Chapter 15

FIFTEEN

JASPER

Life went on as normal, or my new version of it since Austin had come into my life. Or was that me entering his? Either way, we had just four weeks left until the end of the school year, and classes were busy as we prepared for testing. The only thing that sat uneasily was my position for the next academic year.

Jim, my predecessor, had yet to hand in his notice, which left a hollow feeling in my gut.

Over the past couple of months, this was the first time I'd felt the difference in our roles. If I wasn't dating the principal, I would have started bugging the powers that be about the likelihood of a renewed contract. But as it stood, discomfort pressed down heavily. Acutely aware that asking about a position would make me feel weird, I'd bitten my tongue .

It was ridiculous. Scrap that. I was ridiculous.

Without a doubt, Austin was a professional. Beyond that weird moment that seemed so long ago with the compromising pictures of us, there had been no more incidents. We kept our relationship on the down low, even though most members of staff now knew. But as yet, it had never been an issue, as we ensured we remained professional during school hours.

But now this and my anxiety.

"This is so unlike you," Ian said through the video call, shaking his head at me. "What do you honestly think is going to happen here?"

A loud huff escaped me. "I know, and I'm frustrated with myself." He lifted his brows, clearly wanting me to expand and answer his question. "But I don't want him to make a job happen just for me, because, well, it's me."

"Because you literally kiss his ass." Ian laughed loudly.

"Piss off," I said, not quite hiding my smirk. "But if he doesn't have something, he's going to feel like shit, and that's just awkward."

Remaining quiet a moment, Ian frowned before finally saying, "Do you think you'll split if you can't work there next school year?"

"Of course not," I answered immediately.

"And is Austin the sort of guy who would compromise his position just because he likes your tongue in his—"

"Seriously, Ian."

His response was to laugh. "But is he?"

"No," I admitted.

"Then, while I love you, you really should be having this conversation with him, right?"

I tutted at him. "I hate it when you're right. Asshole." But he was 100 percent in this instance. I needed to do this officially, though, at school. It wasn't a conversation I should have when doing those exact things Ian suggested I did. Which I totally did, and enjoyed every moment of doing so.

"And anything else going on?" he asked. I eased back on the couch, thankful he'd changed the subject.

"Not really. Austin's making plans for us to spend a week catching up with his family." A nervous excitement had bubbled to the surface when he'd mentioned it to me a couple of nights ago. I'd immediately agreed, wanting to meet his family, so it was a no-brainer. But with this being the first time I'd be doing such a thing, butterflies played havoc in my stomach.

"That's great. You'll fly, right?"

"Yeah. It's too far to drive for only a weeklong trip."

"Has Austin heard anything from Frankie?"

I sighed. "Nope. Other than the week he spent with his dad, he then up and went on another adventure apparently, but Austin isn't sure where. Honestly, I think his whole family is panicking while trying to shrug it off as it being not a big deal."

Ian nodded, pursing his lips a little. "I couldn't quite get a read on him when I met him." I agreed completely. Frankie seemed great, in as much as he was friendly and chatty and witty, but then he'd flip a little, almost shutting down.

"It's difficult. The guy's a grown-ass man, you know. Hell, he has five years on me. I know we're all wired differently, but it doesn't mean it's any easier on his family." Whenever Austin came off the phone with his dad or one of his sisters, it took some time to get him out of his funk, to remind him to be positive. The whole time I rallied, I hoped it would all work out.

"Anyhow," I continued, aware that it was way past my bedtime, but Ian had yet to tell me about his date, "how'd it go?"

The groan, followed by him angling his head back dramatically, caused me to laugh.

"That good, huh?"

"Remind me again why I thought this dating site would be a good thing?"

"Because it's hard to meet a decent guy when you work your crazy hours and this service vets people. "

He scoffed at that. "They don't vet personalities for being dickheads, apparently."

"What happened?" I asked sympathetically, feeling sorry for my friend. He was quite possibly one of the nicest people I knew, but he had zero luck with meeting someone who wasn't an asshole. The sad thing was, I was sure idiots looked him up and down and had certain ideas and expectations of the handsome hunk of a man who was currently grimacing.

