Looks Can Be Deceiving

Pandora’s POV-
I snuggled closer to the fuzzy blanket that was wrapped around me. It must have been morning. I could feel the sun light warm on my bare legs. As I opened my eyes, I realized that Austin was gone. I remembered him lying with me last night while I slept. I could feel him run his hands through my hair every once in a while. I smiled at the thought and wondered where he might be. I heard his voice coming from downstairs. Maybe the guys were back from their party last night. I swung my legs over to the side of the bed and let my feet hit the cold hardwood floor. I softly tiptoed down the hall, making my way down the stairs as Austin’s voice became louder.
“Oh yes, that looks great! Man, I can’t wait until this line is out. People are gonna love it!” I poked my head around the corner seeing Austin sitting on his couch with two other men who were a little shorter than him. Austin lifted his head up, focusing his attention on me.
“Sorry… I didn’t mean to interrupt,” I muttered, frowning. Austin smiled, getting up as his friends, who were also covered in ink, turned their heads to look at me.
“No worries,” Austin cooed in my ear as he pulled me into his chest for a hug. He turned to his friends who were now getting up also. “Ryan, Tally, this is Pandora.” The two men smiled at me, looking at my clothes. I looked down, blushing as I remembered I was still in Austin’s clothes from last night. I blushed a bit, realizing how much of my legs I was showing.
“So this is the famous Pandora that Austin’s been talking about,” Ryan smiled, extending his hand to shake mine. He leaned down to kiss the top of it before Austin’s other friend, Tally, pulled me in for a hug.
“Pleasure to meet you, Pandora,” Tally smiled. I looked up to Austin, not knowing what to do. I was embarrassed of what I was wearing in front of these men. I had grown comfortable enough with Austin to wear this in front of him, but I didn’t know these other guys. What if they thought I was a slut?
“Will you two excuse us for a minute? We’ll be right back,” Austin smiled. Oh no. What if he was mad I interrupted them? Maybe he didn’t want me showing my body off to his friends.
“Of course,” Ryan smiled, “We’re just gonna eat all your food while you’re gone.” Austin chuckled and grabbed my hand, pulling me up the stairs and into his room.
“I’m sorry,” I quickly apologized. Austin opened his bedroom dresser and pulled out a pair of Of Mice & Men sweatpants, handing them to me.
“What are you sorry for?” he smiled.
“I just- This wasn’t appropriate to wear in front of your friends,” I said softly. Austin put his hands on my shoulders and leaned down to kiss my forehead.
“Don’t apologize, alright? They’ve already heard so many good things about you. They don’t think badly of you,” he smiled. “Get changed into something you’re more comfortable with and come back downstairs. Hang out with us. They’re really nice guys, I promise,” he leaned down to kiss my cheek before closing the door and going back downstairs. How did he understand me so much? He understood me more than I gave him credit for.

Notes