Page 58 of Forget Me

But my brain knew better. I’d taken my allergy medicine, and that clouded my judgment. Like when I’d accidentally roofied myself the day of the two parties. I needed to take this slowly.

Mateo couldn’t be one of my one-night stands.

He was part of Ben’s family. Part of his life. I couldn’t take him to my bed—or my couch—for only a night, no matter how much my pulse throbbed for him. That would only end badly, with awkward avoidance at family events, with Cooper’s concerned expression, with Ben trying to smooth everything over and trying too hard to make everyone happy.

I needed to be sure this was what I wanted. And to take it slowly.

Did I want a relationship with Mateo?

If we were careful, he didn’t have to be a distraction from my goals. I was wiser now than I’d been with Byron. I wouldn’t let anyone pull me off course again.

Already, Mateo had helped me with my goals. He was my date to the gala. And he’d helped with the planning, finding us a caterer and a band. I might even enjoy myself at the gala, thanks to Mateo.

He deserved more than a one-night stand. And I deserved something more, too. A chance at happiness. At…partnership?

“Let’s go out. Tonight.” I’d change into clothes that weren’t covered in cat hair, and my mind would clear. Then I could make a rational decision about sleeping with him. About all the complications it would bring.

“Ah.” He winced. “I’m working tonight. How about tomorrow night?”

“Sunday night? I have work the next day…”

“We’ll start early. I’ll have you home by ten. Promise.”

“Okay.” Twenty-four hours to cool off was smart. I stretched up onto my toes and pressed a kiss onto his lips. “It’s a date.”

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