Page 59 of Hooked On Him

Austin blinks, putting his fork down. “I could see how you would feel that way.” He nods slowly.

“You don’t feel that way?”

He shrugs. “No.”

“How?” I blink at him in disbelief.

“I don’t know. I like hanging out with you. I think you’re sexy as hell.” That makes me blush. “I feel comfortable around you. None of this feels off or weird to me. I don’t know how to explain it. But if it does for you, and your moving in is too much, I can find a place to stay until your apartment is ready.”

Is this man crazy? Did he just offer to move out of his own house rather than kick me out because I might not be comfortable with this situation? What is going on right now?

“No.” I rush out. “Of course not. Why would you even think of leaving your house?”

“I’m not going to kick you out.” He says it like it’s obvious. “You need a place to stay. And a place for Snicklefritz where he’s safe. I could easily crash with one of the guys on the team. It’s not that big of a deal.”

“Stop.” I hold up my hand. “If anyone is moving out, it would be me.”

His face falls. “So you don’t wanna stay here anymore?”

“Of course I do.”

“Okay. So, are you sure you're comfortable living here?” He raises a brow and takes a bite of his food again. “Because I’ll do what I can to make sure you are.”

“I... I don’t know anymore.” I deflate. Because I’m overthinking this. It’s just a room to live in. He had the space; I needed it. “Forget I said anything. I’m overthinking things.”

“Your feelings are valid, Levi.” He narrows his eyes.

My body flushes. How does he do that? Make me feel so damn cared for with the smallest things he says and does.

I’m not used to others caring for me in this way.

“As long as this won't make things weird between us, I’m more than fine staying here until my apartment is ready.”

“Good.” He nods. “Now. What are you doing today?”

“I actually have the evening off after school.” I chuckle. “And I have no idea how to spend it.”

His face slips into a handsome grin, making my heart start to race. Why does he have to be so damn good-looking?

“I do. With me.”

***

“There’s no way you can’t convince me you’re not trying to kill me right now.” I croak out, my hands on my knees as I take in heavy breaths.

“Stop being such a baby.” Austin chuckles, slapping my ass.

I shoot him a glaring look. “We’ve just hiked for thirty minutes up a hill,” I growl. “While it’s pissing rain out.”

“It’s not pissing out.” Austin laughs at my misery some more. “It’s just drizzling. It’s a nice spring day. Perfect for a hike.”

“When you said you knew the perfect thing to spend the evening doing, I didn’t think it was this.” I straighten up.

“But it’s worth it. Trust me. With the sun staying out longer now, it means we can enjoy the beach before sunset.”

“Beach?” That perks my interest.

Austin smiles wider, grabbing my hand and tugging me a few more feet up the path. “The beach,” he confirms, showing me one of the most stunning views.