Page 59 of Just Business

I turn the key and the engine roars to life, giving me goose bumps. “This is what we’ll be driving back.” When I glance over she’s grinning at me. “You look pretty damn good in it, too. C’mere.” I jerk my chin, raising my arm for Penny to scoot across the bench seat. When she does, I wrap my arm around her shoulder, and she reaches up lacing her fingers with my hand.

Yeah, I think I’m gonna love having her beside me in my truck, just like we are right now.

When we returned from the garage, we migrated back to the living room and his aunt pulled out a box of DVD’s. Austin groaned beside me. When the DVD started playing I realized I was about to be privy to something highly entertaining. On the screen was a teenage version of Austin singing a cover of a Johnny Cash song. He was obviously in a high school auditorium, based on the banner that hung behind him.

After that one ended, it cut to another talent show. The sign read,Warbler’s Got Talent. In this one, Austin was even wearing a cowboy hat and matching cowboy boots. I stifled a laugh, and he poked me in my ribs which made me laugh even more.

The afternoon turns to evening, and Ashley orders pizza from their favorite pizzeria and we all sit in the living room eating over paper plates, laughing, and talking. The only time I haven’t been with his family this evening is when I snuck off to take a quick shower and change into comfortable clothes. I even managed to get Tyler to chat for a while. Austin warned me he’s a man of few words except with him, so that’s a huge win for today.

My nana used to say, “my cup runneth over,” when something filled her with happiness. That’s what this entire day has been for me. Austin’s family has treated me like I’m one of their own, and my cup has definitely runneth over. I think he knows what this day has meant to me, too. Every time I’ve looked up, his eyes have been on me wearing an expression filled with something I’m not ready to put words to.

“You ready for bed, Penn?” he murmurs under his breath. Clearly I wasn’t very good at stifling my yawn.

“Yep.” Another yawn slips out. “And you and Ty have to get an early start in the morning.” Ty agreed to help move Cassie’s stuff, and their Uncle is going with them.

“Night, guys,” I say, and Austin extends his hand, hauling me to my feet.

He stops when we get to the door with the Texas Longhorns poster on it.

“Shoulda’ known it’d be this one.” I tap the poster and grin at him. “Let me grab my toiletry bag to brush my teeth and wash my face.”

We take turns brushing our teeth, and after I’ve washed my face I head across the hall back to his room. Just as I’m entering, an arm curls around my waist and I hear the soft click of his door closing.

“Austin!” I hiss. “Your family is right down the hall!” I jab my finger in the direction of the living room as he walks me back until I’m against the wall.

“Then I guess you better be quiet.” Austin braces one hand above my head, and with his other he cups my jaw. “Watching you jump right in like you were part of my family turned me on.”

I smack him in the stomach, laughing. “You’re a caveman.”

“I swear it. I’ve been half hard all day.”

“You have not.” I’m still laughing when he moves in, pressing against me and I feel just how hard he is. “Oh,” I breathe out.

He raises one eyebrow before he captures my mouth, swiping his tongue against the seam of my lips, and I turn to liquid—hot searing liquid full of want and need.

He deepens the kiss until we’re nothing but tongues and an edge of teeth. My fingers tangle in his hair, tugging, and he answers with a low, rumbly growl that vibrates straight through me, lighting every nerve on fire. Finally, I break the kiss to catch my breath.

“I’m not having sex with your family right beside us.”

“Who said anything about sex?” He nips at my neck, talking against my skin. “That bed’s squeaky anyway. But I can think of other things.”

Lowering his head further, he places his mouth over the fabric of my tank top and lightly bites my right nipple. I gasp loudly, and he rubs light circles over it with his thumb.

His eyes dart up to mine. “Think you can be quiet?”

My mind is hazy and I can barely think straight. I nod my head just once.

Austin reaches for the hem of my shirt, pulling it up and over my head, and I reach behind me with shaky fingers to unclasp my bra, letting it fall to the floor. Taking a step back, he looks at me, his chest heaving. Then he’s back, hooking his index finger into the waist of my pajama pants.

“May I?” His voice is rough when his eyes dart down to the waist of my pants and back to mine.

“Mm-hmm.” I don’t even sound like myself.

“Words, baby, I need your words.”

His eyes are dark as midnight as he looks up at me. “Yes, Austin. Please.”

Slowly, ever so slowly, he drags the material down my legs, taking my panties down with them. I step out of them, and he rocks back on his heels to take me in. Suddenly I realize I’m completely naked while he’s still fully clothed. Shyness creeps in and I feel that urge to fidget.

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