Chapter 9

Corrin

I almost blew it a few nights ago when I played Austen that song I wrote about him. He seemed so enthralled by the tune. Each note I strummed had his smile growing until he was bursting with joy.

And then he hinted at me finding my person. A person he obviously didn't realize was him.

Since then, I've kept mostly to myself except for the two times we've ventured out as a couple. I'm using the excuse of needing to work on the album, despite Stryker telling me there"s no rush. Old habits and all that, I guess. My label hasn't stopped reaching out. Even Tennyson has mentioned more than once how relentless they've become.

My guess is that they're aware of whatever is coming, and they want to save face. Not that it"ll work anyway.

Today is different from the previous days, given that I'm going to have to face Austen head on. I RSVP'd to an event months ago for a charity event with the band. I'd put a plus one since I usually have someone to take. Now that Austen and I are all over the media due to our relationship, it only makes sense to take him.

Plus, it's not like I want to take anyone else when I could have him by my side.

I go over my list of things needed for the evening one more time. Suits? Check. Haircut? Check. I made sure we both had appointments, though they were at different times since Austen's been busy with work. Shoes, cufflinks, and cologne? Check, check, check.

With my plan in place, I do the only thing I can now that I'm dressed for the evening. I wait.

Austen swore he wouldn't be long when he rushed in the door an hour ago. I took him at his word, hence why I've been pacing instead of sitting and risking damaging my suit.

Personally, I feel pretty good in this outfit, even if it's not my usual style. Too much fabric covers me. It's bad enough we're still dealing with a winter chill in the air that's forcing me to wear long sleeves, but now I'm forced to add a full fucking suit into the mix.

At least the tattoos on my hands are visible. It's a great detractor when some uppity rich person tries too hard to befriend me. A well-timed rub of my jaw sends them running in the opposite direction.

I chuckle to myself as I make another turn across the living room. Except this time, I don't finish my steps. This time, I freeze as Austen comes into view.

Oh. My. Fucking. God.

How?! How did he get even hotter?

I bite off the whimper that rises as I take him in from head to toe. He's a wet dream of a man, all that muscle stretched across his form. The fabric doesn't hide one bit of his athleticism. Anyone who sees him tonight will know there's a history of some type of sport.

It's never registered until now that I'm thankful he quit. I used to worry that he'd wind up injured or in a fight every game. College soccer is a brutal sport, what with how few make it all the way pro.

I should have known Austen wouldn't want to participate in the foolishness. He's not the type.

"Should I change?" he asks when I don't say anything.

"No!" I take a breath to calm my racing heart. "No, don't change. You look amazing. I'm just… you look… good. You look good, Austen. I'm going to have so many people jealous that you're with me tonight."

He shakes his head as he saunters over to me. And it's definitely a saunter. He's so full of swagger, it's pouring off him in waves.

It's a new look for him. One that I wouldn't mind seeing more of now that I know just how goddamn enticing it is.

"I think you're wrong. People will have no clue who I am, but they know you. You're Corrin Ray, the lead singer and guitarist for the international wonder that is Loveless. Women throw their panties at you. Men want to be you — and be with you."

The way he says it makes it seem so much cooler than it is. Being at the top gets lonely. Especially when you're being told to produce more, more, more. There are only so many hours in the day. Working for the majority of them means I don't have time for much else.

Or at least I didn't.

Being here with Tennyson and Austen has shown me that it's ok to slow down. I'm doing good with taking things day by day.

If only my reality could continue this way, then maybe I'd be a bit less burned out. The job is never over though.

Like tonight, for instance. I'm making an appearance and donating to the cause. Mind you, it's one near and dear to me. I don"t say no to them anytime they ask. It's the performance part of the night that's hard. The entire time we're there, I"ll have to be on so people don't notice the real me beneath the Loveless image.

"It's not nearly what you think it is. Besides, I don't want any of them." I tug him into my arms. "I've got the hottest date of the night. I doubt I'll even see anyone else."

His cheeks pinked a touch, which only serves to make me grin wider. He pulls me impossibly closer until my face is buried in his chest. I get hints of his cologne as I allow myself the comfort of his touch. I'm not sure he even knows how the simple move calms me.

"We should head down. There's a car waiting to drive us there."

"A car? That seems fancy," Austen says as he grabs our coats from the couch.

I nod as I slip mine on. He holds it up for me, the position so natural, you'd think we've done it hundreds of times before.

"There will be a red carpet and everything." His eyes go wide. "Don't be upset. Please. I promise all you have to do is smile. I'll handle all the talking. I made sure to tell the press team I would only agree to one interview near the end. I didn't want to overwhelm you."

