“I don’t believe it,” he said. “This conversation is over.”
Audrey wasn’t sure where her courage came from, but she knew if she didn’t pursue this now, she probably never would. Having Tate there to support her probably made all the difference. If he believed in her, how could she not believe in herself?
Taking a step toward her father, she said, “No, it’s not. I have more to say. I love you, Daddy. I do. But I hate Rocky Top. I’m not Fallon. I don’t breathe wine. I breathe cupcakes. I want my own place. I want to make people happy with my little creations, and I want to be happy too.”
William looked away and inhaled a lung-filling breath, letting it out in a whoosh.
“Don’t you want me to be happy, Daddy?”
“Of course I do, Audrey Jane, but I want you to succeed, and I don’t feel this is a successful business venture.”
Audrey stood tall, shaking her head. “That may be your opinion, but I’ll show you. I will succeed.”
William met her rebellious stare and shook his head. “You’re going to do it, aren’t you? Against my wishes, and against my business knowledge and experience. You’re still going to pursue this insane idea.”
She nodded, a grin pulling at her lips. She had never been so sure of anything in her life. Everything was falling in place. She had the guy, the home, the closet, and now all she needed was the career. She had worked so hard for her father over the years, and even though she hated Rocky Top, she didn’t regret those years. They would only help when she did what she had always dreamed of, but she was done with Rocky Top. She’d always stood back, let things happen, like Fallon said. Well, not today. Today she was going to do something to better herself.
Glancing up at Tate, who smiled and nodded as he squeezed her hand, Audrey smiled back. Then she looked at each of her family members, seeing their supportive faces before meeting her father’s angry glare. Even if there was a chance he might be right, she knew she was doing the right thing.
“Yup, I quit, Daddy. I’m gonna follow my dreams.”
Audrey lay on her stomach, naked and spent, cuddling into her pillow as Tate crawled back into bed. He lay across her back, moving one arm around her waist and his other beneath her head as she smiled. He was heavy, but she didn’t care. She loved the way he wanted to be near her, as close as he could. When he moved his legs with hers, tangling them as he pressed himself into her bottom, she let out a sigh.
She could lay like this forever with him.
She felt great, amazing, loved, and never before had she felt so free. She didn’t know when she woke up that morning, she would be quitting her job, but man, she was happy she did. Her father on the other hand was another story. But Audrey was happy and that was all that mattered! Tate moved his nose along her temple, dusting kisses as he held her tight.
“I am so proud of you, love.”
Audrey smiled. “Thank you, I’m proud of myself.”
Tate nodded, placing more kisses down her cheek. “Fallon told me I’d better watch out; she was going to steal me and keep me for herself.”
Audrey giggled. “I’ll cut that bitch.” Tate’s laughter shook her body as she laughed along with him. When her laughter subsided, she said, “No, really, she can’t have you. You’re all mine.”
“Am I now?”
“Yup, sorry buddy, my heart’s invested here.”