Trust In Love (A McCord Family Novel Book 2) by Amanda Siegrist Page B

the farm—and things I've seen you buy claiming they're from the farm. I'm not stupid and don't pretend I am. I'm asking you, for once in your life, to let go of that teenager pain and give a real relationship a chance. You deserve it and I imagine she does, too. You're just the man to pull her from her own turmoil. I won't bug you again about it because ultimately it's your life. I just worry about you."
    She walked over to him, jumped on the railing of the stall and leaned over lightly to kiss his cheek. "You're not happy. Going from woman to woman, as if that's fun, is starting to wear you down. I see a light shine in your eyes when you talk about Sophie. Just think about that. You stink, too. Take a shower before you bring those pallets I saw in your truck to Sophie. I know that's why you grabbed them from the meat market."
    Ava hopped off the railing and walked away without waiting for a response. Austin watched her, wondering if his pain from the love he lost was really just teenage anguish.
    ***
    "You feel so good, Austin," Cara said as she slid her hand down his chest.
    "You too, Cara. It's always something special when we're together. I can't get enough of you, darling," Austin replied, kissing her lips.
    "I would love to do it again, but I should get ready for work. You know, Mrs. Shiplay hates it when I'm late, and you tend to make me late…a lot," she said, giggling as he tickled her.
    "I can't help myself. You're too delicious. You're everything to me." Austin sucked in a deep breath. "I love you, Cara."
    She backed away, pushing him slightly away. "Why would you say that?"
    "Because it's true. Why do you look so shocked by that?"
    "We're just having fun here, Austin. You're a great guy, delightful in bed, but I don't really see us going anywhere," she said.
    Austin moved away from her, standing up and grabbing his pants from the floor. "Fun, huh? You're the first woman I even gave a relationship a chance and you're throwing my words in my face. Why can't you see us going anywhere?" he demanded.
    "Austin, you're known for fun, not relationships. That's why I started seeing you because I knew I didn't have to worry about things going serious. Obviously, I was wrong. I plan on being a big time lawyer or doctor or…I haven't figured it out yet, but you'll never leave the farm. I'm not going to be a farmer's wife. Sorry."
    For a brief moment, he froze in place. "So, you used me basically? This was nothing more than a romp in the sheets," Austin exclaimed, pointing to the bed. "Because I'm no better than a stupid farm boy, not good enough for a fancy lawyer or doctor or whatever the hell you decide to be."
    "You're not stupid, you're fun. I seriously don't know why you fell in love with me anyway. I thought it was just the sex."
    "I don't know why the hell I did either. You're clearly a horrible person because you don't care how I feel right now. I did have fun with you, but not just while we were in bed. I had fun going swimming, hanging out at the bowling alley, doing things with you. I thought that's what a relationship entailed! That's what made me fall in love with you."
    She started laughing at him. "Horrible person? I can be more horrible if you like. Get the hell out! You're nothing more than a farm boy and I don't want your love. Unless you can provide me with money to get out of this hellhole, you're nothing but a good fixture in my bed. I don't know why you had to ruin a good thing between us by bringing in the L word."
    "I don't know either. I can guarantee you I won't be bringing nothing back to you, in bed or out. I think you've cured me from ever seeing love again. Obviously, it doesn't exist. Good luck with finding your love of money," he exclaimed, grabbing his shirt from the floor and walked out of her apartment, slamming the door as he went.
    ***
    Austin stood in the stall thinking about that fateful day. She had been cruel and mean with the words she threw at him. He thought back to the so-called