Page 18 of Unexpected Second Chance For Love

Austin allowed the smile he’d been holding back to widen. “I like you a lot, Payton Walker. And I want to date you.”

Her eyes flew wide with surprise. “Date me?”

Austin’s gut swooped as he couldn’t tell by her reaction how she was feeling. “Yes. I’ve always cared for you, and now that we’ve gotten to know each other again, I want to date you properly, not just steal kisses.”

Payton’s cheeks pinked at his reference to their kisses. Her eyes glowed with happiness as she threw her arms around his neck and leaned up to press a kiss to his mouth.

“I’ve had a crush on you forever,” she confessed. “I’m so proud of the man you’ve become and would love to be your girlfriend.”

Austin’s heart soared with her words. A thread of worry lurked behind the joy. Payton’s oldest brother wouldn’t be happy about their relationship.

“You know this isn’t going to be easy.”

Payton nodded. “I know. But we’re adults and Griffin needs to respect our decisions.”

“I’ve reached out and he wants nothing to do with me.”

Payton’s eyes glittered with determination. “Come to dinner tomorrow. Then he won’t be able to avoid you.”

“What if he doesn’t come?”

“He has to—he lives there. Just come over at six tonight and I’ll figure out the rest.”

Austin agreed although he had a very bad feeling about the plan. He just hoped he didn’t get punched in the face.

CHAPTER 8

Payton wiped her palms on her jeans as she watched out the front window for Austin’s truck. She’d taken a calculated risk and not told Griffin that Austin was coming over. She’d told Sarah and Victoria in hopes of having supporters when the inevitable fireworks started.

Sarah approached her now and put a hand on her shoulder. “It’s going to be alright.”

Payton wasn’t sure Sarah was right. While she’d been there back when Griff and Austin had their falling out, she’d been more focused on the fact that Griffin was going away to college and leaving her behind. She hadn’t really considered the events that led to the feud.

“I hope so. Griffin needs to understand that I’m a grown woman and need to make my own choices.”

“He’ll come around in time.”

“I’m not changing my mind. I’m dating Austin.”

As if summoned by her thoughts, his truck rounded the corner onto their street and Payton’s heart skipped a beat. It was time to show Griffin that she had grown up.

Sarah set a gentle hand on her arm. “Just remember that Griffin loves you.”

Payton nodded and watched her sister in law walk away, leaving her a few moments to gather her thoughts. Rather than waiting for Austin to ring the bell and raise Griffin’s suspicions too soon, she opened the door just as Austin’s boot hit the porch.

His face lit up in surprise and joy which boosted Payton’s confidence. No matter Griffin’s reaction, she wasn’t facing him alone. If things worked out the way she hoped, she’d always have Austin by her side.

“Hey, gorgeous.” He leaned down to kiss her mouth quickly. “I missed you.”

“It’s only been a day, Austin.” Payton playfully tapped his shoulder but was secretly pleased with the flirting.

She’d never dreamed that her teenage crush would become her boyfriend one day. At one time, she’d longed for this, but when he moved away that hope had been dashed. Until now.

Austin took a deep breath then tugged her hand into his. “Let’s do this.”

His eyes crinkled with worry, telling Payton she wasn’t the only one nervous about how the next few minutes.

Payton led him through the living area, into the kitchen, which was empty. A glance in the backyard confirmed that the family had moved outside, to gather around the grill where Owen had burgers cooking. The smoke rose off the grill as her brothers laughed over a shared joke. Sarah and Victoria sipped their wine a few feet away, in quiet conversation.

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