Page 44 of Thinking It Over

“Nope, you really don’t,” Davis said. “You’ll find out Saturday when you meet the guy.”

Awkwardness was a slippery, wily thing. It settled over me.

“Oh. Uhm, I’m sure I’ll get a chance to meet him at some point,” Austin added quickly, and I side-eyed him, really hoping he wasn’t offended and truly understood the situation. He’d said he did, but it didn’t stop me from feeling a bit weird about him not being my date.

Confusion flittered across Davis’s face.

I clarified, “Ian’s coming to the wedding with me.” I was sure I’d told him that. He knew Ian, and they got on well.

Bobbing his head, the confusion remained on his features. “Yeah, he’s traveling over Friday, right?”

“Yes. I think he’s eager to get away from the city and have some downtime as well as celebrate your big day.” It was Davis and Scott who’d first introduced me to Ian, and they were aware of what good friends we were.

“And you’re coming too, right?” Davis asked Austin.

Austin’s eyes widened a little, and he shot a glance to me. “Well, no.”

“Why not? You two are together, right? That’s what everyone has been telling me.” He smiled at that, and I could just imagine how the rumor mill was going wild.

I stepped in, needing to cut through the awkwardness. “Ian was my plus one. I wasn’t exactly going to ditch him.”

“Please.” Davis shook his head, emphasizing the word, his tone indicating I was dense. “Ian was never a plus one. He was always coming.”

I laughed. “Fair point, but it wasn’t like I was going to sneak Austin in to gate-crash.”

“I think my gatecrashing days are long over.” Austin’s words were light. A glance in his direction reassured me he was taking all of this in his stride.

“Okay,” Davis said, and I was sure he was holding back an eye roll. “The wedding is super casual. There’s no sit-down meal, no named seating plan. Just a bunch of family and friends celebrating me hooking the best man I know. And I’d love you to come and make Jasper’s night that little bit happier with you being there with him.”

Taking Austin’s hand in mine, I squeezed and looked in his direction, my smile bright. “Any plans Saturday night?”

“A date with you would be amazing.” He turned his attention to Davis. “That’s really kind, thank you. I’d love to celebrate with you.”

“Awesome. That’s settled.” Back on his feet, Davis said, “Your mom’s shift ended five minutes ago. She’s going to start telling everyone I’m a slave driver if I don’tcover her.” A sparkle lit his eyes. “I’ll see you both on the big day.”

Once he’d left, I focused fully on the man at my side. “I’m sorry if we blindsided you.”

He was shaking his head before I’d finished. “Not at all. I’m happy to come. Any time spent with you, I appreciate.” The sincerity in his voice caressed my skin, leaving a heated trail in its path.

“Is it odd if I ask you to stay over, considering I’m living with Mom?” Internally I cringed with the question. Austin was a professional, closer to my mom’s age than mine, which I deliberately avoided overthinking, and had an air of sophistication to him I wasn’t sure I’d ever have.

But his warm “I’d love to stay,” told me all I needed to know about him. He was the man for me.

I searched his eyes, becoming lost in his gaze. It was the clearing of his throat and him starting to stand that dragged me out. Wide-eyed, I glanced around, realizing Mom had arrived.

She stood to the side, her eyes firmly on Austin. A shot of nervousness hit me, taking me by surprise. While I was so very certain of my feelings for the man, I loved my mom and hoped she saw what a good guy he was and how right we were for each other.

“Hey, Mom.” My greeting pulled her gaze to me. “Good shift?” I didn’t release Austin’s hand as I leaned into her, giving her a one-armed hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“Busy, but really great, thank you, honey.” Tenderness settled in her words, easing my building anxiety.

“That’s good to hear.” I swallowed quickly before saying, “I’d like for you to meet Austin.”

Extending his hand to Mom, Austin appeared calm. “It’s lovely to finally meet you, Mrs. Taylor.”

Not pulling my attention away from my mom, I watched ridiculously carefully. Truth was, I’d never brought a man home to meet Mom before. There was never anyone who I considered for the long term. Not until I’d met the gorgeous man whose hand I worried I was gripping too tightly.

When a smile showed Mom’s teeth, I exhaled a quiet, steady breath. That smile was real. “You too, Austin. And please call me Sarah.”

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