"Honestly, you don't want to know the ins and outs. But when he suggested there was no way a guy like me didn't don a gimp mask and give it hard, I knew it was time to leave."

"Shit," I said, laughing. "Sorry, but seriously?"

"Yes, seriously." He snorted. "But I'm so tired of the club scene."

I threw him a sad face. "I know you are, and I'm so sorry it sucks so hard for you."

"I've actually decided to start looking for a new job."

"Oh, wow. I actually think that's a great idea."

He bobbed his head. "I'm looking out of this city, but honestly, I have no idea where. I just want something less manic. I need a change."

I really wanted that for him too. "The right position will turn up. I'm sure of it."

When Ian grinned, it was clear that a move was exactly what he needed. Not often enough did I see him quite so excited about the possibility of something new. Not even when they'd opened up one of his favorite donut stores just a block away from where he lived.

"You're exhausted, and I can see your fillings."

"Hey," I said, covering my mouth. "But yeah, I am. I'll chat to you soon."

"Will do. And don't forget to sort out next year. You need to make plans."

"Yes, sir. Bye."

He waved, saying, "Bye," before we ended the call.

I glanced at the time. Seeing it had just turned ten, I flicked off a quick text to Austin, who I'd only briefly seen for a few minutes after school as he'd had to head out to a principals' conference. He was driving out tonight and staying in a hotel, ready for tomorrow. He'd be gone for a couple of nights, which was the longest we hadn't seen each other for weeks now. Most nights I stayed over at his place, making sure I spent one or two at home to catch up with Mom.

Me: I hope tomorrow goes well. Miss you. X

I didn't expect him to respond, aware he had a full-on day tomorrow. But a moment later, my phone lit up with a response.

Austin: Miss you too. Can't wait to be home. X

A small jolt to my heart followed after reading his words. While we weren't at the stage of moving in or anything quite that serious, he regularly referred to his place as our home when talking to me. And each time, my heart flipped over, hoping that one day, when we were ready, that would be the case.

I just needed to find out what was happening about teaching next academic year. If I didn't have a position, the thought of going back to working in the café made my stomach sink. I loved teaching, and to give it up until something local came up again… that was no longer an option. It meant the alternative was to move away.

And while my mom was happier, content, and back to living her best life, which was one thing I didn't have to worry so much about, there was Austin.

The thought of leaving him clenched my heart and tugged. Hard.

Tomorrow, I'd reluctantly start looking at any positions available. Hopefully, ones that were only a couple or three hours away, so at least there was a possibility of visiting on weekends. As I closed my eyes, an ache tore through me. I shouldn't get ahead of myself, but life had taught me that shitty things happened to good people all the time.

Austin's frown dipped low as I stepped into his office after knocking on his door. He stood, concerned. "You have an appointment to see me?" Worry laced his voice, and I immediately realized he would have freaked out a little at seeing my name.

I smiled, trying my hardest to make it genuine to ease the concern radiating off him. "I do, but it's honestly nothing to worry about."

There was a slight shift in his shoulders as he relaxed a little, but he wasn't quite at ease.

"Can I quickly say that I missed you, kiss you, and then we do the professional stuff?" Uncertainty danced in his eyes, making me feel even worse about my decision to book in to see him this afternoon, since he only arrived back at school about an hour ago. But in my defense, I'd tried for early next week, but Barb had said the earliest was next Friday afternoon. Which, truth be told, made me nervous since we were so far in the term.

I cast a quick glance over my shoulder to make sure I'd closed the door properly before I smiled, this one lifted by the fast beating of my heart as I stepped over to him.

He flashed me a grin.

"I missed you," I mumbled, just before I angled up to press my mouth to his. I breathed him in, my mouth slanting over his, trying to soak as much of Austin in as possible, knowing we were breaking our rules by doing this in his office during the school day.

Reluctantly, I eased back, still in his space. Half-mast eyes peered down at me, a sweet smile on his mouth. "I missed you too." He pressed one more gentle kiss to my lips before stepping out of my embrace. Pointing to the seats I remembered sitting in the first time we met during my interview, he indicated I should sit. A wild beating of my heart led the rhythm of my feet as I stepped over and sat.

"Good trip?" I asked, stalling.

The frown that had settled a little was back as he nodded. "Yes, thanks. I can tell you about it later when we're at home."

