Chapter 31
Madi
Iwanted to be mad at Matt for bossing me around all day, but after running on nothing but fumes and mainlining caffeine while taking care of everyone, all I felt was gratitude.
While he drove, I relaxed. When I was thirsty, he handed me a bottle of water. When I was hungry, he had food ready for me.
He even forced me to sit while I ate, saying, “I know you’re used to long shifts at the hospital, but you’re not on duty. Now sit.”
I hated that I loved how bossy he got when he took care of me.
What does it say about me that my fake, paid to date me by my fucking father, boyfriend is the best relationship I’ve ever had?
When I nodded off during a lull in the activity, Matt’s shoulder served as my pillow. His cedar and mint scent filled my nose and fueled my desire.
“Thank—” I covered my mouth as an embarrassingly large yawn took over. “You.” I wiped the tears from my eyes.
I reached for my door handle, but my hand slipped.
“Madi, wait.”
But I’d already re-grabbed the handle and pushed the door open.
Only I was stuck in the seat.
Seatbelt.
“Madi.” Matt’s hand landed on my shoulder and pushed me to the back of my seat. “Wait.”
“I just want to go to bed.”
“I know. Just give me a second.”
I swear all I did was blink and Matt was standing outside my door and reaching over me to unbuckle my seatbelt.
Too tired to talk, I didn’t bother asking how he’d moved so fast.
“Come on, Red. Let’s get you to bed.”
Mmm, the idea of crawling into bed with Matt and snuggling up against his strong body sounded perfect. Without thinking, I wrapped my arms around his neck and nuzzled.
Vibrations in his throat accompanied his laughter.
“I’ve got you.” Like the superhero he was, he lifted me out of the truck, bumping the door closed with his gorgeous ass.
I blinked, and we were standing at the front door.
“I need your keys.”
“Pocket.”
“Can you reach them?”
I can, but I’d have to let go.
“Mm-hmm.”
“Madi,” he nudged my head with his chin, “will you be okay if I set you down?”
“Maybe.”
Where was the strong, independent woman I believed myself to be?
She’s on vacation; needy Madi is filling in.
Matt gently placed my feet on the porch, but kept one arm wrapped around me as I leaned on him.
“Keys,” he gently reminded me. “Unless you want me to search for them.”
The idea of Matt sticking his hand in my pockets had the same effect as a shot of adrenaline.
I created space between us and stared at his hand as I reached into my pocket.
Thank God the porch light was off. I fished out my keys while pretending I wasn’t thinking about those damn hands.
Hands that could be demanding and controlling, gentle and comforting.
Tonight, I needed both versions of Matt.
That strong hand, the one I couldn’t stop staring at, reached over and took the keys out of my hand.
The house tilted and blurred as he lifted me.
My arms wrapped around his neck. My head fell onto his shoulder.
All was right in the world.
I blinked and found myself in my bed.