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Oh.

The conversation was not getting any better.

I’d been right about her and Austin.

Okay. Yes. Austin.

What would I do if it was Austin fucking with me?

Boundaries and a distraction.

Setting my cup down, I smiled and shrugged. “He’s very stubborn, but we have a lot in common.”

And for phase two…

“Do you need any help with the grocery list? I know this is your domain but I don’t want you to think I’m rude.” Perfect. “Tyson said you were amazing at taking care of everything.”

Laughing softly, she shook her head. “He didn’t say it that politely.”

My grin gave the answer away, but I shrugged and made her roll her eyes. “I know Tyson. He’s never that polite and he’s never this happy around anyone else but family.”

Their familynot his family.

Got it.

“We’ve clicked.” That was the blandest way I could say it, but she snorted, which I did my best to ignore. “I think a good way to say it is that we balance each other out.”

I was thinking about the BDSM aspects and how well we fit into each other’s world, but her eyebrows went up. “Really?”

Oops.

She’d been thinking about other things.

The other thing he’d been nervous about.

“My mother’s always been a bit worried that he wouldn’t find the right person.” She gave me a not-so-subtle side glance as she pretended to finish the grocery list.

It was very convincing, but she didn’t have Austin’s level of talent.

Or a nosy little’s level of skill either.

“She always knew he’d need someone special.” She went back to the pantry and looked at the flour for the third time. “He’s very happy around you.”

Somehow, she made that sound suspicious.

“I am very certain he’ll look just as grumpy as usual if we’re around other people besides family.” Austin made him very frustrated, so I didn’t think the happiness would randomly carry over everywhere. “And I’m confident he’s in his office growling at someone for doing something stupid.”

I could almost hear him rumbling through the house, but I wasn’t sure if it was my imagination or not.

Sofie cocked her head, so I decided it might not just be me hearing things. “Yes, you have a point.”

That had to be a good thing, but she was back to subtly watching me.

Maybe it wasn’t a good thing?

“It’s just you he’s softened around.” She was trying to sound casual but she needed more classes.

“You need to practice being subtle. Austin can teach you if you ask nicely. He holds classes.” With some of the littles but I thought they could tone it down while she visited.

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