“To want a relationship with him,” Ruby said, putting her arm around Audree’s waist and leaning her head on her friend’s shoulder.
“Yes. It has been so long since a man has shown any interest in me and it feels nice.” She looked at Travis. “I don’t feel empty or hurt or abandoned when Scotty leaves.”
“Gavin is an asshole for making you feel that way.” Travis put his hand under Audree’s chin.
“He is not the only one to blame. I am just as involved in whatever this is, as he is.”
“Just do me a favor, don’t make Scotty your scapegoat for getting back at Gavin. He is a good guy and a friend. He’s had trouble in past relationships.” They both looked at him. “From what he said, after a while the girls he was with just couldn’t take the attention he wanted to give them. He would take them places, buy them things and they used him then cheated or left him. Harry knew him before I did so a lot of what I’ve heard is second hand, but he only seen him as a pretty nice guy and a good catch.”
“I won’t. It is not like I will be jumping into his bed.” She laughed when Travis looked behind her at Ruby.
“I’m not sleeping with Scotty.” She scoffed. “But Harry is… ah… Harry is, wow!” She giggled.
“Gross.” Travis kissed Audree on the forehead and turned back to the papers on the table. “Let’s get this over with; I have to get back to your dad’s and help Scotty and Harry. I told them I’d be back before lunch, Talia promised us fried chicken.” He smirked at them both. “Scotty only stopped by to see you anyway then had to meet up with Spencer about the new equipment designs.” He pulled a pencil from behind his ear and bent over the papers as the two stared at him. “What?” He laughed at them. “She said she was making enough for everyone and we had to wait for Eva anyway. Now, let’s get this done.”
Audree didn’t get over to her parents’ that day; she had spent the early morning with Ruby and Travis then the rest of the afternoon at the ranch. She’d met Eva at the bus stop and Eva had wanted to see the kids who had come for therapy before going over to see everyone at her grandparents’. Eva always enjoyed spending time with the kids doing their therapy and sometimes she helped to guide them around the marked off areas that they used for their ‘riding lessons’. Eva would make a game of riding ahead of them and encourage them to guide their horses on their own. She was really good connecting with the kids her own age and even better with the younger kids. They responded to each other. As expected, some kids were a little harder to get through to, but Eva spoke to them one kid to another and helped break some of the ice. After the sessions were done Eva would run off and play with other kids, like they were old friends.
“Momma, is Uncle Gavin at Grandpa’s? He said he would be here today, but I haven’t seen him at all,” Eva asked as she brought one of the last horses into the stable. The stable hands pulled the saddles off the horses washed them down and giving them a little extra attention after their day of working with the kids.
“Thank you, Hector. Thank you, Tim.” Audree waved at the two men who had stayed on from the days of the horse ranch and now helped tend the horses for the rehab center.
“I honestly haven’t seen your uncle since this morning,” Audree said, putting her own saddle on the wall.
“Maybe he needed to work,” Eva sighed, closing the door of the stall where Star stood eating an apple out of Eva’s small hand.
“Maybe. I’m sure he will be back for dinner and, if not, you know he will be in to say goodnight to you.” She kissed her daughter’s head.
“Hey, just who I was looking for,” Scotty said cheerfully from the corner of the stable as Audree and Eva walked toward the gate. “Your mom sent me over with this plate of fried chicken.” He lifted the plate he was holding.
“Grammy makes the best fried chicken.” Eva jumped up and down excitedly as Audree opened the gate and guided her through to the other side. Eva never taking her eyes off the plate in Scotty’s hand, made Audree and Scotty both laugh. “Momma?” She looked over her shoulder at Audree.
“Go ahead.” Audree laughed as Eva walked over to the plate Scotty held, lifted the foil covering the plate, and pulled out a drumstick. She started eating as she walked in the direction of Audree’s truck.
“Ruby made mashed potatoes, too, and some biscuits.” He indicated a basket at his feet.
