Chapter 13
THIRTEEN
JASPER
Toe-curling orgasms, sweet whispered words, and conversations where a man simply got me. If this was my new norm, I was ready to celebrate.
“You know, you made me go cross-eyed.”
Austin laughed loudly, not quite enough to drown out the music playing, but enough to give me goose bumps and have me leaning in to kiss him again. His laugh was one of my favorite things about him. “I’ll take cross-eyed and offer the challenge of you losing your voice next time,” he whispered once I’d pulled away.
Amusement danced in his eyes, his stroke along my side tender and soothing. I cuddled closer, relaxing into his touch. “I’m not sure how your brother will feel about that. ”
Austin grunted. “Since my baby brother is still being weird, he can shove it up his ass.”
I chuckled, thrusting against him, my soft cock coming alive a little at the action. “You make it too easy.”
Austin angled himself to get a firmer hold on me. “I know. And I won’t even bite at the easy comment.”
“But easy only with me.”
His gaze softened as my words spilled out. They were out there, and I had no plan to take them back.
“Definitely only with you. Exclusively with you,” he added, as though for good measure.
“I’m pleased we’re on the same page.” Pressing my mouth against his neck, I placed a light kiss and inhaled a scent that was fast becoming one I associated with peace and comfort. There was also desire tied up in Austin’s scent. “And he didn’t say anything more last night?” I asked. While I’d happily agreed to stay over again, I’d deliberately left them to it in the evening, saying I needed to do some planning for next week. My hope was if I gave them space, they’d talk. It was clear Frankie was trying to use me as a buffer for whatever he wasn’t willing to talk about. By the time Austin had come to bed, I was already sound asleep, though, so I had no idea if the space I’d provided worked or not.
“Not really. You know he’s spoken to my dad and let him know he’s in the country.” I nodded, having heard the start of the conversation early afternoon. “Yesterday he asked if he could hang out here for a couple of weeks before he heads to Dad’s and catches up with him and my sisters.”
Austin’s sigh had me asking, “And that’s a problem?”
“Not really.” A small curve to his lips followed. “It was for purely selfish reasons.”
“Oh.” Understanding rushed through me, and my cheeks warmed. “Don’t worry about me.”
“I know it’s fine, but I’m selfish, and work’s busy, so time at home is time for us, you know?”
“I get it, but catching up with your brother isn’t a bad thing.”
“You’re right. It’s not. Maybe I can also figure out what’s bugging him too.”
“Just make the most of having him here. We have plenty of time to practice you making me lose my voice once he’s gone.”
My response was apparently the right thing to say, as his mouth immediately connected with mine. Kisses with Austin were easy to get lost in. It was only the movement across the hallway when the music faded out to start a new song that had us easing the kiss and pulling apart.
“What would you like to do today?” Austin asked breathily, his lips puffy and redder than usual.
“I do need to head back home this afternoon and spend some time with my mom. I also have a bit more to organize for next week.”
“So this morning?”
“Maybe take Penny out after breakfast. Have you ever been to Cadstall Heath?” It was an area about thirty minutes away, great for walking dogs. It also had a stunning lake that I knew locals swam in during the summer.
“I do. We can go there for sure.”
As I showered, I didn’t even try to wipe the grin from my face. Eager for the walk, I quickly dressed and went downstairs, greeting Frankie with a smile. “Morning.”
“Good morning for some,” he quipped, humor in his tone.
I smirked, my cheeks heating a little. “So,” I started, trying to change the subject, “after breakfast, we’re going to take Penny out. You coming?” I hadn’t asked Austin, but it seemed rude not to offer.”
A mug to his lips, Frankie’s gaze shifted behind me. I followed his line of sight, realizing Austin had appeared. “No, thanks. I’m good. You guys have a good time.”
I shot Austin the stink eye, pretty sure he’d silently encouraged his brother to say no. A not-so-innocent glint in his eyes, along with a quirked brow, was his response. After rolling my eyes at Austin, I turned back to Frankie. “Ignore him. I’d like your company.”
Masculine arms wrapped around me from behind. “ You need more than my company?” he said quietly, his warm breath sweeping across my neck. “I’d planned to take a blanket.”
My lips twitched at his sweetness while Frankie snorted his laughter.
“You know, I’m tempted to come just to piss you off,” Frankie said to his brother.
Austin flipped him off.
“I will be honest with you, though, Jasper.” Amusement tumbled with sincerity when Frankie said, “Rude Dick never got this sort of reaction from my big brother.” He followed through with a nod. “Austin’s never been into PDA or sweeping men off—”
“Hey,” Austin interrupted.
“What?” Frankie shrugged. “It’s all true and it’s all good.” He then focused on me and winked.
