Page 68 of Pretty ’n Peak

God, he wished he could see Mateo’s face.

He waved awkwardly as the door closed.

Time to get back to work.

Austin’s back ached and his eyes hurt when he stumbled out of Neil’s office that afternoon. Neil’s chair had seemed comfortable at first, but there was something about the set-up that kept tugging at a muscle under his shoulder. The screen had been just a bit farther away than he wanted it, and he hadn’t been able to get the color settings right to improve what little contrast he could make out.

Still, he was done. Free. Vijay had actually been the one to fix everything, but he’d been the one testing his work all day, making sure that solving the first problem wouldn’t sprout a dozen new ones in an endless game of whack-a-mole.

He blinked, a little dazed, as he stepped into the sunny atrium.

“Hey, Austin.” That was Sebastian, from behind the check-in desk.

“Hey. Where is everyone?” What he meant was where is Mateo? But he didn’t ask.

“About half the guests have checked out. Jamie and Neil are folding laundry.” Sebastian snickered like that was a euphemism for something. “But I’m guessing you’re wondering where a certain subbie little bear cub is.”

Austin grunted. He knew Sebastian was just busting his chops, but he wasn’t quite ready to admit it to himself.

Fortunately, Sebastian took pity on him. “The kayaking crew came back to the lodge for a bit, but I think they’re mostly at the tavern, including your boy. Want me to drive you over?”

“He’s not my boy,” Austin sighed against the pang in his chest.

He knew it was irrational, but he’d somehow been hoping that Mateo would be out here waiting for him.

But why would Mateo want to do that when Austin had just ignored him for a whole day of vacation? And when this was all he had to offer in the future.

Not that he was really thinking of a future with Mateo. He’d need to know what he wanted for himself first.

“Alright,” Sebastian agreed easily. “Want me to drive you over to the tavern to hang out? Carlos is there too, and I bet Jamie and Neil would go. I’ll vouch for their food, and the beer selection is as good as anything you’ll find in Portland.”

That sounded good. But to be honest, peopling right now sounded exhausting.

He thought of Mateo, though, and considered it. The boy had been so pleased yesterday when they went to lunch with everyone. It was like he was just soaking up all the experiences, asking blushing questions about kink and being gay, but going right along with all the teasing.

The rest of the group had almost adopted him as a little brother.

That was probably what was happening right now, and Austin should let him enjoy that time.

It wasn’t like they were dating or anything. They’d both been clear that they weren’t looking for a relationship.

In fact, Mateo still might find someone else to hook up with tonight.

The thought sent a pang through him, but he knew that was what was best for Mateo. The boy was so new to everything. He needed to explore the world.

“I think I’ll just order in something, if you can recommend a place. I’ve got a headache.” The pain was sneaking up on him, gathering behind his eyes.

“No problem.”

Sebastian went over a few local menu options, and Austin chose something easy. Chicken sandwich and a salad from a place that was supposed to deliver fast.

When it came, he took it up to his room and stared up at the ceiling.

All of his bounding energy from this morning had drained out of him, gravity pinning him to the bed.

He was more convinced now that the past two days had just been a fluke. The change of scenery and eager, young sub had his heart pumping for a moment, but this was his status quo.

Exhausted.