Page 94 of I Wish He Would

It’s like my body is reactive to everything Austin does. Every glance. Every compliment. Every touch. Every time he stands up for me. Every kiss. All it does is make me want more.

What I really need is to not scare him away by saying too much too soon. Like how I kind of, sort of told him I loved him. It just slipped out when I was saying I had to protect him. I’d be Bianca’s verbal punching bag as often as she wants because of how much I hate conflict. But the second she came for Austin, this instinct to stand up for him took over. I couldn’t help myself. He makes me do crazy things.

But I guess that’s what love does to a person. It makes you grow into who you were always meant to be.

But Austin didn’t tell me that he loved me back.

I shove away the thought. It’s ridiculous to expect that much from him so soon. I know he cares deeply about me and sees a future with me. Besides, I’ve waited three years to share my feelings for him. Waiting a little longer for him to catch up in the feelings department will feel like nothing after that.

I finish packing up my large suitcase and zip it shut, but when I go to lift it, Austin places his hand to my lower back.

“Let me get that for you.” He shoots me a dimpled smile before pulling an iced coffee from behind his back. “Couldn’t miss out on another one of these on our last morning here.”

“Thanks.” I take a sip, savoring the coconut flavor one last time.

Austin gestures to my bags. “I’ll take these down to the front desk if you want to meet at the brunch?”

“Sounds good.” I stand and kiss him on the cheek. Once he leaves, I finish packing my backpack and take one last look at the room.

The bed where Austin held me while I slept.

The television we watched New Girl on.

The closet where he hung up my clothes for me without being asked.

The bathroom where he didn’t say anything about how I messily took up all the counter space with my makeup and skin care products.

The balcony where he kissed me under the stars last night after the wedding reception ended.

This room with its singular bed was the start of something new. I’m sad to leave this place behind, but I know Austin and I have all the time in the world to make plenty of memories together back in Louisville.

I shut the door behind me with a smile on my face and head to the farewell brunch located outside on the private veranda.

“I was starting to worry you left without saying goodbye.” Maddy swats my butt.

“You say that like we don’t live in the same city.”

“I know, but it’s different than seeing you every day.” She rubs her swollen belly. “Besides, my life’s about to get a whole lot crazier.”

“In the best way possible.” I lean down and whisper to her stomach, “Auntie Lyss loves you, little guy.”

“He’s going to love you, too.” Maddy smiles at someone over my shoulder. “But nowhere near as much as him.”

I glance back and spot Austin staring at me with a crooked grin like I’m the center of his world. My stomach swoops as I turn back to my sister. “I don’t know about that. It’s a little quick for him to be in love.”

She narrows her gaze. “What? Are you blind? That man is a goner. Like, if he’s a home run, the ball isn’t even in the park anymore.”

I let out a dry laugh. “I think you need to work on your baseball references.”

Maddy rolls her eyes. “Fine, it could use some work, but it’s still true.”

“Hey.” Austin steps up behind me, grabbing my waist and pulling me close. His arms wrap around me, and I melt into his touch like cheese on a hot griddle. He presses a kiss to my neck. “Did you already make a plate?”

“Not yet.”

“I’ll grab you one.” He steps back and turns to my sister. “Can I grab you anything, Mads?”

“I’m good, but thank you.”