Page 35 of Taming You

“Matt.”

So much is running through my head right now. Why is Matt here right now? How am I supposed to sit through a date knowing he’s at the next table? He settles into his chair, and I flag the waiter and order a glass of wine. At this point I’m saying fuck it to waiting for my date. If I’m going to make it through the evening, I need some booze. Matt must be thinking the same thing, because he orders a scotch. Usually my go-to would be to text the group chat or Liv, but I can’t. What am I supposed to say?Liv, your brother, who I’ve started to develop feelings for, is here.Nope. Nope. Double nope. Texting anyone about this situation takes these thoughts and puts them out in the open, and I’m not ready to accept that reality. I’d rather live in the land of delusion than admit to someone I might have more than platonic feelings for Matthew Carter.

When my wine is dropped off, I fight the urge to take a gulp of it, instead sipping it politely. I can’t help myself and watch as Matt takes a sip of his scotch, his tongue catching a stray drop on his bottom lip. I hold back a groan. Why am I all of a sudden having this reaction to Matt? How have I gone years—literal years—knowing him and spending holidays with his family and him just being my best friend’s brother to me sitting here in a restaurant fantasizing about licking a stray drop of scotch off his lip, maybe pulling it between my teeth and watching as his eyes dilate?

I force my eyes away and check my phone, confirming the time Liv texted for the date. Seven p.m. It’s now 7:10 p.m. and no word. I tell myself I’ll give him five more minutes and then I’m writing him off and calling this date a dud. I mindlessly scroll, only stopping when Matt makes a noise of frustration. I look up at him, and his eyes are now locked on me.

“So, it looks like my date stood me up,” he says, flipping his phone face down, his eyes never leaving me.

A small laugh escapes me. “Same.”

His smile is soft and grows. “What do you say, Zo? Join me for dinner?”

I gnaw on my lip as I contemplate the implications of this. Because years of knowing me means he can pick up on subtle things, he notices my hesitancy.

“Come on. It doesn’t mean anything, Zo. Just two people who have been stood up and are looking to make the most of their evening. After all, this is one of the hardest restaurants to get a reservation in, especially during busy season.”

I stare at him, pursing my lips, as I wonder if Liv used Josh’s connections to get a table. After a few seconds, I relent. I grab my wine and purse and slide out of my chair before slipping into the chair across from Matt. A look of triumph shines in his eyes. We each take a sip of our drinks, awkwardness filling the air between us. Matt focuses on his drink as he runs his finger up and down the side of the glass.

“Who were you here to meet?” he asks.

“The guy Olivia set me up with,” I say, taking a sip of my wine.

He nods slightly before leaning forward. “Well, he’s missing out, because now I get to enjoy your company.”

I roll my lips together, holding back my smile. “And who were you meeting?”

“Someone Liv was setting me up with. Liv just texted and said the girl had an emergency come up.”

“So, you and I get to enjoy one of the top restaurants in the city together,” I say, matching his position.

We stare at each other for a few moments before we finally pull back and settle in our seats. I quickly open the menu, needing to stop looking at him and just how good he looks tonight.

We both pick something to eat and opt to share an appetizer. Conversation is stilted and awkward for a few minutes, but we eventually slip back into our comfortability. We laugh, and I’m genuinely enjoying my night. The food is good. I share some of my mushroom risotto with Matt, and he shares some of his steak with me.

As the waiter walks away with our new drink order, I hear Matt’s name called from across the restaurant. Over his shoulder, I see a stunning tall blonde approach our table. As soon as she’s at his side, she’s leaning down and kissing his cheek and saying how nice it is to see him.

“Melinda,” he says, smiling politely at her.

“Oh, Matt, that’s all you’ve got to say? I’ve missed you. We should totally catch up.”

Her tone is extremely flirtatious, and it’s obvious she’s one of the many women Matt’s had fun with over the years. She’s stunning, so I don’t blame him. I watch as she drags her fingers up his arm and bats her lashes at him. She’s not being very subtle in letting him know she wants another round with him. Thinking of him leaving with her has my stomach turning. I don’t want to be here anymore. I have no right to feel this way, but I thought we were having a good time, even if it was just as friends.

“I’m here with someone, Melinda,” Matt says.

Her eyes flick to me, and her smile turns fake as she turns and leans into Matt more.

“Hi,” she says.

“Hi.” My voice comes out soft.

“Melinda, this is Zoey, Zoey, this is Melinda.”

I nod and start to gather my jacket and purse. “I should get going. Matt, dinner was nice, I’ll get you back this week.” I move to quickly get out of my chair when Matt grabs my wrist.

“Zo, don’t go. We just ordered new drinks.”

My eyes move to Melinda quickly before back to him. “I’m sure Melinda will enjoy it.” I pull my wrist free and push past her, making my way out of the restaurant, the cool air hitting my skin. I start to make my way towards the Skytrain station. I’m glad I didn’t drive. I need the walk to clear my head. I need to go on an actual date that’s good so I can get these stupid thoughts of Matt out of my head.

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