Page 87 of Forget Me

“What other thing?”

“The other reason you meet here, at Synergy.”

“Oh. The free bagels.”

“Now you’ve sold me. I’ll walk you in like a good boyfriend and snag a bagel.”

“Actually…would you mind not coming in?” I winced even as I said it, anticipating the hurt look on his face. I rushed on. “You’ve helped a lot with the gala, and I really appreciate it. We all appreciate it. And if you want a position at the foundation, I’ll be happy to help once I get this job. But I need Larissa to see my work now. And you’re kind of…distracting.”

“Ah.” He sat back, and his expression cleared. “Larissa is like a crow, attracted to new, shiny things. She doesn’t appreciate the treasure already in her nest.”

I wanted to tell him to stop referring to me as a treasure. Grown-ass women didn’t get chills when men referred to them as something to be hoarded.

But I loved it.

“Thank you for understanding.”

“Of course. Stay there, cariño. I’ll get your bag and open the door.”

He slipped out of the driver’s seat, and I actually did it. I waited for him to open my door. Like some kind of princess or a red-carpet celebrity. Who was I, and where had independent, fuck-the-patriarchy Mimi gone?

Maybe she was in the box with that annoying voice.

He swung open my door, my laptop bag slung over his shoulder. He gripped my hand while I found the running board with my toes and hopped down to the pavement.

Mateo didn’t just hand me my bag. No, he steadied me as I stepped onto the sidewalk. He tugged the sides of my coat together and leaned in to kiss my cheek.

“Can I see you tonight?” he whispered in my ear.

“I… Okay. You’re not working?”

“I’m on the day shift this week. I’m off by seven. I can bring you dinner?”

“Or I could meet you at your place?” Mateo’s giant bed was much more comfortable for the two of us.

He pulled his phone out of his pocket and tapped at the screen. A second later, my phone buzzed in my purse. “Why don’t you go there right after work?”

I checked my phone. “Is that your door code?”

“I’ve seen you making eyes at the tub. Take a soak in it while you wait for me.”

I may have fantasized about the giant tub, especially with the new ache between my legs. I’d pick up some bath salts on the way there. Stretching up on my tiptoes, I kissed him. “I’d like that.”

“First the golf course and now in front of your place of work? Really, Miriam.” A chilly voice froze the blood in my veins.

I plastered a bland smile on my lips and turned. “Good morning, Larissa.”

“Morning, Miriam. Mateo.”

I didn’t miss how her voice turned silky-smooth when she said his name.

Mateo must not have missed it, either. His arms came around me, hauling me tight against his body. “Good morning, Larissa. How was your weekend?”

“Fine. Busy. You know, with all the gala planning.”

My throat tightened. “Wait. I thought we arranged everything. You didn’t need me to help?”

“No, no.” She waved me off with her leather-gloved hand. “I took care of it. I only need you to make the reimbursements.”

---