“I’m not just worried about you. I’m worried about myself. If he hurts you, I’d have to kill him. Then I’d end up in prison and I don’t think delicate little me would do well behind bars.”

I snort, laughing at the idea of ‘delicate’ Jackie. “Please, you’d be running the place within a week!” We share a laugh.

“True. But orange just isn’t my color.”

I startle at the sound of a knock on the door before a wide smile forces its way onto my face. Austin doesn’t wait for me to open the door this time. He lets himself in. I have to admit, I’m happy he’s back to acting like he owns the place. I turn away, so he doesn’t see my excitement, which gives Jackie a clear shot of my eager expression.

“Told you,” Jackie chides again at the sight of my smile and googly eyes.

“Yeah, yeah. You’re always right,” I tell her with a sigh as Austin’s tall frame appears behind me.

“Hi, Jackie,” his smooth voice calls out.

“Hi, man meat,” she replies flatly. Austin chuckles. Yep, that’s my favorite sound in the whole world.

“Bye, Jackie!” I chirp, closing the chat window.

“Man meat?” Austin asks.

“Yeah, that’s Jackie. Subtle as a sledgehammer.” I shrug noncommittally, which seems to be enough for Austin, who heads to the kitchen. “She asked me why I haven’t seen your you know yet.” I vomit up the words before I can think better of it.

“My what?” Austin’s expression is stoic.

We’re back to this. He knows exactly what I’m talking about, but he isn’t going to let me get away with not saying it. I need to warm up to it. I can’t just spit the words out.

“You know you’ve seen all of me, but I haven’t seen all of you.”

“You’re seeing me right now.”

“You know what I mean, Austin.”

“How am I supposed to know what you mean, when you can’t say the words, Elizabeth?” He locks his beautiful blue eyes on me in a challenge. That sexy little smirk crosses his full lips.

Thing number three I love about Austin, and also hate—his irresistible smirk.

“I thought we went over this last night.”

“Fine. Penis. Penis. Penis. P-E-N-I-S. Penis. Why haven’t I seen your penis, Austin?” I cross my arms, beyond annoyed. He’s so exhausting.

“If you wanted to see my cock, Goose, all you had to do was say so.” He walks past me into the living room and takes off his shirt. I’m sitting there, totally frozen, staring at him. I’ve seen it before, but his body is amazing. His defined arms, his firm chest, his chiseled abs—every inch of him is delectable.

“What are you doing?” I ask before kicking myself.