Page 180 of The Play Maker

I bury my face in his shoulder, laughing softly. “You’re so dramatic.”

“You were glowing out there,” he says. “Like your body just knew what to do. I couldn’t look away.”

My cheeks go even hotter, but I don’t move. I just breathe him in, hiding in the space where I feel safest.

“I love when you get like this,” he teases. “All flustered and pink. It’s my favorite look on you.”

I pull back and narrow my eyes at him. “I hate you.”

“No, you don’t,” he grins. “You love me. And I love you. And I’m gonna keep screaming your name from the stands until they throw me out.”

I let out a laugh, my heart feeling so full I can’t contain it. “You’re annoying.”

“Yeah, well.” He boops my nose. “You’re dating me, so what does that say about you?”

I roll my eyes. “I have terrible taste.”

“Rude,” he mutters with a frown.

I laugh, and slip my hand into his. His fingers curl around mine like they’ve always belonged there, tugging me close until I’m pressed to his side, warm and steady and home.

Then he goes quiet for a second. “So, uh… do I have to talk to your mom now?”

I can’t help but laugh, lifting an eyebrow. “Are you scared of my mom?”

He shrugs, blowing out a breath “She’s got courtroom energy. I feel like if I say the wrong thing she’ll get me arrested.”

“C’mon,” I say with a laugh. “You’ll be fine.”

His hand flexes in mine and we walk toward where my mom is standing.

Austin’s eyes widen, and he lifts his hand in greeting. “Hi,” he says. “I’m Austin.”

“I know,” she replies. “We talked before.”

“Right.” He blows out a breath, running a hand through his hair. “Well… I just thought I’d introduce myself properly.”

“Thank you for writing to me,” she says after a moment. “You were right. I needed to see her. And I’m very glad I did.”

Austin breathes out, relieved.

“I’m really happy she has you,” she adds. “You seem like a wonderful boy.”

He glances down at me, his eyes shining when he smiles. “She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

My chest tightens, and I have to blink fast to hold it together.

He leans in, pressing a kiss to my forehead, then the tip of my nose, and finally my lips. I lean into him, kissing him back, because it feels like home. Like this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Because this is what I always dreamed it might feel like, to be held like this. To be wanted. To be seen. Not just by him—but by her too.

And it feels better than I ever thought it could be.

40

AUSTIN

Idon’t even remember the drive home.