Page 80 of Mr. Red

“Sometimes you can feel so comfortable with someone, you don’t need to talk every second. You can enjoy each other’s company wherever you are.”

I squint my eyes at him. “So, you’re saying you feel comfortable around me?”

He gives me a small smile. “Yes.”

I put my hand over his thigh. “That’s good.”

He pulls me close to him and kisses the top of my head, keeping his arm around my waist.

After a few more minutes, I ask, “I saw you had a firepit. Do you have stuff for s’mores? Because that sounds like an epic way to end the night.”

“I’m pretty sure you didn’t stop growing past twelve-years-old. Since I knew a little kid was coming over, I got s’mores.”

“Hey!” I shout and give him a little push. “It’s better than acting like a grumpy old man.”

“In this scenario, you aren’t referring to me as the grumpy old man, are you? Because you’ll be in so much trouble.”

“Who else would be the grumpy old man around here?” I look around.

He tries to reach for me, but I get up fast and start running towards the house. He follows, grabs me from behind, and then twirls me around.

He puts me down and slaps my ass. I lead the way back to the firepit. Once we reach it, he lights it, then he sits down in one of the Adirondack chairs.

“I’m going to get the s’mores stuff,” I tell him.

“Good luck,” he responds.

I head inside and find Dani still sitting in the nook. “Hey! I’m just looking for s’mores supplies. Want to haveone with us?”

She’s staring outside with a long look on her face. “Oh, I don’t want to interrupt your time together.”

“You won’t! Come join us.”

“I’m positive my brother would think I’m cockblocking. I mean, no offense.” She stares back at me, bored.

“None taken. I get it. Here’s the thing, I’m not really planning on having sex outside in the backyard. So, I think you coming out for some s’mores will be alright.” I smile, then turn to look in the cabinets for the supplies.

“He likes you a lot. He doesn’t bring anyone around to meet his family.”

I never know how to respond to such nice comments. What are you supposed to say? I keep my face turned and rack my brain for a reply.

“Don’t break his heart,” she tells me in an ominous tone, and then gets up from her seat and heads upstairs. I watch her walk away.

Oh-kay. That was weird.

My leg bounces as I search for the s’mores supplies. I end up staring at the pantry for twenty minutes until my brain functions again. I spot the ingredients—right in front of my face.

With the s’mores in hand, I head back out to Matt. My shoulders deflated.

“I thought you’d be more excited about s’mores.” Matt traces his jaw with his finger.

“Ran into Danielle. I don’t think she likes me.”

“It’s not you. She’s dealing with her own stuff. She’s not herself right now.”

I nod. I wish Danielle would come hang out with us. I guess after all she’s been through, I need to get to know herand then she’ll feel more comfortable.

“She just needs time, sweetheart.” He puts his hand on my thigh.

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