Model Attraction (6 page)

Janna sat stunned.

“Once we returned from vacation, imagine my surprise when I went by your house and your mother said you were in Milan. Do you have any idea how that made me feel? To find out the girl I'd loved and planned to spend the rest of my life with had left the country without a word?”

Guilt lodged in Janna's throat. Her hand went to her chest, making small circles as if the move could release some of the tension that had built from the anguish she heard in his tone.

“Your mother gave me your manager's number, saying it was the only way to reach you. I called. The first two times, I left a message with him for you to call me back.”

“Oh my God, Austin, I didn't know. He never told me.”

“The last two times I left messages on his voice mail.”

Janna was going to kill Nelson. How could he have not told her? He'd known how much Austin meant to her.

“Austin—” she reached out and placed her hand on top of his “—I'm so sorry. I didn't know. I would have called you back had I known.” His gaze went to where her hand rested on top of his and he surprised her when he didn't pull away.

“Whether your manager gave you the messages or not, that's no excuse for you not calling me.”

“I thought you were angry with me after receiving my letter. When I didn't hear from you, I just assumed...” Her words trailed off. There was nothing else she could say, and no other excuse she could give to explain her actions.

“How could you think that I wouldn't try calling? You knew how I felt about you.” He turned his hand over and grasped her hand, squeezing a little as he continued. “I had planned to make you my wife. How could you think I wouldn't try to find you?”

Janna lowered her gaze and shook her head, fighting the tears that pricked the back of her eyes. She should have known that Austin would try contacting her. Even at a young age, he was the most responsible, loyal person she'd ever known. He had always been clear about his feelings for her and wasn't shy about telling her how much he loved her. This...all of this was on her.

She looked up at him, her vision distorted by unshed tears. “I should have known.” She lifted her napkin from her lap and dabbed at the corners of her eyes, trying hard not to let a tear fall. If one slipped through, more would follow. Thankfully, her back was to the majority of the other patrons.

“Listen, maybe talking about this out in public wasn't a good idea.”

Janna shook her head. “No. I'm glad we're having this conversation. We should have had it years ago. I'm not happy with my manager, but ultimately, this whole mess is my fault.”

Austin sighed and picked up his fork. “Why don't we eat while you tell me how everything played out?”

The last thing Janna wanted to do was eat, but she was glad he was willing to at least listen to her. Not that she was surprised. He'd had plenty of opportunities to practice patience and tolerance when it came to dealing with her. She hadn't been the most levelheaded person back in the day, especially considering the number of messes she used to get into. That often led to disagreements with Austin, but he never stayed mad long. He had once told her that his parents had a rule—never go to bed angry at each other. Austin had told her early on that he wanted that to be the case with them.

“The morning after you and your family left on vacation, I was contacted by Nelson, my current manager. On a whim, months earlier, I had sent him my head shots and a note expressing an interest in modeling.”

“Why didn't you tell me you were querying modeling agencies? When we were making plans, you never mentioned modeling.”

“I didn't mention it because I knew the chances of me becoming a model were slim. And besides, I was excited about the plans you had made for us.” And she was. Austin was not only the most popular jock at their school, but he was also the smartest man she knew. He was valedictorian of his graduating class and everyone knew he had a promising future ahead of him.

Janna had known a life with him would be amazing and she couldn't wait to marry him. But thanks to lack of communication, she would never know what could have been.

She enjoyed the life she had built for herself, but a sadness swirled around inside her. What if she could have had both, her career and a life with Austin? This sweetheart of a man could have still been hers, had she handled things differently back then.

* * *

My plans.
Therein lay the first problem, Austin thought. When he was making plans for their future, he had never realized that she saw them as
his
plans. Not their plans.

“What was in the letter?”

As far as he knew, she'd never lied to him. If she had sent the letter, as she claimed, what happened to it?

She set down her fork and wiped her mouth. It didn't go unnoticed that she had only taken one or two bites of her meal. If this was any indication how she normally ate, it was no wonder she was so thin.

“It stated that I loved you and that I hope you could understand that I had to go after this chance of a lifetime. I also mentioned that I wanted you to join me in Milan, maybe attend college there. I even offered to send you plane fare once I received my first check.”

He would have appreciated the offer had he received it, but there was no way he would have taken money from her. He was old-school like his dad and didn't believe in letting a woman pay his way.

“I would have come,” he said quietly. Hell, he probably would have stayed. He had been that in love with her.

“You would have?”

“Of course. Janna, you knew how I felt about you. I was serious about us having a life together, no matter where.” He didn't like seeing the sadness in her eyes, which was so unlike her. Very little got Janna down, and he hated that their conversation had made the twinkle in her eyes disappear.

