Page 67 of Pretty ’n Peak

Now that Austin was thinking about it, he could smell the eggs and hints of other savory things. He hadn’t even realized he was hungry.

“Should I let you get back to work?”

The problem pulled at him, but he suddenly didn’t want Mateo to leave. Surely he was allowed a break. “Maybe in a minute. Talk to me first. How are you really feeling today? I want all the details.”

Mateo took a few steps closer, then leaned against the desk. Just close enough to touch if Austin put his hand out.

“Um… I’m good. Really good. I don’t usually sleep so well.”

Austin could hear the awed delight in Mateo’s voice, and something in his chest felt soft and warm. He’d enjoyed tucking the boy into bed last night. “How about your back?”

“It’s um… I mean, it hurts? It stings sometimes when I twist, and putting my shirt on was not fun.” He gave a little laugh, clearly not upset by the situation.

“And how do you feel about that?”

“Is it weird that I like it?”

Austin had to reach out and touch him. He wheeled the chair around, caging Mateo between his knees. The boy had asked that before, but he could answer the same question as many times as he needed.

“Not weird at all. Many subs wear their bruises and welts with pride.” He rested his hands on Mateo’s generous hips. “It’s like a little reminder of… something special, that can last for days.”

He’d wanted to say that it was a little reminder of him, as Mateo’s Dom. His marks on the beautiful boy.

But it was something special, too. Even he had to acknowledge that. The boy’s first time under the lash was something special.

“That’s how it feels,” Mateo agreed. “Um… are you going to be around later today?”

Austin’s mood soured. He itched to get back to work, but not if it meant missing the day with his… with Mateo. “I don’t know, honestly. I could be done in five minutes or five hours.” He laughed without humor. “This is my life. It chased off my last boyfriend.”

Austin’s hands were still on Mateo’s hips, fingers linked through his belt loops, thumbs dragging over the soft t-shirt in search of the softer skin beneath.

He didn’t know why he was saying all this.

Just that it was such a juxtaposition. Could he have kept Cam if he hadn’t worked so much? Would he have wanted to?

And what did Mateo think of all this?

Mateo’s rough, warm hands landed over his. “People have jobs and schedules. Yours has long, unpredictable hours. He should have made that work and enjoyed the time you had together.”

Something lifted in Austin’s chest, like a balloon rising. “You should go enjoy your day, though. I think there’s another group going kayaking today.”

Mateo’s thumbs rubbed over Austin’s wrists. “I was thinking about that. They’re leaving in a few minutes and Ty said there’s still room in the van. You’ll be around later, though?”

“Should be. Have a nice time.”

It was the time when he should move back and let Mateo leave.

Or lean forward and give him a kiss.

A sweet kiss goodbye with a promise to come back to him.

The moment stretched out, swelling with potential.

He rolled back his chair. “Enjoy the river.”

“Thanks. Uh, see you later.”

Austin was still trying to analyze the emotion in Mateo’s voice as he automatically said goodbye. Something shy, but hopeful? Embarrassed?