Page 75 of Thinking It Over

“Hey,” I said breathily.

He leaned in and pressed a small kiss to my lips before pulling back and saying, “Hey.”

The pleasure turned into butterflies as I realized this was the first time everyone we, or rather,heworked with had seen us as a couple. It felt good to stake my claim.

“You need another drink?” He indicated toward my beer, and I shook my head.

“I’m good, thanks.”

He nodded, saying, “I’ll be back in a few.”

I acknowledged him with a smile and turned my attention back to Paul. Amusement lit his features.

“What?” I asked.

He shrugged. “Austin’s a really good guy and a good boss.”

I agreed wholeheartedly, so I bobbed my head.

“And it’s just nice to see him so happy,” Paul said.

“Oh.” Surprised he was bringing up something so personal about Austin, I wasn’t sure how to respond. “Uh, thanks?” I gave him a crooked grin.

Paul chuckled. “No, thank you. I didn’t really know his ex, but from what I’ve heard, he was an asshole.”

My eyes widened in surprise, and I almost choked on my beer.

“But I’ve worked here for six years, and most of that time Austin seemed, I don’t know, a bit uptight, maybe? I know he’s got a lot on his plate at the moment,” he said,which didn’t surprise me as small-town school gossip had done its rounds, “but despite all of that, he’s so much happier and more relaxed.”

My own happiness bloomed in my chest at his words. That others, especially those who didn’t know Austin too well personally, could see the change in him felt pretty damn good.

“And I was sorry to hear the job didn’t pan out for you,” Paul continued.

“Me too, but it’s all good. Something will come up.” I shrugged. Despite me mulling over my decision even when I’d packed up my classroom, I’d made the best decision I could, and I didn’t plan to have any regrets.

Just as Austin reappeared by my side, his phone rang. He sighed but pulled it out of his pocket anyway. I’d known him to ignore a call or two since we’d been together, but that luxury was long gone. His brows dipped when he looked at the screen.

“Okay?” I asked.

He sighed. “Out of town number. I think it’s Rude Dick.”

I snorted. That was the first time I’d heard him use his brother’s nickname for his ex. Oh shit. My laugh cut off. “Shit, I forgot to tell you,” I said, just as he answered the call. I closed my mouth, watching him carefully.

“Hello.” A frown. A sigh. “Why are you calling?”

Since I’d forgotten to tell him about Rude Dick rocking up, I wondered if Billy had maybe told him instead.

“No.” Austin’s response was clipped. A pause followed. “Is that right?” Austin’s eyes then flicked to mine, an unreadable expression on his face. I worried at my bottom lip, wondering just how much his ex was shit-stirring. “Oh, you were worried?”

With his face still indecipherable, I huffed out a little breath, wishing we were somewhere quiet, and he was on loudspeaker.

“Just a towel?” Austin’s eyes shot wide before his gaze dropped, roaming over me, and I was sure he was undressing me with his eyes. But the mention of a towel clarified the purpose of Rude Dick’s call.

“Uh… I’m just going to go,” Paul said quietly next to me. I gave him a weak smile and watched him go before returning my focus on Austin. Since his eye fuck, I was no longer feeling quite so worried.

“There’s a lot to be said about being young, fit, and fuckable.”

I bit the insides of my cheeks to stop from laughing loudly. I glanced around a little, relieved to see we weren’t standing in the center of the group, so I didn’t think anyone could hear the one-sided conversation Austin was having.

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