I relaxed my shoulders, understanding what he was asking. "Sounds good," I answered, and his responding relieved sigh had me pissed off at myself once again. "So, I know I've left it a little late, and I'm sorry about that," I started, getting it all out in the open, "but my contract ends in just over three weeks." When understanding registered in his eyes, some of my nerves dissipated. "And I was wondering if there was the possibility of renewal for the next academic year. That is if there's a position available? "

It took me a moment to get a read on him, tensing me up a little more. I swallowed down the words threatening to bubble out, all too aware I was close to rambling, wanting to reassure him.

Stay professional, I reminded myself.

And so I waited for him to speak.

"Unfortunately," he started, and my stomach dipped, my blood rushing through my ears, "Jim still hasn't provided us with a definite answer. He actually has until the end of the school year to let us know if he plans to return or not, and until we know, my hands are tied."

I bobbed my head in understanding. "Is that normal, for staff to leave it so late?" My voice was tight.

"Not really." Austin grimaced. "Most staff are usually great at giving us as much notice as possible to help us plan accordingly. I'm only guessing here, but I think because Jim would be retiring, his decision is bigger than most."

Once more, I bobbed my head, disappointment and frustration battling it out inside me.

"I have spoken to the board about the position, though," he added. "And they're in agreement that should the position become permanent, I can offer you the contract." His whole focus was on me, no doubt reading my reaction.

While a semblance of relief filtered through me at his words, there were ifs, buts, and maybes attached. I curved my lips upward a fraction, saying, "Thank you. I'm relieved to know that I'm doing a good enough job that I'm first in line."

I saw the struggle on his face, in his body, knew he wanted to reach out and touch me. It was in the tension, in the apology in his eyes. But we'd agreed to keep this about work. Instead, he said, his voice soft, "Jasper, you're an incredible teacher. There is no doubt in my mind that the position is yours should I become able to offer it to you."

My smile came easier, despite being aware that I had no choice but to apply for those positions I'd found a couple of days ago. Just like I had no choice but to ask, "May I use you as a reference, please?"

He sat up a little at that, his body taut. Seemingly reluctantly, he nodded. "Of course, Jasper, whatever you need."

"Thanks." I pulled in my bottom lip, not liking the shift in atmosphere. We were both feeling it, and I was sure our emotions mirrored each other's. Exhaling, I stood. "I'd better get going."

Quickly standing, Austin nodded. "Okay." He hesitated a moment before asking, "Will you stay with me tonight? Come home?"

Heart hammering, it made it difficult to focus or do anything more than nod. This wasn't his fault. Plus, there were those ifs, buts, and maybes. "I'll meet you there," I said as I backed toward the door. Needing to offer him something genuine, hoping to ease some of the worry in his eyes, I said, "I'm so happy you're home." With that, I turned and left, the urge to keep walking and maybe find a bar to have a few shots chasing me. Instead, I headed to my classroom to ensure I was ready for the rest of my afternoon.

My last couple of periods went surprisingly well, considering my head wasn't exactly in the game. I still managed to get through my lesson plan, and I still managed to come away feeling as though 75 percent of the class understood the concept of figurative language, so I took that as a win.

I waved off the last couple of students from the final period, wishing them a good night.

Nervous energy pumped through me. While I couldn't wait to properly catch up with Austin, I was all too aware of the guilt that had played out on his features during our meeting.

I hated that things weren't easy, but it wasn't in either of our control to change things. It meant I had to suck it up and just do my best and hope that things wouldn't be strange between us.

There was also the knowledge that I had to let him know I had a handful of positions I planned to apply for. The request for him to provide a reference told him I'd be doing so, but the actuality of me going ahead had consequences.

I sighed as I opened my laptop, needing to input some data I'd gathered from one of my earlier lessons. It wouldn't take long, and then I'd be able to head to Austin's place.

I'd already told Mom not to expect me home and had brought a change of clothes with me too, but while I worked, I had the need to speak to her, my disappointment threatening to get me down.

"Hey, Mom," I said when she picked up.

"Hey, Jasper. Everything okay?"

There was no surprise she was asking, as yesterday I'd told her about my situation.

