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With another groan, Austin retreated into the kitchen and folded his torso over the cold quartz countertop, willing his body to calm.
Impeccable timing, Lauren.
From the foyer, Casey’s voice greeted his sister as his eyes caught sight of the digital display on the microwave. 4:02 PM. Tilting his head to the side, the hallway clock reappeared, still reading 3:23 PM. “Ugh.” He rolled his eyes.
Lauren’s singsong voice floated down the hallway, the excitement in his pants diminishing. With a stretch, Austin pulled himself from the counter and headed for the living room with heavy steps.
“You’re home!” Lauren wrapped her arms around him with a squeeze.
“And you’re right on time, aren’t ya?” He locked eyes with Casey behind her back with a grin.
She returned his sheepish smile. “Oh! But that means I’m running late!” Casey tiptoed back to the foyer and snagged her bag, eyeing the second floor.
“First door on the right.” He pointed.
She tripped on the third stair and barked out a laugh as she regained her balance, sprinting up the remaining steps. His bedroom door clicked closed, echoing in the quiet home.
“She’s a walking accident.”
Lauren giggled. “True, but I love her anyway. She’s so good for you, Austin.”
He rolled his eyes. “Always so subtle.” With a deep sigh, he dropped into his favorite chair, instinctively curling his feet beneath him. He snickered and wiggled his toes.
“How was your flight?” Lauren sank onto the couch opposite him.
“Fine I guess,” he answered with a yawn, stretching his arms over his head.
It’s going to be a long night.
“Is it weird being back?”
He nodded, his gaze circling the room. A Dodgers ball cap looked back at him from the hat rack, and Austin grinned. “A lot has changed, I guess.”
Lauren dropped her elbows to her knees, propping her chin in her palms. “Are you feeling okay about this weekend?”
You really don’t disappoint, do you?
His gaze fell to the floor, waiting to see if the familiar squeeze on his heart would return. He inhaled, ready to battle the tightening sensation in his chest, but nothing happened. Lifting his gaze back to Lauren, he smiled. “Actually, I’m good.”
“Yeah?” She tilted her head.
“A hell of a lot better than the last time I was here.” He blew out a breath and gripped the arms of the chair.
Lauren nodded. “I see it.” Leaning to the side, she snatched the throw pillow beside her and squeezed it tight to her chest. “Are you ready for tonight? Josh is like way nervous you’re gonna force him to go to a strip club or something.”
He snorted, picturing his twin in a seedy downtown L.A. strip club.If I’m a little weird about germs, Dr. Templeton is a certified germaphobe in double-layered latex gloves.He smiled. “The agenda is void of strip clubs,” he promised.
“Well, what are you doing then?” Her eyes widened.
“You girls do whatever you want. And let us boys do what we want.” He winked.
Lauren rolled her eyes, chucking the pillow at his head. “Fine then. Keep your dumb secrets.” She giggled. “Should I at least expect Mitch to come home at some point tonight?”
Austin shrugged. “He can sleep here. I don’t care.”
A crash overhead thundered through the ceiling. He cringed, glancing upward. “Do your plans involve bowling balls by chance?”
A belly laugh burst free from her lips as she fell backward onto the couch. “Oh yeah, Mavis, our bowling champion!”
