Page 44 of Just Business

I nod, and he scoots closer, taking my face in his hands and lowering his mouth to mine. Earlier this evening, our kiss was frantic, electricity in every sweep of our tongues. This time, his lips brush mine, soft and sweet.

“We need sleep,” he whispers when he pulls back, his hand still cradling my face.

“We do,” I whisper back.

“I'll be honest with you right now. I don’t wanna leave you, and a big part of me wishes you’d ask me to stay. But that's not what we need. If I plan on dating you, I’m taking it slow. You deserve that.” His words melt my insides like warm butter.

When we reach the door, Austin turns to me, and we stand for a minute, eyes locked. Then he lowers his head and gives me one more soft kiss.

“See you in the morning, Penn.” Then he heads into the rain that has slowed to a drizzle.

Today is Austin's last day in the studio, and everything about it has felt bittersweet. We've listened multiple times to what we've recorded, and everyone has agreed this is his best album yet. These last two weeks have had their ups and downs, but it’s like my dad always said, the river guides the songs.

Austin also seems to be in a better mood than he’s been the last few days. I’ve seen the gradual shift as he’s become more relaxed and less on edge. Today he seems to be in a good headspace and things have wrapped up easily. We’ve just focused on the last couple of songs that needed one more run-through. But what happens next is in his hands. He hasn't yet decided what he wants to do with these songs, and a lot of that depends on what he legally can do since he's still under contract with his label.

Despite the bittersweet feeling I’ve had today, I’m excited about what the next couple weeks hold for us. I’m looking forward to what Austin has planned for our first date, but also absolutely terrified. Cautious optimism is what I've set my mind to while I work to trust that what's happening between us is a good thing. There’s still a lot we have to learn about each other, which is why dating sounds like the perfect plan. That's what normal people do to get to know each other, right?

Greg’s voice yanks me from my thoughts back to the current discussion happening around me.

“Penny girl! Where'd you go over there?” He must realize I didn’t hear anything that was going on because he repeats himself. “I was telling the guys I think we’ve about wrapped up everything we can. Can’t think of any boxes we haven’t checked, can you?”

Tilting my head, I go through my mental checklist and come up empty. “No, I really can’t,” I reply.

“All right, well, Lisa and I decided we need to celebrate. How about Sunday everyone comes over? We’ll hang out by the pool and I’ll grill.” Liam lets out a loud whoop and we all agree to the plan and start packing up the studio.

Austin sidles up next to me while everyone is distracted. He’s tapping his thigh with one hand and scratching the back of his neck with the other. “So, I’ve been researching places to take you. Would you wanna go to the drive-in movies with me tonight? We can take pillows and blankets and lift the hatch on the van.”

This man. The thought of him planning everything out gives me warm fuzzies all over. “That sounds amazing.”

“Yeah?” he asks, his shoulders sagging with relief.

“Yeah. Wait, did you think I’d say no? Dating was my idea, remember? Other than you deciding the place, I basically made these plans,” I tease. “What time should I expect you?”

“It’s a double feature. The first one starts at eight. So, what about seven? That’ll give us time to find a good spot and get some food.” Looking down at my phone screen, I see it’s four o’clock. There’s still time for a power nap. We stayed up way too late last night, and I’ll need it for a double-feature movie.

“I think I’ll go take a nap, but I’ll be ready to go at seven. See you then.” I lean over and give him a peck on the cheek.

“See ya then, Penn.”

I walk to my house, leaving Austin and the guys to close up the studio. Kicking off my shoes at the door, I head to my room and set my phone timer for thirty minutes. Honey hops up beside me, and I’m sound asleep no sooner than my head hits the pillow.

* * *

I take great care getting ready for tonight, exfoliating every inch of my body and shaving my legs two times to ensure maximum smoothness. After drying off, I apply my favorite scented lotion and get to work drying my hair. After Austin’s reaction last night to my dress I opt for another one, so I remove my bathrobe and slip the dress over my head.

A knock sounds at my side door, and even though I’ve seen him every night for two weeks, my pulse quickens. I’m overcome with jitters like this is an actual proper first date.

When I swing open the door, he’s standing holding out a bouquet of sunflowers wrapped in brown paper. My chest squeezes at this thoughtful gesture. He hands them to me, and I wave him inside.

“Austin, I love these! You didn’t cut them down from my garden, did you?” I narrow my eyes at him, teasing.

“Nope. Olivia at the florists fixed them up for me. She told me to tell you she hopes we have a great date.” Olivia rivals Henry for top gossip of Singing River, and I’m imagining how quickly word will spread around town. She’s sweet as can be, but the girl loves a juicy story.

Once I’ve arranged the flowers in a vase, I look up to take Austin in. He’s wearing a cornflower blue button down that brings out the blue of his irises, with the sleeves rolled exposing his distracting forearms. I know I only saw him a couple of hours ago but something looks slightly different, and I can't quite put my finger on it. I cock my head and he must realize what I’m doing because he turns his head to the side.

"You let Henry cut your hair!" I gasp, reaching out to run my fingers through his fresh trim. Then, the realization that Henry and Olivia both know about this date hits me. I bet the entire town already knows. No turning back now.

"Sure did. He didn't do half bad. Also let him shape up my beard,” he says, running his knuckles back and forth across his jaw.

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