Page 24 of My Secret Bandit

“Who’s this?”

“That’s Babygirl.Bebita.”

My lashes flicked up to him in a hurry. Was I worried he had a kid? Not really. Was I curious why he was here with me and not her? A smidgen more than definitely.

Mateo didn’t miss the questions blurring my focus.

“Amelia is my niece. Mari works overseas, so she lives with my parents,” he clarified.

Finished with my phone, he lazily played with my hair. The sensation of his fingers brushing through the strands felt so nice I almost forgot what I was doing or what I’d even asked to earn the explanation.

With his phone in my hands, I entered the passcode he sent me. It felt a little weird, but when I looked up, his head rested back against the cushion. His long lashes laid on his cheek.

I opened the call log and just below Xander,Future Wifeshined bright.

I barely stifled my gasp, but not the hammering in my chest. When I looked back up, the slightest hint of a smirk pulled on his lips.

“Mateo.”

“Hmm?” he grumbled, making no effort to open his eyes.

“Are you sleeping?”

“Mmhmm.”

He looked so peaceful and sweet, half asleep. I left the matter alone while I changed into pajamas and went through the nightly routine of teeth brushing and face washing.

Once done, I stopped in the doorway connecting my room to the living room. His arms laid folded across his chest and quiet, heavy breaths fell from his lips. I let myself take in his features. His nose, his lips, long toned limbs, and smooth rich skin. Even standing here, less than twenty feet from him, he didn’t seem real.

Walking over, I gave him a gentle nudge and was once again met with the same grumble.

“Hey,” I whispered. “Mateo. Do you want me to drive you home?”

With his eyes still closed, he shook his head from its place against the couch. “No, it’s too late for you to be driving back and forth. I just need a minute, then I’ll be good. Come here.”

His arms closed around me once I stood within reach. His body slid to cover the length of the couch, pulling me down beside him and into his chest.

“Just let me hold you for a second.” His mumbled whisper brushed the top of my head. I wrapped my arm around his torso and snuggled in further. This couch was not made for two people in this position and my ass hung off the edge, but Mateo held me tightly, and with my ear to his chest I listened to the sound of his breathing. It became a lullaby as his chest rocked me to sleep.

During the night, I guided Mateo to the bedroom. If I woke up with a sore back, I could only imagine how he felt. I’d already kept him up talking after a ridiculously long day. I couldn’t be the reason he showed up to practice in anything but perfect condition.

For the first time in almost a year, I slept peacefully. I still dreamt about my mom, but instead of reliving the event that took her from me, I replayed all the positive memories. I couldn’t help but think the warmth and comfort Mateo provided played a part in it.

When I woke, gratitude filled my chest as I watched him sleep before slipping from his arm and out of the bed.

I showered and dressed, all without waking the sleeping beauty in my bed with his lashes fanned across his cheeks and his full lips parted slightly. I hated having to pull myself away from his side, but his comfy warmth was the exact reason I was already behind schedule.

I risked a few more minutes and nudged Mateo’s shoulder and watched his eyes flutter open.

“Good morning, beautiful.” He smiled with a sleepy grin.

“Good morning, gorgeous,” I echoed, brushing back his loosened ringlets. “I’m supposed to be at the office…” I sighed, looking down at my watch. “Like really soon. You don’t have to leave. I know I kept you up late so you can stay and get some rest until it’s time for practice if you want. Your phone died, so I plugged it in, and I’ll leave a key to lock up when you’re ready.”

Most people might think it’s crazy to leave someone you’ve had one dinner with the key to your house, but I trusted Mateo. Besides, he could easily buy anything I owned, and I knew where he was contractually obligated to beevery day… so leaving him alone wasn’t a worry I carried.

“Thank you, baby,” he whispered, his eyes falling closed again. I laid a kiss on his temple. Sad to leave but excited about the idea of more mornings like this, I headed to work.

Slitsofvigilantblueeyes met me in the doorway. “You’re late.” Sierra’s grin stretched wide.

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