| |
I did go to Colorado two days later, and traveling with Austin for the first time was quite an experience. He was not only easy to travel with, but I felt like I was finally a part of his life that I hadn’t been a part of before. Maybe there really had been something missing before then, and just making that step to be together more often was what we needed.
There was also the fact that we were now openly admitting how we felt for each other, so that took our relationship to another level. I liked being honest with how I felt about him, and of course, I loved hearing him tell me how much he loved me, too.
And let’s face it. Our hotel time was pretty damn incredible. We screwed like rabbits after race day and the entire next day.
Our time in Colorado was certainly memorable, and the only thing I regretted about it was that we hadn’t done it sooner. Looking back, I could see our lives were just so busy with work, there wasn’t even a chance to take a weekend trip together. Maybe racing was going to afford us that time with one another, and maybe I could just get used to that.
I went to another race during the month of July, and in August, I went to one more. I’d never traveled much in my life, so the three trips were not only meaningful for my relationship with Austin, but they were good experiences for me in general. Racing was still hard for me to watch, but I understood how much my presence at the events meant to him, and it seemed counterbalance my uneasiness.
August 15th was Austin’s twenty-fourth birthday, and the day after he returned from a race in Utah, I helped Marlo throw a family party for him. It was always nice to have him back, and even though I knew his family liked spending time with him, I never had to worry about competing for his attention. Austin was great that way, always putting me first, and I felt very lucky to have such an attentive guy.
He was walking me back to the guesthouse that night when a Jeep pulled in and parked next to my car by the fence. We only watched while we walked, and the driver stepped out and shut the door just as we got to the porch.
“Austin?” he asked, sounding surprised.
It was dark out, but I could see the guy’s face because of the porch light. Austin didn’t even look at him when he paused, seeming to debate whether he was going to talk to him or not.
“Ben,” he finally acknowledged, barely turning to look him.
Ben? As in the Tomlinson’s son?
“You’re still hanging around this place, huh?” Ben asked when he approached. “Kind of thought you’d be in the racing circuit.”
The silence was uncomfortable while the two looked each other over. Then Ben focused on me, and maybe at the fact that Austin had his arm around me.
“Girlfriend? Or walking the help to the guesthouse?” he smirked.
Austin made a move to the front door, pulling me with him.
“I’m just joking!” Ben laughed, moving to catch up with us. “Hi, I’m Ben,” he said to me with a smile, extending his hand.
I was about to return the introduction to be polite, but Austin grabbed my hand before I could and led me into the house. I chose not to respond as he walked me up to my room, but I did glance behind me at Ben, looking smug at the bottom of the stairs.
Austin shut my bedroom door behind us. “I don’t want you around him. Don’t even talk to him, okay?”
“Wow, possessive much?” I teased.
“I’m not kidding, Nova. I’d prefer it if you stayed away from him. He’s bad news.”
I slowly nodded, choosing to respect his wishes. I’m sure he had a good reason and I was expecting to hear it. “Okay.”
“Why don’t you grab what you need for the night and come stay at the house.”
“What?”
“I’d just feel better if you didn’t stay here while he’s here.”
I was quickly trying to piece together what I knew about Ben. Basically, it was only what I’d heard from Clara and Heath, but I did remember them saying something about their son being a bad influence on Austin.
“I don’t really understand why you feel it’s necessary to kick me out of my room just because the Tomlinson’s son is here. Maybe you should just tell me what’s going on.”
He took a moment to think about that, and then led me to the bed to sit down. He was bothered, it was plain as day, and even though he took a deep breath to relax, it was a while before he spoke.
“I grew up with Ben,” he began, running a hand through my hair. He softly gathered it into a ponytail, and after a few seconds, let it fall. “He does stupid stuff. I just...I don’t trust him.”
He seemed to be content with his explanation, but I wasn’t. However, I wanted him to feel like he was able to protect me somehow—from whatever he felt I needed protection from—so I stood from the bed and grabbed a few things out of the dresser.
“You’re going to be the one explaining this to your parents,” I told him.
“They’ll understand completely, so don’t worry about it.”
“What happens after tonight, though? I’m not going to live at your parents’ house, Austin. I’m sure Ben is going to be here for a while.”
“I know but... Just for tonight, okay? Until I have a chance to think about it.”
“You mean until you have a chance to have a talk with Ben, huh?”
He didn’t reply, so I continued with my clothing selection.
“Sexy plaid pajama bottoms okay with you?” I grinned, holding them up. I was trying to lighten the mood, so I was glad when he smiled.
“Perfectly sexy because they’ll be on you.”
I tossed them onto the bed with a t-shirt, and then grabbed some clothes for the next day. After sticking everything I needed into a bag I said, “Okay, all ready for my slumber party.”
Relief was written all over his face. Whatever his past was with Ben made him anxious. Sooner or later, I would get to the bottom of it, but for now, because of my love and respect for Austin, I decided it wasn’t the right time to get into it.