Page 36 of Pretty ’n Peak

“So that’s it? Nothing else?”

“Nope.”

“You’re no fun.”

“No, I’m not.” And wasn’t that the truth.

He couldn’t even remember the last time he had fun.

Except for last night.

“Oooh! Look who’s here!”

Austin told his rabbiting heart to calm down.

“He just poked his head in. Mateo! Over here!”

Mateo’s footsteps were slow on the wood floor. Austin could almost hear the hesitance. “Um, am I allowed to come in before nine?”

Jamie snorted. “I own the place. You can go anywhere you want. Just don’t expect Daddy and Ty to make your breakfast order before it’s time. Come sit with us.”

There was a long beat before the chair on Austin’s other side was dragged out from the table. An even longer beat before Mateo spoke, his voice soft and tentative. “Hello.”

Austin could just about wring Jamie’s neck right now. He didn’t want to have this conversation in front of an audience. “Hello, Mateo. How did you sleep?”

“Um, well.”

“Oooh!” Jamie piped up. “Look at the time! I need to go help with the breakfast prep.”

Austin knew that was a bald-faced lie, because Jamie’s partners had teased him yesterday about his morning zombie impersonations. Still, Austin was grateful. He gave Jamie what he hoped was a subtle but appreciative nod.

Neither of them spoke as Jamie bounced away, loudly calling out to someone at the next table.

“I’m sorry if Jamie sprung that on you,” Mateo started. “I wasn’t sure if I should stop by.”

Austin frowned. Mateo should never have been worried that he wasn’t allowed to approach him. The very idea made his chest feel tight.

“Of course, you should. We shared something intense last night, and it’s still my role to check on you today. Even more, I’d like to think that we can still enjoy each other’s company.”

“OK, um, good.” Mateo’s words were simple, but Austin could hear the smile behind them. Mateo was happy again. Flushed, maybe?

“How did you sleep?”

“Perfectly. I don’t think I even knew it was possible to feel that relaxed.”

Austin grinned. He had to. “And how are you feeling this morning?”

“Fantastic. I mean, sore, obviously. But, good sore?”

“That sounds about right. Take something if you need to, though. Or I can get you a hot compress if you’d like.”

“I, uh, I think I actually kind of like it.”

That bashful pleasure was just too adorable. “I’m not surprised. There’s nothing wrong with taking something for the pain after the scene, but many subs like to wear their bruises with pride.”

“I guess that’s me. It’s kind of like I get to carry it with me.”

Austin stifled a groan. His bruises were still on Mateo’s skin. Still pulsing with an edge of pain right now, while they talked. He tried to ignore his swelling dick.