Page 35 of Hooked On Him

“No one,” I lie.

“Mhhmm,” she laughs. “I don’t believe you.”

“Can’t I just be in a good mood?” I raise a brow, gathering the used supplies and tossing them in the trash.

“Anyone else, yes. But you? I don’t think I’ve seen you smile this much in the two years I’ve known you.”

“I smile all the time.”

“Customer service smiles don't count.”

“You’re making it seem like I’m some miserable grump,” I mutter.

“No. You're just a very dedicated worker. Sometimes, I think you're too dedicated.”

“So I like to work.” I shrug. “Money is money.”

“Yes, but is money worth it if all you're doing is spending your life making it? We have our whole lives to work, Levi. The average person is designed to work until they die. Why get ahead start on that? You only get so much time to live your life. Why waste it so soon?”

She’s not the first person to point out something like that lately.

Maybe she’s right. Before, I didn't really care about how I spent my free time. I didn’t have many friends, and didn't really have any hobbies. So I’d rather work and make extra money than sit at home doing nothing.

Now, I have Austin, my... not boyfriend?

I don’t even know what we are at this point. Friends who fuck? Only we haven’t actually fucked yet.

I’m not even sure if we’re friends with benefits at this point, more like regular old friends.

Apart from a kiss goodbye here and there when we’re able to catch a few minutes for coffee before going off to our classes, we haven’t touched one another since he showed up at my work.

I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind.

Austin tastes like sin and heartbreak. But fuck, does he ever taste so good.

Seeing him lose himself and the way he fucked my face like he couldn’t control himself... I’ve never felt so alive, so sexy as when he stared down at me like he couldn’t believe I was real.

I’ve been used before; my ex used me all the time. But that was something way different. Brogan used me to get off. Austin acted like he would go insane if he couldn’t have me.

The need for a repeat is strong, and I know Austin said that whenever I wanted a release to call him, but I just haven’t been able to bring myself to do it.

I like what we have going on right now. We talk pretty much every day, see each other every morning, even if it’s only for a few minutes.

As much as I want to have sex with Austin, I don’t want it to ruin the friendship we’ve been rebuilding.

I’m stuck between keeping to our deal or just letting it die off and enjoying this new thing we have going.

Also, if I’m being honest with myself, the more time I spend around Austin, the more that crush I had on him back in high school creeps its way back into my life.

Only it’s different now. He’s the same Austin I grew up with, only not. Both versions of him are amazing, but seeing the man Austin has grown up to become is fascinating. He’s smart, funny, kind, and mature.

And way too good at this fake boyfriend thing. Sometimes, I almost forget it’s not real. That he’s just a really good guy playing the part. Even when people aren't around.

It’s almost like he’s showing me how I deserve to be treated when it’s time for me to get back into the dating world.

Honestly, he has me spoiled, and I feel bad for the guy who has to follow in Austin Cade’s footsteps.

Not that I’m looking for that to happen any time soon. I’m content with the minor changes I’ve made in my life. Nothing too crazy that makes me feel out of control.