Page 33 of Don't Hesitate (The Reluctant Heart 3)

Chapter Thirteen

Andrew

“I really don’t know why you wouldn’t let me drive,” I said, unaccustomed to the passenger seat. “I’m an excellent driver.” Maybe a bit too fast, but no accidents. Well, not until last night.

Anne replied in a serious tone, “I’m used to watching for the wildlife, and you’re not. Don’t drop the food. We don’t have any more of Aunt Trixi’s chicken left and I’m starving.”

I had no idea how someone so tiny could eat like she does. But how she was always on the go, she seemed to burn it off fast. I have a few ways to burn calories that would be a hell of a lot more fun than working the club.

As I shifted the takeout bag on my lap, I couldn’t help but notice her white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel. She must have been rattled by the incident, and she hadn’t even been in the car. A chill ran through me as I recalled how fucked up the vehicle had been. The moose had crushed the passenger-side roof like it was an empty water bottle. If Anne had been sitting there, she would’ve been seriously injured. Or killed.

That thought twisted my gut and I fought the urge to hurl. One more moose off the road made it slightly less likely to happen again, but damn, I hated thinking of Anne driving down these dark roads every night.

I wanted to change the subject, but instead, I tried to lighten the mood with a bit of humor. “Are you trying to say that the moose incident was my fault? Because I believe he failed to look both ways before crossing the street.” I wasn’t even going to tell her that I’d been distracted by thoughts of her while driving. I’m sure she would give me hell instead of taking it as a compliment.

She didn’t even crack a smile. Goes to show how shaken up she is. “I’m sure you’re a better driver in Boston. I can’t even think about driving there. It’s hard enough to cross the street.”

“You get used to it.”

“You mean all the honking and yelling?” I nodded and she added, “I’ll let you drive in Boston and I’ll drive here, thank you.”

“Planning on coming back to Boston?” I wouldn’t mind enjoying her company longer.

“Eventually, yes.” I saw her eyes fill with sadness.

Fuck.I wanted to tell her I was looking for a way out for her. She might tell me to mind my damn business. That is exactly what I’d say if someone who was practically a stranger started interfering in my life. Of course, that didn’t mean I was going to stop. You need my help even if you don’t know it.

From where I stood, running The Treasured Chest was costing her already. Yes, I wanted her to sell, but not if it put her happiness in the red. There has to be a way for us both to get what we want.

I was only assuming I knew what that was for Anne, so it was time to dig deeper. Asking questions would invite her to reciprocate, so I needed to focus her on imagining her own future.

“There’d be a lot more to do than sit and watch television. It sure as hell would beat Bermoose. Don’t you think?” I prodded.

Anne nodded. “I would agree. When I wasn’t studying or working, I would either be at a museum or taking in some form of live entertainment. You wouldn’t even believe it. I went to the opera.”

“And what did you think?” I asked. It was something I never could get into, yet my parents brought us at least once a year. They believed it would make us well-rounded individuals. But I was always good at finding an alternative. Sit as far as possible from my parents. Nothing pleased me more than when wireless earbuds were invented. It meant I could discreetly pop my earbuds in so I could listen to anything other than opera.

“I’m embarrassed to tell you,” Anne replied.

That piqued my interest. “Now you have to share it.”

With a huff, she said, “I fell asleep. And not just dozing off, but a deep sleep.”

“How is that embarrassing?”

“Well, I was really overtired and it was allergy season. I get sinus issues around that time of year, like clockwork. Which of course can lead to…snoring. Loud snoring. I almost died when they came and woke me up. I remember hearing this god-awful sound, and later learned it had come from me,” she sighed.

There was no holding back. I burst out laughing like I hadn’t done in years. “That’s priceless.”

Anne growled. “I don’t think it’s very nice that you’re laughing at me.”

“No. I’m laughing with you,” I said.

“But I’m not laughing,” she clarified sternly.

I wasn’t expecting this old embarrassment to still be a sore spot. But then again, I’ve been told I can be insensitive. Containing my laughter, I said, “I’m sorry. Wasn’t trying to be rude.”

She shot me a quick look before turning her attention back to the road. “I can’t believe you fell for that.”