care of that tomorrow if possible,” Travis said.
“No, it’s fine. It’s freezing in the mornings, but by noon it’s warmed up enough that as long as I keep my jacket on I’m good,” Libby explained.
“Libs?” Travis said, looking at her pointedly.
“Hmm?” she asked, gathering her things and walking over to him.
“My woman will not be freezing her ass off in my truck because she let my little brother take her jeep. I’m fixing the heater ASAP,” Travis insisted.
“Okay. But not today. I have errands to run,” she said, chuckling. Libby leaned over and pecked his lips before walking toward the door. “There’s plenty of chili if ya’ll want more. See ya’ll later. My phone will be on.”
Once she’d closed the door behind herself, Travis grinned at Roman. “You see that? She kissed me goodbye and didn’t even realize she was doing it. She keeps telling me she needs time, and she needs space. And I’m giving it to her because Lord knows I deserve being put off as long as she wants. But she’s also needing me near, and she’s pulling me closer and closer. She didn’t even give me that challenge of a glare when I called her my woman.”
“I see it. I’m happy for you, Travis. I’m happy for both of ya’ll,” Roman said, smiling genuinely.
“Thanks,” Travis said, taking the last bite of his lunch. “Still can’t believe how lucky I am to have a chance with Libby. She should have shut me out a long time ago.”
Roman nodded. “You better not blow it this time.”
“I’m not,” Travis answered. Then he really looked at Roman. On the surface he looked like the same old Roman, but there was a sadness hanging about him. He realized that Roman had stopped looking at his phone as much as he used to. In fact, he’d not even taken it out to check it once today. Which to Travis meant that maybe he was stepping back from his mate. “You know, if she’s really your mate, no matter what happens, you’ll find your way to one another. Even if one of you is a complete jackass, like I’ve been,” Travis said.
Roman nodded again. “Maybe,” he answered.
“You heard from her?”
“I think so,” Roman said.
“What do you mean?” Travis asked, not expecting that answer at all.
Roman shrugged. “I got this,” he said, taking his phone out of his pocket and swiping the screen to turn it on. Then he pressed a couple of buttons and handed it to Travis.
Travis took the phone from him and looked down at the screen. He looked up again, his brows brought over his eyes, a crease between those brows. “Is this her number?”
“No. I’m not sure what number it is,” Roman said.
Travis looked down at the message again. ‘Don’t give up on me. I’ll be in touch when I can. Please don’t call this number or come after me, it’ll cause trouble if you do. T.’
“What are you going to do?” Travis asked.
“Mulling it over. According to that if I go after her or try to call, she’ll be in trouble. Can’t help thinking if I don’t go after her, she’s already in trouble. I don’t know what to do,” Roman admitted.
“When did you get that?” Travis asked.
“Last night, late,” Roman said.
“When you decide what to do, you let me know. If you need help, I’m there,” Travis said.
“Naw, man. You’re just beginning to get in the right place with your own mate. Your brother needs you here for the holidays. Been a long time since you were right with them. I can handle whatever it is,” Roman said.
“You can’t go alone, you may need someone to watch your back,” Travis said.
“I’ll work it out. Not even sure what I’m going to do yet,” Roman said.
“Alright,” Travis said, noticing Roman looking off away from him, which was a telltale sign that Roman wanted to change the subject. “I’m going to have some more chili, before we get on that fence outside. Want some?” Travis asked.
“Yeah, I’ll take a little more if there’s enough,” Roman said, handing his bowl to Travis.
“You know what?” Travis asked. “She’s got enough cookies and brownies in there to choke a horse. We can have a couple, I think.”
“She got any of that banana bread in there?” Roman asked.
“Yes, she does. She made some loaves that she sliced up, and some tiny little bundt cakes with frosting drizzled on them. Which you want?”
“The ones with the frosting,” Roman said.
“Coming right up!” Travis answered.
~~~
Later that