Page 109 of Pretty ’n Peak

More importantly, he didn’t have to put up with it.

He stalked to the elevator, fingers checking for the right button and then pushing it far harder than necessary.

This weekend, he was going to do it. Polish up his resume and send it to Cuffd. Maybe send it to some other places too.

He expected guilt to hit. His father had worked for the same company his whole life. His mother had taught fourth grade for thirty-five years. He knew he’d previously had some sense of company loyalty.

But all he felt was relief. Bubbling excitement.

Hell, maybe he’d even give notice before he found a new job. He could certainly afford it.

What would it be like to just… cut all of his strings and float free?

He stepped outside. The summer sky was bright. The city air felt new.

And visiting—celebrating—with Mateo made him feel like he could fly.

Maybe a few weeks ago, he would have dwelled on his decision for hours, but it was surprisingly easy to put all of that aside when Mateo was waiting for him.

He swept down the block toward the flower store. He’d never been inside, but it smelled like plants and fresh water. Not unlike the atrium at the Meadowlark Lodge.

He asked for a large bouquet… something appropriate for a performance. When the florist asked if he had any preferences, he thought he didn’t. But Mateo would.

“He’s an artist,” he told her. “He’ll enjoy a lot of colors, and maybe something surprising, but it should still be beautiful. Maybe even elegant.”

“Price range?” she asked.

“Go wild.”

When Austin received the flowers, they were heavy. The bouquet was almost as big as his overnight bag.

“Do you want a vase for that?”

“Sure.”

“We have standard clear and frosted vases in rectangular, bulb, or cylinder shapes, but there’s also a line of hand-blown glass made by a local artist with…”

“That. Choose the best one. Something colorful.”

“They’re art pieces,” she warned. “Three hundred dollars.”

He just nodded.

There was some cheesy line about money not keeping you warm at night. And maybe this thing was Mateo was just a bounce back after a bad relationship and a year of depression—a word he could now admit to himself. Maybe Austin wouldn’t date anyone for a while.

But Mateo still deserved to be spoiled. He deserved to have a man buy him a luxurious bouquet of flowers, made socially acceptable by his show. With a hand-blown vase that he would hopefully treasure.

Austin had never wanted to spoil anyone like this before. It wasn’t part of any kink. Or at least he didn’t think so.

With Cam, he’d actually tried to avoid spending money. Gifts had almost become a burden, because Cam had expectations. And expensive tastes.

Mateo lived in an apartment above his parents because he’d given the house he built to his brother, and loved his family.

He didn’t need anything expensive.

But that was what made it so much fun.

Maybe this was a bit of a kink after all.