Chapter 16
Austin
“Man, you are whipped!” Esteban exclaims as we finish putting all our things in Noah’s truck. Now that Violet and Josy are gone, I knew they were going to start with their bullshit. I have been waiting for it since the moment I walked up to Violet earlier today. I know they’ve been eagerly watching me all day.
“Yeah, our boy is completely smitten,” Noah chimes in, leaning against the truck with a knowing smirk. “You should have seen your face when you were talking to her. It was like watching a lovesick puppy.”
“Shut up, guys,” I say, trying to hide my grin. “Can’t a man just help a kid learn how to fish without getting grilled for it?”
“Sure, sure,” Esteban laughs. “It was more than just helping, though. You were like a father figure out there. It was sweet, honestly.”
Esteban's voice rings in my head, teasing me about Violet again, and for once, I can't argue with him. The man has a point. When I first found out that Violet has a son, I was hesitant. Not because I didn’t want to date a mom, I admire her for being one, but because I don’t know the first thing about kids. I didn’t want to screw up my chance with her because of my inexperience. Violet is a mom through and through; her world revolves around Adrian, as it should. If I want to be a part of her life, I need to fit into that picture, not try to change it.
But today… Today gave me hope.
Seeing her at the river, standing there in those shorts that showed off her lean, toned legs, and the top of her swimsuit barely peeking out from under her tank, it was like someone flipped a switch in me. She looked so effortlessly beautiful, like she wasn’t even trying, and yet she stole every ounce of my focus.
Then there was Adrian, eager and excited about fishing. I couldn’t resist stepping in to help him, even if I wasn’t sure how it would go. I thought he might brush me off or be shy, but the kid surprised me. He was sharp and funny, with a curiosity that reminded me of myself when I was younger. Apparently, he watched a ton of videos, and it paid off—he was pretty good. Spending time with him felt natural, easier than I expected, and I think he enjoyed it too.
But if I’m being honest, the highlight of my day wasn’t teaching Adrian how to fish.
It was Violet.
When she decided to head into the water, I had to act casual—her kid and my friends were right there—but on the inside? I was a goner. Watching her peel off her shorts and shirt nearly had me forgetting how to breathe. That one-piece suit she wore? It left nothing to the imagination. Every curve was a masterpiece, and when she walked past us toward the water, I couldn’t stop myself. My eyes were glued to her, catching the sway of her hips and that heart-shaped ass. It was all I could do not to groan out loud.
I knew the guys noticed me staring, but I didn’t care. What man in his right mind wouldn’t look at a woman like Violet? She’s breathtaking, pure and simple.
But then she got out of the water, and I swear time stopped.
The way the water clung to her, the droplets trailing down her skin, the way her swimsuit hugged her body—it was almost too much. Her nipples were hard, pressing against the fabric, and the sight had my brain short-circuiting. I wanted to look away, to not ogle her like some lovesick fool, but I couldn’t. I had to sit down and hide my erection. Violet makes my body react like no other.
I’ve been attracted to women before, sure. But this… This is something different. It’s not just about how beautiful she is, though God knows she is. There’s something about Violet that pulls me in, something deeper. She’s strong, independent, and yet there’s a vulnerability to her that makes me want to protect her, to be the man she and Adrian can count on.
She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s already got me.
“I just hope I didn’t overstep,” I say, glancing at Esteban and Noah. “I don’t want her to think I’m trying to push too hard.”
“No way,” Noah reassures me. “You were great with Adrian, and Violet saw that. She knows you’re serious about getting to know them both.”
“Yeah, man,” Esteban agrees. “You’re doing everything right. Just keep being yourself.”
I nod, taking their words to heart. The way Violet smiled at me today, the way Adrian looked up to me, it felt like I was on the right path. And now with our dinner plans set, I have another chance to show Violet that I’m here for her, that I’m different from what she’s known before.
“Violet’s a catch, man,” Noah says more seriously. “She’s got that strong, independent vibe, but she’s also kind and caring. I think she’s good for you.”
“Yeah, she is,” I admit. “And Adrian, he’s a great kid. Reminds me of myself at that age.”
“Look at you, getting all deep,” Esteban teases. “But seriously, Austin, it’s obvious that you like her a lot. Just take it slow.”
“I will,” I nod, appreciating their support despite the teasing. “I just want to be there for her and Adrian. She deserves someone who treats her right.”
“Exactly,” Noah agrees. “And about Josy, I don’t know why she’s got this thing against me, but it’s weird having her be so distant.”
“Yeah. I noticed that she was acting weird around you.”
“What did you do to her?” I ask Noah.
“I didn’t do anything. We were friends up until she went to college. After she graduated and came back, she didn’t call or text. I saw her in town, but she avoids me all the time. I’ve even seen her hide from me.”
