Page 22 of Thinking It Over

“And you’re the only teacher, well, principal?”

He nodded. “Yes. I’m the oldest too. They all think it’s hilarious that I’m the disciplinarian, but what choice did I have? I spent my youth wrangling them all. It’s all their fault.” Amusement laced his words. “My two sisters, Robin and Debbie, both are moms. Debbie was in marketing but was happy to leave the rat race to become a full-time mom. Robin’s a social worker. Her wife looks after their son full-time. He’s now four and is hilariously like my brother, Frankie.”

“Was Frankie a bit of a hooligan when he was a kid?”

Austin gave a derisive laugh. “Still is.” Affection was evident despite his words.

“And they all live near your dad?”

“My sisters do. Free babysitting is always a pull, and Dad dotes on his grandkids. Frankie’s on perpetual working vacations. I think he’s in Scotland at the moment, but he hasn’t been in touch for a while.”

Hearing the concern in his voice, I flicked a quick glance his way. A deep frown creased his brows, an expression I didn’t like seeing on him.

“Is that normal?” I hedged, not wanting to stir worry, but I couldn’t not say anything.

“He’s often flitting around, so we don’t know he’s moved on until he’s skipped to the next place, but he always picks up his email.”

“And he hasn’t?”

“Dad was just worried about him and has tried to be in touch. He’ll show up.” He shrugged. “Anyhow, it’ll be fine. Looks like we’re here.”

I didn’t question the need to stop the conversation. We were celebrating, plus it was our first official date. I wasn’t counting the afternoon we spent together last weekend. Pulling into a spot, I focused on having a good time. My mission was to enjoy the evening and continue to get to know the man who’d captured my attention.

Once we’d organized ourselves, we were in the restaurant, which was pleasantly cozy and tastefullydecorated, and proceeded to order our food. Our drinks arrived a moment later.

I lifted my soda. “Congratulations on your fresh start.”

Austin laughed and lifted his glass of beer, clinking it with my drink. “I’ll most definitely drink to that.”

“So, no last word from him today? He’s up and left?” While I wasn’t worried about his ex still being around as he really had no impact on me, after hearing the details of their relationship from Austin, I was eager for him to be free of Rupert.

“Nothing at all, so I’m taking that as good news.”

“I’m happy for you.” It was funny, Austin did appear to be a little less on edge. I could only imagine the impact a disgruntled ex could have on a person.

“Thank you.” His eyes roamed mine, a relaxed grin fixed on his face. “I have to ask.” Amusement danced in his words. “How did you get home and back so quickly tonight?”

A shy smile lifted my lips. “I didn’t. I got myself showered and ready at work.”

His eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Sorry, I should have thought. You could have easily come to my place to get ready.”

The shake of my head was immediate. “Then how would I have been able to pick you up properly for our date?”

His gaze softened. “That’s extraordinarily sweet of you. Thank you. But next time, please get ready at my place.”

Delight that he was certain there’d be a next time trickled through me. While we’d shared a couple of sweet kisses and I was absolutely enjoying getting to know him, it was heady hearing the words from him. Plus, the thought of pressing against him and putting my hand down his pants was a thought never far away, so the offer had me swooning internally.

“I can totally do that,” I promised.

EIGHT

AUSTIN

Focusing was a struggle.Not the best time for that, considering I had two more meetings to get through and a stack of paperwork needing my attention.

But every time I allowed my mind to drift, it immediately went to when Jasper walked me to my door and wished me goodnight.

The whole escorting me to the door and being kissed on the doorstep before leaving me puffy-lipped and with a hard-on was honestly the first time ever a man had done that to me. It left me weak-kneed and reliving the moment constantly when I couldn’t afford to.

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