Page 106 of Pretty ’n Peak

He’d already looked it up, but it was something to keep the conversation going a little longer. Maybe until he could figure out what Mateo was thinking.

He suddenly wanted to tell Mateo everything. That he still thought about him all the time.

That Mateo was like his anti-depression charm, his test for every time he fell into a negative swirl thinking about Cam.

That he’d just been in the club, thinking about Mateo’s needy cries while he watched another sub receiving a whipping.

But that would make him sound like a crazy stalker.

His phone dinged, but he cut it off when it started reading a website to him. Though he had to admit that he was fascinated that Mateo’s library website was all bilingual—often with the Spanish first.

He replied back thanks just as Mateo asked how he was doing.

Austin found himself grinning. It was the stupidest question—one you said to people all the time without even listening to the answer—but could he hope that Mateo wanted to talk with him, too?

Austin: Good. I think. Figuring out a lot of things.

He wanted to be honest. With Mateo, it wasn’t hard.

Austin: I might apply to another job.

Mateo: Oh, good! I think you should.

Austin’s heart already felt lighter. Why it should matter what some guy he’d spent a weekend with felt about his job didn’t make sense, but he felt better anyway.

He asked how Mateo was in return.

Mateo: Really good.

Mateo: Jamie’s showing me how to put on makeup.

Mateo: Over the computer.

Austin’s grin widened. Everything about that just made him happy. That Mateo was finding himself. That he’d made a friend.

And, God, Austin ached to see the boy all dressed up, suffused in the joy of knowing how beautiful he was.

Austin: I’m sure you’re stunning.

And if Mateo could be that bold, maybe he could be, too.

Austin: Would you like to get dinner before your show?

There was a long pause while Mateo typed, and Austin almost rescinded the offer.

Mateo: I’d normally say yes, but I’m in charge of setting up all my stuff right before. Then my family’s doing a big dinner thing afterward.

Austin’s heart fell., darkness seeping back in.

He’d built this up so much in his head that… what? He’d visit Mateo and be transported back to their idyllic kinky vacation where everything seemed so clear? That Mateo would run to him, face lifted for a passionate kiss?

Austin: I understand. No problem.

His spiraling thoughts were interrupted by another text.

Mateo: You’d be welcome to join us for dinner. It’ll be loud and busy, but everyone would love to meet you. We could probably find a quiet spot.

Austin’s stomach churned. He didn’t like big, noisy groups on the best of days. The idea of meeting Mateo’s extended family was overwhelming.