“What? For real?” Esteban asks.
“Yes. Since she started acting that way, I’ve stayed away from her. I don’t want to upset her. That’s why I haven’t ever been to her coffee shop.”
“Oh, so that’s why I am always the one to go and pick up our order?” Esteban says, raising an eyebrow.
“Yep.”
“Maybe you should talk to her,” I suggest. “Clear the air.”
Noah sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I’ve thought about it, but I’m not sure what to say. It’s been so long, and I don’t even know what I did wrong.”
“Maybe it’s something she needs to get off her chest,” Esteban adds. “You’ll never know unless you ask.”
“True,” Noah concedes. “I just don’t want to make things worse. She seemed so happy today talking with Esteban, but the moment she saw me, it was like a switch flipped.”
“Sometimes people hold onto things for their own reasons,” I say thoughtfully. “It might not even be about you directly. She could be dealing with something personal, and seeing you just brings it up.”
Noah nods slowly. “You’re right. I’ll think about it. Maybe next time I see her, I’ll try to talk to her. I just don’t want to push her away even more.”
“Good plan,” Esteban says. “And hey, at least you know we’ve got your back, no matter what.”
“Thanks, guys,” Noah says, a small smile forming. “I appreciate it.”
We finish loading up the truck and climb in, ready to head home. As we drive, my mind drifts back to the dinner I’ve planned with Violet. There’s so much I want to tell her, so much I want to understand.
Now that I am home alone, I start thinking about my dinner plans with Violet this Thursday. I want to take her to a nice place, or I could cook for her and bring her to my house. But I don’t know if she would feel comfortable alone in my house. I could just get to know her better via text and see if she is up to coming to my house for dinner, maybe that will help break the ice. Grabbing my phone, I send her a message.
Me: Hi, beautiful. Did Adrian have fun today?
I wait with bated breath for her to answer. It’s not even two minutes before she responds.
Violet: He had so much fun. He hasn’t stopped talking about it. Now he wants to go every weekend. You have made a monster of my son.
Me: I’m glad he liked it. He is a nice kid. It is evident that you do a great job with him.
Violet: Thank you. I’m very grateful for all your help with him. I couldn’t have done it since I don’t know a single thing about fishing, lol.
Feeling encouraged by her response, I decide to keep the conversation going.
Me: It was my pleasure. I really enjoyed spending time with both of you. By the way, I was thinking about our dinner plans for Thursday. Would you prefer going out to a nice restaurant, or would you feel comfortable coming to my place for a homemade dinner?
Violet: Hmm, a homemade dinner sounds really nice. But are you sure it wouldn’t be too much trouble?
Me: No trouble at all. I love cooking, and it would be a great opportunity to talk more about the house plans in a relaxed setting.
Violet: In that case, I’d love to come over for dinner.
Me: I’ll make sure everything is perfect.
Violet: Looking forward to it!
Me: Perfect. Looking forward to it too. What is your favorite food?
Violet: Pasta. I would eat pasta every day if I could.
Me: What’s stopping you?
Violet: First, Adrian will hate it, and second, I need to lose some weight.
Me: Can I be honest?
Violet: Yes, you can.
Me: I don’t think you need to lose weight. You are beautiful. If you want to lose weight for health purposes, I would say go for it. But if you are doing it for aesthetic purposes, I think you are perfect.
Violet: Thank you, Austin. That means a lot. I’ve been insecure about my body since I had Adrian. My ex’s comments didn’t help either.
Me: I’m sorry to hear that, Violet. I wish you could see yourself the way I see you—strong, beautiful, and incredibly attractive.
Violet: You’re really sweet, Austin. It’s hard to believe that sometimes, though.
Me: Believe it. You deserve to feel confident and appreciated. I’m looking forward to showing you just how amazing you are.
Violet: You’re quite the charmer, aren’t you?
Me: Only when it comes to you. Besides, I’ve got to keep up with your level of charm.
Violet: I wouldn’t call myself charming, but thank you.
Me: You don’t see it, but it’s there. Your smile, your laugh, the way you care for Adrian—it’s all incredibly charming.
Violet: You’re making me blush.
Me: Good. I want you to feel special because you are. By the way, what’s your favorite pasta dish?
Violet: I love a good Alfredo with lots of garlic and parmesan.
Me: Perfect. I’ll make sure it’s the best Alfredo you’ve ever had.
Violet: I can’t wait, Austin. Thank you for being so kind.
Me: Thank you for giving me the chance. Looking forward to Thursday, Violet. Have a great night, sweetheart.
Violet: You too, Austin. See you soon.
I put my phone down, a smile lingering on my face. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and that’s a start.