Chapter 33 #2
“I don’t care if you drink, I just don’t want to.
” He laughs. “Anyway, my dad and I have been able to move forward. It took a lot of time and I only give a fuck because my mom does. Once I found out my plans for after high school, my mom threatened to leave him. He finally decided to get his shit together my senior year of high school. My dad saw my mom had options, realized how shitty he was being, and turned things around. I’d do anything for my mom and my sister—we’ve been through some shit. ”
“When did his drinking start affecting your family?”
“He got in with a bad crowd when I was ten. He’d come home wasted after doing jobs for a motorcycle club with a bad reputation. I tried to help my mom any way I could when I was younger—clean houses, walk dogs, mow lawns, whatever.”
“Since you were ten?” My eyes widen in surprise and heartbreak.
Matt has been responsible for a lot of people for years. He took on the burden of being the protector and provider when it should’ve never been that way.
“You seem relaxed in San Diego, for the most part anyway. You’re stressed in Washington.”
“Yeah, San Diego reminds me of my grandparents. Coming here was an escape we all needed. They’ve passed on now, but they provided memories and safety.
Still feels warm and safe. I’ll always love Texas—I plan on having my family in Texas—but this is my favorite place.
” He shakes his head and flicks his wrist. “I’ve never told anyone this, even my business partner.
When I thought of bringing you somewhere, this was the only place I could think of sharing with you. ”
My heart is pounding in my chest. He feels this pull between us too. “You’re already thinking about a family?” I try to tease him because this conversation got deep, quick.
He chuckles. “Yeah, someday. Texas is cool and my whole family is there. I have a spacious house with plenty of room.”
“You know, Lakebrook is also a great place for families. Lots of outdoor adventures. There’s a reason why you’re expanding your business to Washington, right? Wouldn’t you consider moving there?”
“I already have it set up in Texas. I don’t need to move where I’m expanding.”
I’m reading between the lines. If we stay together, I’m going to be expected to move to Texas. Once Matt has made up his mind, it’s the end of the discussion.
I suppose I could consider moving to Texas.
It seems drastic. This trip is the first time I left the state and now I’ve met someone I’m considering moving halfway across the country for.
I’ve never been there, but I don’t know if I could just up and move.
It would be a big decision. It would also have to be the right timing; I just opened the gym.
My small town with everything and everyone I know would be hard to leave.
Oh god. I’m thinking about walking down the aisle and having kids with the guy. Trying to figure out where we would all live.
Get a grip, Scarlett.
“Huh. Did you have a choice on coming to Washington for your project?”
“I did. Grant is from Lakebrook. I had to convince him to expand and I figured Washington would give me leverage.”
“Do you mean Grant Green?”
“Yeah. You know him?”
“I’ve heard of him. It is a small town.”
He nods. “The place I picked will be renovated using recycled material and whatever else I can figure out without spending a fortune. Grant’s coming around to the idea; he has faith I can get anything done I set my mind to, but he’s a numbers guy.
This first property will be proof it’ll work.
It’ll take some time to see income from the property. ”
“I have a lot of faith in my girls, you know.”
“How so?”
“They’re pretty much my family.”
“I was wondering. You never mention anyone in your family.”
“Yeah, I have my dad, who I love, but he has moved to Seattle now. My mom left when I was six for another man. She broke his heart and didn’t think twice about him or I.
Just left and did what she wanted. My dad was the one who made sure to be there for me and taught me to love the outdoors.
It all worked out. Lana has a big family and they let me hang out with them a lot.
Her mom is so motherly I felt like she was sort of mine too. You make the family you want.”
“Explains why you’re so independent and not afraid to hold your ground. Kind of a control freak.” He mumbles the last sentence .
“Hey! You’re one to talk!” I tell him with a slap to his arm. “Having a plan means no surprises.”
“Surprises can be fun. Tell me you aren’t having fun on this trip.”
“Yes it’s been fun. But some surprises are scary—like someone you love leaving. I like knowing what’s going to happen next. Change is scary.”
“Change and surprises don’t have to mean something bad.”
“I’m going to surprise you and see how you like it.” I smirk.
“No one can surprise me.”
I scoff. Challenge accepted. “We’ll see, Mr. Reding.”
Our waiter comes with our food and I look around again at all the empty chairs. No one else has shown up. “Wait, did you rent out the patio?”
“No.” He pauses until he finishes chewing. “The whole restaurant.”
“Oh gosh,” I say, putting my hand over my face.
“Matt, you don’t need to try to impress me with these grand gestures.
What do you have against other people being around?
I want to get to know you for you because I’m genuinely attracted to you, not because of your money or your stuff.
Your stuff is nice, but I would be just as happy going camping with you under the stars in your truck. ”
He looks at me like he’s seeing me for the first time.
“You in a truck would be sexy. ” I grab his hand. “These moments where you’re talking and relaxing with me are more valuable than anything you could buy me, just to be clear. You don’t need to pretend to be someone you aren’t around me.”
“I’m beginning to see that.”
A side of my mouth turns up. “I’m surprised I like someone who is more controlling than I am.”
Matt laughs. It’s a deep laugh with his full smile. It makes the rest of dinner easy. The waiter comes by one more time to ask if we want dessert.
Matt answers, “We have other plans for dessert, but thanks.”
He takes my hand, leading us back to the limo. I remove my heels once we’re inside. Damn deathtraps.
The limo pulls up to the house. We walk up the stairs to the rooftop patio. Lights reminding me of Edison bulbs hang above our heads, tropical plants line the entire patio and a gas firepit with clear rocks is awaiting. We sit at two chairs overlooking the ocean by the firepit.
“Do you want another drink?” he asks.
“Just water.”
I watch him walk to the bar close to the house. I take a deep breath, the crashing waves in the distance helping to soothe my nerves.
Matt comes over after a few moments and hands me a drink. He also hands me a chocolate mousse topped with whipped cream. I take it and set my drink down on the little table next to my chair. Matt dips his finger in my whipped cream and wipes it on my neck.
“How’d that get there? Let me help you with that.”
He begins kissing my neck. Then I remember his comment about ripping off my suit. I get up in a rush, breaking his spell.
“Scarlett, what’s wrong?” He looks concerned.
“You’re about to throw my car payment out the window!”
“What?” He squints his eyes.
“I like this outfit and if you rip it, you’d be throwing out half of my rent,” I explain with my hands on my hips .
“Okay, let me help you get into something more comfortable.”
“On a roof top? No thanks.” I shake my head. “I’m not trying to end up naked on the internet.”
“No one can see anything. Hence the plants.” He points to our surroundings on the rooftop. He’s right, it does provide a tremendous amount of privacy.
“Anyway, I’m not going to rip it. I’m going to peel it off.” He moves across the rooftop to me.
I’m blaming the amount of alcohol I’ve had this evening for being okay with having sex on a lit-up rooftop. I’m trusting him, even though every wall I’ve built up is screaming to stay put. He’s making me want to let them down.
With our future up in the air, I’m hoping it’s the right move.