"Yeah. I will be." She remained quiet, her tell for me to continue. "The guy I was covering for has yet to hand in his notice."

"Oh." The one word was quiet. "Any idea if he will?"

I shrugged, despite being on the phone. "Not sure, and Austin didn't say."

"That makes sense," she said. "The last thing he'll want to do is get your hopes up."

"I know," I agreed. "It just sucks, you know?"

"I know, darling. But whatever happens, you'll get it figured out." After a beat, she added, "You will. Have faith." She understood my silences so well. "You still not coming home tonight?"

"That's the plan," I said, refocusing on inputting the figures in the spreadsheet.

"Good. Talk it out and be honest. It's the only way any relationship can survive."

"Thanks, Mom. Will do."

"I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yes," I answered, "definitely."

Once we said our goodbyes, I finished off with my task, giving a quick scan over to ensure I hadn't made a mistake. Satisfied, I shut down my laptop and gathered my belongings.

I planned to head straight to Austin's, rather than get sidetracked and head to his office. The less distraction I gave, the sooner he'd be home too.

It didn't take long before I was pulling up and knocking on the door. While I knew where the spare key was and had been given permission to use it, Billy was at the house, and it felt a little weird just letting myself in.

The door opened, and the man himself smiled, which was quickly followed by an eye roll. "You know, one of these days, I'll just keep you waiting. Just use the damn key already."

I laughed as I followed him in. A couple of steps inside and I was pounced on by Penny. "How's your day been?" I asked Billy as I fussed over Penny. The whole time I attempted to venture toward the kitchen. I was craving a coffee, or beer, or wine, but coffee would be the sensible option since it had only just turned four in the afternoon.

"All good here," Billy said, indicating the coffee machine, which made the best coffees.

"I'd love one please, since you're offering." I grinned and sat down at the counter.

"Tanner, your friend, right?"

I nodded in response.

"He came by today to drop off some material. I've stored it in the shed."

"Fantastic. I know Austin will be pleased it's getting closer for Tanner to begin work."

"Yeah, definitely. He also had to do some measuring up or something. I left him to it," he said, and I imagined that was rare for Billy, giving strangers free rein. I suspected it was because Tanner was such a good friend of mine. I was pleased he had faith in my judge of character.

"He also asked me about the style of the fascias he's replacing and left image samples. I'll get them for you."

Surprised, I opened my eyes wide. "Me? "

Billy paused, his whole attention zooming in on my face. "Yes."

"But—"

Billy's sigh cut me off, and he shook his head. "It makes sense for you to get a head-start. There's no way Austin will be making this decision without you." When he tilted his head back and mumbled something at the ceiling, my confusion made way for my amusement. "Since you've known the man, has he ever given you an indication that he doesn't value your opinion?"

I shook my head. He was absolutely right. I asked him for support and advice all the time, and in the grand scheme of things, it tended not to be work-related, as we both made a concerted effort not to talk shop if we could help it.

"Right, so what makes you think he won't want your input with this?"

"I know he'll ask," I admitted, "and I'll always give my honest opinion, but it's his home, not mine." Fully knowing I wanted that one day, I hung back, not wanting to back myself into a corner.

Billy huffed out a breath. "I do as much of your laundry as his, you know."

Horrorstruck, I blanched. "Oh shit. I'm so sorry." Humiliation was never pretty.

"Don't be a dick," he said, seemingly exasperated. " That's not what I meant. I feel like we know each other fairly well, so you should know if I had an issue, you'd be the first to know."

"True," I said with a small smile. "You tend not to pull punches." It really was true. He was honest and open about pretty much everything. "But still, I'm sorry. I do try to remember to take my stuff home, but with spending so much time here…." I ended with a shrug.

"It's virtually your first home these days, right, rather than your second?" he said. A look of glee entered his gaze, and this time I squinted, understanding fully what he was talking about.

It should have felt odd that we were talking about this, but Billy had that way about him. There was something intimidating about him, no doubt something that he'd perfected when he'd been a cop, but along with that, he instilled trust, making it easy to spill all. I paused at that thought, saying, "I bet you were a genius in the interrogation room."

He laughed, and relief rushed through me. Billy usually shut down all talk of his police days, and Austin had let me know Billy wasn't comfortable discussing his past. I respected the hell out of the man, so the last thing I ever wanted was to offend him.

