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~Dixon~
AFTER MY NIGHT WITH Cora, I found myself in a strange place: wanting more—more time with Cora, more of her attention, more of all those light feelings she gave me. I’d never been one for a relationship—probably still wasn’t—but this was the first time I’d wanted to see a woman after we’d spent a night together. The unfamiliar sensation was unsettling, and it showed. I was screwing up on the job, and Ryan had had just about enough of me this week.
“Jesus, dude. Watch what the fuck you are doing!” Ryan ducked as I turned around with a two-by-four on my shoulder. “You almost went through the window with that thing.” He glared at me. “You keep that shit up, and George is gonna fire your ass.”
“I know. I know,” I grumbled. Try as I might, I could not get my head in the game. If I wasn’t thinking about this foreign feeling, I was daydreaming about Cora. About our night together—I couldn’t get the memory of her face as she called out my name out of my head—but also about the way she looked at me. The way she wanted to know about that old scar. The way her eyes lit up when she laughed at something I said.
“Hey, you going to Jake’s tonight? We can have a beer and watch the baseball game while you tell me what the hell is going on.” Ryan had a shit-eating grin. “Of course, I want the details. You spent the night with that Cora chick, right? How was it?”
Any brain fog cleared up at Ryan’s tone. Fuck if I was going to let him talk about Cora as if she were some piece of meat. “You want to be able to have your own night with someone in the future, you’d better shut up and mind your own business. Or else you’re gonna feel the pain when I dick-punch you. Anything between me and Cora is just that...between me and her.” I dropped the two-by-four at his feet.
“Okay then. You’re clearly in it for more than a piece of ass. So quit being an asshole and fucking get on with it then. Call her. Go spend time with her. Anything but this miserable, distracted funk you’re dragging yourself into.” He put his hand on my shoulder. “You know, now that you know more than her last name, go find out if what she’s making you feel is gonna make you happy. Because, seriously, dude, you need some happiness. And you need to not get fired.”
I stared at Ryan. The fucker had been pulling my chain...and I fell for it. “Fine. I’ll call her. But later, after we get this all squared away. Probably shouldn’t be making personal calls on the job, right?” I looked around for George, who’d be bound to show up the second I pulled my cell phone out.
“Right. Anyway, how’s that project you’ve been working on going? I’ve seen the light on in the warehouse the past few nights.” Ryan picked up the two-by-four I’d dropped at his feet and moved it over to the workhorses.
I joined him there, tape measure in hand and ready to mark off the correct measurement. After lining up the square, I drew the line and motioned for him to make the cut. “It’s going. I’ve got the right dimensions for the cutout, and the legs are fastened now. I’m still waiting on the chair, though.”
“I thought you’d bought that one online.” Ryan cut the wood and then unplugged the saw. “Didn’t you talk to that guy?”
“Yeah. But it’s a custom piece, so it’s taking some time for the details.”
We lifted the wood, and I held it steady while Ryan screwed it into place.
“Custom? Man, where are you getting the dough for all this? I mean, I know what this job pays, and I don’t see any custom woodwork in my budget.” Ryan fixed a penetrating stare in my direction.
“I worked out a deal with him. I showed him what I was working on, and we’re bartering services. He wants some showroom tables, and I agreed to make them. I’ve already got that extra set of table legs, and I’m going to head back to the Trunk and find some more materials. And I was hoping I’d pick up some more demo’d stuff from our jobs, too.” I gave him a quick grin, hoping to press my luck and keep using his family’s space for my new projects.
“And what if you don’t find what you’re looking for at the Trunk? You’re gonna be up shit creek then, bud. And I ain’t got any paddles for you.” Ryan shook his head. “And next, you’re gonna ask to keep using the warehouse, right? It’s a good thing my parents like you. I’ll make sure it’s okay, but consider it done. You can keep using the space.”
