It is true J, and I have been busy lately and have not had time to spend time together like we usually do.
“I tell you what if you want to spend some quality time together tonight I am in. But, you have to get rid of blondie.” I do not care what J does in his private life as long as he is happy, but it ceases to be private when he brings them here.
With a deep sigh J responds, “I will do what I can, but Ry she came down with me for the weekend.” She came down with him for the weekend. That is strange. J never spends more than one night with most girls, and he never travels with them.
I push those curious thoughts out of my head, leash Boss up, and head out the door. As I exit, I holler back to my brother, “Text me later and maybe we can figure something out.”
When Boss and I step into the driveway, Austin hops out and comes around to open my door. He is such a gentleman who said chivalry is dead.
“Hey best friend,” I say jokingly, “Do you mind if Boss hangs with us, he was kicked out by a half-dressed intruder.” The confused look on Austin’s face is adorable making my heart dance.
“No, I mean yeah sure he can come, I like the big man, but you will have to explain how he was kicked out.”
He takes Boss’s leash and guides him up into the middle of the front seat, I can’t believe how stunningly beautiful he is. His strong jaw and angular features are highlighted by the subtle five-o'clock shadow giving him a bad boy meets boy next-door look. I climb in beside Boss with excitement and reply, “Deal!” I cannot wait to get an outsider’s opinion on that train wreck.
As we pull into Austin’s driveway I turn to find about 20 pizzas sitting in his back seat. Nodding in that direction and expressing my curiosity, “That might be a bit more food than you and I can eat, don’t you think.”
With a half-smile he explains, “I got extra for all the delivery men and movers who have spent the morning working.”
Who is the guy who catches dogs, bandages strangers, and feeds the workmen? One thing is for sure, there is more to Austin Black than meets the eye. I don’t know whether I should run screaming from him to preserve my abstinence or throw it out the window and take him right here. “That is an incredibly sweet thing to do Austin. I will get Boss in the house and come help you.”
Chapter 6
It has been nearly six weeks since Austin practically forced me to be his friend, and I am glad he did. As I lay here in bed on a Saturday morning, I cannot believe how much Austin has changed my world. I no longer spend all my free time at work and I find myself enjoying life. It is all thanks to him; I know.
It is a tad early to be getting up, but I can notice Boss is anxious to go outside so I carefully slide out of my king sized bed trying to keep from waking my sleeping friend. After a marathon of comedies on Netflix last night, Austin crashed here. Somehow, sleepovers have become our norm on the weekends.
Before stepping into my bathroom, I catch myself starring at Austin’s gorgeous face as he sleeps and wonder, “Would it be so bad to take the chance of falling in love with someone who already makes me happy.”
He has made it clear he would like us to be more, but he never pushes the issue. I guess I figure he will eventually change his mind just like Ryan.
I tip toe into my bathroom, relieve nature’s call, brush my teeth, and throw my hair up into a ponytail before changing into my yoga pants and a t-shirt. I glance through the door to find Austin still fast asleep and my heart rates increases at the breathtaking sight. With my mind and heart in disagreement I head downstairs with Boss in tow.
I stop in the kitchen and start some coffee for Austin, grab a can of Monster for me, and head to the patio. As I look out the French doors, I see the sun is beginning to rise so I grab my favorite blanket and decide to snuggle up on the outdoor couch to watch the sunrise while Boss takes care of business.
After about twenty minutes snuggled up outside I am almost asleep when the patio door opens. Turning around, I expect to find Austin even though it is still early, and he likes to sleep in when he can. However, to my surprise I discover J standing there with an unreadable look on his face.
“Hey J, what brings you here at this hour?”
With what looks like a combination of anger and shock on his face he stares at me for a moment, “Care to explain why I found Austin Black in your bed.” Oh shit!
“He and I are friends J, no big deal.” J stalks towards me before taking a seat on the other end of the sofa.
