Page 19 of More Than a Match

“Ok I’ve really gotta go now! Talk later, love you!” I chirp as I quickly hang up on her. I turn my attention back to my lover, who is now standing in the living room with a box in his hand.

“Hey, I don’t know if you like games, but are you down for a game of Scrabble?”

“Oh, absolutely! Scrabble is my favorite. Prepare to get your ass beat.”

“We’ll see about that, doc,” he winks. “I’m pretty good myself.”

“Bring it on.”

It’s after two when I finally make it through my front door. Alex and I had played Scrabble for a while, then just sat and talked, and completely lost track of the time. I brace myself for the inevitable inquisition from my mother, but it doesn’t come.

“Mina! Glad you made it home, darling. Katie called and told me you passed out at her place and your phone was dead. You really should start carrying a charger, especially when you are spending time with someone who doesn’t use the same kind of phone!”

Damn, Katie really saved my ass on this one. “Yeah, I’m really sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“All is forgiven,” she says, laying her hand on my arm. Your father and I had a talk, and I realized that we may be smothering you a bit too much. You are an adult, after all, working a stressful job. It’s not fair of me to try and micromanage.”

“I appreciate you saying that.”

“What’s more,” she continues, “He made a good point. If we trust the way we raised you, then we can trust your judgement.”

My heart sinks slightly when she says this, conflicting with the small bloom of joy that sparks at her words. “Does this mean no more lousy dates?”

“For now. We’ve agreed to let you focus on your studies for the time being, and establish your footing in your career field.” She presses a kiss to my cheek. “I never meant to hurt or overwhelm you. I’m sorry.”

If only she knew where I had really been all night, this conversation would be totally different. “Thanks, Mom.”

“Now, I’ve promised not to micro-manage, but I can’t help it if I still want some input and information. I want to be involved in your life and support you where I can.”

“I promise you can be involved,” I say. “Of course I want you in my life. I love you.”

“Oh, I love you too, Mina. So, so much. I only want you to thrive and be happy.”

“Thanks again.” I gesture toward my room. “I need to go shower and let my phone charge up. I’ll see you in a little bit?”

“Of course, darling. When you come out, we can decide what we want to do for dinner.”

“Sounds great.” I make my way into my room and close the door behind me, dread growing in my stomach. She said she trusted me, and my judgement. She was going to ease off my personal life, which is a huge win, but if she ever finds out about Alex… My train of thought screeches to a halt at the most obvious station.

I had promised her that she could be involved in my life, and for the first time ever, I’m worried I may have to break a promise.

CHAPTER 16: ALEX

I watch the door close behind Mina and sigh deeply. This has been, without a doubt, the deepest, most intimate,bestfirst date I’ve ever been on. Normally, months go by before I let a woman into my apartment, let alone spend the night and wear my clothes, but this is different.Sheis different. Mina feels like home.

I glance at the time. It has been a whole minute since she left, and the apartment already feels empty and cold. I fight the urge to call her up right then, to talk to her during her ride back to her place.No, I don’t want her to think I’m some stage-5 clinger.

Instead, I focus my attention on the details of my surroundings. I tidy our dishes from coffee and breakfast and clean up the Scrabble board. I move to the bedroom and make the bed, debating for a split second on washing the sheets. No, I’ll leave them. I want to smell her in my bed for as long as I can. I’ll savor it for another night.

My phone dings softly and I look over at the screen. It’s a text from Mina. I snatch the phone up to read it.

My heart flutters in my chest, and I want to pour out every sappy feeling coursing in my veins. Instead, I opt for brevity.

After I hit send, I re-read it. Was I too brusque? Will she think I’m being cold? A wave of doubt washes over me, and I quickly type a second text.

There. That’s better.

Her response is quick and calms my nerves.

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