Page 42 of Thinking It Over

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.Exclusivelywith 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 andspend 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.”

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