Page 100 of Prickly Pair
“It was too early,” he agreed. “But he was also hiding things from us and I think that that's what bothers me the most. I just wish I could've helped him while he was still alive. I wish he would've shared those struggles with me. He was always someone that was very open with us about other things, so it's been kind of like a slap in the face.”
“Well, parents don't always tell their children everything.”
I wrinkled my nose at the memory of my mother telling us,afterher exams, that she was breast cancer free. None of us had even known there was a scare and the doctors suspected she might have it. I’d felt betrayed, especially as a doctor. Scared the fuck out of me, too.
“Your dad didn't want to burden any of you, and I can understand that. How is your mom doing? I see her occasionally, but it seems like she's been out of town more recently,” I said.
“She’s doing good. Much better since she started therapy and started taking vacations. She likes cruises and stuff. She’sjoined some groups that have given her new friends.” His tone was warm, but then he winced. “I’m going to bring all of you to dinner at some point, but since I yelled at her a couple weeks ago, things have been weird. I feel bad about it, but sometimes she's difficult to handle. I know she means well. What about your parents? I want to meet your family.”
I smiled. “I have wonderful parents. I already invited Nick over for the holidays, but of course that could extend to you and Evie as well. You and Nick would have to behave.”
He chuckled. “I’m sure that we could behave. At least for a little bit.”
“Mm-hmm.” I finished the last of my soup and leaned back in my chair, warm and filled and much happier than I’d been only half an hour ago. “So, we’re dating, then?”
“I’d like to call you my boyfriend, yes.”
He was suddenly so shy and cute. A fuzzy warmth buzzed in my veins as I leaned across the table, intertwining our fingers together. “I’d like to be your boyfriend.”
“I’d like to be yours too,” he whispered.
My smile melted all my other worries away.
“Do you want to sleep over tonight?” he asked. “We can watch one of your nerdy movies.”
I laughed. Ever since they’d seen all my gamer stuff and books, Nick, Evie, and Austin had collectively decided I lovednerdy movies.
They weren’t wrong, though. All my favorite movies fell into that category.
“You say that as if you don’t also love nerdy movies,” I said. “Androm-coms.I’ve seen your watch list, Austin.”
“I’m not ashamed of my love for romance movies. Romance books? That’s Dallas’s thing. But give me a sappy film, and I’m happy.”
“I bet you’re a nightmare around the holidays. You’re going to make us watch all the cheesy movies.”
“I will,” he said. “Absolutely. And you can teach me how to play your card game.”
“We do not need someone else with that hobby,” I snorted. “It’s expensive. Let’s stick to buying new kink equipment and four-player board games instead.”
“I wonder if there’s a sexy version of Jenga.”
“Ooh.” I raised my brows, thinking about it. “I could make one . . .”
He wiggled his brows. “A doctoranda game designer.”
“A man of many talents.”
“Oh yes.”
I got up from my chair and went around the table, sliding into this lap. Austin sucked in a breath as I straddled his thighs, my hands settling on his broad shoulders.
“I want dessert,” I whispered.
“I’ll give you anything you want,” he murmured.
I smirked. “I bet you will, Whynot. I haven’t quite figured out where you lean when it comes to dominance or submission. Are you like Nick, hmm? A switch?”
“I think.” His voice was hoarse and ragged. I loved how he blushed for me. “I’ve kissed like two guys in bars. Years ago. Once in high school . . .”