“Good thing Eva didn’t see that; she would have sat right here and eaten.” Audree laughed and picked up the basket. “Why don’t you come on up to the house and join us for dinner? You can tell me what happened at the farm today,” she said over her shoulder as she put the basket on the front seat of her truck.
“Aunt Ruby made mashed potatoes and biscuits!” Eva shrieked from the front seat.
“You can leave your truck here; we can come back and get it later,” Audree said, and regretted, as soon as it came out of her mouth, especially when she saw Scotty’s eyes light up.
“Okay,” he answered without hesitation, headed to the passenger side of the truck and hopped in next to Eva, who was sneaking another piece of chicken off the plate. Scotty and Audree watched her, exchanged a look, and laughed.
***
Okay, relax. They are just eating dinner. I wasn’t here and they are sitting with Eva. Nothing is happening here. He is not getting my girl! Gavin stood outside on the deck, looking into the kitchen widow and watching Audree sitting with Scotty and Eva. They were eating fried chicken and laughing. She looks so happy. I haven’t seen her laugh like that in so long. Do I make her look like that? How can I; I don’t spend the time with her she deserves? How could I not spend that time with her? Because it hurts too much to be alone with her and know I can’t be with her. So I spend time with Eva; it is easier. That kid is so easy to love and make happy. Do I even make Audree happy, anymore? Shit, what is he saying to make her laugh like that; she is so beautiful when she laughs.
***
Audree had been so busy with Eva being home full-time now that school had ended that she didn’t seem to have much alone time with Gavin; something she was very thankful for. The Friday Eva finished school, they had celebrated the unofficial beginning of summer at Audree’s parent’s house. After Audree and Eva’s day at the stables, her usual paperwork, and the help during the therapy sessions, Audree would take Eva to her parents’ to spend the day with the guys. Eva could usually be found following Gavin around the ranch or listening to the plans for the new equipment. Eva even started sleeping in Audree’s bed at night; Gavin couldn’t even talk to Audree, let alone sneak in to convince her to come to his room with him.
Audree could be found hanging out with Ruby, or out herding in the cattle for the day; but she was never alone with Gavin. It seemed that no matter how early he woke up, Audree was already out of bed and down in the kitchen with Eva or Travis or Ruby or her mother; he just couldn’t seem to get her alone. She would then spend the evenings surrounded by everyone and would go in at night with Ruby or Travis to say goodnight to Eva.
***
Last Saturday night there had been a big party in the barn, Audree danced with Ruby, and she danced with Scotty and Travis. No slow songs were played so Gavin didn’t even attempt to try to dance with her. He tried to keep his temper under control, but every time Scotty would touch her, he found it necessary to step outside, if for no other reason, than so he didn’t have to watch. They were friendly and they tolerated each other, but the strain was obvious to everyone. At least it felt that way.
“What is up with you and Gavin?” Ruby plopped down next to Audree, who had taken a moment outside to cool down.
“What makes you think there is something up?” She took a swig from her bottle of water.
“Are you kidding? It used to be electric standing in the same room with the two of you; now it is just uncomfortable.” Ruby tried to look Audree in the eye. “You love him and you won’t tell him.”
“He knows I love him. He has always known that I love him, but he obviously doesn’t
return my feelings; all he has ever wanted was sex. Well, I’m done just having sex with him.” She tossed her bottle into the bin. “If he wants me, he needs to take all of me, not just my body.”
“So, what, are you with Scotty now? I’ve see the way he looks at you and you seem to enjoy yourself with him.”
“It is different, but at least it is not hurtful.” Audree held back the lump that was growing in her throat.
***
“Hey, there you are,” Gavin said as he stepped out of the darkness. “Would you do me the honor of a dance? The DJ agreed to play one slow song for us hard working older men.” He offered her his hand and she looked back at Ruby, who merely smiled.
“You’re not old.” Audree laughed as she slipped her hand into his. Instantly felt the spark, the spark that would consume her whole body, every time he touched her.
