Page 95 of Hooked On Him

Chapter 21

Levi

“Hey, we need to talk,” is the first thing I say to Cole when I find him at the library the following day.

“Well, hello to you too,” he chuckles, glancing up from the textbook he’s reading. “And why does it sound like you're breaking up with me?” he asks, raising a brow. “Wait!” His eyes widen. “Are you about to tell me Austin is officially taking my spot as best friend, because I will fight him for it.”

“No.” I laugh, taking a spot on the couch next to him. “But this does have to do with Austin.”

“Mhhm.” He nods. “Let me guess. You both have come to your senses and realized this fake dating thing isn’t fake after all, and now you two are together for real?”

I blink at him, lips parting. “Are you a mind reader?” I whisper.

He snorts out a laugh. “No. Levi, dude, it was a long time coming. From day one, there was nothing fake about the way that man treated you. If anything, he probably just used it as an excuse to get close to you.”

“Okay, no, really, can you read my mind or something? You're freaking me out.”

“Wait.” Cole blinks. “Am I right?”

“Yeah, pretty much.” I laugh. “Last night, we were on a date, and he came clean. Told me he has been in love with me for years and came up with the fake dating thing as a way to get me back into his life and make me fall for him.” I shake my head, unable to keep the smile off my face. “He’s crazy, but I love him. I really do.”

“Trust me, we know. We all know. It’s why I never thought it was fake. Even if that's what you two told yourselves. That man has been head over heels for you from the get-go.”

“And you didn’t think to give me a heads up?”

“I’m sorry. But it was obvious,” he laughs. “My sweet, sweet best friend. Sometimes you can be so oblivious.”

“Okay, fine, I won’t argue with that.” I sigh. “I think I was just so afraid of him not feeling the same way about me, and worrying about reading things wrong, it took me a while to see what was right in front of me.”

“That the man is in love with you?” he snorts.

“Yes.” I bite my lip, unable to stop smiling.

After Austin told me everything, I couldn’t even be mad about what he did. If anything, I found it so damn cute. That he liked me so much, he did whatever he could to be with me, without forcing anything on me. He just kept putting himself in my line of sight and letting me take my time.

I can’t say for sure how I’d have been if he just outright asked me out, maybe I’d have said yes, maybe I’d have turned him down because life was busy.

I think the offer he gave me was the opening I needed to let someone in my life, and I’m glad I took it.

It’s still hard to believe that Austin Cade is in love with me. ME! But I’m so damn happy.

Since he came into my life, it has changed for the better. He’s everything I could have wanted and more. And I’m glad I can finally stop worrying about getting my heart broken when Austin decided he wanted to end our arrangement because there is no end. Only a beginning.

A beginning to hopefully the rest of our lives.

“So what are you going to do now?” Cole asks.

“Pretty much what we’ve already been doing.” I laugh. “Although more sex, saying I love yous, and knowing for a fact we’re together.”

“That’s a good start.” He grins.

“Also.” I rub the back of my head. “I won’t be moving back into the apartment with you when it’s fixed.”

“What?” Cole sits up. “Why not?”

“Because I haven’t actually been living in a basement apartment I found online. I’ve been living with Austin.”

He gapes at me. “You’ve what!?”