Chapter 30
Stress Dreamin’
Holly
Igaze out the window at the clouds below us, the hum of the airplane engine and Mateo’s light snores soothing sounds as I replay the past week.
It feels like it’s been no time at all since the night we kissed.
It’s a night I’ll never forget and was the start of ending each night with a kiss.
Every evening after I get done with work, Mateo takes me on a date and we talk, getting to know all the little things about each other.
I can’t choose a favorite date. I’ve loved them all, from staying in and watching The Princess Bride together, to going on a picnic dinner date at the beach, and watching the sunset cuddled up together. Every second has been amazing.
I’ve caught myself lingering in his workshop during my lunch breaks. Mateo has shared some of his cooking skills with me after learning that I usually order pre-made meals or meal kits instead of learning how to cook for myself.
Spending time with Mateo is better than working. Not that I’ve been enjoying my job lately. I’ve been rushing through work so I can see my husband more. Who knew getting married would cure my workaholic tendencies?
It’s like we’re doing things backwards, going on dates and getting to know each other post-wedding ceremony, but somehow it’s exactly what I need. Knowing we are in a committed relationship has lessened my fears of failing and not being enough for Mateo.
Mateo gripped my hand and fell asleep after the plane took off.
His finger grips mine even as he sleeps.
I run my thumb over his knuckles, tracing the veins on the back of his hand.
The simple motion soothes my churning stomach, but doesn’t quite cure my anxiety over visiting Mateo’s family in Oregon.
Especially visiting to celebrate his mother’s birthday.
Mateo told me he explained the reasons for our marriage to his parents, but didn’t mention the one-year time limit.
We don’t have to fake anything about our relationship for them, but how am I supposed to act knowing that they know Mateo married me as a favor?
Would they be weirded out if we cuddled, hugged, and kissed?
How will I feel doing those things in front of them?
How do I feel about public displays of affection?
I don’t even know because we’ve only been out in public around strangers.
The questions run circles in my head as I draw circles on the back of Mateo’s hand.
My leg bounces, and the movement changes the position of our hands. Mateo’s fingers flex and his breathing changes. I watch as he blinks and turns his head toward me. A sleepy smile grows on his face as he focuses on me.
“Hey, beautiful,” he whispers, his voice gravelly with sleep.
“Hey,” I whisper back as I grip his hand tighter.
His eyes quickly take in my bouncing leg before his other hand comes up, his thumb smoothing the skin between my eyebrows. His touch relaxes the muscles in my face. “You stressin’?”
I wince. “Of course not.”
He arches an eyebrow.
“Okay, fine. I’ve been a little stressed.”
He chuckles as his hand lands on my leg, stilling its nervous bouncing. “I know. Why don’t you take a nap on my shoulder? Sleep it off. Wait to stress until we’re driving from the airport in Bend back to Bolt.”
I shake my head. The mention of Bend reminds me of my brother and how much he loves Reina. “I still can’t believe Alex worked it out so there’s a flight from LAX to Bend now.”
Mateo smiles and stretches out his legs as much as he can in the confined space.
“It’s a much shorter drive from Bend versus from Portland.
Can’t blame the man, with how many times he flew to visit Reina during filming last year.
It was an investment he and I talked about, and I have to say I’m grateful he’s cooked this up.
One of the perks of marrying into a family of millionaires.
” He winks, and I nudge his shoulder with mine.
A memory of Alex laying dramatically on my couch when he was between shoots surfaces. He didn’t have enough time to visit Reina because of the flight schedules and driving time from Portland. He hadn’t seen her in three weeks, and it was the last straw for him.
“You don’t want to know how many times he came to my house bemoaning the distance between Portland and Bolt.”
Mateo laughs and I join in. “I can imagine, seeing as Reina came to talk to me about Alex whenever he was gone. I got a lot of free labor out of it. Putting her to work on the farm when she wanted to chat was a genius idea on my part.”
I shake my head. “All I got was grief over my snack choices.”
Mateo looks offended on my behalf. “What’s wrong with your snack choices?”
I roll my eyes. “Apparently they weren’t healthy enough for his trainer's approval. I got many lectures about how pretzels and Nutella aren’t a food group.”
Mateo gasps. “Psh, well, he’s wrong.”
“I know right!” I exclaim as I burst into giggles, spurred by Mateo’s own laughter.
Mateo leans over and kisses my forehead. “I love your snack choices, Hols.”
“Good thing we’re married so I can keep you supplied with the superior snacks.”
“Yes, it is," he murmurs as he kisses my temple. When he straightens, I seize the opportunity to snuggle into his side as much as I can. I lean my head on his arm, his bicep providing a nice cushion to rest on.
“Don’t worry, mi amor. We’ll eat Mami’s food, I’ll show you around the farm, and we’ll have a great time. I’ll show you my favorite haunts, my pet cow, and you know I’m going to cash in on that dirt biking date you promised me on the red carpet.”
My nose automatically scrunches. “I didn’t promise I’d go dirt biking. I was in distress and thought you were joking.”
I can feel Mateo’s chuckle through his arm, and the deep vibration makes me smile. “You should know, I take jokes very seriously.”
I yawn and squeeze his hand tighter. “What prank do you have planned for your sisters again?”
My eyes are closed but I can hear his mischievous smile as he says, “Dead bugs frozen in ice cubes. I’ll slip them into their drinks.”
I shudder. “Don’t slip one into my drink. I know where you sleep.”
“You’re telling me you don’t want a frozen spider in your soda?”
My nose wrinkles and I nuzzle into his arm, inhaling his pine scent to ban the thought of drinking water with a spider ice cube.
Why does he always smell so good? Somebody should make a Mateo cologne. I want it on my pillow, my clothes, on everything I own.
Mateo’s hand squeezes mine, and he brings it up to his lips, placing a kiss on my knuckles. “Don’t worry, I won’t risk any prank that would keep me from kissing you. No bugs in your drinks, I promise.”
“Wise man. I’m still not going dirt biking with you.”
Mateo kisses my hair again.
“We’ll see.”