Chapter 1808
"Austin, come on, don't be like this." Audrey quickly reached out and grabbed Austin's hand. Seeing his cheek already swollen, she realized how hard he had hit himself. Her perception of Austin changed instantly. She softly said, "It's not all your fault. Caroline's to blame too. Honestly, it's best if you two end things. It's better for everyone."
"I know," Austin took the opportunity to hold Audrey's delicate hand, feeling its smooth and tender touch. It felt so good that he couldn't help but imagine her hand doing more intimate things.
But he dared not reveal any of his thoughts. If Audrey sensed his intentions, it would ruin everything. Austin had to suppress his inner urges and said helplessly, "I've told Caroline so many times that this can't go on. I can't destroy her family, and I can't betray Lucas. But Caroline refuses to listen. She even threatened to drink poison if I ignored her. What can I do? I can't just watch her die."
"What!" Audrey was even more shocked. She hadn't expected Caroline to be the one clinging to Austin. If it were before tonight, she would have thought Austin was lying to defame Caroline. But after tonight's events, she believed him completely.
"Audrey, I'm telling you this tonight because I want you to talk to Caroline. Tell her to live a good life with your brother and stop this with me. Otherwise, I'll have to leave Birchfield."
Austin looked resolute. "Even if I never come back, I can't ruin Caroline's reputation."
"Well..." Audrey was in a difficult position. How could she talk to Caroline about this? Should she tell Caroline that she already knew about the affair and that Caroline was the one clinging to Austin? Caroline would think she was mocking her. Audrey didn't even realize that Austin was still holding her hand tightly.
"Audrey, please help me. I don't want this either, but you're the only one who can help," Austin said, holding Audrey's hand but not daring to make any further moves. He was secretly pleased. The first physical contact with a woman was crucial. As long as Audrey didn't pull her hand away, he was halfway to success. The rest was to slowly get her used to his touch and eventually see him as a haven.
"Alright, let me think about it," Audrey was moved by Austin. He was still thinking about protecting Caroline's reputation. Regardless of whether he was confused at first, at least he was responsible and not a shameless person who only cared about his pleasure.
She then realized her hand was still being held by Austin. Her face turned slightly red as she gently pulled her hand back. Austin quickly let go and apologized, "I'm sorry, Audrey. I didn't mean to."
"It's okay, Austin," Audrey felt a bit embarrassed. It was just a handhold, and she was acting like it was a big deal. Although she had a cold personality, she wasn't so conservative that she couldn't be touched by a man. Besides, after Austin's explanation, she had let her guard down.
But Audrey hadn't eaten or drunk anything since 4 PM. She was hungry, thirsty, and cold. Even with Austin's jacket, she couldn't stop shivering.
Austin suddenly slapped his forehead and took a bag of bread from a nearby bag. He handed it to Audrey with a smile, "Audrey, have something to eat. I bought this yesterday and forgot to eat it. It's just right for now." Audrey took the bread and was about to eat it when she saw Austin swallowing his saliva. She broke the bread in half and smiled, "Austin, let's share."
"No, I'm not hungry. You eat it all," Austin waved his hand, refusing to take it. "I can hold on."
"No way. If you don't eat, I won't eat either."
Audrey was touched and pretended to be stern. She was the type who reciprocated kindness. "Alright, I'll eat a little."
Austin tore off a piece of bread and stuffed it into his mouth, smiling, "Okay, I'll just have a bite. I can't afford to let you go hungry."
Audrey smiled and took small bites of the bread. Maybe it was the unique situation or Austin's deliberate behavior, but the distance between them seemed to shrink.
"You know, Audrey, I used to think city folks were all stuck-up and looked down on us country people. But you're different. You're so down-to-earth," Austin said with a smile.
"Not at all. I'm not a city person. My hometown is a small town," Audrey replied, smiling. "City folks were farmers decades ago. And when the countryside becomes prosperous, city folks might envy country people."
"That's true. I heard West Stream Town has developed into a tourist area, and the local farmers have all gotten rich," Austin said enviously. "Too bad Birchfield doesn't have hot springs. Otherwise, we could have a resort too."
"Every place has its unique features," Audrey said. "Our local specialties are quite famous. We could start a green food processing business. City folks are all about healthy food now. It has great potential."
"That's a great idea. No wonder you're a teacher. You think deeper and see further than us farmers," Austin praised Audrey.
"No, I'm just talking nonsense," Audrey blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed by the compliment. Her cheeks turned rosy like blooming roses.
Austin's heart raced, and the faint scent of her perfume made him even more aroused. He wanted to pounce on her and make love right there. But he knew the challenge was in the aftermath. He needed her to accept the situation willingly. If she resisted, it would all be for nothing.
Suddenly, Austin's phone rang. He answered it, and his face turned grim. After hanging up, he said to Audrey, "Audrey, my friend can't make it. We might have to call the police, but I'm not sure of our exact location. We could just spend the night in the car and have my friend come in the morning. What do you think?"
"How could this happen?" Audrey's relaxed mood plummeted. Today was just terrible. But she didn't want to involve the police over this. If people in Birchfield found out, who knows what rumors would spread. She reluctantly said, "No need to call the police. We'll just make do for the night. But how can we sleep in the car?"
"That's easy," Austin said, seeing his plan progressing smoothly. He got out and reclined the back seats, turning them into a makeshift bed. "I bought this car for its spacious interior. You can sleep here. I'm sorry about this."
"Austin, where will you sleep?" Audrey asked. The SUV was bigger than a regular car, but it wasn't a real RV. Even with the seats down, it couldn't fit two people. She began to suspect Austin might be trying to sleep with her.
"I'll find a sheltered spot outside," Austin said with a smile. "I don't want you to feel uneasy with me in the car. Lock the doors, just in case."
Audrey blushed. Austin's suggestion made it clear he thought she was wary of him. But it was late, and he had given her his jacket. She couldn't just kick him out. That would be too selfish. Besides, if Austin had bad intentions, he wouldn't have suggested calling the police. Other men would have jumped at the chance to spend the night alone with her.
Seeing Austin about to leave, Audrey felt guilty and said, "Austin, we can squeeze in together."
"No, I'll sleep in the front seat," Austin refused firmly. "Audrey, we can't let people think we slept together. I don't care about my reputation, but I can't ruin yours."
Audrey's guard dropped completely. Austin might not look like much, but he was a gentleman. Quentin, her colleague, seemed refined but was a scoundrel. You can't judge a book by its cover.
She softly said, "Austin, come sleep here. You've been driving all day and must be tired. Besides, if we don't tell anyone, who will know? I trust you won't take advantage of me. If you don't come, I won't sleep either."
"Alright," Austin was overjoyed. This tactic of retreating to advance worked best on women with morals and principles. He pretended to refuse a few more times before lying down in the back, his heart racing with excitement.
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