Page 66 of Taming You

He shakes his head, cutting me off. “Bug, let me take care of you. I know you’re independent, and I love that about you, but I need you to let me do this for you. I need you to let me make sure you’re safe.” His voice and eyes are pleading, as if being able to do this for me is important to him.

“Okay,” I finally say, and he releases a breath and his shoulders relax.

“I care about you, Zoey.

I reach up and cup his face, and he leans into my touch. “I care about you, too, Matthew.”

He turns and kisses my palm. “Let’s get you home.”

He pushes up to stand and offers me his hand. He looks over my shoulder, and I follow his gaze to Liv with Jayden’s car seat on the kitchen counter and her pretending like she’s not constantly peaking over at us.

“She knows,” I say, and Matt looks back at me. “I came over to tell her. She’s one hundred percent okay with us and was actually quite happy when I told her.”

He grins at me before taking my chin between his thumb and forefinger. “I’m glad, because I really want to do this.” He leans forward and kisses me. It’s soft and intimate and leaves me wanting more when he pulls away. I shake my head at him despite my smile.

He takes my hand, and I follow him into the kitchen.

“Okay, little man,” Matt says as we reach Liv and Jayden.

I poke my head in front of Jayden, and he starts babbling and kicking his feet and shaking his arms like crazy.

“Hey, munchkin.”

He babbles more.

“Oh really? You had tons of fun with Aunty Gi and Grandma and Grampa!”

“Yup, you should see all the toys they bought for him. This kid is spoiled,” Matt says.

Liv laughs. “You don’t get to complain one bit. You did the same to me when Cate was born. We’re all just making up for lost time.”

A solemn look takes over Matt’s face. “I know.”

Liv reaches out and grabs her brother’s arm. “We don’t blame you for any of this. We all just want to connect with him. He’s your son, and he’s family.”

Matt nods, and I hug his arm and lean into his side. “He is also just an adorable little one, too.” I pinch Jayden’s cheek, and he squeals. “Who could help spoiling this cutie patootie?”

I feel Matt shake his head, and he grabs the handle of the car seat. “Time to get you two home,” he says before turning to Liv. “Thanks, Liv.”

“No thanks needed.”

A quick kiss on her cheek and wave at Josh, who’s leaning against the entry to the kitchen, and he makes his way to the front door. I say my goodbyes and follow Matt.

When Matt pulls up in front of Henry’s, he quickly rounds the car and opens my door for me, but he blocks me in. “Let me pick you up in the morning.” It’s a mix of a demand and a plea.

“Matt, it’s just easier to meet you there then after breakfast I can come back here.”

“I can drop you off after, it’s fine.”

“It’s not exactly on your way home.”

“I know, but it means I can spend more time with you.”

My eyes widen. Matt is coming on very strong right now, especially after having only one date. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.

He cups my face. “I should have asked you out earlier, that was my fault, but now I’m going to enjoy all the time I can get with you, and if that means driving a little out of my way so I can drop you off, then I’ll do it.”

Those damn butterflies take off again, and I can’t say no to him right now.

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