“Relax? Really? You basically stood there and mocked my personal system about how I handle my books—my books—and then you prance around here half-naked in hopes of getting your way? Seriously?”
Austin immediately released her and took a moment to think about what exactly was going on. She had to know he wasn’t serious about pushing her to read the book so…he glanced down at himself and wondered why his state of undress was freaking her out.
Like seriously…why?
Maybe something else was going on, but he didn’t feel like pushing her on it so it was better for him to just go. Mia was standing by the glass doors and staring out at the beach and seemed lost in thought, so Austin figured he’d go get dressed and give her the space she needed to deal with whatever it was she was dealing with.
He hated it but…they had been spending a lot of time together and maybe it was all too much for her.
Or maybe asking her to go to a family event with him freaked her out.
Or maybe he should have just stuck to his original thoughts on his life and how nothing good ever happened to him.
And Mia was good.
Possibly the best thing that ever happened to him.
Either way, his presence was upsetting her and he didn’t want to spend the night walking on eggshells. Within minutes, he was dressed and then picked up his stuff and straightened the bathroom. When he walked back into the living room, Mia was standing exactly where he’d left her. It would be easy to storm out and make a big production of it, but what good would that do? Instead, he walked over and placed a soft kiss on her shoulder. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow, beautiful.”
Turning her head, she looked at him. “You’re leaving?”
“Yeah,” he said softly, afraid to spook her at this point.
“But…why?” And the thing was, she seemed thoroughly confused, and now he was torn between lying to her about why he was leaving or starting a fight about why he was leaving.
Decisions…decisions…
“It just seemed like you wanted me to go, so…”
For the third time in the last thirty minutes, Mia hung her head and shook it. When she looked up at him, she definitely looked…embarrassed? Ashamed? Austin couldn’t quite say with any certainty, but her confession said it all.
“I’m sorry,” she said quietly. “I didn’t think it was a big deal when I started writing the story, but once I admitted it to you out loud, I was horrified at myself. I mean…it was an awful thing to do!” She stepped away and began pacing around the room. “I have never had anyone or anything inspire a book like that, and I realize I was in such a hateful state of mind to do such a thing and then to tell you about it…gah!”
“Mia, it’s really not a big deal…”
“But it is to me!” she cried. “Don’t you get it? That’s not the kind of person I am! I don’t do hate, Austin! I’m fairly quiet and mild-mannered and something about you—even before I saw you—makes me act like someone I don’t even recognize! You bring all these emotions—strong emotions—to the surface and it freaks me out!”
Ah…now they were getting somewhere…
She sat down on one of the sofas and Austin walked over and joined her. “Mia, the last thing I want is to make you uncomfortable. And if I’ve done anything to make you feel pressured or like I’m forcing you to…”
“It’s not you, Austin; it’s me. You haven’t done anything wrong. If anything, you’re just who you are and I guess I’m not used to it.”
“Well how could you be? We just met a month ago.”
Rolling her eyes, she let out a long breath. “That’s not what I meant.” Turning, she faced him. “I grew up around a lot of…reserved personalities. No one spoke loudly or laughed too heartily. I was taught to sit quietly and listen and not draw too much attention to myself.”
All he could do was nod.
“Then I come here to Magnolia and suddenly I’m feeling things I never felt before—anger and rage, at first. And yes, it was all directed at you,” she added bashfully. “But then I met you and I started having other feelings that I didn’t know how to handle. You make me feel sexy and bold; you make me laugh and make me leave my comfort zone and these are good things. I’ve loved everything we’ve done together.” Blushing, she added, “Especially the sexy stuff.”
Taking her hand in his, he kissed her palm.
“No one’s ever been…privy, for lack of a better word, to my writing. And I guess it was just one more thing that freaked me out. The fact that you were not only the inspiration but…you were right here, talking about it and asking to read it. And then laughing…”
“I really am sorry about that,” he quickly interjected. “I had no idea…”
“No, it’s okay. The issue is mine and I completely overreacted.”
“Can we both just agree that we were wrong?” he asked, her hand still in his. “And for what it’s worth, I would never force you to let me read what you’ve written, Mia. Ever. I swear.”
She visibly relaxed. “Deep down, I know that. I’m just very…protective…of my work. It freaks me out to even let Jillian read it, and she’s my editor!”
“I get that.”
“You’re far too agreeable, Austin.”
“What do you want me to say? I think what you do is amazing and to know I inspired something that you’re writing? Yeah, that’s pretty damn cool.”
“You realize it was to kill you, right?”
He laughed softly and kissed her palm again. “Still don’t care.”
This time, she laughed. “Weirdo.”
“And proud of it.”
They sat in companionable silence for a moment, but he had one more thing he had to ask. Even if it meant she would throw him out.
“Can I ask you something?”
Looking up at him, she nodded.
“I get being mad at me for laughing, but…what was all that about the way I dressed?”
Mia groaned and slowly pulled her hand from his. “Just…forget it. I was ranting and being stupid.”