“Thanks, Ryan. I appreciate it. And I’ll find something to make for your parents...a kind of thank-you thing. I mean, I never thought about it, but I’m actually pretty good at this. Taking something that’s been thrown out and finding a new life for it...combining it with something you’d never really think of...it’s pretty satisfying.”
The only thing more satisfying was time spent with Cora.
––––––––
THE PHONE RANG THREE times before she picked up. “Hello?”
Her quiet voice through the line sent a little thrill through me. I could tell she was at work and shouldn’t have picked up...but she did. For me. As if I mattered enough to bend the rules for. God knew I’d bend any rule for her, even though I’d never been much for rules.
“Hey. Sorry to bother you at work. But I was hoping you’d stop by Jake’s tonight. I wanted to see you.” That was not what I expected to say. Not what I planned to say. It was the truth, but I didn’t think I was going to blurt it out like that.
The immediate response was silence.
A breath whooshed over the line. “Yeah. I can do that. I’d like to do that.”
I couldn’t hold in my grin or my little-kid excitement. “Awesome. I’ll be waiting.”
“’Kay. See you soon, Dixon.” She paused, and then said, “I’m looking forward to seeing you, too.”
After I pressed the button to end the call, I turned around and came face-to-face with Jake. With a shit-eating grin on his face and his hands clasped in front of him like a schoolgirl.
“Oh, Cora, I can’t wait to see you!” he singsonged, ducking out of my reach when I moved to push him away. He burst into laughter. “Now maybe you’ll stop being a grouch. Seems I remember you were a happy dude for a day or two after the last time you two were together, and then you got all cranky by the end of the week. You must need a dose of Cora every other day or something.”
“Yeah, yeah. Keep it up. Just remember, turnabout is fair play. I seem to recall you acting like an idiot last week whenever Shayla was around.” I looked around for the redhead. “Maybe you need a little TLC so you’re not so cranky, too.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Jake stepped back. “Anyway, we’re talking about you, not me. You deserve a little happiness, and I’m glad you’re trying to find it. What are you and Cora going to do tonight?”
“Not much. At least, I don’t have any plans. I just want to see her. Hang out. I was going to ask her to go with me to the Trunk again next weekend. I’ve got some projects I’m working on, and I need some more reclaimed material.”
“Well, I’m sure she’ll be happy to spend time with you, but geez, make an effort, man. ‘Hang out’ is the best you can do? Maybe you should consider a real date...you know, picking her up, flowers, a nice restaurant...”
“What? Your place isn’t nice enough?” I laughed. “Cora isn’t fancy. She doesn’t care about restaurants where there’s a waiter for each course or a wine snob who tells you what to drink with your meal.”
“You sure?” Jake gave me a skeptical look. “She kinda is from money, you know. Maybe a beer here is fine once in a while, but maybe she likes her high-end life, too.”
“I’ll think about it. But a beer here tonight is fine. We’re still getting to know each other.” Jake had a point. Maybe a guy who had itchy feet like mine, with no bankroll behind him, had no right to get involved with someone from her world. I snorted. If I had money, I’d be called eccentric for having lived in so many places, always wandering around the country. But without money? Just another broke-ass working-class guy.
My mind wandered back to how well we were getting to know each other...in the personal, physical sense. And that trumped any thoughts of her bank balance compared to mine. Now I could only count the minutes until she walked through the door.
Until then, I scrolled through my phone and checked out some sites I’d found earlier in the week. I was coming up with new ideas for projects every day: tables, mantels, bookshelves, cabinets. Everywhere I looked, I found something I could re-use, re-purpose, and create a whole new, cool item. I lacked space to store any real supply of materials, though...not to mention money. But little things, not quite as big as my secret project for Cora, might be achievable. I’d found a local sawmill that had odds and ends pieces. If I had some slabs of tree trunks, they’d be perfect for creating unique wall clocks. I could have assorted sizes and tree species, ready to be hung on someone’s wall. Hell, I’d even seen projects that used scrap wood pieces, like plant stands or shadow boxes.
