Page 88 of Mr. Red

I don’t move from where I’m standing, staring at the door in disbelief. I go to the bath and begin to fill it up. There are a variety of Epsom salts and body washes. My leg bounces as I wait for the tub to fill. All that’s running through my head is what I’ll say tomorrow.

This bath isn’t going to be relaxing. I go to the shower instead and rinse off. Once I’m clean, I go to the bedroom to put on some yoga pants and an oversized shirt. I venture downstairs to see what happened to Matt. Normally we’d be having sex by now.

The television blares as I walk down. He’s sprawled out on the couch with one hand on his stomach and the other behind his head, watching a baseball game. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Matt relax; he’s always up to something with work, or working out, or cooking.

He’s really at home here. It’s like I’m seeing a whole new person—like a dad on Sunday watching football in his jersey, not listening to his wife nag at him. It’s so different from the take-charge businessman I’m used to.

Hmmm.

I head back upstairs to the bathroom and brush my teeth. Matt never acts this way in Washington, and now I understand why he wants to stay in Texas. Washington is a lot of stress for him and he can be himself in Texas. I could never ask him to move to Washington for me. He would have to make the decision on his own, and I don’t think he’d ever choose Washington.

Is he going to ask me to move here? We haven’t been together long. Moving to another state where I don’t know anyone or have the gym sounds intimidating.

I look over my options for my outfit tomorrow, stillcontemplating how the hell Matt and I are going to stay together if neither of us wants to move. I focus on the outfits in front of me instead of the turning in my stomach. I brought a dress Paige helped me pick out, but I’m thinking it’s going to look like I’m trying too hard if I wear it. We’re having a barbeque at his parents’ place, so being casual feels better. I want to feel comfortable and confident, so I decide on some black shorts and a white button-down shirt.

I slide into bed and read for a little. I fall asleep, until Matt’s side of the bed dips down and he snuggles in behind me soon after, smelling like a fresh shower. He puts his arm over my waist, giving me comfort.

I hope I can hold on to the feeling tomorrow.

Chapter 49

Scarlett

As the sunlight sinks into the room, I slide out of bed carefully, so I don’t wake Matt. I head downstairs for some coffee. I need to see where the heck I am in Texas.

Another thing that’s weird about Texas isI’mup first. This Matt must be someone else. In Lakebrook he’d be up already; he would’ve completed a workout and had too many cups of coffee. It’s like we switched. I can’t stop thinking about how it’s going to go today or where the two of us will end up. I tossed and turned in my sleep most of the night.

The coffee maker is in plain sight, thank the heavens. He stocked the creamer I use somehow. He knows so many details about me.

Once I have my coffee in hand, I go to one of the big windows to see what’s behind curtain number one. A view of a rectangular, in-ground pool with crepe myrtles, magnolia trees, and oak trees welcome me. I step out onto a patio with a black metal trellis above me for shade. I look beyond the pool to a lot of land. Not a neighbor in sight.

You can hear some tropical bird singing as the sun comes up. A few clouds float by, in several shades of pink, purple, and orange with a light blue backdrop.

The beauty almost distracts from how hot I am—I’m already sweating. That pool is about to come in handy rightnow. I’m debating on jumping into it fully dressed when the door opens.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” Matt says, coming up behind me. “I see you found the coffee.”

“Good morning, handsome.” I turn my head back to kiss him. He gives me a quick morning kiss, which I appreciate, considering the coffee breath and all. “You feeling okay?”

“Of course.” He furrows his brow. “Why?”

“I’m up before you.”

His laughter vibrates my back. “I’m a bit more relaxed here.”

“I can tell.”

“Don’t make me throw you in the pool. What areyoudoing awake?”

“I guess I’m just nervous; couldn’t sleep.” I pause. “I was considering going into the pool. How has no one melted since they started living here?”

“You get used to it.” He shrugs.

“Right. You’ll have to hose me off before we meet your parents so I can function.”

“I’m going to get some coffee. Stop worrying.” He slaps my ass.

“I’ll stop worrying after I meet your parents. What are your plans this morning? No workout?”

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