Page 18 of My Secret Bandit

“Well, hello, Mattie.” I tried to make my voice sound as nonchalant as possible.

His low chuckle reverberated through the speaker. “Well, hello, beautiful. How are you?”

“Better now.”

“Still up for dinner?”

“Of course.”

An adorable sigh of relief sounded on the other end. “Good, I thought you’d change your mind. I’m packing up. I’ll be out of here in a couple minutes.”

“Sounds good. I’m texting you my address now.”

“Thanks, baby. I’ll see you in a few minutes. Bye.”

Baby! He just called me baby.

Shut up, lunatic. It’s just a word.

“Sierra!” I yelled and, in a panicked state, started pounding on the door.

“Calm yourself.” She sighed, throwing it open. The floral scent of my perfume flowed from the room. She stared at me for a moment, her eyes falling to my lower half. “How shaved are your legs?”

I gave her an impatient shrug. “I don’t know. Very?”

She lifted one leg of my pants and inspected, her hand running up my skin. Pleased with her discovery, she stepped aside to reveal the outfit she laid on the bed.

She chose a maroon shift dress still adorned with its original tag—because buying clothes only to leave them untouched for months, years, or forever was a hobby of mine. And knowing my love of layering, she paired it with one of my favorite cover-ups. Booties, my small gray crossbody bag, and some thin gold bangles finished the look.

*text notification*

“It’s Mattie,“ Sierra singsonged. “Oh, hurry that ass up, girly. He’ll be here in fifteen minutes.”

Mateowalkedinlikea breath of fresh air. His white Henley shirt hugged his torso, and his jeans worked wonders to outline his strong legs. His presence alone made the room feel brighter.

“Aye! Little Miss Feisty. Any more bar fights?”

“I could ask you the same,” Sierra joked.

Mateo gave her an approving nod, his laughter filling the room. They officially introduced themselves while I finished getting ready.

A magnetic pull settled me into Mateo’s side, his arm draped around and held me close.

Sierra covered her smile with her hand. “Oh! My baby’s growing up. So beautiful.” She playfully pinched my cheek as she picked up her purse and headed for the door. “I’ll see you at work tomorrow. Behave, please. And Mateo, it was nice to see you again. Treat her right.” Her smile read sweet, but her stare was serious.

“I’d have it no other way.” He placed a gentle kiss on my head.

We followed Sierra out, down the dimly lit walkway toward Mateo’s car, situated near the curb.

He opened the door for me and I slid in.

It smelled like cherries and Mateo. I didn’t notice the make, but the soft glowing lights coming up from the floor and the super-smooth bucket seat that held me just right, felt luxurious. He closed my door before rounding the car and settling into his own seat.

“You look beautiful.” He pressed a button that brought the car to life with a smile curling his lips.

“Thank you. And you somehow got a haircut since I last saw you?”

“Oh, yeah.” He let his hand brush over his head. “Quincy basically grew up in a barbershop. He always has the stuff in his locker in case we need it. I told him I had a hot date, and he held me hostage until I agreed. Had to look good for you.” He winked. Even in the faint light of the car, his eyes sparkled, and my heart fluttered. Hard.

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