Page 54 of Love on Tour
“Thinking about texting Austin.”
Julianna grinned and nodded. “It’s about time.”
“He’s with Phoebe, and maybe that will make the stalker leave me alone, right?”
“Only one way to find out,” Julianna said, pointing to Christine’s cell phone.
Christine sighed and texted Austin.Hey. What’s up?
A return text came through in less than thirty seconds.Chrissy. Is my exile over?He ended with a smiley face emoji.
She shook her head and put the phone down. “I can’t do this, Julianna. My stomach is in knots.”
Her phone chimed again.Don’t ignore me. You know it’s not possible. Six weeks is enough.
“Seriously, Christine? You’re going to wimp out?” Julianna came around her desk and read the texts with her.
The next one said,Christine! Answer me, damn it.
“He’s not playing now,” Julianna said. “He called you Christine. And he’s using exclamation points. Guys don’t use those.”
“I know.”
I just finished a meeting down the road and am about to be outside your office. We’re going to lunch,Austin texted.
She replied,What? No, we aren’t.
He texted back,Yes, we are. Get your sweet ass out here.
Sweet ass? He’d never used that one before.
“Have I mentioned that I am beginning to adore Austin Garrett?” Julianna asked.
Another text came from Austin:I swear, Chrissy. I will walk in there and fireman-carry you out to my truck.
You couldn’t lift me,she texted back.
Don’t bet on it.
Christine sighed. Maybe six weeks was enough. She typed,Then come and get me!
Julianna cheered.
When Austin walked into the office a moment later, Christine stood.
“Chrissy!”
She couldn’t help but smile.
His eyes sparkled and his body practically bounced up and down. He was like a big kid.
She was just about to hug him when he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. She screamed, hitting his back with her palms.
“Austin. What the hell are you doing?”
“Proving my point.”
Julianna clapped and slapped Austin lightly on the back.
