Page 69 of Pretty ’n Peak

Maybe even, dare he think it, lonely.

But not in a place where he wanted to do anything about it.

Eventually, he got up and took some painkillers and a shower, then ate the sandwich.

He checked his phone, answered a few more emails, and settled in for a restless night.

If morning brought relief for his backache, it didn’t do anything for his mood.

Austin dressed efficiently in jeans and a t-shirt, then wandered toward the elevator.

It was weird not going to work on a Monday, and for a moment he thought about just going into the office. It was so early, he could probably make it in by nine if he could get someone to drive him. There was no reason to stay till the check-out time at one.

But he’d worked all day yesterday, missing a day of kayaking and community, not to mention soaking up more time with a man who felt like sunshine after a storm.

With a start, he realized that he’d promised—well, not exactly promised, but something close to that—to be around when Mateo got back yesterday.

Looked like he’d totally blown that one.

He thought of Cam’s protests and complaints, but everything just felt numb right now.

He wandered over to the coffee station. There were a few cartons of milk and cream, but he didn’t have the energy to take out his phone to magnify the labels. With his luck, it would be skim milk.

He poured in a bit at the bottom, a trick he’d learned to cool down the hot coffee before it hit his finger tucked inside the rim.

At least he knew where the caffeinated stuff was.

Mug in hand, he wandered out to the back porch and found a bench.

The air was still just as crisp as it had been yesterday, the sky still lit up with pinks and oranges as the sun rose over the gorge.

He thunked his head back against the wooden frame and closed his eyes.

What was he even doing here?

“Hey, Austin?” He didn’t know how much time had passed and the voice was just above a whisper.

But he’d already recognize it anywhere.

His lips tilted up in an unconscious smile. “Hey, Mateo.”

“Sebastian said you had a headache last night.”

True, but it felt more like Sebastian had covered for him. “Yeah. Neil’s screen wasn’t set up well for me. Um… sorry I wasn’t around.” He’d made those apologies so many times.

“No problem. Are you feeling better?” Mateo was closer now.

“Mostly. The pain’s gone.”

“Can I join you, then?”

Austin waved his hand in a loose gesture, inviting him over.

Mateo settled in beside him, pressing their bodies together. Strong shoulders. Thick thighs. The enticing scent that was all sweetness and musk and Mateo.

“Want me to tell you about the sunrise?”

“Yeah.” Something like warmth and happiness bloomed in his chest, a flower rising through the snow that had settled over him.