"I did have a reputation," he admitted. His eyes on me turned into a stare, and I thought back to his last words about this place being my home.

"I care about Austin a lot. Spending time with him wherever we are and whenever we can is the best part of my day." The reality startled me a little. I was passionate about teaching, loved so many aspects of my life, but Austin was my favorite of everything.

"I understand. Love can do that to you."

I pressed my lips together, knowing he was provoking me, but I wouldn't bite. Saying I loved Austin would only be directed to the man himself. He deserved my words and my honesty.

Seemingly satisfied, Billy grinned, handing over my coffee I hadn't realized he'd finished making. "Thought as much," he said.

At the same time, my ears registered a sound behind me. Penny had left at some point, but when I angled around, it was Austin who stood in the doorway off the hall. His intense gaze was fixed to mine. Immediately, I swallowed hard, barely managing around the tension flooding through my body. This man and the tsunami of feeling he always evoked in me would be my undoing—or better yet, would be the absolute making of me.

"And I'm out," Billy said with a chuckle. I heard the kitchen door close behind him, but I didn't pull my gaze away from Austin. And when he stepped toward me, heat licked at my skin.

He was passion and desire, and something so much more.

Unable to resist, I turned the swiveling stool around, so he was able to stop before me, standing between my spread thighs.

"You're the best part of my day, too," he said quietly as I looked up into the depth of his eyes. My skin flushed.

"You heard that?"

He nodded.

"I should have told you that to your face," I said.

"You didn't need to. I already knew."

A smile tilted my lips at his words, his easy acknowledgment. "I'm happy you didn't need to hear it to know."

With him this close to me, it was difficult to keep up the stream of conversation. Oxygen was difficult to drag to my brain. Instead, need took control as I reached out and placed my hands on his belt buckle. When his breath hitched and his gaze lowered to half-mast, control was difficult. It was tempting to tear off his clothes, jump off the stool, and turn him around so he was pressed face-first on the countertop and I could take him.

It sounded like a brilliant idea the more I considered it, but there was something in his gaze that stopped me.

Painfully slowly, I eased his belt open, followed by lowering his zipper. I tugged down his trousers and his briefs, eyes somehow remaining on his and not shooting a look at his erection that throbbed in my hand.

A small grunt burst out of him, and his hips jerked as I smoothed my hand over him, capturing the pearl at the tip of his cock. Rather than spread it over his length, I swapped hands and brought my thumb to my mouth. Pausing as he held his breath, his eyes dilating, I knew this was the right way forward. My tongue darted out, and the taste of Austin exploded on it. His "Fuck" followed on a strangled moan.

"Get undressed," I instructed.

Immediately, he started untangling himself from his clothes. The whole time, my hand pumped his hard-on, hot steel in my hand. I lost him momentarily as he slipped off his shoes and dragged down his pants.

"Is there still lube in the pantry?" I asked, hoping like hell we didn't need to take this upstairs, not since I had the visual of him spread out before me.

His gasp preceded his "Yes."

I stood and said against his lips, "I want you leaning here, ass out, and waiting for me." I paused until he nodded, then I swept my tongue over the seam of his mouth and kissed him. Soft and slow, and going completely against the hard need to have him, this kiss was everything. By the end, he would understand by my actions and my honesty just what he meant to me.

"Holy shit," he said breathily. We'd managed to lean on each other enough to stagger to the bathroom for a shower. With wobbly knees, my brain not functioning since my mind had officially been blown by the orgasm Austin had ripped from me, I was surprised as hell we'd made it.

His breathy response made me give a barely perceptible nod. I would have agreed profusely if I could get words to properly form, but there was nothing.

Instead, we leaned against each other. The warm spray beat down on us, sending my tingling skin into overdrive.

"Anytime you want us to do that again, and you get all commanding on me, you have my full permission," he mumbled, awe in his voice.

Amusement spiraled through me, and I was in complete agreement.

Angling my head to find skin, I pressed a small kiss on his shoulder.

He sighed at my touch and shifted so he could wrap his arms around me. I was just that little bit more slender than him to feel almost delicate in his arms, and certainly cared for.

