Page 94 of Pitcher Perfect

“I don’t feel neglected. If anything, I feel more confident in my business because I know you understand. I know you won’t be upset if I work late or am exhausted after a long day. I know you’ll support me if I can get this restaurant thing going. Do you have any idea what a relief that is? The people I’ve dated before acted like my business was an annoyance because it prevented me from dropping everything to be at their beck and call. I don’t worry about that with you.”

“Why didn’t we have this conversation sooner? It would’ve saved me so much stress.” He pouted.

I kissed his bottom lip. “Because we weren’t ready. We needed to spend time together to trust that neither of us would freak on the other about work.”

“You’re so smart.”

“I know.”

Austin kissed me. “I’ve fallen so hard for you.”

I knew it was too soon to throw the L-word around, but the affection in his gaze told me we were heading toward that like a bullet train.

“Does this mean we’re dating or…?”

“Boyfriends?” I suggested. “Too soon?”

“Not too soon at all.” He released my hand to wrap his other arm around my waist, pulling me against him. “I’d be honored to be your boyfriend. The guys are going to tease the shit out of us. You ready for that?”

“So ready.” I kissed him.

Minutes passed as we lost ourselves to deep kisses. We didn’t pull apart until someone wolf-whistled nearby. We laughed as Austin dropped his forehead against my shoulder.

“Should we head back?” he asked.

“Yeah. Stay the night at my place? Assuming you’re willing to skip a slumber party with the B and B’s stuffed animal army.”

Austin shuddered. “I’d love to stay over.”

“And join me for brunch with my dad? If you don’t mind driving back out to Portland for wherever he wants to go.”

“I’d love to get to know your dad better.” He pulled away so I could lock up the back of the truck.

Once we settled in the cab, I drove the few blocks to get on I-84.

“Speaking of dads. You sure you’re okay turning down my dad’s offer? You don’t want to think about it for a while? It could be huge for you.”

I frowned and glanced at him. I grabbed the hand resting on his thigh. “Did you black out during the whole boyfriend conversation?”

“No, but I don’t want you to pass on opportunities because of me. I’m just saying, I would understand if you wanted to think about it.”

“I did think about it. In fact, I pulled out my mental Moleskine and made a quick pros and cons list. I’d be lying if I said there weren’t any pros. Working for your dad would be a great opportunity for me to network with giants in the industry.”

“It would,” Austin said quietly but firmly.

I love him so much.

“But it’s not the career I want. Thinking of cooking fancy food in some swanky restaurant and dealing with entitled assholes doesn’t exactly fill me with joy. I want to settle in a community where I know people, cook solid food in a restaurant where people gather for the big moments in their lives. I want a restaurant where families go for birthdays, where kids go before prom, where couples celebrate their anniversaries. I want to get to know my customers.”

“You want a refuge for cute, lost little kids in the neighborhood.”

My throat was scratchy as we crossed a bridge over the Willamette River. The sun shone on the dark-blue water and bathed downtown in a beautiful glow. “Yeah.” If I could provide a safe haven for a child like the place I’d spent so much time at as a kid, it would all be worth it.

“You’re the cherry on top,” I said. “And the guys. I want to settle in Dahlia Springs. It just feels right.”

Austin swiped his thumb back and forth across the back of my hand. “I’m glad you picked Dahlia Springs.”

“Me too. Oh!” I looked over at him. “Guess who else is moving to the area?”

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