Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
“Cool.” Austin’s fingers are shaky as he takes a sip of water, likely for something to do with his hands.
“So, um, would you want to hang out sometime?” the guy asks just as someone bumps into me, and I stumble forward, slamming into Austin’s back.
“Shit, sorry,” I mutter, mortified. Somehow, Austin manages to stay upright with our waters intact. “I’ll take mine now.”
“Oh, my bad,” the guy says. “Are you here with someone?”
“No,” I spit out. “We’re best friends.”
The guy’s shoulders unwind. “Oh, okay, cool.”
Austin stares at me wide-eyed, and I can’t tell if he’s thrilled or freaked.
Shit, did I throw him to the wolves again?
But isn’t this what he’s wanted? To not be invisible to hot guys?
“So, um…I gotta get back to my friends, but you never answered my question about hanging out sometime?”
“Oh, sure. That would be…uh, um, cool.”
The guy smiles. “My name’s Toby. Should we exchange numbers?”
Suddenly, I feel weak and sweaty. I need some space, so I turn and head to the restroom, which is thankfully cooler and empty. I glance at my clammy upper lip, wondering what in the hell is wrong with me.
When I come back out, Austin is with Kael near the karaoke stage.
“Did you hear?” Kael says excitedly. “Austin gave someone his number!”
“I did hear.” I pat Austin’s shoulder halfheartedly. “It’s what you wanted…what we wanted for you.”
So then, why do I feel so crummy?
I feel Kael watching me, so I force a smile. “Toby seemed nice.”
“Yeah, he was,” Austin says with wary eyes. Or maybe he’s still a bit loopy from the edible. I should be thankful Austin didn’t decide to leave with Toby in that condition, but I also know he never would. Hookups aren’t his thing. But even if he changed his mind, he’s an adult and can make his own decisions. Christ, I sound like his parent or something.
“Cute too,” I throw out.
Austin nods. “Definitely cute.”
“He seemed into you…and I didn’t hear you get too tongue-tied.”
“I suppose I didn’t…” His eyes spring to mine. “That’s good, huh?”
“Yep.” I down my water because my throat is suddenly dry.
“Guess that means your fake dating worked,” Kael points out.
Austin looks down and scratches the back of his neck. “Probably.”
Kael playfully grips Austin’s shoulder. “Suppose you don’t need any more lessons from Dex. You did awesome on your own!”
I hold my breath as Austin throws me a cursory glance. “I guess not.”
Angelica and her friends start belting out the refrain of that corny “Sweet Caroline” song, and Kael joins them. Austin and I stand awkwardly watching, side by side.
I feel queasy and hot and want nothing more than to get out of there.
“I think I’m gonna find Ian and the guys, then head out.”
“O…kay.”
I don’t look at Austin. I can’t right then, so I just wave my goodbyes and head toward the booth where I last left my housemates. I let them know my plans, then take off despite their objections and offers of appetizers from the table.
Instead of heading back to Poli House, I decide on the beach.
As soon as my feet hit the sand, I feel someone behind me and turn to find Austin.
“What are you…? Did you follow me?”
He bites his lip. “I was concerned.”
“Why?”
“Because you seemed upset.”
I feel a thread of that same frustration. “Upset about what?”
“I don’t know!” He throws up his hands. “That’s why I followed you.”
“I’m not upset.” I cover my lie with a cough. “Just enjoying the salty sea air.”
“Can I enjoy it with you?” he asks tentatively.
My chest feels achy and raw. “Of course.”
We start walking along the shore in virtual silence, and I’m okay with that because my head is a mess. I need to figure out why it bothers me so much that Austin gave some guy his number when that was our goal all along. Yes, we’ve had hot, intimate moments, but we never pretended they meant anything other than Austin getting more experience.
When I feel his fingers tangle with mine, my pulse spikes, but I don’t resist. I welcome it. Fuck, I need it right then like I need my next breath. We hold hands and walk for a good while.
On our way back, Austin asks, “Was there something about Toby that bothered you? Like red flags or—”
“No, and that’s not for me to decide.” I steal a glance at him. “This is your opportunity to go out with a cute guy, and I don’t want to take that away from you. You deserve it.”
He dips his head. “Thanks.”
I try to put myself in his shoes and consider how he’s feeling. “Are you nervous about it?”
“Maybe a little.” He tugs on my hand. “But mostly that you’re going to feel awkward and pull away from me.”
“Never.” Right then, I decide I need to suck it up and get over myself. “I want you to go for it.”