When he angled away, I knew it was so he could look at me, so I shifted my head and made eye contact.

"I love you," he said, emotion carrying his words, genuine happiness leading the way.

Joy fluttered through me, reaching out and brushing across my skin, dancing around my heart as his words sank in. His sweet gaze, gentle but with the intensity of his feeling behind it, remained on mine. "I love you, too." My words echoed around the bathroom, weaving through the spray and finding purchase on the man before me.

Austin cupped my cheek and swept his thumb over my wet skin. "I need you to know whatever happens at work, we'll figure it out."

Relief had me nodding. "I know."

"I wish I could put pressure on—"

"No," I said, cutting him off. "Everything will be as it should. If I have to work somewhere else until another opening comes up at school with you, then so be it."

His gaze softened. "You're not worried?"

"No," I answered immediately. "I'll miss you, but I'm not worried about us."

The words seemed to wash over him, diluting any lingering worry from his gaze. A tender kiss followed, decadent and gentle, but I was beat, and there was no way I or my cock had anything left in me. Well, not until I'd eaten at least.

The prospect of a round two had me easing back and a smile curling my lips. "Food and chill?"

"Is it bad if we eat in bed?"

I scrunched my nose at that. "It all depends on what it is."

He seemed amused.

I lifted my brow, my hand reaching out and turning off the shower. "If it's food that stinks the room up, I don't want any of it."

Austin laughed.

"What?"

"It's not been than long since you were at college. Isn't that the sort of thing kids these days do?"

Mock horror sent my brows shooting high. "I'll have you know nothing beyond cheese and crackers and popcorn made it to my room."

He paused as he dried himself off, disbelief on his face. "Are you serious?"

"As a heart attack." There was something about food smell in the room that had always been a major turn off for me and made me slightly nauseous—much to the chagrin of Lee, who I'd shared a dorm room with in my first year. We all had our quirks, and it seemed this was one of mine.

"Huh," he said, amused and confused. "I know some food is stinky, but not even after a night out and rolling in at an ungodly hour?"

"Nope."

"Your restraint is impressive and slightly disturbing." He followed up with a laugh.

I rolled my eyes at him before stepping into his room to pull on a pair of shorts from one of the drawers I had clothes stashed in. Immediately, I thought about what Billy said to me earlier, and smiled as I tugged the fabric up my legs.

"I can handle both of those descriptions, especially impressive," I threw over my shoulder, my gaze catching on his ass that unfortunately disappeared behind cotton shorts.

Austin grinned and stalked toward me. When he grasped me by the waist and hauled me to him, he whispered, "Impressive is just the start of who you are."

I was dead. Melted. A puddle. Kaput on the floor.

He seemed to know it too, since he gave me a Cheshire cat grin he reserved for moments when he knew I was a goner and not thinking straight—usually when in orgasmic bliss—and released my waist to secure my hand in his .

"Come on. Food on the couch in front of a movie. Then I may show you how impressive I can be as well tonight."

At his words, my cock perked up. It was rare he topped. While topping was my preference and bottoming was his, a little reversal every now and then was something I was absolutely up for.

"I like this plan," I said, my eyes wide, and finally, I was feeling more awake.

A couple of hours later, we'd demolished the pizza, had finished watching a new Netflix sci-fi movie, and I was lazily drawing circles on the bare skin of his thigh.

"What did you think?" I asked, nudging my head toward the screen.

His shrug was noncommittal, and I laughed, understanding completely.

"Yep, pretty much what I thought." Watching crappy TV had its place, but sometimes it drained away what little energy I had left. "Should we have stopped it?"

He sighed, shooting me a smile. "It was watchable. If only for the lead."

I chuckled, in total agreement. I had no idea who the guy was, as I'd never seen him in anything before, but he was hot and helped my gaze keep gravitating to the screen.

"Have we got plans this weekend?"

The question had a happy smile forming and my heart stuttering over itself. A lot had changed tonight. Well, sort of. I'd been confident he felt the same way about me as I did him, but sharing our feelings had cut through any doubt. It was that added security that changed things a little. I was a fan.

Not sure if I should tell him what was on my mind, I hesitated. Enough that it caught his attention.

