Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
“I was actually hoping you’d join me, at least for a little while?” I feel almost shy asking him. Strange. “I’ll share my nachos.”
He smiles, but I can see the wariness in his eyes. “Sounds good.”
He follows me to the table, where I steal an empty chair from another section and set it beside mine. “Thanks.”
We eat nachos and drink sodas while chatting with Ian and Milo. Austin’s shoulders unwind, and he even jokes with my housemates. He doesn’t even realize he can be social—even charming—in most situations that don’t involve dating attractive men.
“So, how long before Dex’s dirty clothes started piling up by his bed?” Austin asks Milo.
I narrow my eyes as Milo replies, “About an hour?”
When Austin cracks up, I mock-pout. “Hey! At least I keep things on my side of the room.”
“True,” they both admit. The banter makes things feel more normal, so I breathe out in relief.
Once we’re finished with the nachos, Austin stretches out his legs. “I should probably go see what Kael’s up to.”
“Mind if I tag along?” I ask, and he shakes his head.
We stand and tell Milo we’re gonna go find a friend.
Milo gives us a thumbs-up, and once we’re out of earshot, Austin says, “Does Milo help keep you on schedule like I used to?”
“Obviously not.” I frown. “That’s what you do best.”
“It’s a bit hard with you across campus.” He scoffs. “Besides, that’s what daily planners are for. Have I not taught you anything?”
“It’s just not the same without you,” I admit, and his eyes soften.
He playfully bumps my shoulder. “I know what you mean. Who’s gonna get me out so I can live vicariously while you flirt with gorgeous guys?”
Austin is definitely introverted, but he would also get antsy in the dorm room and seem almost relieved to be invited somewhere by me. He’s stubborn enough not to admit it, and I wouldn’t prod if I didn’t know him so well. Just like he knows me well enough to not bring up certain topics from my childhood. The truth is Austin wants more opportunities to put himself out there, but he doesn’t always know how to approach it.
I smirk as my gaze moves toward the makeshift dance floor, where Kael is surrounded by Angelica and her friends. That’s when I spot a cute guy people-watching from the edge. “Like that dude in the green shirt? Seems your type.”
Austin’s neck turns red because I’m right. He likes beefed-up guys, and who am I kidding? So do I. But I’m also not as picky as him. A good time is just that.
“Ooh! He just looked over here!” I say, hamming it up but also wanting Austin to have more confidence when it comes to attractive men.
“Let’s be honest. He’s more than likely checking you out.”
I scoff. “You act like you’re an ogre.”
He hitches a shoulder. “I don’t match anyone’s ideal of beauty or body type.”
“You have no idea if that’s true.”
He gives me a pointed look.
“Just because one asshole said stupid shit to you doesn’t mean he sets the standard for everyone else.”
“Yeah, I know, but I’m not good at the whole hooking-up thing like you are.” He shifts to lean against the wall. “I wouldn’t mind an actual date and some good conversation.”
If you ask Austin to list the attributes he’s looking for in a guy, he’ll tell you he would choose brains over brawn any day of the week. And, of course, I agree. Intelligent conversation is a hell of a turn-on—and usually, there’s not much of that during hookups.
“Those things are attainable too,” I say, but he looks doubtful. “I’ve tried to give you pointers, but you always brush me off.”
“That’s because it comes naturally for you.”
“Anything can come naturally with practice,” I counter.
His jaw tightens. “Not sure about that.”
“Just follow my lead.” I give the cute guy a little wave, and he smiles back.
“Oh God,” Austin says as the man starts heading over to us.
“Just be yourself,” I whisper to Austin. “Try to add in a couple of flirty lines if you get the right vibe from him.”
“Like I even know what that means,” he hisses back.
“Hey there,” I say when he gets to us. “I’m Dex, and this is Austin.”
“I’m Darren.”
I notice he’s wearing a bracelet that means he can drink. “Are you a junior?”
“Yeah.” He glances between us. “How about you?”
I wait for Austin to reply, but it’s like someone has sewn his mouth shut. “We’re sophomores.”
When I subtly nudge Austin, he straightens as if coming out of a trance. “Oh, um, so…what major is yours? I mean, what’s your major?”
Darren laughs nervously, and Austin winces and looks away. It’s endearing when he gets all tongue-tied, but I bite back my grin because I know it doesn’t feel that way to him.
“I’m a graphic design major,” Darren replies. “You were in my communications class last year.”