Austen pulls on his own coat, then tugs my hand to leave. He doesn't say a word the entire way down to the car. It's like I've somehow left him speechless with the news. Granted, I probably should have mentioned it before now. It's just — we've been having such a great time together. I didn't want to rock the boat by telling him there'll be an entire media event to get through first.

Once we're secure and driving down the highway towards the venue, Austen finally replies. "I'm not upset."

"Oh-kay," I drag out. "Then what are you? I feel like you're mad. I won't make you go. You could totally stay in the car and order some food while I'm in there. It's up to you. Whatever you're most comfortable with."

"I'm fine going to the event. It's more that I'm… nervous. I don't want to mess things up for you. Being seen out together is different than an interview or standing in front of a group of reporters. I've never done something like this. I'm not good at talking to others."

I turn to face him. "You're going to do fine. All you have to do is smile and follow my lead. If you feel out of place at any time, we can skip the rest of it. We need a signal."

"A signal?" He repeats.

"Yep. Something that will tell me you're not in the mood to keep up the charade. Hell, it can be the codeword of the night. When things get to be too much, we can motion to one another about it."

"I think… I think that will work."

He still sounds unsure. I'm not happy about it, but I don't know what else I can do to reassure him. Instead of giving him pointless words, I tug his hand to rest between mine to show support.

"Is this ok?" I ask him when his gaze drops to them.

Austen nods slowly, his eyes never leaving where we're connected. I wonder what he's thinking right now. Is his body as on fire as mine is? Does my touch make him crave me like his does for me?

I don't dare voice any of my thoughts. Not when I'm still unsure where the two of us stand outside of this fake dating thing. I'd like to think we're at least friends now rather than what we were before.

We keep quiet the rest of the way there. Me because I'm too lost in the what ifs my mind won't stop going through. And him because… well, I'm not sure. Maybe he"s in his own world too. I'd love a peek inside his mind. If only I could have superpowers. Reading his mind would be my first request.

The driver pulls up in a line of cars. We're about three back from the carpet, which means we don't have long before things start.

"Good news. I'll be the first one out. You only need to look to me until I tell you otherwise, ok?"

He gives me a hesitant nod as the car inches forward. I turn to inspect the situation to see if I recognize anyone in particular.

A flash of red hair catches my attention and I grin. Ken is here. As my publicist and occasional drinking buddy, I'm more than happy to see him.

"You must really like these things," Austen says, dragging my attention back to him. Not that it ever really leaves him. I'm always aware of the youngest Page sibling when he's nearby.

I shake my head. "Not all that much. I see someone who can help us out, and I"m relieved. You'll see."

He frowns, though he doesn't push. The car moves forward again, this time not stopping until the glowing red carpet is outside my door.

"You ready?"

Austen nods. I tap the window twice to let Ken know I'm ready. He's waiting patiently on the other side to help give me the rundown of who is here and where we should go. He'll actually walk the carpet with us, but less as a guest and more for his role in guiding us.

"Smiles on," he drawls in his thick Southern accent. "Don't give them anything to judge you by."

I slip from the car, then turn to offer Austen my hand. He climbs out, then smooths down his suit. At his full height, he stands well above me and Ken.

My publicist does a double take, then huffs. "The photos on social media do not do him justice. Good lord, do you model? You should with a face like that."

I shake my head as I guide us away from the head of the line. Ken follows closely, a clipboard in hand so he knows who is who. At least that's what he's always said. It could be a crossword puzzle on the damn thing for all I know.

Austen watches me closely as he waits for my lead. His hand is still wrapped around mind, so I squeeze it as I give him what I hope is a comforting smile.

"Corrin! Corrin Ray! Over here!"

The cameras begin flashing the minute I'm past the barrier where the backdrop starts. Austen's hand grips mine tightly, his nerves shining through. I pull him closer to me, then wrap my arm around his back.

Leaning my head back, I whisper low enough for him to hear. "Pretend it's prom or something. They're the eager moms trying to capture their baby's moment."

His head tips down close to mine as he matches my grin. "I never went to prom. I'm not sure I know what you mean."

I can tell he's teasing me. There's an undercurrent to his words that makes my mouth water.

"This way, you two," Ken murmurs from behind us. "And maybe tame down the sexual tension a bit. We get that you're dating. No need to bedroom eyes it on the carpet."

Austen looks away at the comment while I throw my head back and laugh. I hear the cameras going off with the move, and I know there will be some type of headline with that photo tomorrow. Not that I really care. Happy press is good press in my book.

I continue to drag Austen with me down the carpet until we reach the last section. This is where the interviews happen.