Austin shifted a little next to me so he could look at me fully without me having to crane my neck to see him. "What's on your mind?"

"There are three positions available that I need to apply for."

Face shuttering, his eyes, though, gave his emotion away. Guilt bled through them.

"Hey," I said, moving my hand to press more firmly against his thigh. "We've already agreed everything will work out, right?"

A huff of breath preceded his words. "I know. Which positions? Are they far?"

I shook my head, wanting to immediately reassure him. "They're the closest I could find." There was no need to add that they weren't commutable. No other school was in this district. It was one of the banes of small-town living.

He nodded. "Okay. And as much as it pains me, as the last thing I want is for you to leave, please do use me as a reference. Have you asked Lizzie?"

"Yes," I answered, and she had been awesome. Disappointed that there still wasn't an opening for me, which did wonders for my ego, she'd said she'd happily provide a professional reference.

"That's good. I have no doubt, whichever position you go for, you'll get the job. Have you spoken to your mom?" Sincerity carried his words, but I knew he felt the frustration I did when he said them.

"I have."

"How did she react?"

"About the same as you," I said with a chuckle.

"It's why she's so incredible." His gaze softened. Not wanting distance between us, I angled toward him, sliding my mouth over his. There was no way I could ever tire of kissing Austin. Gentle kisses morphed into hot and heavy, and when he tugged me onto his lap, a flurry of heat zipped up me. The words he'd spoken earlier immediately filtered through my body. Having him inside me was all I wanted and needed.

I set to work on tugging off his clothes. There was no protest. Only ragged breaths, fumbling hands in our haste, and the promise of coming so hard I'd feel him for days.

"I need you now, Austin," I said with a whimper.

He groaned, shifting me so we could tug off our shorts. Naked and hard in front of him, I gasped when he sucked on my neck before angling away. "Let me just…." It was all he said as he took a few steps to first chase a confused-looking Penny out of the room, and then he opened the drawer of the sideboard, where he rummaged around for the lube. As I waited, I palmed myself, long firm strokes as I fixed my gaze on his bobbing cock.

Lube in hand, he made to return to me but almost stumbled when his eyes roamed my body, landing on my hand fisting myself. When he darted out his tongue, I squeezed the root, mouth parting.

His eyes flared when he asked, "You want my mouth on you?" in a voice so low, a fresh shiver shot through me.

I nodded. When would I not want his mouth on me?

The heat still in his eyes, he strode toward me, hand pushing mine out of the way as he used my cock like a joystick to direct me to sit. A laugh erupted at his maneuver. Intense sex was hot. But sex with laughter and playfulness was fucking incredible.

My ass on the couch wasn't good enough, apparently, as he gripped my hips and pulled it closer to the edge, leaving me angling back and exposed as he kneeled before me.

"Better?" I asked, amusement lifting my words.

His grin was full and filled with affection. "Much." He returned one of his hands to my waiting cock, and my breathing stuttered.

"We should totally sword fight one time." My lips twitched as I spoke.

Austin's brow quirked high. "Just because you're longer doesn't mean I won't destroy you." The raised brow turned into waggles.

"I think you already have," I whispered, sobering a little.

At my words, he paused his caresses. Intent eyes slammed into mine. Slowly, he angled up and over me, drawing his mouth closer to my lips. "If we've destroyed each other, does that cancel each other out and make it a whole? Complete?"

I thought I'd been dead before, but his words slayed me.

I wanted it all with Austin. Everything.

And nothing, certainly not a job, was going to prevent that.

I didn't speak. Didn't react with a nod of agreement. Instead, I cupped his nape and pulled him to me. Lips connecting, mouths working, tongues sliding, without a doubt he'd destroyed me for anyone else. Gasping for breath, I pulled back.

"I've changed my mind." Understanding and renewed heat permeated his gaze at my words.

With a nod, he tugged me up, so we changed positions. Once he was seated, I straddled him, our mouths reconnecting as the kiss turned fiery, reaching molten levels of need. With a jerk of my hip, I rubbed against him, feeling his heat and hardness.

Unable to resist, I took both of us in hand. We pulled out of the kiss, eyes connecting, panting heavily, before my gaze traveled to our joined cocks.

