Page 82 of Love on Tour
“It’s too weird, Austin. She’s kind of my friend.”
“I’m your friend,” he said, still trailing kisses across her face, landing on her ear.
It took every ounce of resolve she had, but Christine knew she couldn’t have sex with Austin if she was ever going to have a chance with Matt. Her body was on fire, throbbing, wanting to have sex right that minute.It had been so long.She sighed and pulled away.
“We can’t. We have to show respect to our friends,” she said.
“What friends?”
“Phoebe.”
“That’s one friend. Singular. And she’s probably getting laid as we speak. I told you, we aren’t exclusive. What other friend are you talking about?”
Christine needed to think fast. She couldn’t say Matt. “Um, Julianna, of course. She and Phoebe are very close, and this would put her in the middle of us. That’s not fair.”
Austin stopped. “I want you.”
“In this moment, I want you, too. But when the moment passes, I think we’ll regret it.”
“I won’t.”
“Okay, I think I’ll regret it.”
Austin stepped back. “Damn you, woman. You are unlike anyone I know.”
“Is that good or bad?”
“Usually, it’s good. Right now, not so much.” He smiled toshow her he wasn’t angry. “I’m going to take a cold shower.” He hugged her, and she lightly kissed his cheek.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t ever apologize for telling a guy no when you don’t want to do something. And if he doesn’t listen, kick him in the nuts. Even me.” He grabbed a towel and walked into the bathroom.
Christine stood in shock. She’d never told Austin her high school story. His words further validated that she’d done the right thing that night. She liked hearing that Austin had so much respect for women. Further proof that not all guys were like Bryan. Christine left the dressing room wondering what was wrong with her that she’d pass that up. One day, she’d either get a chance with Matt and be glad she’d said no to Austin or she’d forever regret turning him down. She prayed it was the former.
AFTER NIAGARA FALLS, THEYplayed to a packed house in Toronto and then made their way to Ottawa. Matt and Christine were standing by the buses discussing the day’s logistics. Matt now depended on her to be his right hand. As much as she enjoyed song plugging, road life brought a different level of excitement. Christine loved hearing the songs come to life onstage and watching the audience react by singing every word to every song. And the screams of appreciation as each song ended were so loud you could barely hear the next song starting. No wonder artists lived for these moments. It was a high no drug could offer.
Christine wore a parka, knitted cap, scarf, and gloves. She was bundled up from head to toe trying to stay warm.
“How do I know it’s you in there?” Matt asked, lightly pulling on her hood.
“I’m not one of those cool chicks who can wear barely any clothes in subzero temperatures and seem fine. I’d rather be warm than cute.”
“Stupid chicks, if you ask me. And you are cute,” Matt said. He rubbed his hands up and down her arms. She trembled. “Am I making you colder? That was supposed to help warm you up.”
“Oh, you definitely warm me up. I mean, warmed me up.”
“I’m okay with both.”
Christine looked into his eyes. They were having a moment. Or at least she was. Christine usually focused on Matt’s mouth, finding eye contact too personal. She was afraid he’d see how much she wanted him. Then again, staring at his mouth made her want to kiss it.
A commotion near the security gate at the top of the driveway brought her attention to two women in skintight clothing with tiny jackets and little scarves.
“See? Tell me they aren’t freezing,” Christine said, breaking eye contact.
One of the women was gesticulating wildly and flashing a laminate.
“God, what now?” Matt said. “Come on. Let’s go see what’s up.”
