Page 53 of Pitcher Perfect

“That was really fun,” he said.

I heard the unspoken “but.”

“It was. Your mouth is magic.”

If Austin’s cheeks weren’t so flushed already, I knew he would blush.

All I wanted to do was fall to the side until I was horizontal and bring Austin with me so I could wrap my arms around him as we fell asleep. I wasn’t usually a sleep-after-sex guy, but I also didn’t usually come quite that hard.

“I should probably get going,” he said, but he didn’t seem that motivated.

“Do you have to?”

He laughed, but it was hollower than the laugh of minutes ago. “Depends on your definition of ‘have to.’ Ishouldgo. As much as I like you, and I do, I really, really do, I’m not ready for anything more.” He looked like he had other things to say, but no further words came.

At least he said he liked me. That eased the sting a bit. I appreciated his honesty—honesty about wanting me, liking me, and warning me he could only offer me one time.What kind of asshole would I be if I pushed for more when he was so clear about his boundaries?As much as I wanted to beg him to reconsider, I wouldn’t. I could be as mature as he was, dammit.

“I really like you, too, Austin. If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

He closed his eyes and groaned. “I’m going to regret this as soon as I walk out the door.”

I squeezed his hand. “It’s okay. I’m not going anywhere. And now you know what you’re missing. Think of me fondly when you jerk off next time.”

He shook his head, but I could tell the teasing helped lighten the heaviness of whatever was going on in his brain.

“We both have some very vivid memories for our spank bank.”

“That we do.” He grinned.

Before I could say anything else, he leaned over and gave me a gentle kiss that was so at odds with the hot sex we’d just had but equally as satisfying. Austin stood and walked to the door.

When he reached it, he turned back and strode over to the couch. He climbed back on my lap and kissed my breath away. “Thank you,” he said as he pulled back. He closed his eyes as he leaned his forehead against mine. “I needed one more for the spank bank.”

I wrapped my arms around his middle and held on for another moment while I could touch him in that way. “Happy to be of service.”

I wanted to believe that wasn’t it for us, but it was hard not to be negative when I didn’t know if it would happen again. At least I would get to spend time with him because of the competition. Friends was better than nothing.

He climbed off me again and wished me a good night. I hoped I managed a suitable reply—I couldn’t be sure—and watched him leave my apartment.

At least this time he didn’t bolt like a dine and dasher.Progress.

CHAPTER17

CALEB

Caleb:any word from dad about his job?

Charity:nope… I take it you haven’t heard either?

Caleb:nope

Charity:well here’s a photo of me covered in dirt to cheer you up

Caleb:lol thanks. Work going well?

Charity:yeah! Loving it here. Some interesting finds so far. I can’t wait to see what we find by the end of the season. How’s it going there?

Caleb:good. Keeping busy

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