Coming off the wall, Tate walked around the counter and wrapped her up in his arms from behind.

“Hey,” she said, startled, “I didn’t know you were back.”

“I sneaked up on you, didn’t I?” he asked as she smiled.

“Yeah, I’m glad you did too,” she said, moving her hands over his, “but I lost track of time, I wanted to be ready when you got back.”

“It’s okay, baby, what I got planned for us doesn’t start until three, you have time,” he informed her, kissing along her neck, “I have to run out for a few, okay?”

“Where to? I’ll only be a few.”

Tate scoffed, “Yeah right, you’ll be at least an hour.”

She smiled sheepishly as she nodded, “Yeah, so? I gotta look good for my man.”

Tate shook his head, kissing her lips, “You always look good, I’ll be back okay?”

“Okay.” Audrey kissed him once more before closing up her computer. He knew he had a good hour until she would be ready for the surprise date he had planned and he knew just how to use that hour.

And it involved Fallon Brooks.

Since he had a purpose, he was able to get into the truck and drive off with only a few hiccups. He was getting better, or at least he thought he was. Who knew? He only drove when he had too, and it still took him a few times to get into the truck, but at least he didn’t want to run back into the house anymore. Pulling into Rocky Top Wines, Tate parked and made his way out of the truck. Tucking his hands in his pockets, he ran into the warmth that the building offered him. It was uncommonly cold this January; Tate was learning that with Tennessee you just go with the weather. Nothing was set in stone when it came to weather in this state.

Tate rode the elevator up to Fallon’s floor, and then walked down the hall to where a man in a yellow suit was grinning at him. He looked behind him to see if the guy was smiling at someone else, but Tate was the only one in the hall. He wasn’t sure if he should smile or run, so instead he said, “Hey, I’m looking for Fallon Brooks.”

The guy smiled, “She’s right in there, but before I let you go by, aren’t you Audrey’s boyfriend?”

Tate nodded, a real smile coming over his face at the mention of Audrey’s name, “I am. Tate Odder,” he said holding out his hand.

The guy took it, shaking it softly and Tate couldn’t help but notice the guy’s hand was softer than his. “Rob Slater, I have been Fallon’s assistant for over seven years, so I feel like I’m Audrey’s older brother.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Tate said with a nod.

“You too. You’re way hotter in person. Audrey did good, very good,” he said with a flourish of his hand. Rob then winked at Tate before throwing Fallon’s door open, “Tate Odder is here to see you, and may I say, our girl did very good!”

When Tate saw Fallon’s face, he didn’t think she agreed. She stood up, looking classy and polished, in a form fitting grey suit as her large hands gripped her hips. “Tate, I wasn’t expecting you.” And she didn’t look happy to see him either.

“Yeah, we need to talk,” Tate said sternly as they both glanced back at Rob.

“Okay, and that’s my cue to leave,” Rob said as he quickly left the room, shutting the door with a slam.

Fallon didn’t sit back down, and she didn’t offer Tate a seat either as he held her gaze, “What do we need to talk about?” she asked with her glossy red lips pursed.

“I know you have a problem with me and instead of taking it out on Audrey, why don’t you come to me?”

Fallon narrowed her eyes, biting down on her lip as if she were choosing her words. Finally she asked, “Audrey sent you?”

“No, she doesn’t even know I’m here. This is between you and me, and we need to get this taken care of because you, Lucas, and Aiden are like a family to me. Ever since I said what I said, Lucas has been treating me different and I guess you have been on Audrey about dumping me.”

Fallon nodded slowly as she lowered herself in her chair, “You’re the first guy to come ready to fight me. Usually all Audrey’s guys stand in the background and don’t care what I have to say.”

Tate nodded, “I’m not like those guys. I love Audrey.”

“Is that right?”

“Yes,” he said taking a step towards her desk, “yeah, I messed up trying to talk to my friends about my issue. But, Fallon, I have no one but my friends and Audrey to talk to. I never meant to hurt her, and you know I am a good guy. It was a big mistake on my part because those feelings I was feeling didn’t even have just cause. I was confused, and I really didn’t think it out.”

“So you don’t want children,” she said with her eyes narrowed.

“Yes, I want children, but I want Audrey more. She is my everything, Fallon, you know that. I’ve told you that, and I’m not going to let you try to tear us apart.”

“If I don’t feel that you are going to make her happy, I’ll do what I need to do to make sure she is happy,” she said. “I am her sister. I am her blood. She has given her life for me, and I will do the same for her. I don’t know what game you’re playing but it would be best if you just walk away now.”

Tate put his hand up, confusion on his face, “What game, Fallon? There is no game. I made a mistake, I promise you, I am not going to hurt her. Audrey believes me, why can’t you trust her?”