Page 29 of Taming You

“Oh, don’t sound so butt hurt. You know I love you and find you much better looking. As I’ve said, you’re stuck with me.”

Grayson looks at her with hearts in his eyes. “I would never say I’m stuck with you.”

“Someone has gone soft,” Caleb says, holding back a laugh.

“Well, you guys were right. When you find the right person, you’ll do anything for them.”

“Is there a reason you two are trying to throw men at me?”

“We just want you to be happy. We know you’re looking for something long term, so we’re just helping you find someone,” Liv says.

“Okay, I’ll meet the math teacher.” I relent, knowing her heart’s in the right place. And I would love to find a fulfilling relationship.

“Amazing! I’ll email him tonight and let you know what he says.”

The conversation moves on, and we finish our dinner. The entire time, Matt is acting weird. I can’t put my finger on it, but he seems to be more reserved and distant, which isn’t him. He kisses his sister on the cheek and gives a brief goodbye before waving to the guys and telling Liv he’ll see her tomorrow before taking Jayden and leaving.

CHAPTER 12

Matt

Islept like complete and utter shit last night. I kept having recurring dreams of Zoey out with different guys, and I was forced to sit and watch them. Watch her laugh with them. Flirt with them. In a couple, I had to watch her kiss them, and it had my blood on fire. I’m not sure what’s caused it, but I’ve developed this possessive attachment to her. I don’t want to share her. I don’t want her to be going on dates with the guy my sister wants to set her up with or some hotshot doctor Hannah wants her to go out with. I wanted to slam my drink on the table and say no, she’s not going out with either of them. But I can’t do that. I have no claim over her. The most I can say is she’s a friend.

Her saying Dean wasn’t in to giving up control only made me more interested. I want to know exactly how she takes control.

I’m grumpier than Jayden as we get ready to leave the house for sibling brunch and for him to hang out with Josh. I’m still not sure how I feel about Josh juggling both kids, but I also know Josh is a great dad and won’t let anything happen to either of the kids.

With the diaper bag over my shoulder and Jayden in his car seat, I make my way up to Josh and Liv’s apartment. I knock, and Liv almost immediately pulls it open, a huge grin on her face when she sees me.

“I’m so glad you’re here!”

The look on my face must show I’ve had a rough night, because she asks, “Did Jayden not sleep last night?”

I shake my head. “He slept fine, it was me who had the issue.”

Worry etches her face. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just some weird dreams.”

Josh comes out of the kitchen and joins us, Cate on his hip. “Hey, man,” he says, tipping his chin at me.

“Hey. Thanks for watching Jayden for me.”

“Of course. It will be great for Cate and Jayden to get some cousin time, and Liv’s been going on about how she wants a sibling breakfast.”

She smiles at me. “I just miss you and Gi. It’s been too long.”

“It has. Well, I’ve packed everything you should need: bottles, diapers, wipes, some of his toys. If you have any problems, I’ll have my cell.”

He chuckles. “Matt, I’m sure I’ll be fine. I’ve done this before.”

“I know, but you’ve never managed two kids at once.”

“Go. Have fun.”

Liv ushers me out of her apartment, and we make our way down to my car to pick up Gi. Liv catches me up on some of Cate’s milestones she’s hit recently. Cate has recently started blowing raspberries and is very entertained by them, but with that has also come the fascination of putting things in her mouth, and that’s a stage I’m not looking forward to. Cate is only two months older than Jayden. I never thought Liv and I would have kids so close in age, but I’m glad they have each other. If Josh and I both end up finding places near Caleb’s, our kids will all end up going to the same school, which will be nice.

Gi is waiting for us outside when we pull up to the house, and she hops in the back. “Hey!”

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