14. Henri
Chapter 14
Henri
“Henri, I told you that you didn’t need to come pick me up,” Nathan says, throwing his duffle bag in the back seat of my car, which is running surprisingly well.
This time of year it rarely ever turns over without a fight, but don’t look a gift horse in the mouth and all that.
“I know. I just really missed you.” Standing next to the car, I hold my arms out for a hug.
After a week of him being gone and... well, what shouldn’t have happened with Deacon, I’m ready to get back to normal.
Nathan gives me a half hug and then lets me go, ushering me into the passenger seat of my car.
My wolf immediately jumps to feeling rejected. She paces inside me.
No. Of course he’s not ready to be cuddly; he had a long week away. I argue with myself, that feeling, and her.
“What the fuck is wrong with your car?” Nathan mutters as we pull away from the airport pickup zone.
“Uh, I don’t know? It seemed to be running really well.”
What the fuck? After a week away, all he cares about is how my car is running? I bite back the frustration of him being more concerned for my car than me and curb my expectations. It’s Nathan. He’s not one for public displays of affection or sweet sentiments. My expectation was too high.
“I don’t like that your boss is handling your oil changes and maintenance. How do we know they’re taking care of it right?” Nathan taps on the steering wheel as he floors it onto the freeway ramp, but not the one that leads home.
“Well, the fact that I’m their employee and they’d like me to come to work is probably a good indicator.” I joke with him. “Besides, it just means more money for our savings.”
“True.” Nathan seems like he’ll be less prickly.
“Are we grabbing lunch?” I ask, trying to clarify why we’re not heading home.
“Uh. No? It’s after noon.” Nathan indicates to my clock but then changes lanes to get around another car. “You know I don’t eat from one until seven.”
I squint, wondering when this became a rule. Never once has he said that to me before. It didn’t stop us from going to Hare’s Hearth a couple months ago. I struggle but let it go.
“So, where are we going?”
My phone dings, and I’m quick to pull it out.
“I thought you’d drop me off at the gym, and then I could get a little workout in before home tonight. You’re making dinner, right?” He takes the next exit ramp headed toward the gym.
The notification on my phone for a published article about Deacon doesn’t need any of my attention, so I put it back in my purse.
“Yeah. I thought we’d do dinner in and maybe cuddle and watch a movie.” I push a little bit more. “I really missed you. It’s hard when you’re not home.”
“Well, I’ve an early morning. We probably won’t get to watch the movie.” Nathan runs a yellow light, and I grip the door handle with how erratic he’s driving in traffic.
But I don’t dare criticize him.
“Well, maybe we don’t...” I try to get him to pick up on the subtext. “Don’t watch the movie.”
“Right. I said we won’t get to watch a movie. I’ve got to go to bed.” Nathan parks in the lot at an angle despite it being perpendicular parking, per usual.
“Okay.” I concede, my heart sinking by the minute.
My wolf and I deflate. She takes the opportunity to remind me, Someone else wants us.
“So, I’ll pick you up then? A couple hours?” I try to push the feelings of unworthiness out of my brain.
“No, I’ll have someone drop me off.” Nathan is practically in a frenzy to get out of the car. “Just go home and make dinner.”
I climb out slowly and wait for a goodbye kiss after he grabs his duffle bag. I get a peck on the cheek as he jogs to the door, leaving the car door open.
Well, that went well. I don’t stay outside the gym licking my wounds. Maybe when he’s not jet - lagged, it’ll be better.