Page 12 of Mountain Man's Angel
My days have more purpose now that Audra is in my life. Even though I'm not yet certain to what degree or how long she's going to stay in my life. I’ve never been afraid of anything. Ever. Why am I scared to bring that up?
I adore everything about her. Not just simply being with her…kissing her…holding her hand…feeling her energy so close to mine. I may have set a special ringtone so I know when it’s her sending a text.
My main focus right now is thinking up a date for this afternoon that will impress her. Fortunately, I have the means to do that. If she wanted to fly to a private beach in Hawai’i for a week, I could make that happen.
But Audra seems so down to Earth that I don't think I need to do anything like that.
As I sip my morning coffee at the dining table, my laptop is open to a map of the area. There must be something interesting to do. Somewhere I could take her that would be charming and make her smile. Oh! Somewhere helpful to her work! That might be good. After all, Audra’s primarily here to get these recordings done. I think I need to find ways to support her project whilesimultaneously showing her how incredible this area is. Then, if I’m lucky, maybe she’ll decide to stay.
I actually manage to wait until noon to send a text.
I thought of a place with interesting birds. They usually come out in the late afternoon. Can I pick you up at three, or are you busy today?
Audra: Three sounds perfect – see you soon!
Great. Please wear sturdy boots.
I don’t have to debate my shirt this time. I immediately choose a snug dark gray t-shirt that makes the most of my shoulders and biceps. I've never dressed for a woman before. It’s…interesting. I'm dazzled by the way Audra makes me feel sexy. It's wild.
When I pull up in front of the inn, Audra waves. "One sec – I'm going to move my Jeep out of the way, since I won't be needing it today.” She jumps into the vehicle, which starts with a noise that sounds like a rusty wrench in an even rustier blender. She parks at the far edge of the lot, and the engine has another violent coughing fit when she turns it off.
I rush over to help her out. "Angel, I’m not sure I’m comfortable with you driving around in something that sounds like that."
She grins. "It's way better once it warms up."
"I believe you, but what if you're out in the field somewhere and it doesn't start? I hate the idea of you being stranded." I hold out my hand. "May I please take care of it?"
She drops the keys into my palm, and I notice several small charms on the key ring – the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, the EmpireState building, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Gateway Arch. Either Audra has traveled a lot, or she really wants to.
"Are you a mechanic too?" she smiles.
"No, but I've got some connections." I flash her a wink, then go around to the far side of her vehicle. Then I pull out my phone.
After four rings it’s answered. "Valley Auto."
"Hey, Walker. It's Thane."
"Thane? Wow. Long time, man. How are you?"
"Great. Listen, I'm at the Old Hemlock Valley Inn. There's a forest green Jeep in the parking lot. The keys are on top of the front right tire."
“Is it dead? You need a jump?"
"No. I just heard the starter, and something's way out of whack. We can't have a nice young lady driving around the mountain in an unsafe vehicle, can we?"
He chuckles. "You actually emerged from your backwoods shack and found yourself a girl? Good for you."
Audra's eyes blaze. It's so quiet that she probably heard him. You know what, I don’t care. "Anyway…" I pause while he chuckles again. "Can you please fix the starter, find out what is making it run so rough? Give the whole thing a once over? VIP treatment."
"Got it. She'll be completely safe by the time I'm done. Not sure about timing, though. Griffin and Carson are both swamped today."
"All good. Just keep me posted. Thanks, man."
"No problem."
As I help Audra up into my truck, her hand lands on my shoulder, then slips down slowly, caressing my upper arm. "Thank you," she whispers. There's a light in her eyes when she looks up at me. "I really appreciate it."
My hand slips around her waist, holding her close. “I want my girl safe. Always." The light in her eyes turns to fire, making my heart swell in my chest, threatening to crack open.
