Page 10 of Hooked On Him

“Oh, stop it,” she laughs, slapping me on my arm playfully, then looks up at Austin. “Did you know Levi had a big crush on you growing up?”

“Mom!!”What the hell?! How did she know?

“Don’t even deny it, Levi. We all saw those big heart-eyes any time he came over.”

“Stop,” I groan. “Please, stop.”

“Really?” Austin chuckles, amused at my pain. My mother just outed me. What the fuck?

“No.” I glare up at him.

“He’s lying.” Mom waves me off. “But that doesn’t matter because now you two are together. Oh, this is so wonderful.”

As my mom calls my dad over, I start to fear we’ve made a big mistake. This is becoming a bigger deal than I wanted it to be.

“Honey, you will never guess,” Mom starts, but Dad looks confused. He sees me and Austin and smiles.

“Hey, boys. Looking dapper tonight.”

“Thanks, Mr. Darwood.” Austin chuckles. “You do as well.”

“Frank. Guess what?” Mom says, practically bouncing with excitement.

“What?” Dad asks.

“You will never guess who Levi’s boyfriend is.”

“Mom.” She’s gonna start drawing attention soon. Fuck.

“Who?” Dad asks, looking around.

Mom grabs Austin’s and my hands, still locked together, and holds them up. “Austin!”

Dad’s eyes widen. “No way.”

“Yes way!” Mom squeals, getting the attention of the people nearby.

My cheeks heat, and I look up at Austin, expecting him to be as embarrassed or as freaked out as me.

Only... he’s smiling. Like he genuinely loves this.

“Well, I’ll be damned. Congratulations, boys. I’m happy for you two.”

“Thanks, Mr. Darwood.”

“Frank. Call me Frank, Austin. You’ve been a part of the family for nearly ten years now.”

“Thanks, Frank.”

“Maybe soon you can call him dad.” Mom’s eyes light up.

“Whoa.” I hold my free hand up. “Let’s not go there.” Dad? Like, as in we get married. Is she already planning out our wedding? We’re not even actually dating. Yup, I fucked up. Big time. And I don’t know how I’m going to get myself out of this one without breaking her heart. Damn it.

“Sorry, sorry.” Mom laughs. “I’m just so happy.”

“Why are you so happy?” my brother asks, and a different sort of panic sets in.

My eyes dart up to Austin, and that happy smile is now gone. He looks panicked. Maybe this is the out I need.