Page 42 of Just Business

Turning to face her again, I stand there, staring at her for a few seconds. Even soaking wet and tear-streaked, she's easily the most stunning woman I’ve ever laid eyes on—will ever lay eyes on. I’m certain of it.

“Me too,” I say, huffing out a breath through my nose. “Me too.” I duck out into the rain and take the steps two at a time to my apartment.

The look on his face might be branded onto my brain forever. I hurt him. I set clear boundaries and then allowed that boundary line to move inch by inch, becoming so blurry that it was practically nonexistent. Austin never agreed to my line in the sand, and despite all my talk about remaining professional and only friends, my actions spoke volumes.

As I change into my pajamas and head to my bed, I can still feel every spot where he touched. My lips have the phantom heat of his mouth on mine, and the press of his calloused fingers against my skin still has me tingling all over. Confusion races through my thoughts. After checking the time, I decide it’s still early enough to text Josie.

I messed up.

Josie

Did you sleep with him?

Everyone noticed y’all eye fucking all night at the bar. Liam bet me $50 y'all would. Please tell me you didn’t so I can rub it in his face.

No, but god I wanted to. We kissed and I’d have let it go further. But I freaked out and ruined everything.

Honey managed to get outside. I was scared something would happen to her and that’d be yet another thing I’ve lost. It’s like it hit me all of a sudden that I’d rather have nothing than lose him when he goes.

Josie

Have you even asked him what his plans are, though?

He plans to record and leave. He told me that on the first day here.

Josie

What if things have changed? Listen, you’re brilliant, but you're not a mind reader.

I don't know what to do.

Josie

What did I say earlier? Trust yourself.

Yeah, well, that's easier said than done.

Josie

Yep. I agree. That’s why you should do as I say and not as I do. Seriously though, TALK TO HIM. It seems like y'all keep dancing around the truth. Tell him exactly how you feel.

Should I see if he’ll come back over?

Josie

Yep. You should. You got this! I love you!

Love you, too.

I scroll down to the text thread with Austin and with shaky fingers I type out my text. My finger hovers over the send button for a second, but before I can chicken out I hit it.

I know it's getting late, but can you come back over? We need to talk.

Three dots appear, disappear, reappear, disappear. Right when I’m about to decide he won’t answer, his text pops up.

Austin

Be right there.

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