Page 34 of The Charm of You

My shoulders slump as I turn toward the stage, where my ride home momentarily distracts me with the way he plucks the strings on his guitar like a pro. His fingers are thick and skilled.

His fingers were hot on my lower back just moments ago.

Sweat beads along the nape of my neck as I lose myself in his performance. His forearm flexes with each chord, and the muscles blink at me like they have a wicked secret. His Adam’s apple bobs as each note cuts through every conversation happening around me, his voice like whiskey down my throat.

Was his performance this sensual before?

“I think you could use a drink.”

Blinking, I turn to find Richie next to me. “Huh?”

“What’re you drinking?” he asks, leaning an arm on the table.

I steal another glimpse of Austin as the last note soars from his guitar, and I lick my lips. “That’s very kind, but I’m okay. I, um… I actually need to make a call,” I tell Richie.

There’s less of a crowd now, so it’s easier to move through it as I make a beeline for the door, my phone gripped tightly in my hand.

Outside, the breeze nips at my skin, but it’s nothing compared to the cold snaps in New York. This is comfortable, if I weren’t so hot and bothered by a certain confusingly charming brute.

Shaking my head, I tap my screen to call Mama. “Is everything all right?”

“Yes, dear!” she chirps, perfectly steady and unconcerned. “Are you on your way?”

“Almost. Just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

“I’m fine. Are you having a wonderful time?”

“Um, sure.” I spin in a half circle and release a breath.

“Marvelous. See you when you get home.”

She ends the call without another word. If she wants me to hurry, it’s not because of any emergency, that’s for sure. So, I trudge back inside for the final song and wait for Austin, doing my best to hold my ovaries together.

What has gotten into me tonight? I’ve been committed to pretending I’m the same ole Caroline Summers as before I left, but I’m not.

I have a boyfriend, I think.

A life in New York, although it’s currently muddled.

Manners.

I’m a freaking lady—one who doesn’t wish to make out with relative strangers in a crowded bar while her boyfriend is waiting for an answer to his proposal.

I’m a monster.

I’m downright evil for leaning in when I thought Austin might kiss me.

Then again, there’s a good chance I’m reading too much into his intentions. Austin probably didn’t want to kiss me. How could he? He’s shown nothing but distaste toward me since I arrived. Kissing me is the last thing on his mind.

But as his attention from the stage falls on me again, unwavering and more intense than ever, I’m not so sure I’m that far off.

And my stomach rolls with a mix of excitement and guilt.

chapter

ten

CAROLINE

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