“Yeah, I don’t really believe that, Mia. Come on. Tell me.”
“It really is ridiculous…”
“Then I promise not to laugh.”
“Ugh…you’re not going to let this go, are you?”
“Nope.”
She huffed a little but eventually explained it to him. “It’s like I said earlier, you’re just who you are and I’m not used to it.” She paused. “Again, reserved upbringing. No one walked around in any state of undress and you just…basically you’re almost always in a state of undress.”
Then he felt a little self-conscious. Was he really being that offensive without realizing it? He was about to apologize when she started talking again.
“And the thing is, you have every right to walk around like that. Hell, you should be able to walk around wearing whatever the heck you like. But you have to know it’s not something I’m used to and then when I look at you…well…you’re very distracting, Austin! You walk around and you’re all muscly and most of the time you’re sweaty and dirty and I shouldn’t find it so damn attractive, but…I do! And earlier we were having what I thought was a serious conversation, and you were just prancing around in a towel! Do you have any idea how hard it was to stay focused?”
“Okay, first of all, I don’t prance. That’s just ridiculous.”
And that was all it took to break the tension. Before he knew it, Mia was straddling his lap and resting her forehead against his. “And now I’m disappointed that you got dressed because…believe it or not…I was really enjoying watching you in that towel.”
A million thoughts raced through his mind, but he didn’t want to make a fool out of himself.
“That can easily be remedied.”
“Ooh…I like where this is going,” she hummed, kissing his cheek.
Carefully, he stood with her in his arms and made his way back to the bedroom. “How about you join me in the shower this time an
d then I promise to walk around…”
“Prance. You definitely prance. And preen.”
Now it was his turn to roll his eyes. “Says you. But after the shower, I promise to…be here in the house and wear the towel for as long as you like. Or as little.”
“Deal.”
8
“Do I look okay?”
“You look beautiful.”
Mia glanced down at herself and frowned. Her wardrobe was seriously lacking, mainly because she had packed for this writing retreat for comfort. Sure, she had a few dressier outfits thrown in, but dressing for a child’s birthday party was trickier to navigate.
“Maybe we should go home and I’ll change into something more casual. I have a few pairs of jeans with me. I can put on a pair of them and it will only take like five minutes.”
Austin glanced at her as he continued driving toward his cousin’s house. “You need to relax. What you’re wearing is fine. You know I love these dresses on you.”
“Austin…”
“Are you going commando under there?” he asked, but before she could answer, he said, “You know what? Don’t tell me. I want to be surprised later.”
Unable to help herself, she laughed, and it was exactly what she needed. She had no idea why she was so nervous. It wasn’t like she was going to be around a bunch of strangers. Most of the people at the party she had met at Sydney and Kyle’s wedding, plus she’d already met Austin’s mother. This shouldn’t be a big deal.
But for some reason, it felt like a big deal.
Like a really big deal.
In the past, Mia had never gotten to a point in any relationship where she met her boyfriend’s family. It didn’t seem odd at the time, but now that this was happening, maybe it was.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Have you ever brought a girl to a family event before?”
Austin didn’t look at her but she could tell he was thinking about his answer.
“If I say no, is it going to freak you out more than you’re already freaking out?”
“I don’t know. Maybe.”
He nodded. “Look, I lived here my whole life and if I ever did bring a girl to a family thing, it was back in high school so it really didn’t count. After I left for college, I didn’t bring anyone with me when I came home. And in the last few years that I was living in Baltimore, I came home only for weddings and funerals and never brought anyone home for them.” He paused. “If you’re this uncomfortable, I’m not going to force you to go, Mia. I thought you were okay with it—especially since Sydney was going to be there.”
“I’m over-thinking this. I know,” she said quickly. “And I’m sorry. I just never…met the family before.”
“Well, considering we just met…”
She groaned. “Again, not what I meant.” Laughing, she shook her head. “I meant I never dated a guy and then…met his family, so this is a little new to me.”
Reaching over, Austin took one of her hands in his and gently squeezed it. “Well, it’s new for me too, but I’m looking forward to showing you off.”
Eyes wide, she let out another laugh. “Oh, really? Showing me off?”
“Hell yeah. I’ve got the most beautiful woman in the world with me and she’s crazy talented and famous. I can tell you this; no one else there has written anything that is being turned into a movie.” Then he paused and looked over at her. “But if you don’t want me bringing it up, I can keep my mouth shut. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”
How was it possible that the man she originally thought was so inconsiderate and awful was really the least selfish person she’d ever met and also the sweetest? And what had she done for him? She killed him in a book.
Ugh…I’m the worst…
“I’ll be fine. Like I said, I’m over-thinking it. As soon as we get there, I know it’s all going to be okay and we’re going to have a great time. Considering I’ve met a lot of the people already, I really should just relax.”
“If you’re sure…”
“I am. Sorry.”
