Trust In Love (A McCord Family Novel Book 2) by Amanda Siegrist Read Free Book Online

said, holding his hands up in an innocent gesture. "You knocked on my door for a reason. I apologize for making you uncomfortable. I obviously do a good job of that."
    "No, I'm sorry. You're right. It's not your fault I freak out over the littlest thing...oh dear," Sophie said as Bethany came up behind Austin dressed in a slinky black dress that she wore last night.
    Austin turned his head to Bethany, for the first time in his life, horrified to have brought a woman home.
    "Call me, Austin. I had a great time," Bethany said, kissing him on the lips quickly before he could turn away. "Who's your friend?"
    Austin looked Sophie in the eyes, noticing her uncomfortable posture. "My neighbor Sophie. I'll see you around, Bethany."
    Bethany grabbed another quick kiss, winked at him, and turned around to glance at Sophie. "Good morning, Sophie," she said as she sauntered by her.
    Sophie didn't respond as she watched the woman walk to a car that pulled to the curb and wave good-bye to Austin as it drove away.
    "Your girlfriend seems nice."
    Austin rolled his eyes, her missing the action. "She's not my girlfriend."
    "Oh. Who is she?" she asked curiously, turning her eyes back to him.
    "A woman I date occasionally," he said, tentatively.
    "So, you mean sex?"
    Austin laughed. "Way to get to the point there, Sophie. Yes, I guess if you want to call it that. I don't do relationships. I just date casually and enjoy myself."
    "Why? You don't want to get married?" she asked with surprise.
    "This is a very weird conversation we're having, Sophie. But to answer your question...no, I don't ever plan on getting married. I'm not the marrying kind of guy, if you get my drift. I like women. They like me. That's all I want. That's all I really need."
    "Wow."
    "You seem surprised."
    "You're very honest. Men generally aren't truthful."
    "You haven't met the right man. I would never lie to you," he said, wondering how this situation escalated into what it was. "Why are you here, Sophie? Besides dissecting my love life. Or lack thereof."
    "Oh, right. My lawn mower decided it doesn't ever want to start again in its miserable life. I was hoping I could borrow yours until I find the money to purchase a new one. If it's not too much of an imposition," she said nervously.
    "Sure. I can—"
    "Nope. If you're offering to do it yourself, I can handle it. It's my lawn and I will do it. I just need a machine that will actually work," she said, interrupting him.
    Why was he surprised? She would never give in to his help. He couldn't believe she was asking to borrow his, but then again, if she had no money, it made sense. He imagined it took a lot of effort for her to knock on his door. "Let me grab a shirt and get the keys to the shed. Come on in."
    "I'll wait out here, if you don't mind," Sophie said, backing up a step.
    Austin noticed her retreat, the slight fear in her eyes. He scared her. Why? He had never been rude to her.
    "Okay. I'll be right back," he said, trying to act casual.
    Austin ran upstairs, grabbed a clean shirt from his closet and ran back downstairs to the kitchen where the shed keys hung on the wall by the fridge. He snatched them from the hook and made his way back to Sophie where she stood fidgeting in place waiting for him.
    "Okay. Here we go. Let's head to the shed," Austin said as he started to walk out when he heard the phone ring. "Or not. That's probably my brother calling. Here. I'll just give you the key."
    "Thanks. I'll go grab it and return your key promptly," she said, taking the key from him, her fingers lightly brushing his.
    "No worries or rush. It'll probably take a while to mow the monstrosity out there. But I guess I don't have to offer my help because you know it's there if you need it," he replied, glancing behind him as he heard his phone go off again. "Just return it when you're done. I better get the phone. Enjoy your day, Sophie."
    "Thank you so much, Austin. You too," she said, quickly turning around and hopped down the