I was engrossed in looking at specs on a project when the scent of spring floated near. My heart sped up, and I looked up into gorgeous green eyes.
“Hey, Dixon. What’s got you so intrigued? I almost thought you wouldn’t notice me.” Cora dropped her purse on the bar and leaned over to give me a kiss on the cheek.
“Oh, I’m pretty sure I’d notice you, no matter what’s on the screen.” I smiled. I liked that she’d kissed me hello, but I wanted to taste her lips, feel her in my arms. A little peck on the cheek was a tease. I stood from my chair and put my arms around her. That electric charge zinged, and I pulled her closer. My soul seemed to settle and when our lips met, the sweetness that was all Cora flowed over me.
“That’s a nice hello.” Cora pulled back and beamed. “And just what I needed. That, and maybe some dinner. Or dessert.” She gave me a wink and sat.
If I hadn’t been distracted by thoughts of Cora earlier, I sure as hell was now. But that growing urge had to wait—at least a little while. Jake’s words about taking Cora somewhere nicer than his bar had sunk in. Where could I take her on my limited budget that would still be somewhere amazing? I couldn’t do a champagne-and-caviar kind of place, but there might be an option for some dazzling views.
“Well, what do you think about a change in venue? Jake can pack us up some dinner and we’ll take it on the road.” There was still some daylight left, and it wasn’t too cold. The perfect place for a dinner and alone time with Cora had popped into my head. It’d been forever since I’d been there, but I couldn’t think of a better place to do a little stargazing later on.
“Am I dressed okay for this adventure?” Cora glanced at her pinstripe skirt and pumps.
I couldn’t help but admire the view as I looked her over. “Well, it’s definitely not a dressy place. But I think we can make it work.” I’d need to grab a blanket or two from my room upstairs, but the bed of my truck would be the perfect place for this impromptu picnic dinner. No wet or cold ground, and no hiking out on a trail. There was a turnout on the country road that looked out over the valley.
“Then let’s do it.” Cora flagged down Jake behind the bar. “Looks like your brother here is taking me on an adventure tonight. Can we get an order to go, and I’ll have a water while we’re waiting for everything to be ready.”
Jake’s eyebrows rose. “Adventure, huh? Wonder where he got that idea.” Jake’s grin grew with every word. “Yeah. Give me about ten minutes and I’ll have the to-go boxes ready for you.” He slid a glass out to her and filled it from the bar spritzer with water before he turned to me. “How ’bout you? Something to drink?”
“Nah. I’m good. Listen, Cora, why don’t you stay here for a few minutes while I head up and get some supplies? Once I get everything in the truck and the food’s ready, we’ll head out.” I pushed the barstool back and stood. I leaned over and was surrounded by her spring scent once again. “Be right back.” After a quick kiss, I headed up to my apartment.
––––––––
ONCE WE GOT SETTLED in the truck, I headed out of the parking lot. I was more than ready to have some time with Cora, with no distractions. It sounded like a pure slice of heaven to me, something I’d never expected I’d get.
“So, really, what was so engrossing on your phone that I almost snuck up on you?”
Cora’s inquisitive tone pulled my attention from the road for a moment. She was looking right at me, green eyes focused on me, while she waited for my answer.
“Well, actually, I’ve been getting interested in some woodworking projects. And using some of the stuff I’ve seen at those remodeling jobs Ryan and I have been working at in some new ways.” I tapped my fingers along with the song playing on the radio. I tried to shove my nervousness away. I’d told Jake and Ryan about my projects, but Cora’s opinion seemed to matter more to me. Like if she thought it was a stupid idea, then maybe it was.
“Really? Like reclaimed wood and stuff like that? That’s what you needed those legs for at the Trunk, huh? What kind of project was that for? A table?”
