“Not deliberately,” he said. “But I had reason to believe you knew it was coming from me that you’d say no. I learned about the pending sale on the unit at the very last minute. With time being an issue, I thought you might want to make an unbiased decision.”
I narrowed my gaze. “Don’t you think that’s a little deceptive?”
“I eventually knew you would find out. I wanted to be the one to tell you, but word gets around quickly.”
“You have a lot of say in what the firm does then?”
“I kind of make decisions at an arms-length for Zyken. I oversee things, but I don’t run it. I have other ventures to worry about too.”
“Like what? Your casinos?”
He smiled. “You’ve been doing your research.”
“You’re a busy investor.”
“So, how did you acquire a firm like Zyken?”
“It’s a joint venture between me and Sean Brooks. One of my Rugged brothers. You remember him right?”
“Yeah.” I nodded. “Really good looking. Nice teeth. Flawless brown complexion. Swimsuit model material.”
Austin chuckled. “Sounds like you remember him very well.”
“I just remember that you two were really good friends too. He has the family in Virginia, right?”
“Yep. He retired not too long ago and moved back to Atlanta though.”
“Then you both retired?”
“That’s right. I retired the season after Sean did,” he replied.
“So no more easy money right?”
“Exactly. I just do what I have to. Invest, acquire, and profit where I can.”
“You’ve done very well for yourself. If you’d told me that this is what you had in mind for the future, I probably wouldn’t have believed you.”
He frowned. “Lots of folks think I wasn’t cut out for this, you know, managing money and business and stuff, so I can understand your rational behind that.”
“I didn’t mean it that way. I remember you talked about going to work for a big car dealership, but you ended up at NASCAR instead. That decision and you leaving threw me for a loop. And everyone else you left behind.” After throwing the subtle hint to him that I was still a bit disgruntled by him bailing, I took a step back. “So…I guess I should be leaving now.”
Austin chuckled softly. “You know, I think you and I need to have that talk. I don’t think I’ve made my intentions clear. We weren’t always this formal with each other.”
I don’t know why an image of us between silken sheets came back to me at that moment, but it did. My whole entire face heated and I rubbed nervously at the back of my neck.
“Have the talk about what? When you turned your back, you made your intentions clear.”
“I made a mistake and I own up to that. I’m sorry that I was too stupid to believe that I couldn’t give you the world like you deserved,” he said.
“Austin, I never wanted the world. I was perfectly happy with what I had,” I said before I could stop myself.
He took my free hand in his and I let him. “I need your forgiveness, Valerie. No matter how hard I forced myself to believe that you weren’t meant for me, I couldn’t do it. All these years, I wanted so badly to come back to you.”
“Why didn’t you?”
He caught my gaze, making direct eye contact with me. “You were so happy with someone else.”
I swallowed. “Rick and I…we were friends. And I…”
“Look, you don’t have to explain to me why you fell in love with my best friend. It happened and now it’s over with.”
“Yes.” I looked down at my shoes. “It’s over.”
He tipped my chin upward with a gentle stroke of his fingertips. “But you can’t tell me that you weren’t happy. Finally, your dreams came true and he gave you the fairytale wedding that you’d always wanted.”
I remembered it like yesterday. What woman wouldn’t remember her very first wedding?
“The horse and carriage. Hundreds of white calla lilies. Releasing the doves and then jumping the broom.”
“How did you…?”
He diverted his gaze for a split second.
“You were there?” I asked.
He nodded.
“I…” I shook my head. “I didn’t see you.”
“I stayed through the ceremony, but left before your reception. With nearly two hundred people there and given why the ceremony was being held in the first place, I doubt you would have seen me there.” He chuckled. “It was a reminder of what I could have had with you. I needed to see that.”
“Austin, I didn’t mean for you to see that and throw it up in your face like that.”
“No?” He shrugged. “But Rick did. He sent me and invite and I decided I didn’t want to be a sore loser so I came.”
I sighed.
“It’s getting late,” he said, motioning towards the corner windows.
“Yes, I need to leave before the bus service stops.”
“Bus service?”
“My car wouldn’t start this morning. It’s the reason why I’m in here paying this loan at the eleventh hour.”
“You rode the bus here?” he asked, his eyes widening in disbelief.
“Yeah.”
“Why?”
“Because it was my only alternative. We rode the bus together all the time remember. Actually, I learned those ropes from you.” I grinned.
He smiled. “Let me take you to dinner.”
I shook my head and raised my arms. “Look at me. I’ve been dressed in my work clothes since this morning and I look a mess.”
“No, you don’t. You look perfect.”
“Austin…?”
“It doesn’t have to be anywhere formal. What about the Sub Shop? That’s still your favorite, right?”
“It is, but can I take a rain check? Not only do I look a mess, despite what you say, I’m so very tired.”
“Sure. I wish you had called me. I would’ve taken care of everything.”
“But I don’t do handouts, remember?” I teased.