I never told Jeremy that Austin was the new friend I spend all of my time with. Considering that he is only here occasionally I didn't see it as important. And truthfully I didn't want to answer the questions surrounding my friendship with one of the country's most eligible bachelors.
I know Jeremy will support any decision I make. Hell he would be ecstatic to know I have not written off the opposite sex completely. Although I have managed to keep my relationship with Austin platonic thus far, it has taken a serious amount of willpower.
“What is wrong Jeremy? I am a grown woman. I can be friends with anyone I want.” I find myself angry and defensive because I cannot tell what J is thinking. He clearly has not been to bed. His eyes are cloudy and the dark circles tell the rest of the story.
“Oh baby girl, I don’t care who you are friends with I just don’t want you to get hurt.” The way he says the word friends is laced with sarcasm and I can tell he does not believe Austin and I are only friends. I cannot say as I blame him since he did find the sleeping god in my bed. Heaven knows that does not scream platonic.
He looks at me with his signature green eyes full of love and it nearly makes me cry. “I know J but honestly we are only friends. I refuse to date. You know that.”
After a moment I begin to wonder, “J, what were you doing in my bedroom anyway?”
He lets out a hearty chuckle, “Well I hadn’t planned on climbing in bed with Austin Black, that’s for sure.”
My eyes go wide with shock, “Oh my god you didn’t, does he, I mean did he wake up.” My mind races through the various scenarios of my brother climbing into bed with Austin before I lose my composure and begin laughing.
“Oh, he is awake and let me say I don’t imagine that meeting could have been more awkward,” he begins laughing too.
“Well, I guess you have a good locker room story now.”
With that statement, J’s laughter subsides merely to be replaced by agitation, “No Rylee, this story will go no further.” I didn’t mean to make J mad I was just making light of the situation but now my curiosity is piqued. What happened up there? Maybe Austin will enlighten me later.
“Ok J, I was messing with you. I am going to go find Austin.” I give my big bro a quick hug and head inside.
When I don’t find Austin downstairs my heart sinks and I begin to wonder if he left without saying goodbye. In case he is still upstairs, I grab his favorite coffee mug and make him a cup of coffee. He takes it black with a spoonful of sugar.
Just a spoonful of sugar, it always makes me think of the song from Mary Poppins. There is no amount of cream or sugar that could get me to drink the stuff. A spoonful of sugar might make the medicine go down but it sure as hell will not make the coffee go down, not for me anyway.
As I make my way into my bedroom I can hear the shower running and feel a flash of relief, he is still here. While waiting for Austin to finish his shower I begin making my bed pulling the yellow and black patterned comforter up and rearranging the pillows. My room is large with a bay window overlooking the front yard.
The cherry colored king size bed is in the center of the room and is flanked by two matching nightstands. I have a matching dresser on the wall opposite the bed and a large flat screen TV hung above it. The color scheme is simple black and white with a few yellow accents.
After I finish making the bed, I lay back and turn on SportsCenter while I wait for Austin. After about five minutes of watching highlights, Austin emerges from the bathroom in nothing but his paja
ma pants. He looks absolutely sinful. His broad shoulders and well-defined pectoral muscles are divine, but it is the washboard abs and perfect ‘v’ at his pelvis that makes him drool-worthy.
As he finishes towel drying his hair he looks up at me with a shy smile, I am sure he can tell I am feasting on his body. “So, I met Jeremy. Seems like a nice guy,” he says with a hint of mockery.
“I am so sorry Austin, I had no idea he was coming over. And, I am so sorry that is how you two met.” I sit there fidgeting with my hands a little nervous that Austin could be upset with me for J’s indiscretion.
As he reaches the bed, I hand him his cup of coffee which he places on the nightstand before taking my hands in his. With a soft smile, he melts my fears with his reply, “Thank you Ry, but you have nothing to be sorry for. It was awkward but it will be fine.” He shakes his head in obvious embarrassment. “Besides we have met before on the field. Now he has seen a little more that’s all,” he says with a slight blush.
