Page 16 of Taming You

I know moving in here was not your ideal situation, but I want you to know you’re always welcome here. I’ve set up a new desk and a reading corner for you. We’ll have a movie night when I get home.

I love you.

Henry

I smile at the note. Henry has always known how independent I’ve wanted to be, but always remained that safe place to fall.

“Nice,” Matt says, and I look up to see him now leaning against the doorframe.

I take stock of the room in its entirety and agree. This room is nice. It’s my perfect little oasis in this house while I get back on my feet. “It is.”

I look back at him and he’s got an unreadable expression. His eyes trail over me, and goosebumps erupt in their wake. No. This cannot be happening. I’ve grown up. I’m not a kid anymore. I know Matthew Carter is not a good idea. I cannot let myself react this way to having his eyes on me. His sole focus.

I clear my throat and put the note back before pushing up from the chair. “We should probably get the rest of the boxes,” I say.

He runs his hand through his hair and nods. “Yeah.”

He follows me out to the cars, and the entire time, I feel his eyes on me. After a few more trips, we get my boxes moved into the bedroom, and he follows me to the kitchen.

I hand him a cookie with a smile. “For your help today.”

He takes it. “No need to reward me, Zo. You’re the one who’s been doing me endless favours recently. I’m not sure what I would have done without you at family dinner or if you hadn’t come to meet me at the rink.”

I run my teeth over my bottom lip. Matt’s eyes are glued to the movement. “Happy to help,” I say, swallowing as heat rises through my body. I really need to start dating again and get laid if a single look from Matt has my throat going dry.

“So, I’ll see you at the game tomorrow,” I say, and his eyes snap to mine as he reaches up and squeezes the back of his neck.

“Yeah, I’ll be there. I was going to see if Liv could watch Jayden, too, otherwise I’ll watch.”

I sigh, because I know what I’m about to do is not the smartest decision, but I’m going to do it anyway. “I’ll watch him,” I offer.

He breaks into a grin. “Really?” he asks hopefully.

“Yeah.”

He pulls me into a hug. “Thanks, Zo.”

I pat him on the back and step out of his arms. “Of course.” I look at the clock on the stove and say, “You should probably head to your parents’ if you’re hoping to beat rush hour.”

He follows my gaze. “Shoot, yeah.” He kisses my cheek before heading for the front door. “Have a good night, Zo.”

“You, too,” I call just before he closes the door behind him.

I lean against the counter and take another cookie as I try to figure out why I’ve put myself in the position to be babysitting for Matt once again.

Walking up to the rink, I’m excited to see the girls. Between avoiding them so I didn’t spill the beans about Matt’s secret baby and us all being actually busy, I’ve missed them. If you had told me two years ago I was excited to go to a rec hockey game, I would have told you you’re out of your mind, but ever since Liv moved in with Josh and started coming, it’s become a new regular activity for us. Now that our other friend Hannah is married to Matt and Josh’s friend Grayson, who plays on the same team, it’s just another reason for us to all meet here.

As I step onto the sidewalk outside the building, I spot Matt making his way to me. He’s got Jayden strapped to his chest, his hockey bag over one shoulder and his sticks in his hand. The first word that comes to mind as I watch him get closer ishot. This man looks hot with a baby strapped to his chest as he makes his way to play a very physical and often violent sport. I quickly look around to see if anyone caught me gapping at him, and I’m lucky this time. Thankfully, Matt was too busy talking to Jayden who’s making noises at him to pay attention to me.

When Matt gets close enough that Jayden spots me, a smile spreads across his face and I instinctively reach forward and pinch his chubby cheeks.

“Well hello there, my little man,” I say.

He smiles even more, some drool escaping the corner of his mouth, and I can’t help but smile even bigger. He babbles, and I release his cheek.

“Aren’t we just the talker tonight?”

“So, no love for me, just the baby?” Matt pokes, and I look up at him.

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