Austin reached blindly for the bottle while I thanked the heavens we'd both now forgone condoms and were still on PrEP.

Who thought the snapping of a lube cap could be sensual? But damn, the sound made me achy, desperate for him to fill me and pound into me so damn hard I would remember this moment forever.

The touch of his slick fingers drew out my content sigh. It had been a long time since he'd taken me. A whimper tore through when a finger penetrated. By the time he was knuckle deep and spreading me with his thumb and two fingers, I was driving back on his digits, already blurry-eyed and needing him so much deeper than fingers could manage .

The fresh whimper bursting free was as fierce as it was needy. "Austin—"

He cut me off with a kiss, thrusting his tongue into my mouth at the same time his fingers were going to town on my ass.

I pulled away, considering tearing away his hand to replace it with his dick. My patience was shot, my desire riding me hard.

A soft smile curved his lips, gentle and sweet, completely at odds with the raw need pulsing between us. This time, he removed his fingers and then encouraged me to ease up so he could position himself. I did so willingly. As our eyes connected, I smiled. It started off small and grew to a fully-fledged grin. He mirrored it immediately as I bore down on him. As I did so, he whispered, "I love you so damn much."

Fully seated, my heart exploded, my pulse wild and beating to a rhythm orchestrated by Austin. "I love you, too," I said on a gasp, pausing and adjusting to his girth.

"You okay?"

I bobbed my head and dragged my bottom lip between my teeth as I attempted to control myself.

Feeling steadier, I lifted, using my leg muscles to create a rhythm, Austin's firm grip helping to keep us in sync. My grip on his shoulders, I focused on nothing but this moment, wanting so many more that they were countless.

"You feel so perfect," he said, angling up, inviting me for a kiss.

I fell into him, somehow keeping pace, allowing him to help my movement. Lips together, tongues touching, Austin tore a groan from me when he shifted just so, hitting the spot that had my cock sitting up and taking notice.

Throwing my head back, I groaned loudly, mildly aware of a scraping of wood and a whimper. I kept going, my breaths coming short and fast, and a thud caught my attention.

Austin snorted, the concentration on his face slipping.

"Penny?" I garbled, laughing a little, squeezing Austin's cock so tightly when I did so. Our mutual groans echoed around the room.

"Yeah," he said breathily. Amusement and lust warred in his eyes, and my lips twitched despite the desire spreading around my body, singeing my skin in its wake.

Another bang followed by a howl had a full-on laugh escaping from me this time. "Christ, she's going to break the door—" Nudging me deep inside, Austin worked his hips faster, harder, each flick of his hips ruining me and tearing away my ability to speak.

"Touch yourself," he ordered as he brushed once more against the spot that I knew would have me seeing stars.

Gripping myself, I jerked my cock root to tip. There was no longer synchronicity, no longer slow and steady and a seductive buildup. Austin pounded into me, branding me as his own, fucking me ruthlessly and perfectly.

"Oh…." A whine eased out of me, quiet at first until it turned into a loud groan. Hand still working overtime, I threw my head back. Lights danced in my vision. Electricity charged through every cell, reaching my nerve endings. An orgasm unlike any other tore through me, leaving its mark soul deep. Semen coated my hand, our stomachs, and I shuddered, panting, still finding it in me to move.

With one final jerk of his hips, Austin's fingers digging so deep I hoped to hell he left evidence, he froze, the cords on his neck tightening as he filled me. A few short breaths after, Austin's fingers loosened, and I needed to move before cramps destroyed my legs. There was a strong possibility if I tried to stand, I'd collapse.

I chuckled, my head resting against Austin's shoulder .

"Okay?" he asked, humor in his words.

"I will be if you can help me stand," I said, managing a grin.

"I think we may need to help each other." A light chuckle followed his words.

With groans and grunts, we detached and stumbled to the door, heading to the bathroom and I hoped bed.

"Fuck."

Austin's curse had me looking over his shoulder as he opened the door.

Penny charged in, completely beside herself. I cupped myself immediately. I loved the damn dog, but her sniffing around when I was naked and covered in jizz made my previously numb legs start working. "You've got this, right?" I laughed as I eased past the two of them, hightailing it out of there and casting a glance and a wince at the small dent and countless scratches now on the sitting-room door.