Page 153 of Perfect Pitch

Mitch:

He’s cackling.

Austyn:

Take note, Mama’s my hero.

Mitch:

So noted. Hey, Beats?

Austyn:

Yes?

Mitch:

You look remarkable. I wish I was by your side.

There were a few minutes where she disappeared from view on the camera. Then, I get a text.

Austyn:

Next time.

Mitch:

I’ll hold you to it. Love you.

Austyn:

I love you. See you tomorrow.

Having seen Paige off to Connecticut, I’m on my way to meet up with the team in California. I drift to sleep with a smile lifting the edges of my lips, wondering what kind of reception I’ll receive from Austyn once we’re at her father’s place.

* * *

I needn’t have wondered.

As Kane’s about to begin briefing me on the goings on since I left Texas, we’re interrupted by the best sound in the world. Austyn yells my name as she thunders down the stairs. “Mitch!”

It’s as if there’s been years instead of days separating us.

Right after I shoulder open the front door and greet Kane, I’m catching her in my arms as she hurls herself at me. I lift her and swing her around and around. Grinning at her obvious excitement, I press a quick kiss against her lips. “Hey.”

“You’re here!” Her enthusiasm is palpable.

Kane jerks his head to indicate he’s headed into the kitchen. I interpret his silent communication to mean that whatever he needs to catch me up on can wait. Austyn can’t.

I greatly appreciate the privacy, especially when Austyn grabs my cheeks and peppers kisses all over them. She beams up at me. “I missed you.”

“I missed you more, Beats.” Lowering her to her feet, I brush my nose against hers, inhaling her scent. Absorbing the way her body feels molded against mine.

The overnight bag I hadn’t yet dropped falls to the floor with a thunk, enabling me to pull her tighter against my frame. “Before we move an inch, I have something to tell you.”

She leans back in my arms. “What’s that?”

I try to align my thoughts. “Being here with you, knowing there’s nothing that lies between us, means everything.”

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