is actually nodding.
"That's a very good idea. Their company has really taken off over the past few years.
In fact, they—" He stops short as the lights go down.
We all turn to face the stage as the award ceremony begins.
Thane slips an arm around me, leaning close to whisper, "How did I do? I know you were terrified to have me meet them."
"If they didn't like you, I honestly wouldn't have cared. It would just have been awkward," I whisper back. “It’s more that I thought they would be rude to you because you're a woodworker mountain man."
"Gotcha." His thick fingers settle around my ribs with a soft squeeze as the presenters drone on, thanking the night’s sponsors.
"For the record, my parents are going to love you. Also…" He squeezes me again. "I like your comfortable dresses. But this bamboo thing – definitely super hot." His eyebrow lifts rakishly. “I’m not saying a word about the sexy push-up bra.”
I turn to see the stage lights reflected in his dark eyes, reminding me of sparks around a campfire. I already know I'm going to move in with him. Now that all our secrets are out, why delay the inevitable?
I also already know that I'm going to be stripping that expensive suit off him the second we get back to our hotel room.