I laugh with him. "I don't have siblings, but I get how important that would be."
I find him really easy to talk to, and we discuss everything under the sun. By the time we sit down at his dining table with grilled chicken and avocado sandwiches and exquisite espresso,I've learned quite a bit about this rugged, striking man. He has two older brothers. He has lived in Rathlock his entire life. He loves driving and visits Old Hemlock Valley, Cedarvale, and West Stoneburg frequently. He makes all kinds of furniture, but mostly bed frames and dressers.
I've also learned that his deep, rumbling voice does…things…to my lower belly. Every time I catch myself staring at his thick, strong arms, I find my thighs pressing together tightly. This man is stirring up all kinds of physical feelings that are brand new for me. They’re so intense that frankly it’s on the verge of becoming uncomfortable.
Also, the man must be a prolific carpenter if he can afford a house like this on such a huge piece of land.
"So, what's with the audio recordings?" he asks when we're halfway through our meal. "Surely they have stock files you could use?"
I shake my head. "I create soundscapes. So I need original content that expresses exactly what I'm looking for. Stock files are just…generic."
Thane looks at me and blinks. "What the hell is a soundscape?"
I laugh, inadvertently touching his forearm for a few seconds. "People use them to focus or create a mood. Or to enhance their environment. Like the way lighting a vanilla candle changes the feeling of your space, you know?"
"Uh. Sure." He doesn't sound convinced.
"Imagine you're studying for exams. You've been staring at the screen for eight hours straight. You put on rain sounds as white noise. It might help you focus, but it might also make you sleepy. If you put on a soundscape of a fresh morning breeze mixed with bird calls, it would create an environment that's much more energetic."
Thane nods slowly. "I do love sleeping when it's raining."
"Oh, me too. But sometimes people need an energy kick."
"And bird calls help with that?"
"For sure! It's like having company."
"Okay." He nods again. "I could see that."
My fingers drum on the table. "One of the birds I’m having trouble finding is a blue-winged warbler. Do you happen to know where they hang out around here?"
He nods. "You'd have a better chance of finding them on Maple Trail. I could take you there tomorrow morning if you like. They'll be chattering after the rain."
"You really don't mind showing me?"
I can't imagine why he would want to take time out of his day to show a stranger some birds. Unless… Does Thane like me? I've been noticing the way he stares at my lips. The way his gaze slowly meanders all around me, as if I intrigue him. I certainly likehim, even though it's too soon and our meeting was too random for me to trust the feelings swirling inside me.
"Don't mind at all." He smiles down toward his now-empty plate, smirking slightly. "How old are you, Audra?"
"Twenty-two, why?"
“I'm thirty-one. My mother, bless her heart, has been pushing me to meet some women. I’d like to show you the birds tomorrow morning to help you get your soundscape thing right.Butif Mom gets on my case again, I’m calling it a date. Is that okay?”
There's an intense, hungry look in his eyes. I can tell he wants this to be a date – his mother is just an excuse. My breath is shallow as I feel my nipples tighten to peaks under my thin dress. If he notices, he's polite enough to pretend he doesn’t. "Sure. Date. Hangout. Whatever you like."
Thane’s chin jerks up, his head tilting as he listens toward the open window. "Rain's coming soon. Let's get you to your car. Idon't want you driving on these back roads when it really starts bucketing down.”
He picks up my bag on the way out of the house, and we pass by his workshop. "Can I take a quick peek at the furniture you're making?" I ask.
"Sure." He opens the door and snaps on a light, revealing several panels propped up against the wall. It takes me a moment to realize they’re disassembled bedframes: headboards, matching footboards, side panels. Several of them have geometric inlays of different tones of wood. Some are smaller, with carvings of birds and dragonflies.
"You make beds for kids too! That's adorable."
He shrugs. "I find the carving meditative."
We get into his truck and he drives me back to where my Jeep is parked at the side of the road near the clearing. With the big S-curve up to his house, I wouldn't have even seen his house from the road.
Interesting. Most of my family always wants to be in the limelight. Meanwhile, this woodworker lumberjack with the gorgeous home is content to hide and be alone.
