Austin by Morning (An Austin After Dark Book Book 3) by Alexa Padgett

Author:Alexa Padgett [Padgett, Alexa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sidecar Press, LLC
Published: 2020-02-03T18:30:00+00:00

28

Kate

Regan and Carter stopped by and treated us to lunch before they flew out to San Francisco. I tried to enjoy myself, but my siblings and their wives watched me like they were worried I’d shatter. But I wouldn’t break.

If Troy’s hurtful words and easy dismissal hadn’t broken me, nothing would. I made a point to smile and tease throughout the meal. I finished the day and left before five, unusual for me, but Jenna looked done in and wouldn’t leave until I did.

Because it was still early, I changed into my yoga gear and then headed to a nearby studio that offered Bikram. I wondered if asking Cam to help Rye was the correct solution or if I’d overstepped. And I worried that Ike wouldn’t like me anywhere near as much when he found out I was his dad’s girlfriend.

The thoughts caused me to struggle through the class in the steamy room, and I didn’t feel any more relaxed or centered afterward. Just sweaty and with fizzed-out hair.

Getting home, I was surprised to find Rye leaning against the wall outside my door. My feet stuttered to a stop. My hand shot to my hair and I bit back a groan.

“There you are,” he said, as if I should have been expecting him.

My heart thumped way too fast, but I refused to admit it was due to excitement.

“Hi,” I said, digging out my keys. I tried to ignore the sweat still trickling between my cleavage and pooling at the waistband of my skin-tight yoga pants. “What are you doing here?”

“Ike and Beatrice were making a cake, so I wanted to see if you’d like to catch some dinner.”

“She’s back?”

“Yep. Got in a couple of hours ago. Ike was sad she wasn’t you.”

“Um.” I fumbled with my keys, finally unlocking my door. I held my breath, trying to remember if I’d tidied the place.

No such luck. Two pairs of heels flopped on their sides near the couch. A suit jacket was tossed across one of the barstools at the raised kitchen counter. Dishes sat in the sink. Not horrible, but not as nice as I’d want my place to look for company.

At least my geometric rug was clean and the bright-patterned throw pillows were on the couch. The chenille blanket was tossed over the back and my vibrant purple leather club chair always added a nice punch of happy color.

“Dinner?” I asked. “I…um… I need to, you know, get cleaned up.”

Rye nodded. “I can wait.”

I set my things down. “I thought I was supposed to visit you later.”

Rye’s mustache twitched a little. “I want to take you out.”

He stepped forward so the heat from his chest mingled with mine. He smelled woodsy and fresh, making me feel even grungier. Before I could move back, he ran his fingertips down my cheek.

“Your skin flushes when you exert yourself,” he said.

“The curse of the redhead,” I replied.

“Where would you like to go?”

I smiled. “Kind of hard to get a table at Stubb’s.”

“The barbecue joint?” he asked, eyebrows raised.

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