Yes, Sir

5.2

•- Laine Bennett -•

A loud shrieking laugh exits my lips as I fall into the soft booth rested behind me.

Upon waking up, Austin had insisted on bringing me to breakfast instead of 'giving into the government funding with the use of gas taken up on the stove' which truly translated to, 'Chris taught me one recipe I give up' but it resulted in a laughter filled breakfast with amazing food and the freedom that came with not being in New York.

After the interview, my existence so clearly came into the eye of any business weekly reader, or any of Austin's many social media followers. I was the new assistant who everyone wondered if she'd fall at the skillful hand of Austin Wood. The answer is yes. She did that.

I fiddle with the end of the fork that was once pressed into the most appetizing French toast my tastebuds has ever been granted with.

"What are you so deep in thought about?" Austin kicks my foot underneath the table, causing a smile to formulate on my lips.

I shrug my shoulders and scan the surrounding vessels comfortably sitting with coffee in front of them.

"I guess it's just nice to not have to worry about someone recognizing you. Not that it's annoying or that I mind it, the best publicity is through the pictures and whatnot, but I like being able to sit across from you and not have to think about what headline our public communication could have."

Austin's eyes move around the room before landing on me. "I think we're in the clear," he whispers, making me roll my eyes.

His hand lingers over mine gently and he traces my skin with his index finger at an intimate rate. "I get what you mean. It feels liberating to be able to publicly be out with a friend and not have to worry about what everyone wants to assume."

Despite the pang to my chest, I simply not my head and carry my attention towards the few exit points. Granted, I'd have to go home with this man whether I wanted to or not, but it was still good to know where you could escape awkward moments where the man you've admitted to love calls you a friend. It's a good thing to have.

Austin removes his hand and carefully fishes for his wallet. I wasn't going to fight him on this one, seeing as my belongings were so kindly left at the house as ordered.

Austin drops the amount to the table before stretching his body carelessly. I stand from my position and he immediately wraps his hand around my own before hiding me from the restaurant that as of late, had the best damn French toast my mouth has ever had the pleasure to be presented with.

Austin, being a child trapped in a man's body, immediately takes off for the beach just feet away. He was athletic and had an image to uphold, but there was still no need to drag my ass through sand just so he could stop immediately so my body falls into his.

My hand immediately goes to my forehead and I shut my eyes as the short, yet painful moment passes.

I feel Austin remove my hand before slowly pressing his lips to my forehead. "See, I made it better," he shrugs, taking my hand in his once more.

I roll my eyes and shove him carelessly. "Not even an apology. You just assume that kissing me would make me feel better," I scoff, loudly speaking to myself just to create a conversation between the two of us as we walk hand in hand towards the morning population of beach visitors.

"Did it?"

I turn up to him with a look of pure resentment. "That's not the fucking point. The point is, you suck."