Her gaze returned to the plate in front of her. “I know,” she said barely above a whisper. “Despite the way I left, the feelings were mutual. But later when I talked with my mother, she said I wasn't being fair to you. That you had a promising future and we were too young to be thinking about marriage.”

His parents felt the same way, but Austin hadn't cared. He had always accomplished anything he'd set his mind to, and together they could have made it work. Yet he never got the chance. Janna took the option from him when she boarded the flight to Milan and didn't look back.

“I'll never be able to apologize to you enough for the hell I put us both through. I've missed you, Austin, and I never meant to hurt you. I was young...impulsive, and I thought... I honestly thought we could make it work. But when I didn't hear from you...” Her voice trailed off.

“Yeah, I know. I felt the same way. I'm sorry, too. I'm sorry I didn't try harder to get a hold of you.” He took a swig of his beer, still a little amazed that he was sitting across from her in the flesh. “Back in Nash's office, you asked if we could call a truce.”

“Can we?”

He nodded. The conversation with his father was at the front of Austin's mind. “Yeah. Let's try to put this behind us.”

“I'd like that.” She smiled for the first time since arriving at the restaurant and his heart constricted. Her smile had always sent a warm heat flowing through his body, and based on the last couple of hours, she still had the same effect on him. The attraction between them was more intense than ever, and that wasn't a good thing.

“So why don't you tell me more about this accountant of yours.”

They talked and ate. It wasn't quite like old times, but it was as if a weight had been lifted off Austin. She was still animated when she talked, gesturing with her hands, her voice rising and falling as she explained her disappointment with the financial management company.

“There's something else I'd like to talk to you about.”

“What's that?” Austin asked, the seriousness of her tone making him wonder if he really wanted to know.

“My nonprofit organization.”

Now this surprised him. Janna had always been interested in fashion, makeup and other girly things, but he'd never known her to have any interest in philanthropy.

“I want to create a nonprofit to benefit children who are aging out of the foster care system. Many end up jobless and homeless once they turn eighteen. I have a plan that can keep some of these kids off the street. I was lucky, but so many don't end up in a loving home or with a family that looks out for them.”

She told him more about her plans, and the more she talked, the more interested Austin became. Not just because he could tell the cause was close to her heart, but also because of the emotion in her voice. She'd always been a little quirky, easygoing and out to have a good time. Yet, he couldn't ever remember her speaking so seriously and passionately about a subject.

“I have a draft of my business plan back at my hotel if you'd like to see it.” Her eyes held a vulnerability that he had never seen in her before. “I would really appreciate your opinion, and I'm open to any suggestions you have on how to proceed. I know your family has always been active in various causes.”

Austin nodded. “Yeah, they still are, and I'd be glad to help you in any way that I can.” His only concern was the idea of going back to her hotel room. He wasn't sure if he trusted himself not to do something crazy when they got there, like taste her sweet lips again or lure her to the closest bed.

Chapter 6

“A
re you married?”

Austin sputtered, coughed and choked on his beer, surprised by the question, which seemed to come out of nowhere.

“Sorry about that. Didn't mean to catch you off guard,” Janna said, amused the question would shake him up.

“No. No, it's fine.” He set his glass down and quickly wiped his mouth. “And no, I'm not married, and I don't have any children,” he supplied as if knowing that question would be next.

Janna almost said
good
, but held back. She knew it was too much to hope that they could pick up where they left off, but knowing he wasn't married was a start. Her feelings for him were just as strong as they once were and she'd give anything if they could at least be friends.

“I assume you're not married.”

She quirked a smile and shook her head. Something that big would've been splashed across various magazines before she could finish saying
I do
. The media seemed to be able to capture everything about her. Well, almost everything. They still hadn't figured out her parentage and she prayed she could keep it that way.

“So did you two leave room for dessert?” the server asked as she collected Austin's empty plate.

“None for me,” Janna said and requested a carryout container. Despite the food being good, most of her meal was still on her plate. She couldn't concentrate on eating. She wanted to focus on reestablishing a friendship with Austin. Yet sitting across from him, staring into his dark eyes, had her longing for more. It might be selfish, but she wanted what they once had.

“I'll pass, too. Can you bring us the check?”

“Sure, I'll be right back.”

“I think I'll take this opportunity to run to the ladies' room.” Austin discreetly pointed her in the right direction and stood, pulling out her chair. “I'll be right back.”

A sudden tension circled around them. At first, she thought it was something she might have said or done. But after following his gaze to a table of men, she knew it was his protective nature kicking in. She had noticed the group when they walked in, making sure not to make eye contact, but felt their gazes on her.