Not sure what to think of Frankie’s declaration, I swallowed my emotion down, right along with any reaction. While it was all sorts of nice to think that what Austin and I had was different as well as real, I would only trust myself and Austin for that share. “So, breakfast,” I finally said in response. “What’s cooking?”
Frankie grinned, and Austin kissed my neck before whispering, “It’s all true,” and my stomach flipped over.
“Uh, pancakes?” I managed to say before I swooned right where I stood.
The past couple of days, it finally felt as though I was getting a routine. After becoming friendly with Lizzie, lunches at work were much more comfortable, and I felt like I was actually taking a break. I’d also managed to have some quality time with Austin after school Monday, and we’d agreed to an impromptu coffee and then dinner with Mom tonight.
It seemed only right that I introduce Mom to the man who was stealing all my attention while making me deliriously happy. That led us to my old place of work to pick Mom up after her shift.
The positive change in her had been phenomenal. Grief didn’t suddenly stop overnight. I knew that, but I had my mom back. There was a lightness in her eyes that was slowly shifting the sadness aside. Her happiness was important, and what I wanted so desperately, and I had my former boss to thank for it.
“Honestly, I should be thanking you as well as shaking you. Why didn’t you tell me how amazing your mom is?” Davis’s grin was wide and friendly.
I smirked. “What, and end up fired when you realized how incredible she is, especially in comparison to me?” I rolled my eyes and finally indicated Austin, not yet having had the opportunity to introduce him since Davis had all but fallen on me with thanks. “Davis, I wanted to introduce you to Austin.”
Austin shook Davis’s proffered hand. “Pleased to meet you.”
“Likewise,” Davis said, stepping back and nodding toward an empty table. “So you’re the principal who’s finally turned this one’s head, huh?” Humor and curiosity colored his words.
“I think he’s the one who’s turned mine,” Austin said suavely. I smirked and leaned into him, hooking my finger through one of his belt loops. He still wore his work pants and button-up, sans tie, and with his sleeves rolled up, he looked sexy as hell. I’d never thought forearm porn was a thing, but honest to God, I was sure he managed to make every movement and tensing of muscle seem like the opening to foreplay.
I waved over at Mom, who was dealing with a customer. Happiness radiated from her, and unexpected emotion spread through my chest.
Davis’s gentle voice cut through my moment. “She really is amazing.”
My gaze settled on him as I sat, Austin sitting close to my side, his thigh brushing against mine. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen her like this,” I admitted, and Austin’s palm settled on my leg, giving it a gentle squeeze. I huffed a breath and shook off the lingering emotions. A smile tugged at my lips. “And how goes the wedding prep? All sorted out?”
Joy radiated from Davis as his mouth curved upward. “Yes, finally. I don’t know how people plan a big wedding.” He shook his head in genuine wonder. “Ours is super low-key and small, yet it’s still taken so much planning.”
I nodded, not quite really understanding what there was to do. Say I do? Have a party? Done, right? Admittedly, I hadn’t been to a wedding since I was a kid. I knew a couple of friends from college had married, courtesy of Facebook marital status updates, but it was no one close. Though, I hadn’t really formed any strong bonds with college friends. It had only been a couple of years or so, and we’d already drifted apart.
“When both my sisters married, they turned into bridezillas,” Austin said, his amusement clear. “It wasn’t until Debbie’s wedding that I realized it was a real thing. She was stressed to hell. It was a great wedding, though. Fun,” he quickly clarified.
“I hear you,” Davis said. “I’ll be honest, I can’t wait to get my ring on Scott’s finger, but I think we’re both wishing we’d ran off to Vegas or something.”
Understanding registered. “Ted?” I asked.
“How’d you guess?” Davis wiped a hand over his face .
“Do I want to know?” Austin asked.
“Nope, you really don’t,” Davis said. “You’ll find out Saturday when you meet the guy.”
Awkwardness was a slippery, wily thing. It settled over me.
“Oh. Uhm, I’m sure I’ll get a chance to meet him at some point,” Austin added quickly, and I side-eyed him, really hoping he wasn’t offended and truly understood the situation. He’d said he did, but it didn’t stop me from feeling a bit weird about him not being my date.
Confusion flittered across Davis’s face.
I clarified, “Ian’s coming to the wedding with me.” I was sure I’d told him that. He knew Ian, and they got on well.
Bobbing his head, the confusion remained on his features. “Yeah, he’s traveling over Friday, right?”
“Yes. I think he’s eager to get away from the city and have some downtime as well as celebrate your big day.” It was Davis and Scott who’d first introduced me to Ian, and they were aware of what good friends we were.
“And you’re coming too, right?” Davis asked Austin.
Austin’s eyes widened a little, and he shot a glance to me. “Well, no.”
“Why not? You two are together, right? That’s what everyone has been telling me.” He smiled at that, and I could just imagine how the rumor mill was going wild .