If she only knew... “Yeah. That was my first project. It’s still not quite done...just some finishing details left. But that was a big project, and I had to borrow some space at Ryan’s parents’ warehouse to get it done. I have some smaller projects in mind, but I still need a place to store materials and tools. But I think I can keep using their space for a while longer. Besides, I don’t know what I’d do with them...how to sell them or whatever.”
“I could help you with that. Get you set up with a website or social media site, where you could list your items online and get sales or even custom requests.” Cora turned toward me. “It’d be easy to do. You might need to learn a bit about the program, but once it’s set up, you can add new items pretty quickly. Even take online payments, too.”
Her growing enthusiasm was infectious. “Yeah. That’d be great...if you had the time. I mean, I don’t know anything about it, but a website is a good idea.” And if it meant spending some more time with Cora, all the better.
I slowed the truck as we approached the turnoff for the scenic route that ran parallel to the highway. The two-lane country road had curves and turns that required more focus than the highway. But it was pretty, with the fields of spring flowers blooming and nothing but the scattered old farms along the way.
“Wow. It’s been forever since I’ve been on this road. Are we going to Rock Bridge?” The curiosity in Cora’s voice was equaled by her excitement. “We used to go here all the time when I was little. Mom would pack a lunch, and we’d find this little creek and picnic there.” Her voice turned wistful. “But we never did get Dad out here. He’d always be too busy at work. So it’d be girl time for the two of us.”
She fell silent, and I could practically hear the memories take her back to when she was a kid, spending time with her mom.
“You’re lucky you got that time with her. My mom was a single mom. I never knew my dad. She had to work two jobs and there never seemed to be time for picnics. She got to quit working when she met Jonah, but there still wasn’t time for us to just hang out. He pretty much monopolized her time.” The last words were bitter on my tongue. It’d been much worse than that. He’d been a bastard, and the reason I’d lost my mother.
Cora’s hand found mine across the seats. “I’m sorry. That must have been hard. But you got Jake as a brother when they got married, right? That had to help some.”
If it hadn’t had been for Jake, my life would have been so different. But that was hardly a terrific date-night conversation. Maybe someday I’d tell her. But not tonight.
“Yeah.” I drew a breath in and let it out in a whoosh. “Yeah, without Jake, things would have really sucked. He must have really wanted a little brother, because he put up with my shit and looked out for me, even when I was a whiny ten-year-old brat. Most thirteen-year-olds wouldn’t have put up with me and my crap.” I thought back to the times he’d defend me against his own dad, and how he’d been so considerate and helpful for my mom. “He’s a good guy.” I looked back over at Cora. “I’d tell you how awesome he is, but he’s got a big enough ego. Besides, I’d hate to pale in comparison.” I winked.
“Oh, I don’t think you’d come out too bad compared to Jake. He’s been super nice to me and Wendy, and he runs a great bar. But you’ve got the title of Cub Scout Hero, saving ladies from broken heels and twisted ankles. I’m not sure he even compares.” She waved her hand dismissively before she dropped it back in her lap.
Man, I missed that feel of her hand on mine. I thought about tugging it back, but I really did need two hands on the wheel for this last bit of the ride. Last thing I’d want to do was lose control of the truck. Losing control of a different sort popped into my head, and I pressed on the gas pedal to hurry and get to the lookout spot so I could get closer to Cora without worrying about anything.
I smiled at her. “Good to know. Anyway, we’re almost there. Did you and your mom ever use that little pullout area at the top of the hill here as a picnic spot? It’s got great views of the valley, and with the sun going down soon, we’ll get to see the stars pop out.”
“No, it was always down by the river. She liked the bubbling sound, she said. And it was always daytime. So this will be my first time at night.”
Her smile lit up her face, and it was all I could do to not get lost in the radiance.
“Well, I hope you have as much fun tonight as you did with your mom.”
She reached out and settled her hand on my leg. “I’m sure it’ll be even more special.”