Page 50 of A Match Made In Fall

“Wow. How did Dexter react? What did Austin say after you left?”

She’s firing questions at me, barely taking a breath.

“There wasn’t much Dex could say. My mom invited him inside for coffee, and Austin and I left.”

“And?”

“And we went out, and…” I say, stretching out on the bed. “I had one of the best evenings of my life.”

The memories of last night replay instantly. Austin holding my hand, catching me from falling on the sidewalk, and then that kiss. The whole night flashes through my mind like a montage from a romantic movie.

“Wait.” Elise cuts through my daydream. “What does this mean?”

“Um, I’m not sure what you’re asking…we had a really great time,” I reply.

“That’s not what I’m talking about,” she says. “When are you coming back to LA? Remember, your job, your life…none of that is in North Carolina.”

And there it is. The question on everyone’s mind, and it’s a valid question.

“Of course I haven’t forgotten. I’m probably staying through the holidays,” I tell her. “I promised my family I wouldn’t leave right away. And since I won’t be dancing anytime soon, I’m not exactly in a rush to leave.”

“Well,” she teases, “I’m sure hanging out with a hot hockey player helped make the decision a little easier.”

I chew on my lower lip because she’s not wrong. But the truth is, I made the decision before Austin and I started spending time together. Being injured forced me to stop, and for the first time in years, I realized how much time I’d missed with the people I love. I’m here now, and the holidays are around the corner. I don’t know what’s ahead with my ever-changing career, and it may be a while before I’m back.

“Well, the hot hockey player definitely makes it more fun,” I admit. “But there’s actually a different man I’m staying around for.”

“What?” she squeals. “Another one? Tell me everything.”

I sigh dramatically. “He’s short, chubby, doesn't talk back, and drools all over me.”

This is met with silence.

“Wait.” She starts laughing. “Are you talking about your brother’s baby?”

“I sure am.”

I glance toward the living room where my nephew's toys are piled in the corner.

“He’s adorable. He’s always excited to see me and never argues with anything I say.”

“So he’s basically a dream man,” she replies.

“Exactly.”

We both laugh.

“He really is perfect—at least until he learns how to talk.” I grin. “I’m loving every minute with him, and he’s growing so fast. It feels like every day he’s doing something new. I’m here now, and I don’t know when I’ll be back after I go home.”

“I understand,” she says gently. “And I think it’s been good for you to have this time with your family.”

“So do I,” I admit.

“And now I’m getting ready to meet Dexter, so that should be interesting.” I pause and shake my head. “Can you believe this? It’s been almost a year without a word from him, and he decides to suddenly walk back into my life now.”

“As soon as you meet someone else,” Elise points out.

“Right?” I laugh. “Elise, when I opened the door and saw him standing there, I honestly thought I was dreaming.”