He pulls me into a hug and the feeling of his chest against my face causes my heart to do a little flip. I wrap my arms around him, “Are you sure you aren’t upset, I don’t want you to be uncomfortable here.”
He squeezes me tighter before letting go and pulling my chin up so I am looking at him, “Ry, I would never be uncomfortable anywhere you are.”
Just like that, he makes me question my ongoing decision to remain in the friend zone. With the weight lifted off my shoulders, I smile in acknowledgement to hide the thoughts swirling about in my mind.
After the current airing of SportsCenter ends, Austin reminds me that we have a charity dinner tonight and asks what my plans for the day are. Ready to respond, I hear a knock on the wall, “Everyone decent in there?”
I raise my eyebrows at Austin playfully trying to convey my plans, which I think he understands, and I start to toy with J, “Oh Austin, God, more please.”
I am abruptly interrupted as Austin yells over me, “Yeah bro, all clear, a lot more so than this morning.” I am confused, what was indecent this morning? One of these two is going to have to fess up.
Chapter 7
The charity event Austin and I are attending tonight will be a test of our nonsexual relationship. The media, several of his teammates, and organizational staff will be on hand. He is regularly questioned by the press and his friends about our relationship, but has remains adamant we are just friends.
I know he would like to be more, and truthfully, I would too, but I vowed to never allow my heart to be broken again. I will not break that vow. Especially since I realize, getting over Austin would already be harder than getting over Ryan ever was.
I walk into Fique’s a high-end clothing store to pick up my dress for tonight. The only person in fashion I can tolerate, Gabe, greets me. He owns the store and is my go to for all things fashionable.
Gabe is a slender man with delicate features, dark hair and dark chocolate eyes made for fashion. He is the reason I do not dress like a child. He chooses my clothes twice a year. I hired Gabe after college as my personal shopper so I could dress the part of my new job and we’ve been friends ever since.
“Bonjour magnifique,” he says as he plants an air kiss on either side of my face. Gabe is not French, but he pulls it off anyway.
“Bonjour beau, are you ready to transform me into Cinderella?”
Gabe opened this shop a little over a year ago and it is a rare treat. Not only do I trust he will dress me to perfection his boyfriend Alex will do my hair and make-up. There is no doubt I will leave here feeling like a princess.
“Oh Ry, you know I have been waiting years for this opportunity.” It is true he has been begging me to hit the gala scene so he can get his name on the carpet.
“So what is your grand plan for me,” I ask with excitement.
Gabe practically bounces from the room ordering me to follow, “Oh honey I designed this one especially for you. That date of yours will be putty in your hands.”
Suddenly he turns around grabbing my hands, “You have a date don’t you. Oh lord, please tell me it is that gorgeous hunk of man you are always around these days.”
His enthusiasm makes me smile and inwardly cringe. I know he wants me to find someone that makes me as happy as he and Alex make one another. However, he knows nothing of my past or the lengths I will go to avoid a repeat performance.
“Yes, I am taking a friend. No, it is not a date. And yes, I am going with Austin. He will pick me up here when you consider me ready for a public appearance.”
His smile fades only to be rejuvenated when Alex walks in. Alex is also tall and slender but he looks are the polar opposite of Gabe. He has short blonde hair and light blue eyes that can appear gray in certain light.
“Alex, please tell Gabe I don’t need a man. I am doing well on my own.”
Alex gives me wicked smirk, “Oh no darling I agree with Gabe on this one. You are too young and beautiful to be alone.” All I can do is shake my head, it seems I am outnumbered on this one but thankfully the only vote that counts is my own and it has been cast.
They converse quietly about what hairstyle will compliment Gabe’s design before laying out a timeline for the afternoon. Gabe walks into the back of the store as Alex walks over and assesses my hair.
“So who is the date? Is it that hot footballer I have seen you with?” What is it about these guys and my love life?
“Yes, Austin is my date and a very close friend.” He chuckles to himself as he walks around me and checks my nails.
“When we are done with you there is no way he will want to be just your friend.”