“Harry is looking for you, Ruby,” he said over his shoulder, pointing toward the bar when he noticed Audree tug Ruby’s hand to follow her. He felt sick that she felt the needed to use Ruby as a buffer, even for the short walk back into the barn. He knew by their reaction that they had been talking about him, but hadn’t caught what was being said.
“Hey, girl, come dance with me.” Harry swooped in and grabbed Ruby’s hand.
“Come on.” Gavin smiled widely when he saw Scotty looking around for Audree. He found her just as they reached the dance floor.
“You requested this song?” Audree looked into his eyes the moment The Dance by Garth Brooks started playing. Gavin knew she loved Garth Brooks and this song reminder them both of their night under the stars.
“I miss you,” he whispered into her ear as they started swaying to the music.
“Things have been crazy. Eva is leaving for a month soon, and I have to make sure the stables are in order for the week that I am gone with her.” She allowed him to move her body closer to his as they danced. “And now, with the expansion needing approvals, there is more work and more red tape.”
“And there’s Scotty.” He lifted his gaze and met the not so friendly gaze of a green-eyed monster sitting next at the bar.
“Scotty is a nice guy and just a friend.” She heard the defensiveness in her own voice.
“We need to talk…”
Travis tapped Audree on the shoulder and interrupted Gavin. “Hey, sorry to interrupt, but your mom just called my cell. She said she was trying to get a hold of you, but you weren’t answering. She said Eva is throwing up and has a bit of a fever.” Travis looked between them. “I can drive you over if you want.” He looked at Gavin.
“I will take you,” Gavin offered.
“It’s okay, I can go myself. I’ll probably just stay at my mom’s tonight; can you guys help Ruby close this place up tonight? I’ll come back early tomorrow and finish the cleanup.” She looked between them.
“Of course,” they said together then punched each other’s shoulders.
“I’ll tell Ruby,” Travis said, following her glance over at her friend, who was curled into Harry dancing.
“Tell the munchkin to feel better. Don’t forget four-wheeling on Sunday, if she is up to it.”
“I’ll reminder her.” She kissed them both on the cheek. “Thanks again for helping, goodnight.” She waved over her shoulder and made her way to the back of the barn where her truck was parked.
“Hey, is everything okay?” Scotty asked as he caught up to her outside.
“Wow, you scared the shit out of me.” Audree held her hand to her chest, catching her breath. “Yeah, everything is okay.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I just saw you leaving in a hurry.”
“My mom called and Eva is sick so I’m going to go check on her.” She put her hand up against his chest when he took a step closer. “Go back and enjoy the rest of the night. I saw a couple of girls in there with their eyes on you.” She smiled at him. “Go have a good time.” She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.
“I could go with you.” He pulled her closer but didn’t step back; he actually stepped closer, wrapped his large hand around her upper arm, and squeezed a little too tightly.
“That’s okay, Scotty, really. I’m just going to go and curl up in bed with Eva and call it a night.” She was starting to feel very uncomfortable.
“Sorry.” He backed up away; he must have seen the apprehension in her eyes. “I didn’t mean to push.” He put his hands up in defense. “I just wanted to spend some quiet time with you. Everything is always in such a rush during the day, and we were having such a good time dancing earlier. I was kind of hoping to hang out with you after everyone left.” He smiled at her.
“I’d like that too, but not tonight.” She tapped his chest and turned to get into her truck. “We’ll talk.” She waved and closed the door.
“Hope Eva is feeling better soon.” He waved at her and watched her drive away.
***
Motherfucker! This is not happening. Gavin had followed Scotty out of the barn when he saw him follow Audree. That boy needs to be put in his place and put down. He is not taking my girl. I told her we needed to talk. We need to figure out what the hell we both want, and what we are going to do about it.
“Don’t do that to her again,” Gavin said, stepping up behind Scotty, who instantly turned to face him.
“Excuse me?” Scotty smirked at Gavin and took a step closer to him.
