“Do you want to change first and then chat?”
The shapewear I’m wearing under my dress fully agrees that this is the best course of action. “Yes. My sweats are calling my name.”
He grins and squeezes my hand. “Don’t move, I’m getting your door.”
I smile and nod. He jumps out of the car and jogs around the front of the vehicle, opening my door dramatically. I giggle as he grabs my hand and walks me to my bedroom door. He pulls me into a hug before I can open the door, his forehead pressed against mine.
“You’re gorgeous, Holly. You slayed in this dress, kickin’ butts and takin’ names. I’m so proud of you.”
His nose brushes against mine before I lean in and kiss him, pouring out my thanks for his love and support. With one last peck on the lips, Mateo pulls back, and my heart lurches, unhappy at the distance between us.
He lets go of me and kisses my forehead, the tender touch sending heat through my veins. “See you in a minute, beautiful.”
He walks down the hall to his room, turning to wink at me before closing the door.
Butterflies flutter in my stomach and I let them.
I’m done avoiding my feelings for this man, once and for all.
Minutes later, I’m in my favorite sweats and munching on apple slices on the couch as I wait for Mateo to come out of his room.
What’s taking him so long?
Alex says the buttons on the white shirts take the longest. I say it’s a lack of urgency that men seem to have.
Like, hello, I have big feelings I need to confess. Get out here already!
Mateo’s door cracks open and I spin so I can see him as he walks into the room.
Man, I haven’t admired my husband enough. He is seriously attractive. How do basketball shorts and an old cotton t-shirt look so good on him?
He smiles when he sees me and eyes the apple slice in my hand. Laughter lines his eyes. “Do I need to get us snacks for this conversation?”
Cue heart flutters.
“Can you grab the pretzels?”
He walks to the pantry door and opens it, stepping inside. He pokes his head out a minute later. “Do you want the mini marshmallows too? Thesweet and salty combo?”
I laugh. “Do you need to ask?”
I can hear him chuckling from the pantry. I love the way he so easily laughs, and how he helps me laugh too.
He walks over, a bag of marshmallows and pretzels tucked in his arm. He grabs his water bottle on the end of the counter and walks around the couch. He sets everything down on the coffee table. I grab a handful of marshmallows and a few pretzel sticks and pop them in my mouth.
Sweet and salty is a favorite combination of mine, and I can’t resist nibbling a little bit more on the snacks, especially considering we left the party before eating anything. When carbs and sugar satiate my stomach, I turn to Mateo.
He sips his water before replacing the lid and setting it on the coffee table. He turns into the couch, his arm resting on the back of it, his whole body angled toward me. His brown eyes meet mine. “Ready to talk?”
I dust my hands off and turn to him, tucking my legs under me on the couch, mimicking his posture. “I’m quitting. I’m resigning and the only client I’m going to keep is Alex— and, even then, I think I’m going to phase out of working with him.”
Mateo’s jaw drops. “You were serious?”
I clasp my hands in my lap and tap my fingers together in an effort to calm my racing heart. “Yes. I don’t want to do this job anymore. It’s not worth it. My parents have stained it, and I want to be as far away from them as possible.”
Mateo’s eyebrows pull together, concern in his eyes as they study mine. “But, Holly. You’re really good at your job.”
I shrug. “I know. But I don’t want to be successful in my job anymore.”
