Page 113 of Pretty ’n Peak

Austin squeezed his arm. “Then I’ll make a donation to the library. Do you want to show it to me?”

Mateo’s whole body flushed at the implication of his words.

Having Austin in his apartment. Showing him his art. And then… What would Austin do with him next?

He stifled a groan, half in arousal and half in disappointment. “My parents are hosting a party first.”

Austin chuckled. “Of course they are. Shall we go then?”

“Sure.”

“Let me just pick up my stuff. It’s behind the circulation desk.”

Mateo changed direction, Austin’s hand still tucked into his arm.

“Just a sec,” Austin told him as he ducked behind the partition, his cane tapping softly against the carpeted floor.

He emerged holding a giant bouquet, wrapped in brown paper and tied with a purple bow. “For the artist.” .

When Mateo didn’t take them, Austin took a step closer. “Is this alright?”

Mateo nodded, then remembered to verbalize. “Yeah.”

It was just that it was such a stunning bouquet, with trembling purple orchids and wild orange birds of paradise, all mixed together with blushing pink roses, vibrant yellow lilies, and more that he didn’t know the name of.

And the way that Austin was looking at him…

It felt like the flowers were for more than just the show.

He took them slowly, surprised by the weight.

“Congratulations,” Austin said, voice low. They were standing so close that he could almost feel Austin’s breath. “I got you a vase for them as well.”

Mateo’s pulse thumped in his ears. “Thank you.”

The urge to say that word slipped out again. Daddy.

Because what else did you say when the older gentleman who’d spanked you to orgasm bought you what had to be the most expensive flowers in the shop?

A burst of laughter and a few loud goodbyes from behind him jerked Mateo out of the moment.

Austin seemed just as startled, like he’d forgotten they weren’t alone. He quickly retrieved a travel bag that he slung over his shoulder, and handed an elegant brown paper bag to Mateo. “That’s the vase. I hope you like it.”

Was that just a little bit of nervousness?

“I’m sure I’ll love it. Ready to go?”

Austin slid up beside him, reclaiming the bag so they’d have a hand and elbow free, respectively. “Lead the way.”

By the time he was driving down the familiar streets closer to his home, Mateo’s exhilaration started to change to anxiety.

His Dom was sitting in the truck beside him. The man who’d made him soar. Who’d opened up whole new worlds to him. Who’d confirmed, without a doubt, that he was gay and submissive and maybe not quite male all the time, but something softer and prettier.

What would his family think when he brought Austin back for dinner? Would they realize just by looking at the two of them together?

He’d said that a friend might show up. But he hadn’t specified who.

In retrospect, he wished he’d have bumped into his sister at the show, so she could spread the gossip. He’d be introducing Austin to everyone at once.