“Right? So where’s your car now?”
“At my apartment. It wouldn’t start and I probably won’t figure out what’s wrong with it until this weekend when I can get it to the shop.”
“I can have my mechanic look at it for you. They’ll also tow it for free.”
“I…”
Austin held up his hand. “I insist. What’s your address?”
Reluctantly, I gave Austin my address and make and model of my vehicle and within fifteen minutes he’d already confirmed that a mechanic would tow it to a shop to diagnose the issue.
“Now since you’ve turned me down once again for a date, why don’t I give you a ride home?” he asked. “Can I at least do that?”
“I’m not exactly dressed to ride on a motorcycle,” I said.
“All of my bikes are in storage at the moment. I’ve been driving a rental around town while I’m here.”
“Just promise to drive within the speed limits.”
“I think I can do that.”
After Austin locked up the office, we took the elevators down to the parking garage level to get to his car. As soon as I slid inside the BMW and onto the leather seats, I was wrapped up in Austin’s scent, which was a mixture of cologne, and his underlying signature scent. I would never forget it. The aroma reminded me of a mixture of sandalwood and freshly cut grass. It also brought back a lot of memories of me feeling safe and secure in his arms.
“Ready to go home?” He buckled his seatbelt and then plugged my address into his GPS navigator.
“Yeah. I think I’ll crash as soon as I reach the bed.”
“For the record, if you need any help, all you have to do is ask me.” He put the car in reverse and backed out of the reserved parking space.
“You’ve done enough to help me. I forgave you a long time ago and there wasn’t anything to forgive. We both moved on.”
It took him less time to rea
ch my apartment complex than it did it was taking the bus. And just under fifteen minutes later, he was in front of my unit.
My car was gone when I got there.
“Wow,” I exclaimed. “That was quick.”
Austin smiled. “I pay my guy very well. You should receive a call from him in the morning.”
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure.”
He maneuvered the BMW into a parking space, turned off the engine, and then got out to walk me to my front door.
“So, do you live alone?” he asked just as we reached my door.
I nodded. “Yeah, ever since Rick and I separated, I’ve been on my own.”
“And your parents?”
“They both retired a few months after the wedding. They moved to their vacation home in Charleston and they haven’t returned since. Of course, they offered me to come stay with them for a while to get through the hard times, but I think I just need some time to myself.”
“Understood. As long as you’re safe.”
“I’m fine, really.”
“And income-wise?”
“I’m fine,” I said, picking at the ends of my dress.
“You haven’t changed, have you?” he asked softly.
“Is that a rhetorical question?”
“When you lie, you bite your bottom lip first,” he said.
“I’m not lying. I’m not living the lifestyle that I used to, but I’m fine with what I have.”
“I want to help you get back on your feet, just like you helped me when you showed me what love was all about.”
I turned slightly in my seat. “But don’t you see my issue with this? If you cared anything about love, you would’ve never left me to wonder what I did to turn you away.”
“Valerie, I left because your parents begged me to leave you alone.”
My mouth parted and my breath rushed quickly from my lungs. “What?”
“Your parents. They said they had big plans for you and didn’t want homeless trash dating their daughter.”
“No.” I shook my head. “My mom would never say that.”
“She didn’t, but she was there when your dad told me this. I’m sure your mom would’ve expressed herself differently, but I could tell she felt the same.”
“When did this happen?”
“About a week before I got signed on with the team.”
I pressed my fingers to my lips. “I remember. We hadn’t seen much of each other that week. My aunt had just flown down from New York to show me what she learned at the design school in Paris.”
“Yes, you were well on your way to becoming your own boss just like you’ve always wanted.”
“Why didn’t you just say something?”
“Because I believed them.”
I sighed. “Are you serious?”
“Come on, Valerie.” He held up his arms. “I was a mess back then. You were turned down an internship with one of the best seamstresses in the city because she saw us together and she knew I was a criminal.”
I pressed my lips together knowing this was the truth.
He continued, “I could never forgive myself for being the person who ruined that opportunity for you.”
“You didn’t ruin it for me.”
“In the letter, the reason for denial began with ‘due to your involvement with a convicted criminal…’” he said. “Have you forgotten?”
“Maybe she turned me down just because I wasn’t cut out for that work yet and she just needed a reason to do it.”
“No, Valerie. It was clear why you were denying a spot in her school. My uncle or me had never been welcome in this town. I don’t know why he stayed other than the fact that he had a guaranteed job down at the car shop.”
“You’ve always wanted to leave. I get that, but we were supposed to leave together,” I said.
“If I couldn’t forgive myself for being the reason you were denied something, do you think I could live with myself if I continued being the reason you couldn’t advance. Valerie, I had a record. Burglary. Breaking and entering. Assault. I was a criminal.”
“Was. And I don’t even know that I’d call you a criminal. You did what you had to do to survive. I would’ve done it too. You were barely an adult. What choice did you have if the crimes were committed when you were a minor with your adult uncle guiding you?”
