I didn’t notice the hardwood floors, huge great room with fireplace, and open kitchen with granite countertops until way later in the evening. I was transfixed by the view of the water as the sun began to set.
Austin stood in front of me and unzipped my jacket, grinning as he removed it from my body as gently as he would a child. I couldn’t stop looking at the way the clouds played off the water, and was amazed that boats would be out on such a chilly day.
My phone pealed in the quiet and I grabbed my purse and slid out my phone to answer it. “Hello?”
“Hey, hon,” Emily said.
“Well, hi. How’s my favorite sister?”
She chuckled. “Doing well. You got a minute?”
“Of course.”
“Got info back on Austin.”
I glanced at him in the kitchen pulling down cooking utensils. “What did you find?”
“He was arrested when he was nineteen.”
“Yep.” I nodded. “I know.”
“Well, that’s it, sis. Nothing else is flagging. He’s a model citizen, doesn’t even have a speeding ticket.”
I don’t know why, but this news relieved me. I didn’t even realize I’d been concerned until now. “Awesome.”
“Okay, gotta help Amelia with her homework. Love you.”
“Love you too. ’Bye.” I hung up and tapped the phone against my palm.
“Wine?” Austin asked.
I glanced at him and then back out at the water. “Yes, please.”
I heard the pop of the cork and turned toward the sound, equally as impressed with his kitchen with top of the line stainless steel appliances. He’d removed his jacket and cut and stood in just a tight thermal shirt and his signature jeans. “Who was on the phone?”
“My sister.”
“Everything okay?” he asked, and grabbed a glass from an upper cabinet, pouring my favorite wine into it.
I grimaced. “Full disclosure...she kind of did a background check on you.”
He chuckled. “I’d have been disappointed if she didn’t. I like that they watch out for you.”
I grinned. “She only found your arrest.”
He nodded. “Told ya, babe. The club’s clean. Individually and collectively.”
“Yes you did.”
“Were you worried?”
“Not really,” I said, and walked toward him. “But it’s still nice to know my family isn’t going to be.”
He leaned down to kiss me quickly. “I’ve got you.”
“I know.” I set my wine down. “Can I help?”
“Nah, I’m all set. Just make yourself at home.”