Ken must sense our nervousness as we wait in line for our turn. "There are a number of celebrities here. Some friendly and some not so much. The reporters are looking for the juiciest story they can get, but that doesn't mean you have to deal with disrespect. I'll be right beside you to catch anything out of line, but you can also decline to answer if you want. Goes for both of you."

Austen nods at him. "I've been told I don't have to say a word."

I watch as Ken swoons. "My lord his voice is butter. I would kill for him to read me a bedtime story or two."

At Austen's frown, I lean over. "He's a little like Bailey. You know, part of the age play lifestyle."

His mouth forms an ‘o' as realization kicks in. Ken chuckles, then pats us on the arm to move forward. "Glad to know you're familiar, and I don't have to explain it all on this very busy, very gossip-riddled event. I'm going to find what the holdup is."

I watch him leave before turning back to Austen. "Ken lacks the patience for this part of the journey. He's always eager to get us through the line as quick as possible."

"Us? Do you always have a date to these things?"

The jealousy in his voice bolsters me. I'm not sure if it's for show or if he's really upset about it. Either way, I'm quick to ease his mind.

"Typically, yes. Though I will say they were always prearranged via Ken or through my mom. I didn't bring anyone I dated to an event. I'd have brought Tenn, but that would have started rumors about us." I shiver at the thought. While I have no problem lusting after Austen, Tenn is another story entirely. He's the brother I never had. The best friend of my dreams. I couldn't do life without him — in a strictly platonic sense of course.

Ken breezes back over right then with wide eyes. "Ok, so that famous actress from the Waverly movies just had her water break on the carpet. They've gotten her ushered away in a wheelchair while an ambulance comes. Things will move much quicker now."

As if his words are an omen, people begin shifting ahead. Different couples go to the various news outlets. We wind up on the far end with a bubbly brunette I've never met. She's holding the microphone for a celebrity focused channel, so I fully expect her to pry as soon as the camera starts rolling.

"My name is Selinda. I'm excited to meet you. Everyone ready?" She asks with a firm handshake.

"Sure thing. Let's go." I give Austen another nod as I hold his waist to keep him close. His hand is wrapped around my shoulder now that we're not moving, which puts him very much in every shot the camera gets.

Selinda starts with the easy questions. "How are you doing post-tour?"

"I'm good. Enjoying time with those important to me."

"Any news on the next album? We've seen some teasers on social media, though nothing too obvious," she points out.

I nod. "That's the way it's meant to be. My team doesn't have all the details yet since I'm still in creative mode right now. We'll update as soon as I'm able."

"Fair enough. Tonight must be especially hard for you with Charlene's diagnosis. How do you think she'd feel about you being here?"

I take a deep breath to battle against the ache of hearing my sister's name. Even after all these years, it's a struggle not to fall apart knowing she's gone.

Austen chooses that moment to speak up for the first time tonight. "I'd be willing to bet she'd be really damn proud of him. Not only is he living his dream by making music, but he also uses the wealth he's gained to help others."

Selinda's jaw drops right about the time Austen says damn. I'm not sure if it's the way he sounds or that he comes to my defense that has me awestruck. Either way, I don't like the look she's giving him.

"We're going to head inside now. Thanks, Selinda."

"Oh! Wait! What about him? Who is this guy? Are you dating? How serious is it?"

Ken steps into the frame. "He said he was done. You have to be quicker, sweetie."

Selinda motions for the camera to cut, then she growls at Ken. "Watch your back, Ken. Don't interfere with my stories."

Before my publicist can speak, Austen steps in. "I'm pretty sure you're the one out of line, Selinda. Maybe be nicer to people and they'll be nicer to you. Come on, love. Let's go."

He tugs me away, leaving her outraged at missing the opportunity to catch his words on camera. I'm sure they'd have sensationalized the story for views too.

Inside the building, Austen tugs me off to the side and presses me against the wall. "Are you ok? Do you need a minute?"

I shake my head as I look up at him. His body hovers over me, all protective and ominous all at once. "Why would I need a minute?"

He frowns. "Because she brought up Charlene. I'm sure that was hard to deal with. And then she kept probing."

I put my hand to his chest, halting whatever else he means to say. "I'm not upset. It's hard talking about her, but it's necessary. Tonight is to earn money for cancer research. There's no getting away from talking about my sister or how cancer took her from me. All I can do is try my best to ensure no one else loses a loved one like I have."

He leans down until our foreheads press together. It's such an intimate move, I'm shocked into silence.

"You're a good man, Corrin Ray. Maybe even the best man. The world doesn't deserve you."

Try as I might to keep my heart from falling, it's no use. Austen Page owns me, body and soul. My heart is his from now on.