“Don’t ever scare her again,” he growled and saw the guilt cover Scotty’s face before he quickly erased it away.
“Are you saying that as a concerned older brother’s best friend or something more? Because I’ve seen the way you look at her, but I’ve yet to see you make a move or lay claim on her. To my eyes, she is a grown single woman who seems very capable of making her own decisions.” He was now toe-to-toe with Gavin, even though Gavin had at least two or three inches on him.
“I’m well aware of how capable Audree is, at many things.” Gavin gave the man a smirk of his own. “I am simply telling you not to corner her again. I saw the same look on her face that you did, and I’m telling you not to do it again.”
“Noted.” Scotty nodded and moved to step around Gavin. “But I won’t stop trying to get her alone; to spend the time getting to know her, and, hopefully, get a lot closer to her,” he said and disappeared before Gavin could respond.
Don’t kill him. Don’t kill him. He is Travis’ friend and I am reasonably sure he is a good guy. Don’t kill him. Don’t kill him.
“Hey, Trav, call me when this shit is over. I’m going back to the house to get some work done. I’ll come back to help you close up.” Gavin tapped Travis on the shoulder before he made his way to the door, waving at a couple of people as he left. He even got a little ego boost when a few women slipped him their numbers, numbers he tossed in the garbage can on the way to his truck.
Audree had planned to spend as much of the day away from her house as possible, just as she had over the past couple of weeks. Spending last night with Eva at her parents’ house had been a good start. Travis had told her that he was taking Scotty and Harry out of town to get parts for the new equipment. She didn’t want to be stuck alone with Gavin. Talia was taking Eva for the day to spend time with her before she left for her summer trip to see Brooks.
Audree had still been taking Eva with her to bed every night so that Gavin wouldn’t be able to tempt her into his. She had been successful so far and was very proud of herself for not giving in to her growing, desperate need to be with him. She spent time in her office and with Scotty at her parent’s house. She had told Scotty earlier that she was not looking for a relationship. He assured her that he completely understood; it was quite obvious that she was as much in love with Gavin as he was with her. Of course, Audree laughed that off and even joked about it, but was upset with herself; her feelings shouldn’t be on display to everyone.
***
“Audree, I love you. I have never loved anyone as much as I love you. I know I have fucked this up from
the beginning, but I can only hope that someday you will give me the chance to make this up to you.” Audree heard the pleading whisper against her ear, but forced the heartbreaking words away and pressed back into her pillow.
***
“Momma.” Eva’s cheery voice sounded so distant. “Morning, Uncle Gavin.” She giggled and Audree shot up in her bed, noticing the creased linens on the bed where it looked like someone had lain down beside her. She knew it hadn’t been Eva, because she slept on the other side of the bed, away from the door. She turned to see Gavin standing right outside of her bedroom holding his arms out to Eva.
“Eva, baby girl, how ya’ feeling?”
“Much better, thanks.” She walked into his open arms for a hug.
“How about a kiss for your favorite uncle?” He tickled her and she laughed before she planted a loud wet kiss on his cheek. He threw his head back and laughed, squeezing her in a tight hug.
“Momma.” Eva wiggled out of Gavin’s arms, and his eyes followed her as she ran and jumped onto Audree’s bed. “Grammy said to come and get you to come down for breakfast before we leave and you go shopping.” Eva threw her arms around Audree’s neck.
“Did you have breakfast already?” She looked from Eva to Gavin, who was still standing in the doorway.
“Yup, I’ve been up for a while.” She hopped off the bed and moved to the door again. “Grammy said to let you sleep for a bit. I thought Uncle Gavin woke you up since he was here.” She ducked away from him when he moved to tickle her again. “Come on, Momma; we are leaving in ten minutes.” Eva disappeared down the hall.
Audree looked down again, at the dent on her bed, and her mind raced at the memory of the dream she had been having and the words she remembered. She looked back up at Gavin; he ducked his head, turned, and walked away.
Love Unclaimed (The Red Truck Series) Page 12
