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'malso 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 actuallynodding. "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 thisbamboo 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.
15
THANE
I’ve never shied away from hard work.
Moving furniture? Call me. Moving your whole house? I’m your guy.
Keeping my hands off Audra during the ceremony, though, is the hardest labor I’ve ever done.
My arm is latched around her constantly, except when we’re applauding – especially when Robert steps up to receive his award.
I looked up what he did to receive the award. It seems he financed the right people at the right time, and they were so grateful that they put him down as a collaborator. That’s fine. I invest in plenty of things I don't understand too. Doesn't make me an innovator, though.
Not like my crazy cousins, who have managed to turn freaking bird calls into a company valued at over a billion dollars. Nowthatis truly wild.
We make it through the ceremony, then congratulate Audra's father quickly one last time before he's descended upon by a half dozen men vying for his attention.
Marlena turns to me as we make a move to leave. "How long are you staying in New York?" she asks.
I turn to Audra. "We haven’t thought that far ahead. We could go home tomorrow afternoon, or we can stay in the city a few days. It's completely up to her.”
Audra looks up at me in surprise. "Really?"
