Page 183 of Game Night: Truth or Dare

A chuckle escapes at the look of astonishment on Austin’s face. “Not exactly. We wanted somewhere close enough to get back to the city if we wanted, but far enough away that it felt like a fresh start. Arch and I had both saved up some money, and we’d been working on a business plan for a restaurant and bar. It was simply a matter of doing research to find the best place. We gathered data and did some analysis, and Blue Point ticked all the right boxes. The boom hadn’t hit yet, but there were positive projections for the area. Anyway, the stars aligned, we found the old building at a good price, and before we knew it, Archie and I were Blue Point’s newest residents.”

“You’re a good friend, moving for Archie,” Austin says. “He’s lucky to have you.”

I shrug. “I like to think so.”

“So what now?” Austin asks. “Now you’ve made the business a success do you have plans to leave someone else to manage it?”

“What? Why would I do that?”

“Well, you’ve always said your goal was to make was to make Azure a success. I always assumed that meant you’d move on to the next big project once this one was done.”

“To be honest, the thought hadn’t even crossed my mind.” I huff a laugh. “Shit! When did I stop dreaming of anything beyond the life I’ve built in Blue Point? But you know what? I’m happy here and I’m going to enjoy every minute, even if I have to work every hour under the sun to make sure Azure keeps ticking along.”

Austin’s smile lights up his face. “Happiness. That’s the most important thing. But I don’t think there’s any doubt about Azure—your hard work has paid off, and you’ve built something to be proud of.”

It’s amazing how much his belief in me affects me. He makes me think I can reach for the stars.

“What about you? The tour business is amazing, but is there anything else you want to do?” I ask, curious about his aspirations and goals.

Austin looks out at the water, seemingly lost in thought for a moment before responding. “I love my job, and I love Blue Point. I’ve built up a business to be proud of and every day is an adventure. I’ve been toying with the idea of branching out into water sports activities, especially since the local equipment hire business is on the market, but nothing concrete yet.”

“Well, if you do decide to take on the additional challenge, I’m sure you’ll be just as successful with that as you are with the tours.” I truly mean it. Austin is amazing with his customers. Many of them come into the bar for a drink after a day on the sea with Austin and can’t stop singing his praises, and Kat says he’s an awesome boss.

“Sounds like Blue Point is stuck with us both then,” Austin says, and my chest swells with warmth.

His hand brushes mine and I want to tell him how much I like the idea of sticking around, of making a future.

“Austin, I—”

“Got ya!”

I nearly jump out of my skin as a pair of hands land on my shoulders.

“What the fuck?” Austin pulls away from me, as Ross and Jamie laugh from behind.

“Oi! What are you two lovebirds up to?” Ross grins.

“Nothing. We were just chatting,” I say as we stand. I glance at Austin, who doesn’t look too pleased by our friends’ sudden appearance.

“Come on, you’ve both got to join us at the pub,” Ross says, slinging an arm around each of our shoulders. He seems oblivious to the fact that he’s interrupted a personal conversation. Thankfully.

“Actually, Henry and I were in the middle of something,” Austin protests. “Raincheck?”

I’m surprised, but pleased he’d rather just hang with me.

“C’mon guys,” Ross pleads. “It’s bad enough that Alex and Vi have gotten together. Can you believe they’ve gone on a date? We singles need to stick together.”

“You just hate change,” Jamie says, giving Ross a nudge.

“It’s not the same with them paired off. The gang’s breaking up.” Ross gives an exaggerated pout and Jamie laughs.

“You’ll be right, mate,” he says before looking at us. “But seriously, guys, we need you for pool. You wouldn’t leave me alone with this joker, would you?”

It’s clear they won’t take no for an answer, so we find ourselves trailing after the pair of them back towards the pier.

As we make our way towards the tavern with Ross and Jamie joking along the way, I can’t help but steal glances at Austin. Is this fate intervening, saving me from making a fool of myself, or have I just lost an opportunity to open up about my feelings? But it’s only been just over a week since Austin and I first got together, so surely it’d be rushing things. Ross’s comments about Alex and Violet ring in my ears. Maybe we’re best to see where things go between us before rocking the boat.

Austin catches me looking at him and shrugs before offering a small, almost apologetic smile. It’s as if he’s trying to tell me that, while our conversation may have been cut short, it isn’t necessarily over.

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