"Of course, this is as much your home as it is mine or Landon's. You know that. When does your stuff get here?"
"Oh, it's in the car. I didn't have much. I can get it tomorrow, as I have what I need now." I place my hand on my bag.
"I'll unload it first thing in the morning," Dallas nods.
"Oh, I can do it. It's no big deal."
"Non-negotiable. Besides, your brother would have my ass letting you carry boxes up to your room. Come join me in the living room, it's just me and some snacks."
"Oh, I can go to my room. I didn't mean to interrupt your alone time."
"Don't make me throw you over my shoulder, Austin." His tone may be joking, but I know he would do it, because he has before.
Dallas has been my brother’s best friend, since they were about ten, and I’ve had a crush on him for about as long, but he never asked me out, so I settled for being friends.
Since their band, Highway 55, made it big, he’s known for his playboy reputation, but it's not as bad as the tabloids make it seem. Yeah, he doesn't do relationships, and he's had his share of one-night stands, but he’s always upfront with the girls, so they know what to expect. He doesn't lead anyone on, and I respect that. He also treats me like gold, so I know when he decides to settle down that girl who captures his heart will be one lucky lady.
This fact makes spending time with him alone a little tricky, because I make sure I don’t let my feelings show. I wasn’t prepared for this tonight, and after the long drive, I really was planning to go to my room, but I also won’t pass up time to spend with him either.
I follow him to the living room at the back of the house. This is the one we all use the most, because it's the most comfortable and not as fancy. They don't use it for entertaining, like the front living room.
We both sit down on the same couch facing the TV, but Dallas turns sideways to look at me.
"What happened?" He asks.
"I was ready for a change." I shrug.
"Austin..." His tone is a warning. He's always been able to read me just as well as my brother does.
"Branden proposed," I say, slumping back against the couch.
I must be more tired than I thought, because I swear I see hurt flash across his face for a brief second, as his eyes go wide. "What? I didn't know you were that serious."
"We weren't! It was casual, no titles. I didn't even have a toothbrush at his place. We saw each other maybe once a week, and we didn't even talk every day. Then, two nights ago, he takes me to dinner and says he has something to talk to me about. I thought he was going to want to be more serious, and I had planned to break up with him. He knew the score from the start, but no, he does this whole dramatic proposal with everyone in the restaurant watching and oohing and ahhing. So of course, they all thought I was this big bitch. when I said no, grabbed my things, and ran out. I packed my car, left that night, drove until I was tired, grabbed some sleep, and continued all day yesterday and today."
I enjoyed living in Portland, Maine. The views are breathtaking, and it's a very relaxed vibe. I rented a room, and the place was right downtown, so I could walk to just about anything. Though, I will miss that place, I’m looking forward to getting back to Nashville, too.
"Geeze, Austin. Why didn't you call? One of us would have flown up and driven back with you." He shoves some taco dip and chips at me, his silent demand that I eat something.
"I know, but I wanted to get out of there. So, I paid my roommate for next month and left. I'm going to miss my days by the lighthouse, but I don't know, I just needed to be here."
I loved taking my laptop down to The Portland Head Light, the famous lighthouse on the rocks, and sitting at the picnic table, working on it with the water as my view. It’s the biggest thing that sold me on living there.
"Well, I'm glad you're here," Dallas says, as his eyes sweep over me. If he was anyone else, I'd think he was checking me out. But I know Dallas, he's making sure I'm okay, so he can report to my brother that I'm all in one piece, safe and sound.
"Want to watch a movie?" He asks.
"Sure, you know what I like," I say, as I stand up and grab a bottle of water from the mini fridge in the corner of the room. I also grab my favorite blanket from the rack, before I take my shoes off and sit back down.
Dallas puts on an action comedy film, and we’re both quiet, during the beginning. I see him texting on his phone but quickly forget it, as I get into the movie. Then, my phone goes off, and I see a text from my brother.
"Tattletale." I huff out, and Dallas just laughs.
Landon: You should have called. Anything could have happened.
Me: Not like you were here anyway.
Landon: I'll be home in a few days.
Me: That's what D said.
Landon: I'm glad you’re back. I missed you.
Me: Missed you, too. Go do your charity thing and get home soon.
Landon: Stay safe, and let D know if you need anything.
As we watch the movie, I glance Dallas's way