“You’re right. I did what I had to do, but I knew right from wrong then and I understood what I was doing was against the law.”
My head began to throb and I pressed my fingers to my temples.
“You okay?” he asked, slipping his hand around my waist.
“Yeah, it’s just been a long day.”
“Then you should go in and get some rest.”
I retrieved my keys for my handbag and opened my front door. “Thanks again. For everything.”
“I’ll catch you later.”
I paused before escaping inside and did something I didn’t give much thought too. I took his hands and then drew him close to me for a hug. He embraced me back and I could’ve simply melted in his arms. I pulled away to catch a familiar lop-sided grin on his face. I realized how much I missed him.
“It’s good to see you again,” I said.
“Ditto. I hope we’ll be seeing more of each other.”
I smiled. “Dinner would be nice.”
“Is that a yes then to a dinner date with me?”
“You can pick me up at six-thirty tomorrow since I don’t have a car,” I told him.
“I love it when you’re demanding.”
I blushed. “Good night, Austin.”
“G’night, Valerie.”
5
Austin rang my doorbell five minutes early. I had just slipped into my shoes when he arrived, so I had no time to sit idle, which was a good thing. All day at work, I couldn’t help but anticipate my date with the ex who ran away with my heart. But I swore to myself that I wouldn’t be vulnerable again. He was only human, just like me. I’d forgiven him, but I’d never give my heart to another like that again.
“Hi,” I said, after swinging the door open.
He stood there in black slacks and a collared blue shirt. His hair was groomed well. It suited him, but I’d always preferred the just-out-of-bed look on him. This classier version of him had me smiling, but under the layers of maturity, I knew the real Austin was deep down inside. The bad boy who gave no shits and did whatever he wanted. The alpha male that had brought out the fun, adventurous side in me all those years ago.
“Damn, you look amazing,” he said.
“Thanks. You clean up nice yourself, too.”
“Glad you like it. Ready?”
I nodded.
He held out his hand, pulling me outside with him. There was no going back or changing my mind at the last minute. After all these years, finally I could talk to Austin again—in person.
Once inside his BMW, I thanked him for having my car serviced.
“They brought my car up to the dress shop right after lunch. Apparently, I needed a new battery. I’m glad that was all. I don’t think I could afford a major repair right now,” I said. “Speaking of…how much do I owe you?”
He glanced over at me. “This date.”
I laughed. “Fine.”
Less than a half hour later, we pulled up in front of Veleros Italian Bistro and Grill, an intimate restaurant just outside the city. I had been here before, but only on special occasion. The five-star service they were known for was very intimate and the food prices were sky high.
The greeter came out behind the podium to welcome us inside. “Do you have a reservation,” he asked.
“No I don’t. I need a table for two?”
“Sir, we’re only open for reservations. Without reservations-” A younger woman tapped the greeter on the shoulder and whispered something in his ear. “Oh!” He then laughed. “Why didn’t you say anything? Right this way, Mr. Clark.”
“How did you do that?” I whisper
ed to Austin.
“Do what?”
“You know…get us a table without reservation.”
“I’m part owner. This is my first time eating here though.”
Austin pulled out my seat for me and I sat down.
Seconds after the greeter made sure the seating was okay with Austin, the waiter arrived at their table and placed a couple of menus on the table. Moments later she came back with glasses of water and took our drink orders.
I picked up the menu and skimmed the dishes.
“Strange,” I said. “But I don’t remember you owning this restaurant.”
“The deal happened months ago.”
“Deal?”
After taking a few sips of his water, Austin sat back in his chair.
“About a year and a half before I retired, I knew I wanted to still earn money. Not necessarily work, but gain profits. So, I started investing in my own business venture early. I’m an angel investor.”
“An angel what?”
“I invest in different companies. Mostly start-ups, but occasionally I’ll take on seasoned businesses looking to expand. Owners and inventors seek capital they don’t have and I provide the funds. My return on investment either comes in the form of a loan or ownership stake in the business.”
“Oh…” I nodded. “Things are starting to make sense now.”
“I thought they would once you gave me the time of day to explain,” he said.
The waiter came back at the moment with our glass of water and bottle of wine and empty wine glasses. We watched as the waiter popped the cork on the bottle and first filled Austin’s glass and then mine. “Are you ready to order, Mr. Clark?”
Austin looked at me.
“Any suggestions,” I asked. “I’m not picky.
“I’ve heard the five course meal for two is popular,” Austin said. “We can get a variety and share, if you like.”
We confirmed our selections and the waiter took the menus away. While sipping on white and enjoying some appetizers, we made small talk about our work lives. I learned more about how Austin had earned the bulk of his money outside of racing by investing. He’d been so busy during competition season that he’d hardly had a chance to enjoy and indulge.
Without Limits: Austin (Rugged Riders Book 4) Page 3
