Page 39 of Pitcher Perfect

Austin didn’t look scared, though. He sighed. “The guys must be home.”

The guys?Sure enough, moments later, a loud rap came against the passenger window.

Tyler grinned at me over Austin’s shoulder. “When the Toyota is rocking, don’t come a-knocking,” he said from outside the car.

Austin closed his eyes and looked up at the sky. “Fucking hell. These bozos. I swear they’re going to send me to an early grave.”

Tyler winked at me then opened Austin’s door, draping his arm over the roof. “Honey, we’re home. The monthly dude happy hour at the lesbian bar was great as usual. How was Portland?”

The lesbian bar has a dude happy hour? This town is awesome.

Before I could respond, Ethan popped his head between Tyler and the doorframe. He glanced down by Austin’s feet at the bag with his new notebooks and pens then grinned. “Caleb, come in and have a drink with us. Tell us all about yourresearchtoday.”

Austin’s cheeks tinged pink.

I wasn’t about to turn down that invitation. “Sounds good.” I unbuckled my seat belt.

Tyler and Ethan teased each other as they walked to the house. The door was already open, so Dom must’ve gone inside. I waited for Austin to round the car before walking to the house.

“You don’t need to stay. I’ve kept you out all day,” he said tentatively.

I had been looking forward to more time with him, but maybe he needed a break or didn’t want me in his personal space. Just because I’d invited him to my place without batting an eye didn’t mean Austin was comfortable with the same.

“It’s totally fine, but you’re probably ready for some decompression time.” I stopped walking. “I’ll let you relax.”

Austin frowned, but I couldn’t read him. He looked between his house and my car, then let out a frustrated huff.

“Hey.” I took a step toward him. “Tell me what you want. If you want to be alone, I can head home. No offense taken. If you’d like me to stay, I’m happy to do that. I don’t feel like ‘you’ve kept me out all day.’ I’ve had a great time with you.”

“Yeah?”

I nodded.

Austin tugged his bottom lip into his mouth. “If you’re not tired of me yet, it would be great if you came in. I’m sure the guys are sick of me hogging you.”

I was happy to have Austin hog me. “Maybe they can come up with our team name,” I said followed Austin down the walkway to the porch. I couldn’t get a good look at the house since it was dark, and I hoped to get a look in the daytime sometime. I loved Victorian homes.

Austin groaned. “God, no. Don’t let them do that.”

“Why’s that?”

“You haven’t heard our nicknames.”

“You mean Teacup hasn’t shared that with you yet?” Tyler called as they entered the house.

“Teacup?” I had to know the story behind that.

“I’m already regretting this,” Austin grumbled.

I slapped Austin on the back. “Buck up. It can’t be that bad.”

He looked at me with wide eyes. “Famous last words.”

It felt like I was meeting the boyfriend’s family for the first time, which was ridiculous since I’d already met all the guys before and he wasn’t my boyfriend. But I’d met thembeforeAustin and I kissed and before I’dreallylearned how amazing Austin was. Since my feelings had changed, it seemed like everyone else would be able to read that on my face. I needed to play it cool so I could build a friendship with them.

As much as I wanted to get to know them better, I really wished it was just the two of us. Austin grabbing my hand and leading me to his bedroom. Kissing him and tasting the mixture of beers we’d sampled on his tongue. I forced the fantasy down.It’s the place, but not the time.

I ascended two steps onto a roomy wraparound porch. The front door opened to a small entryway with a staircase on the right and a short hallway on the left. The first room was large and open with what must have once been French doors removed.

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