Of course not. Luca swore off dating not two weeks ago. That same pang hits my stomach again, and I rub it. “Hey, Arlo? If my mom hasn’t started our food yet, can you tell her not to bother with mine? I’m not feeling too hot.”
I can feel Jasper’s eyes boring into the side of my face, but I don’t take my eyes off Arlo. His eyebrows shoot up in confusion. “Uh, sure.”
And with that, he turns and rushes from the table.
Chapter 14
Luca
Ican’tbelieveAustincame up here. Actually, I can. I’m truthfully more surprised that he waited as long as he did. He even made it through the lunch rush. That’s got to count for something.
It’s not that I’m not happy he’s here. Of course I am, but at the same time, after this morning? I needed a bit of space. I needed just a bit of time to myself. I can’t believe how I woke up. I can’t believe I was tangled up with Austin. And even worse, I can’t believe I was staring at his abs and chest.
When we were teenagers, we both knew and accepted that we were the only two gay boys in our tiny town and that if we had any hope of losing our virginity, we’d need to do it together. It was fun. I mean, hell, who doesn’t love a good orgasm—especiallysomeone just learning how good it can feel—but it was never more than that. Maybe I wanted it to be, but Austin never seemed like he did. And hell, I was so young. What did I know anyway?
This morning, just staring at Austin, sprawled across his body and soaking in his warmth, had my heart going crazy and my stomach a mess of knots. The heat burning my cheeks had to be visible to him. The only consolation is that he didn’t seem to have any idea.
Austin’s good-looking. Of course he is. Good ol’ southern boy with a strong body and dirty-blond, sun-kissed hair, a perpetual tan, and the warmest brown eyes I’ve ever seen. But there’s a difference in knowing someone is attractive and being attracted to them, and after this morning? I’m not sure I can deny that I’m attracted to Austin.
I give myself a shake, peeking around the corner of the kitchen and staring at him and Jasper. They’re deep in conversation. Jasper is shoveling food in his mouth, but Austin isn’t eating at all. In fact, he doesn’t even have a plate in front of him.
Arlo walks around the corner, nearly running into me, and lets out a surprised squeak. “Oh! I’m sorry,” he blurts out, turning red to the tips of his hair.
“No worries. Sorry I’m in the way.”
He lets out a little sigh. “He’s something special, huh?”
That takes me by surprise. “Who? Austin?” A wave of possessiveness hits me square in the chest.
“What?” Arlo shoots his gaze to mine. “No. Not Austin. The guy he’s with.”
“Jasper?”
Arlo sighs. “Is that his name?”
“Um, yes.” I guess Jasper’s alright. If you’re into older men. I, however, am not. Nope. Did that once. Never again. Fuck that. “He’s alright.”
I like Arlo. And sure, I’ve only known him for about five hours, and our introduction started with Deb acting like she was gonna set us up together, but still. He seems nice, and I definitely wouldn’t mind exploring a friendship. Nothing more, though.
“He offered to teach me self-defense,” I say for some reason.
Arlo glances at me. “Are you gonna do it?”
I think I might, honestly. It can’t hurt, right? I never could defend myself against Damien. There was nothing I could do to fight him off, but if I could learn to fight, maybe I’d never have to worry about that again.
“I think so. Do you want to do it too?”
Arlo laughs. “I wouldn’t be any good at it.”
“Never know until you try.” I shrug. “I probably won’t be either, but no harm in trying, eh?”
“Are you sure they won’t mind?”
“I don’t see why they would.”
Before Arlo can answer, the bell on the door dings. “Your table,” he murmurs before walking into the kitchen.
I can’t hide my smile as I approach the table to find Burt sitting there. “Hello, welcome to Daisy’s. What can I get you to drink?”
