“As a matter of fact, no.” He wished she’d take a step back, give him some room.
“Hmm…I guess we’d have to forgo the kisses—well, those kind.” She shrugged. “But little friendly ones in front of my family would be okay.”
“Peg, I’m not going to be your date.”
“It’s not real, you know. Just pretend. No harm no foul. Name your price?” She stepped back with her hands on her hips.
Now, that was enticing. He scanned her long body, imagining what she’d look like without the business attire. Desire hit hot and hard.
He shook his head. “Nope.” Can’t risk it. “I’m just in town for a day or two. Then I’m gone.”
“Well, holy hotness, why didn’t you say something before now?” She might have sounded like she was okay with it, but he saw the emotions chase across her face.
No, he was not going to get involved with her. His plans of a low-key hiatus stood paramount in his mind. Meeting her family did not fit into the scheme of things. Spending even more time with this funny, lively long-legged minx definitely would upset his much-needed downtime.
If he ended it now, it would be as clean a break as any, he guessed. “Look, this isn’t a good idea, even me staying overnight.” He grabbed his duffel bag and snagged up his coat. “Peg, nice to meet you. I hope you find that date you’re looking for. But, it’s not me. Good luck with it.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. You don’t have to make up anything else, okay, bub.” She opened the door for him and waved a hand. “Thanks for the rescue at the bar, oh, and the apple martinis. My new favorite. Bye.” She practically shoved him out the door, and then closed it in his face.
He blinked a few times. Then he shook his head. Fast. To the point. Over. He’d never thought a woman could be so efficient and end things like that.
Going down the three flights of steps, Austin couldn’t put enough distance between them. But his heart tugged. She was a breath of fresh air and had made him forget all about who he was and how he’d just wanted to disappear for the next few months.
The cold blast of wind and icy drizzle hit him the moment he exited the building. He stopped long enough to shrug on his coat and turn up the collar. He should have bought a hat, he thought, as his bare head took the brunt of the bad weather.
It was dark. It was cold. He hiked back the way the taxi had come and tried to find another one. No such luck.
He spotted a coffee shop on the corner and jogged the rest of the way to it. Warmth and the pungent scent of coffee greeted him. He waited in line. More people came in after him. He looked around, nodded, and then kept his head down when curious stares lingered.
“Hey, anyone ever tell you that you look like that guy in the band the Rhoadies?” A woman in front of him wouldn’t stop gawking.
Her friend chimed in, “Yeah, you’re right. You know, what’s his name? But he’s got all that hair. Come on, it can’t be the first time someone’s ever asked you.”
“Thanks,” he muttered.
They looked like they’d either been out to dinner or were going to start their night; both were dressed up: short skirts, high heels, faces made up, and hair overdone with too much spray. He’d seen so many women like this in the front rows at his concerts.
The first one moved closer. “I used to buy all their CDs, but lately they’re not as good. What do you think?”
Ouch! That stung! Nothing like a critic. He shrugged.
She nudged his arm. “Why don’t you join us? We’re waiting for a few friends to meet us and then we’re going to this new club we heard about.”
“Oh, that would be so cute if we brought him, don’t you think?” her friend said.
What was he? A puppy? “No, thanks.”
Someone from behind jostled him. He turned quickly. A couple eyed him closely. “I swear that’s him,” the female half of the duo said. “I’d know him anywhere.”
The big, hefty guy stared him down. “Shit, you’re right. I can’t believe it’s Austin Rhoades right here.”
“Can I take a picture with you? Can you give me your autograph?” the guy’s date asked, pulling out her cell phone and taking a picture of him.
“Hey,” the woman in front said. “I spotted him first.”
Within seconds, the line was abuzz and the whole coffee shop came to a halt just to see what was going on. Panic rippled through him. He backed out of the line, holding up his hand. “Thanks, guys.”
He bumped into people as he headed toward the door. “Sorry. I forgot something.” Yeah, like how damn hard it was to live in the real world anymore. Dodging his way out, Austin finally exited, but they were right there on his heels.