I stepped in, needing to cut through the awkwardness. “Ian was my plus one. I wasn’t exactly going to ditch him.”
“ Please .” Davis shook his head, emphasizing the word, his tone indicating I was dense. “Ian was never a plus one. He was always coming.”
I laughed. “Fair point, but it wasn’t like I was going to sneak Austin in to gate-crash.”
“I think my gatecrashing days are long over.” Austin’s words were light. A glance in his direction reassured me he was taking all of this in his stride.
“Okay,” Davis said, and I was sure he was holding back an eye roll. “The wedding is super casual. There’s no sit-down meal, no named seating plan. Just a bunch of family and friends celebrating me hooking the best man I know. And I’d love you to come and make Jasper’s night that little bit happier with you being there with him.”
Taking Austin’s hand in mine, I squeezed and looked in his direction, my smile bright. “Any plans Saturday night?”
“A date with you would be amazing.” He turned his attention to Davis. “That’s really kind, thank you. I’d love to celebrate with you.”
“Awesome. That’s settled.” Back on his feet, Davis said, “Your mom’s shift ended five minutes ago. She’s going to start telling everyone I’m a slave driver if I don’t cover her.” A sparkle lit his eyes. “I’ll see you both on the big day.”
Once he’d left, I focused fully on the man at my side. “I’m sorry if we blindsided you.”
He was shaking his head before I’d finished. “Not at all. I’m happy to come. Any time spent with you, I appreciate.” The sincerity in his voice caressed my skin, leaving a heated trail in its path.
“Is it odd if I ask you to stay over, considering I’m living with Mom?” Internally I cringed with the question. Austin was a professional, closer to my mom’s age than mine, which I deliberately avoided overthinking, and had an air of sophistication to him I wasn’t sure I’d ever have.
But his warm “I’d love to stay,” told me all I needed to know about him. He was the man for me.
I searched his eyes, becoming lost in his gaze. It was the clearing of his throat and him starting to stand that dragged me out. Wide-eyed, I glanced around, realizing Mom had arrived.
She stood to the side, her eyes firmly on Austin. A shot of nervousness hit me, taking me by surprise. While I was so very certain of my feelings for the man, I loved my mom and hoped she saw what a good guy he was and how right we were for each other.
“Hey, Mom.” My greeting pulled her gaze to me. “ Good shift?” I didn’t release Austin’s hand as I leaned into her, giving her a one-armed hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“Busy, but really great, thank you, honey.” Tenderness settled in her words, easing my building anxiety.
“That’s good to hear.” I swallowed quickly before saying, “I’d like for you to meet Austin.”
Extending his hand to Mom, Austin appeared calm. “It’s lovely to finally meet you, Mrs. Taylor.”
Not pulling my attention away from my mom, I watched ridiculously carefully. Truth was, I’d never brought a man home to meet Mom before. There was never anyone who I considered for the long term. Not until I’d met the gorgeous man whose hand I worried I was gripping too tightly.
When a smile showed Mom’s teeth, I exhaled a quiet, steady breath. That smile was real. “You too, Austin. And please call me Sarah.”
“Shall we head straight home?” I asked, eager to get back and relax, maybe down a bottle of wine. It didn’t matter that Mom’s smile was genuine. I still expected her to give him the third degree at some point. I needed liquid courage to fortify me for that.
“Definitely,” she said, then called out goodbye to Davis.
We piled into Austin’s truck, having already dropped mine at home before coming to collect Mom.
“Nice wheels,” Mom praised. Mom was the reason I had crushes on certain vehicles. I’d been sure Austin’s choice would impress her.
“Thanks,” he answered. “It’s been a labor of love to restore.”
“I can only imagine.” Mom side-eyed me, an impressed brow peaking in my direction, and I swallowed my amusement. “And how’s work been for the two of you?” she asked as Austin took a turn.
“All good for me. No dramas. No tantrums about studying poetry. I’d call that a win.”
Austin laughed at my words. He then said, “Pretty much okay for me too. No dramas. No tantrums from students, parents, or staff. So I’d call that a win.”
“That’s only because you don’t hear what the kids are saying behind your back,” I teased, having never heard anything of the kind from staff or students.
Austin cast a quick glance at me, squinting slightly.
“I jest,” I said quickly, laughing. “Nobody’s prepared to give me any dirt on you. It’s all highly disappointing.”
He shook his head at me as he pulled up at my house. I was impressed he’d remembered the way back. “You won’t get any dirt on me, Mr. Taylor. ”
I sighed dramatically, sure he was right. As I unbuckled my seat belt, a grin spread across my face.
“What’s that smile for?” he asked warily.
Mom huffed out an amused breath. “That’s his ‘I’ve had the best idea’ face. Maybe just drop us off and drive away while you can, Austin.”
“Hey.” I followed up with a tut. Then my grin was back. “She’s totally right, though.”