He kissed her hand. “Stop apologizing and consider this to be one more exercise in taking you out of your comfort zone. Have I let you down yet?”
“No…”
“If at any point you want to leave, just say the word. It’s not like I’m overly excited about doing this. I mean, I love my family and I’m excited for Mason and Scarlett and how psyched they are to celebrate their son’s birthday, but…hanging out at a kid’s birthday party isn’t really my idea of a fun way to spend the day.”
She nodded. “I don’t think I’ve been to a child’s birthday party since I was a kid.”
“Really?”
Another nod. “I’m an only child and both of my parents are only children so…I don’t have any cousins that I know of.” She shrugged. “Like I’ve told you before, I was always around adults. I don’t even know what I’d do around a child.”
“What about Sydney’s niece? You said you hung out with her.”
“Haley’s thirteen and I didn’t meet her until a year ago. I know I didn’t particularly view her as a child and she certainly didn’t consider herself to be one,” she said with amusement.
“I get that. What about babies? Do they freak you out?”
“I never said kids freak me out…”
“No, I know. I was just curious if you’ve been around babies.”
“Wouldn’t that be the same as being around kids?”
All he did was glance at her with a patient smile, and she knew she was simply splitting hairs for no reason.
“Two of my girlfriends back home recently had babies. I went to the hospital to see them, but that was about it.”
“So you didn’t hold them or go see them once they were home?”
She shook her head. “My life has been a little crazy this past year. And now that you said it, I feel bad because I haven’t been a better friend…I should call and apologize to them.”
“Oh, my gosh, Mia, enough!” he said loudly, and she froze. Austin pulled the car over to the side of the road and put in in park before turning to face her. “What is it with you, huh? How is it that everything I say or ask somehow makes you feel bad about yourself or ready to apologize?”
“Um…”
“How can you not realize how freaking awesome you are?” he demanded. “You’re this incredibly intelligent, talented, successful, and beautiful woman! Own that shit! Everyone who meets you knows it. Why don’t you?”
“Um…”
“And you know what? There is nothing wrong with not being there for everything for everybody. Hell, today you’ll see multiple married couples, pregnant couples, and couples with new babies and you know what? I haven’t been around to celebrate any of it! Sure, I came home for some weddings, but basically I knew nothing about their relationship other than what I learned at the wedding. No one holds it against me and I wouldn’t hold it against them either because we all have lives and we all get busy!”
Okay, she totally understood what he was trying to say, but it didn’t mean she couldn’t feel bad about missing out on important events—which is what she told him.
“There’s nothing wrong with feeling bad about missing things, Austin. It’s not crippling me or killing my relationships, but sometimes I wish I remembered to put a little more effort into my friendships.”
“Anyone complaining to you about it?”
“No, but…”
He let out a long breath. “I just feel like you put a lot of pressure on yourself and I hate seeing you do that.”
“Yeah, well…it’s one of the perks of growing up as a gifted child,” she murmured and then immediately cursed herself for saying it out loud. It was one thing to think it; it was quite another to talk about it.
“Gifted child? You mean because you were so smart?”
This was the last thing she wanted to talk about.
“Austin…we’re going to
be late. Can’t we talk about this later?”
Or never?
He stared at her hard for a long moment before he finally relented. “Fine, but…promise me you’re going to lighten up on yourself.”
All she could do was nod. It was hard to let go of a lifetime of pressure just because he said so. And the thing was, it really didn’t faze her much anymore. It was just the way she thought. It never occurred to her to think any other way. There were expectations and she worked hard to meet them whether it was work or personal, friends or family. But…maybe today she could try to just relax a bit and enjoy herself. No one here was going to expect anything specific of her, and she had no doubt that if she told Sydney about this conversation, she’d take Austin’s side.
Best not to tell Sydney then…
Austin pulled away from the curb and five minutes later they were pulling up to a beautiful home on the water—but on the sound rather than the ocean. “Wow,” Mia said as she climbed from the car. “This house is amazing!”
“Yeah, Mason had it built a couple of years ago. This was the property our great-grandfather left to him,” Austin explained. “Fortunately, he also had the kind of money to build a house like this because he’s a Bishop.” There was a hint of resentment there, but she opted not to comment on it. Smiling, he held out his hand to her. “Wait until you see the view out back.”
They started to walk and Mia couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “Seriously? We have a pretty fantastic view from the back of our houses.”
“Yeah, I know. But we don’t actually live there. They’re not our houses. Mason and Scarlett get to wake up to this every day. I’m a little bummed that I didn’t get to design this place for them. Or live here,” he added with a wink.
“You could always move back and build yourself something like this.”
The soft snort told her he didn’t agree and she let it go. They walked around to the back of the house and she stopped in her tracks because…wow. Mia knew she was in love with the view she had of the ocean, but this was more tranquil and beautiful. It certainly wouldn’t be a hardship waking up to this every day and it had her seriously reconsidering her stance on living in the city.
The Way the Story Goes Page 12
