chapter Twenty-Three
Emily
I’d just changed into pajamas when I heard a knock on the door. I wanted it to be Jake even though I knew it couldn’t be. I really wished he had his license. Mel had just left so it couldn’t be her. I had no idea who would be at my apartment so late.
“Who is it?” I called tentatively. The door was double locked so no one was getting in without my permission.
“It’s me, Em,” a deep voice answered.
“Austen?”
“Yeah. I thought I’d surprise you. Can I come in?”
I unlocked the door and he walked inside, closing and locking the door behind him.
“What are you doing here?”
“I was in town and thought I’d stop by to visit.” He took off his jacket and looked for a place to put it.
I took his jacket and put it on one of the hooks. “At ten o’clock at night?”
“I just got in. I left right after work.”
“Oh. Okay.”
I went over to the couch assuming he’d follow.
He didn’t. Instead, he walked around. “You’ve got a cute place here.” As he started to head down the hall to the bedrooms, I stopped him.
“Noah’s sleeping.”
“I figured. I’m just looking.”
“Could you just sit? You’re making me nervous.”
He smiled. “Nervous? Why does it make you nervous?” As he spoke, he walked over and took a seat.
“I feel like you’re judging me or something.”
“I said it was cute. Is that judgmental?”
“It’s the way you said it.”
“Am I making you uncomfortable, Em?”
I wrapped my arms around my chest, wishing I’d thrown a sweatshirt on over my tank top. At least I was wearing pants and not shorts.
“It’s just a little late for a visit.”
“It’s just me. You’re acting like I’m a stranger.”
“I wouldn’t have let a stranger in.”
He put an arm behind him on the couch. “I’d hope not.”
“What brought you to town?”
“Remember when I saw you in August I mentioned a job opportunity?”
“Yes.” How could I forget? That was the night he let me know he was interested in me.
“I have an interview tomorrow.”
“Oh. That’s great.”
“Is it? Would you like it if I moved here?”
“It would be nice to have another friend around.”
He grabbed my hand. My first instinct was to pull it away, but I didn’t. “You’re with that guy, aren’t you?”
I nodded. “Yeah. We worked it out.”
“Are you sure he’s good enough for you?”
I laughed dryly. “Good enough for me? Because the bar is set so high?”
“Hey. You only deserve the best.” He squeezed my hand.
“I’m in love with him.”
“Yeah? That’s great then.” The expression on his face didn’t match his words.
“Do you really mean it?”
“Yes. I already told you I’m interested, but I’m not going to pressure you. I just want to know you’re being taken care of.”
“That’s big of you.”
“I’m a big guy, Em.”
I laughed. Austen was big. Over six foot three big. But then again, Jake was over six foot himself. “Where are you staying?”
“I’ve got a hotel if that’s what you’re asking. He’s not here though, is he?”
“No. He lives about a half hour away.”
“What’s his name?”
“Jake.”
Austen leaned back into the couch. “What does he do?”
“He works in his family’s marina business, and he coaches the high school football team.”
“Seriously? He coaches high school football?”
“Yeah. Is that so surprising?”
He shrugged. “I guess not. What school is it?”
“Clayton Falls High. Why?”
“Just wondering.” He shifted and looked right at me. “Your parents don’t know about him.” It was a statement, not a question.
“You’ve been talking to my mom?”
“Yeah. I stop by from time to time.”
“Oh. Well, I didn’t want to get her worked up. I’ll talk to her about him eventually.” I was actually planning to call her the next night. It just took me awhile to build up the nerve, since I knew she’d tell my dad.
“Worked up? If you love the guy, what’s to get worked up about?” He closed his eyes like he was so tired he couldn’t keep them open. He squeezed my hand again. I pulled my hand from his.
He opened his eyes and looked taken aback. “Does that really bother you?”
“I have a boyfriend.”
“I’m well aware. That is what we’re discussing.”
“You’re not my brother, Austen.”
“I’m well aware of that too. Very well aware.”
“Then stop asking questions.”
“Fine. I can tell you’re not comfortable with me here but I’d love to see Noah. Maybe dinner tomorrow night?”
“I’m working until seven.”
“Then lunch the next day?” He got up and leaned down to kiss me on the forehead.
I nodded.
“Good night, Em.”
I locked up as he walked out, wishing I knew how to deal with him.