Page 98 of The Perfect Melody

“Your bath’s ready.” Austin stands in the doorway, a fluffy white towel clinging to his hips. His wet hair is already curling at the ends again. Droplets of water fall onto his bare shoulders, and I’m momentarily distracted as my gaze trails over their path down his broad, firm chest.

Shaking my head to clear it, I move to a sitting position, letting my phone fall onto the duvet beside me. “Thanks.”

Austin tilts his head like a curious canine. “You seem less…”

“Despondent?”

Self-consciously, he rocks back on his heels. It’s so out of character it almost makes me smile. “Are you—do you feel better?”

I nod. “The shock is wearing off. There’s so much to do, but I know I’m not in this alone. The girls are surprised but they’re not angry with me. Liam and Bailey are on their way, and I have you.”

Austin walks forward and pulls me into his warm arms. “You’ll never have to face anything alone again.”

Turning my head, I place a soft kiss over his heart. “Love you.”

His hand strokes down the length of my hair as he tightens his other arm around me. “Love you too, Trouble. Come on,” he says, stepping back but taking hold of my hand so he can lead me towards the bathroom. “I’m going to take care of you.”

My already full heart warms knowing he doesn’t just mean until my friends arrive. No, Austin Bowman wants to take careof me forever, and I’m going to let him. Whatever happens next, we’ll be OK because we’ll support each other through all of it.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Cassie

Austinand I spent yesterday afternoon doing damage control. I texted the group chat with the girls, apologising and thanking them for their support. They understand I’m not ready to see them just yet—there’s too much else to do—but made me promise to join them all for coffee next Monday. I agreed without hesitation. Of course, we might have to change the location of our weekly hang to someone’s house if I don’t have security by then, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.

Speaking of security, I’ve spoken to Ant. He was not impressed to learn I’ve been off on my own this entire time instead of in London with Liam and Bailey. After oscillating between anger over me being so reckless and relief that I’m OK, he eventually told me he and Miranda are on their way here. They caught a flight from Nashville to London on Monday night and are driving up to Pine Grove this afternoon.

Luckily Liam and Bailey set off in Bailey’s car straight after his cover shoot ended, so they should beat my mother here. It will be nice to have the backup dealing with Miranda. While she’ll gladly walk all over everyone else, Liam’s got as many, if not more, connections in the entertainment industry as she does. Miranda will rein in her behaviour in front of him. At least,I think she will. It depends if she can keep her temper under control.

Austin steps up behind me, wrapping me in a hug. “It feels wrong leaving you.”

Leaning back into his touch, I reply, “I’ll be fine. You’re needed at the bar.”

Austin spent yesterday afternoon calling around to find cover for my shifts at Bowman’s since it’s no longer safe for me to work there now my secret’s out. Luckily, Abby and Mei volunteered to take most of them. I was worried Austin’s mum would feel like I betrayed her by hiding who I was. After all, Abby is the one who insisted he give me a chance on my very first day in town but, while she is undeniably curious, she isn’t upset. It’s an enormous relief. Still, the bar’s going to be busier than usual with locals and tourists stopping by in the hopes of gossip. It may sound conceited, but I know from experience that it will be the case. Even if the people who live here decide to respect my privacy, there are still plenty of tourists around who won’t care as much about boundaries.

“You promise to call if you need me?”

Turning to face him, I go up on my toes and cradle his face in my hands. “I promise.” Knowing what I want, he angles his head down until our lips meet in a gentle kiss. I feel the tension leave his body as he melts into my touch.

“Come on. We should head out now if I’m going to get to the B&B before Bailey and Liam arrive.”

“You’re sure I can’t stay with you?”

“I’m sure. You need to go in early to figure out next week’s rota before the bar opens.”

“True, and I need to fire Molly.”

I grin. “That too.” Austin was livid when he realised Molly was the reason my secret got out. Apparently, she was alreadyon her last warning at the bar. I don’t think anyone at Bowman’s will be sad to see her go.

“You promise to stay in your room?”

Austin’s concern over my safety now that my secret identity is public knowledge is sweet—really, it is—but the overprotective thing isn’t something I want hanging over our relationship for any real length of time. The sooner I organise security for myself, the better. While having my boyfriend play bodyguard may sound hot in theory, the reality chafes at my newfound independence far too much for it to be any good for us long term. Hopefully, I’ll be able to talk Ant into staying. Then again, if he’s coming here with my mother, I’m not sure Ant is still a hundred percent on my side. I guess I’ll find out.

“I will go straight from your car to my room, no stops.”

Austin grabs his keys from the bowl on the side. “None? Not even for Esther?”

“Nope,” I reply, backing out the front door. “If Esther wants the tea, she’ll have to come hang out in my room.”