Published: December 2, 2014
cautiously follow suit and sit on the other. “Were you serious last night when
you told Bill that you were interested in working for him this summer?” David
asks.
It’s not like it matters to him, but the way he leans in as he talks to me, I
start to feel like he truly cares.
okay?” I nod and find a spot on the floor to hold my attention because I’m
terrified to look into his eyes. He’s too close, too friendly, and already he
makes me want things I shouldn’t with him. “Good. Now, I wantyou to come to
dinner with me tonight.”
me. Everything I’ve been thinking about David is obviously way the fuck off
base because now he’s trying to bribe me. Fuck that. I storm down the driveway,
ready to give up the only opportunity I’ve had to save myself because I’m not
going to let anyone play games with me. Before I make it halfway to the street,
David’s hand is wrapped around my arm, pulling me back.
jaw is somewhere just below the surface. I clench my eyes closed, taking a few
breaths as I remind myself there’s no one to bail me out of jail if I do hit
him and he presses charges.
demand, David’s grip tightens when I try to jerk away from him. Now, I’m
pissed. I turn on my heel and shove David away. “I don’t know what fucked up
game you’re playing, but I’m not about to be your little bitch boy. If me
working for Bill depends on me being at your beck and call, tell Bill I’ll find
something else. I’m not a whore.”
perfectly distressed jeans. And the arrogant fuck looks as if he’s about to
laugh at me.
asks. I swallow hard, regretting saying anything. No, I don’t really think
David’s trying to buy me, but no other scenario makes any sense. “Austin, look
at me.”
lift my gaze. What I see terrifies me more than the thought of trading my body
for a job. David seems genuinely hurt by my accusation. Rather than apologize,
I walk away. I’m not running this time, but I have to get someplace where I can
sit before my knees buckle beneath me.
as he settles back as well. “Austin, what is this about? Have I done something
to offend you or make you feel uncomfortable?”
and really think about it, he’s been nothing but kind to me. “No. Don’t mind
me, it’s been a rough month and I’m a bit stressed.” I chew at the inside of my
lip to stop myself from saying anything else. David can’t know why I’m
stressed. Yes, I’m ashamed of my life as it is right now, but if no one else
knows, I don’t have to see the pity in their eyes.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
i really liked this book – even though i had some reservations.
reservations i originally had:
– age difference – ordinarily i’m not too concerned about this but austin isn’t even of drinking age yet and he’s in college
– teacher/student relationship – always makes me cringe, even consenting adults
– this is austin’s first gay relationship; i was concerned about the life expectancy since he was so inexperienced
– david is the first person to show austin any affection; does he really love david for david or because he showed him said affection when no one else ever has
i don’t want to giveaway too much of the story but most of my reservations were put to rest now that i’ve finished the story. i loved the epilogue for so many reasons…
austin’s low self-esteem and lack of self-worth can be blamed solely on his father. he literally cannot believe anyone can love him. however, he is driven and surprisingly upbeat considering his situation. he and david are really great for each other and their story is heartwarming.
the writing was really good. the secondary characters were great, especially bree and chad.
definitely an author to watch.