I decide explaining that I am the one who imposed the boundaries in my relationship with Austin would be a fruitless effort. Instead, I will let these two scheme the afternoon away while they pamper and beautify me.
“Where did Gabe go,” I ask Alex hoping to change the subject if only for a moment.
“He went to get the dress. It is amazing, by far his best work so far. You will be stunning and if anyone asks, you must mention Gabe. He will never…”
He trails off as Gabe walks back in holding an emerald gown with the bottom draped over one arm. I nonchalantly nod at Alex making sure he knows that I intend to give Gabe any publicity I can.
“Come, come you have to try it on in case it needs any last minute alterations.” We all know it won’t need anything because Gabe is a genius, and he knows my body better than anyone.
We make our way over to the dressing area and he instructs me to lose all the clothes except my panties. I feel a little self-conscious standing here half-naked but I turn to him, he is holding open the gown, and I carefully step in. He pulls it up and over one shoulder. As the zipper slides up my back, I get a small shiver. Gabe slides his hands down my sides and waist smoothing the material before taking a final look.
“Holy shit Gabe, that is your masterpiece,” Alex whispers with tears in his eyes.
I nod to him and he smiles before Gabe instructs me to turn around and see the brilliance of his work. Slowly pivoting on the pedestal to face the three-way mirror I am speechless when I see my reflection in the mirrors.
The dress is spectacular. It is a floor length, emerald gown, with a high side slit that shows off my toned legs. The bodice is a wrap style that comes off my right shoulder wrapping around and leaving two exposed, diamond shaped, slits on my left side. The material is slick and sticks to my every curve.
I spin around a few times taking in my appearance. It shows more skin than I am comfortable with, but it is tasteful, and one of a kind.
Gabe is eyeing me with unease as he waits for my reaction. I take my time before giving him his due. “Gabe, you have outdone yourself. This dress is perfect. I adore it and you.”
He comes over lightly hugging me, “Are you sure? You are generally more modest, but I couldn’t resist this time.”
I can’t help laughing, “That is true, but if you think I can pull this off then I will just have to trust your p
rofessional opinion. After all I have been for the past few years have I not.”
Three hours later, I am again standing in my gown in front of the mirror. Gabe chose a pair of silver open-toed strap heels that will test my balance and grace. Alex has styled my hair, so it softly cascades down my back in subtle waves. My make-up is understated but draws the green out of my eyes so they appear as dark my dress. They added a chunky diamond bracelet and long diamond drop earrings to complete the ensemble.
I feel like a princess who deserves her prince charming, but I that is not in the cards I have been dealt. The thought causes a pit to form in my stomach until I see the joy on their faces and it quickly eases my somber thoughts.
Alex pulls a small camera out of his pocket, “Gabe, get up there, we need a picture of you with your pièce de résistance.”
Gabe climbs up on the small pedestal next to me and is a solid six inches shorter than I am. Alex snaps pictures as Gabe twists and turns me.
A few minutes later we are all laughing, “Come on boys I need to get down from here before I fall and ruin all of your hard work.” Just as Gabe steps down and turns to help me, we hear a loud knock out front.
Alex peeks around the corner and turns back with a cat ate the canary grin on his face, “Calm down it is just your big brother.”
Chapter 8
“Alex, will you go let him in while I make sure Ry is set.” Gabe gives me a once over and deems me party worthy as Jeremy walks in with Alex.
We all stand there in an awkward silence. Jeremy stares at me as if I have grown two heads. “It is just a dress, you can quit staring,” I say self-consciously.
Jeremy flashes me his megawatt smile. “Baby girl you are positively stunning. I might need to snag a tux from Gabe so I can keep an eye on you tonight,” he says with a wink. Alex chimes in with, “Rylee, you are a real life princess.”
I’m not sure how to react to all the compliments so I do what I do best and deflect. “Thank you all, but I am still me and, I will be back in my workout clothes before you know it.”
Not Enough: Is love ever enough? (The Enough Series Book 1) Page 3