Turning to Austin, she touched his arm. “Relax, I'll be fine.” She headed to the restroom, an extra pep in her step. She didn't want to get too excited that maybe Austin still had feelings for her, but she couldn't help it. His protective claws wouldn't have come out if he didn't feel something. Or would they? On second thought, Austin had always been chivalrous, even at a young age.

Janna made quick work of using the bathroom and touching up her makeup. When she stepped out of the restroom, she startled. A man stood in the small area between the men's and women's bathrooms as if waiting on someone.

She nodded an acknowledgment, prepared to head back to her table, but he touched her arm.

Janna jerked away and took a step back. She could handle fans stopping to ask questions, but she didn't like people touching her without her permission.

“I'm sorry.” He quickly lifted his hands as if surrendering. “I didn't mean to scare you, but aren't you Janna Morgan?”

She sighed. This was one evening she wished she could have gone without being noticed or approached.

“Yes, I am,” she said and tried to step around him, but he blocked her way. She felt more irritated than threatened. “Will you excuse me, please?”

“Listen, I mean no harm, but I was wondering if I could get a picture with you.”

Rarely did she roam around alone, especially considering how bold people were getting in their approach. She had recently seen a photo of herself with a male fan floating around on social media with a raunchy caption. It was then she knew she had to make some changes. One being she no longer took pictures with random men. Though she was comfortable with the decision, this was the first time she'd received the request since then. Now she debated how to handle the situation without things getting ugly.

* * *

Austin glanced toward the restroom area, getting a little concerned about Janna's delay. He was protective by nature, which was how he and Janna first met. He would never forget that day. She had shown up at the school's gym during one of his basketball practices in search of the gym teacher. Gorgeous even back then, she'd attracted some unwanted attention from one of his teammates. The gym teacher had left for the day, and his coach hadn't shown up yet, leaving the guys to practice unsupervised. One of the boys on the team suggestively offered to help her with whatever she needed. Even now, recalling how his teammate wouldn't back off when she told him she wasn't interested had Austin clenching his fist.

“Here you go, handsome. You can pay me whenever you're ready,” the server said, interrupting his thoughts when she set the check on the table. “I hope to see you in again sometime...soon.” Her wink and parting words weren't lost on Austin, especially since he had noticed her flirtatious attempts earlier. As he had earlier, he ignored her.

He glanced at the bill as his mind took him back to that time in the gym. Janna had been livid when he jumped in and punched his teammate, claiming she could take care of herself. That encounter led to him asking her out on a date. She would only agree if he promised not to punch every guy who spoke to her. Two years of dating resulted in two fights and one suspension from school. He could honestly say that if he had to do those times over, he'd do the exact same thing. He would fight for her.

Like you fought to keep her?
He shook the annoying thought from his mind and stuffed enough cash in the black folder to cover the cost of their meal and a tip.

Austin grabbed her to-go container and headed in the direction of the restrooms, but stopped short. One of the men from the rowdy table was blocking Janna's path.

His pulse ratcheted up and a wave of annoyance coursed through his body. Like years ago, his first thought was to swing first and ask questions later, but he was older, wiser. Or so he told himself.

Don't do anything stupid. The last thing you want is to end up on social media or in another article.

Janna looked up, and her eyes grew big when she spotted him. No doubt she thought he might make a scene.

“Hey, sweetheart.” The endearment flowed out of his mouth as if it were the most natural thing to say. “What's going on?”

“Hey, man, I don't mean any harm. I was just asking to get a photo with her. You know how it is,” the guy said as if he had a right to take a picture with Janna.

“No, actually, I don't. But I do know that outside her job, I'm the only man who takes pictures with her.” He moved past the man and extended his hand to Janna. “Ready to go?”

At first taken aback, her mouth hanging open, she quickly recovered.

A slow smile lifted the left corner of her lips. “As a matter of fact, I am.” She grabbed hold of his hand and winked at him, sending a wave of lust shooting through his body. “I was on my way back to the table.”

Might as well keep the show going.

Once her hand rested in his larger one, he lifted it to his lips, placing a slow kiss on the inside of her wrist. She shivered and her eyes stared into his.

“Let's get out of here.” He pulled her close and she molded to him without missing a beat, her arm going around his waist.

“Sounds good.” They started walking away, but she stopped and turned back to her admirer. “Have a good evening.”

Neither of them spoke as they walked through the establishment. Austin relished having her close. She fit so perfectly against his body, as if she were made specifically for him.

When they stepped outside and he handed the valet ticket to the attendant, Austin didn't release her right away.

“Thank you for what you did back there.” Janna looked up at him. His eyes immediately zoned in on her lips and it was taking every bit of restraint he had not to lower his head and cover her mouth with his.

“You're welcome. So does
that
happen often?” he asked, using her words from earlier.