He quirked his brow as he unbuckled and reached for the door handle.
“Not about the running. But I did remember I have Frankie, who I know is super willing to dish all the good stuff.” I chuckled, pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, and followed Mom out of his truck.
“You know,” Austin said, once he’d closed the door and walked toward the house with Mom and me, “I’m sure Frankie mentioned having to leave first thing in the morning.”
“I don’t think so.” I reached out and took his hand, loving the familiarity of his touch.
“Frankie’s your brother, right?” Mom asked, unlocking the door and leading the way.
“Yes. He’s been away traveling and working for a while. He plans to stay for a couple of weeks before heading to visit my dad.”
Once in the eat-in kitchen, which was where we spent most of our time, Mom asked, “A bit of an adventurer, is he, your brother?”
“You could say that, yes.”
Mom glanced over her shoulder at him as she started pulling ingredients from the refrigerator to make a salad. “It must be hard for your brother to be away all the time.”
I indicated for Austin to take a seat. He did so with a smile before answering my mom. “It is. We’re ten years apart, though, so while we’re not as close as he is with my sisters, I like the idea of him being on US soil and safe.”
Mom nodded her understanding. “Jasper, can you heat the oven, please?”
“All over it.” I set the temperature and asked who wanted a drink, then went about making them.
Mom picked up where Austin had left off. “It must be difficult. I’m not sure how I’d feel if Jasper went overseas for an extended period of time.”
I placed Mom’s bottle of beer down in front of her, not bothering with a glass. She’d regularly shared a beer with Dad when they’d both got home from work. It had become something of a tradition. It was clear her own thoughts were similar to mine as she smiled her thanks with soft eyes. As I dropped a kiss on her cheek, I considered what she said.
“I’d never up and leave you, Mom.”
Kind eyes landed on me, and she patted my cheek. “I know, honey, but I think that frightens me as much as makes me happy.”
Easing back so I could read her better, I wondered what she meant.
“I just mean,” she clarified, no doubt reading my confusion, “the last thing I ever want is to hold you back. If you need to jet off or explore, then I’d miss you something fierce, but if what’s stopping you is your worry for me, honestly, Jasper, I’d be pissed off at you.”
Surprise widened my eyes, but it was Austin’s question that redirected my gaze.
“You want to leave town and go elsewhere? Travel?” His face was carefully neutral.
“Huh?” My gaze traveled from him to Mom, then back again. “I have no idea what either of you are talking about?” The two of them threatened to confuse me more as they didn’t answer. “You know, you’d get fired if the powers that be found out you were high,” I said to Austin. “And you,” I said to Mom, “what on earth have you been baking?”
“Really, Jasper?” Mom said, rolling her eyes at me.
I couldn’t help but laugh. “When have I ever said anything about wanting to leave or go off traveling?”
Gaze on the tomatoes she was slicing, Mom said, “You only came here to look after me.” A shrug that was a little too carefree followed. “I know you weren’t exactly excited about small-town life, and with me now being more settled and working, I just assumed it was a possibility.”
Nonplussed, I stared at her for a beat, concerned this had been playing on her mind. I risked a quick look at Austin to see him still with the same controlled expression on his face, and my stomach clenched in worry. Neither of them should be thinking so ridiculously, as that was exactly what this random conversation was.
Feeling the need to reassure Austin as well as my mom, I went and sat beside him, tugging my chair really close so his heat pressed against me. Once settled, I took his hand in mine and squeezed. My eyes remained on my mom.
“I’m worried you two are a bad influence on each other,” I started, causing both of them to jerk their heads in my direction. “I’m serious,” I said with a small laugh. “I have no idea how you”—I made eye contact with Austin briefly—“talking about your brother has resulted in this weirdness.”
Mom appeared to want to speak, but I continued, preventing her.
“I’m settled and happy here,” I clarified. “Even more so now than I ever have been. I have a great job, good friends, you’re so much happier than I’ve seen in a long time, Mom, and you, Austin….” I had no idea how to finish that with my mom in the room. I chose “I have no plan to put what we have at risk. What we have is great. It’s all so much and… great.” I furrowed my brows, completely aware I was rambling and making not a lick of sense. “And nothing in my life is even in the vicinity of me ‘simply’ settling and wishing my lot was different.”
Mom blushed, and her watery eyes focused on me. A gentle smile curved her mouth. “Okay,” she said.
I nodded, shifting my attention to the man at my side.
“Okay,” he said, mimicking my mom, his lips curling upward.
“Thank goodness for that. I really think I need a shot or something now. You two have destroyed my nerves with your bizarreness.” Humor caressed each word, but I wasn’t joking. My heart rate had spiked, and my head was a messy whirlwind. I just hoped that they both believed me. As far as I was concerned, I wasn’t going anywhere.