She offered a slight smile and pulled slightly away from him. “Sometimes. Most times when I'm out and about, I'm usually with a friend, my manager or one of my sisters. So guys aren't as bold in those instances. But normally the situations are harmless.”

As far as Austin was concerned, that particular situation hadn't seemed harmless. It burned him up inside to see guys fawning over her. He hated thinking that he was the jealous type, but when it came to Janna, he wasn't himself.

He lowered his hand to the small of her back when the attendant pulled up in his Porsche. Austin helped her into the vehicle before handing the valet a generous tip and climbing into the driver's side of the car.

“Where are you staying?”

“The Marriott Marquis downtown,” Janna said and fastened her seat belt. “Thank you for dinner. Nice place, and the food was good.”

He glanced at her with raised eyebrows. “How would you know? You barely ate.”

Janna chuckled. “Well, what I ate was good and the wine was excellent. Besides, tonight was all about the company. Spending the evening with you was like old times.”

Austin nodded, his attention on the road. “I agree. I forgot how comfortable you always made me feel. This was nice.”

“I never really apologized for the photo that ended up in the entertainment section the other day,” Janna said, turning her body slightly despite the restraint of the seat belt. “I didn't mean to bring any negative attention on you.”

He gave a half shrug. “It's all right. I'll admit I was livid when I first saw it.” Funny what a difference a couple of days made. He'd never expected to spend time with her ever again.

“I'm sure. I know how you hate attention. Well, I assume that's still the case.”

“It is,” he said. That was a major difference between them. Janna had always loved people and enjoyed being a part of the in crowd, whereas he preferred to be alone if he wasn't with her.

“I noticed you're in the media often.”

“Not by choice. Well, at first it was because my manager said that I needed to stay visible. For the last year or so, I've tried to be mindful about who I'm seen with, especially when I started working on my nonprofit. I want people to see me as more than the model who graces the covers of national magazines. I want to be taken seriously, so I've been working on cleaning up my image.”

“So the photo from the other day, did it help or hurt the image you're trying to portray?”

She thought for a moment before speaking. Another sign of her maturing. Gone was the girl who spoke first and thought later. He could remember plenty of times when she'd had to dig herself out of situations her mouth got her into.

Austin was suddenly looking forward to getting to know this older version of Janna Morgan.

“Considering how well respected you are, the photo might have helped my image. I'm embarrassed to say that it probably didn't hurt it. The media is good at twisting situations, making it seem as if I'm romantically involved with every man I'm seen with. And it's far from the truth,” she hurried to add. She didn't know why it was so important to her that Austin knew that she wasn't the person the media made her out to be. Yes, she liked to have a good time, but she didn't sleep around. Besides Austin, she had only been in one other serious relationship. And even then, it couldn't compare with what she shared with him.

“Well, I'm glad I could help, though I had to take some serious ribbing from my brother. A couple of guys I play ball with insisted that I'd been holding out on them or I'd photoshopped you into the picture.”

Janna laughed. “How is Malcolm? I saw him before I left the fundraiser, but I didn't get a chance to speak to him.”

“He's all right. He's still a pain in the you-know-what, but I've kept him around this long. I feel like I'm stuck with him.”

Janna always did love the brothers' bond. Austin and his brother were only a couple of years apart and were as different as night and day. Where Austin preferred quiet and was very studious, Malcolm was a partier. He'd been in college when she and Austin dated, but he always returned home on the weekends. When he wasn't harassing Austin, he was entertaining some girl or attending a party.

“So tell me about yourself. I know you're the CFO of your family's company, but what do you do for fun?”

He laughed and was slow to respond.

Janna wouldn't be surprised if he was still a workaholic. During his senior year in high school, he held down two part-time jobs. Whenever he wasn't at school or with her, he was working. His plan was to pay his own way through college. Even when several scholarships came through, he continued to work, claiming that he wanted to make sure he had enough money saved up for their future.

Another jolt of guilt lodged in her gut. She shouldn't have left him. It didn't matter that they had probably been too young back then to be discussing marriage and having a family; she wanted what he wanted. She had been looking forward to being Mrs. Austin Reynolds.

In hindsight, she wished she would have waited and talked to Austin instead of just leaving. If the modeling agency had really been interested in her, they would have understood her needing a couple of weeks before flying to Milan. She knew that now. At that time, she had no clue to how the modeling world worked.

“Well, as you probably guessed, I work a lot,” Austin said pulling her back to the present. “When I'm not working, I'm traveling for work. And during those rare occasions that I have free time, I play ball and do some woodworking.”

A smile tilted the corner of her lips. “So you still play with wood, huh?” They laughed. “I still have the jewelry box you gave me for my fifteenth birthday.”