Too good. I couldn’t catch feelings. For so many reasons.
I listed them in my head as I chose my cheese selection.
Matt told me he didn’t want a relationship.
I didn’t want a relationship.
Matt worked for my family.
I had to focus on my career.
I wanted the clinic to specialize in women’s hormone health. Which meant studying in my free time, not dating.
“Do you use the name Lynn often?” Matt asked as he helped himself to an assortment of sliced cheese. He picked up a slice, studied it, then shrugged and popped it into his mouth.
“That’s Parmesan.”
“Really? I’ve only ever had it shredded or grated.”
“Do you like it?”
“I do.” He grinned. “You didn’t answer my question.”
“Only if I want an anonymous encounter.”
“Do you do that often?” There was no judgment in his question.
“No. That night wasn’t the first time.” He nodded, studying me with his deep chocolate-colored eyes.Just say it. “But it was the last.”
There. I’d said it. I kept the fact that I hadn’t been with anyone since that night to myself.
“Same,” he whispered.
“Really?” My voice went up an octave.
He laughed. “Yes, really.”
“You haven’t slept with anyone since then?” What a stupid question, guys like Matt didn’t do celibacy.
His eyes sparkled with mischief, and rather than answering, he asked, “Have you?”
I resisted the urge to fan my face as heat flooded it, no doubt turning it bright red. “Forget I asked.”
“Safer topic?” Matt asked.
“Safer topic,” I agreed.
He lifted his chin. “Do you want more cheese?”
He was making it too easy to forget this wasn’t real.
“No, I’m saving room for dinner. Help yourself.”
We piled our small square plates on the empty cheese board as the server brought over our meals.
My shrimp and broccoli Alfredo looked big enough to feed two.
Matt’s T-bone steak, loaded baked potato, and sauteed vegetables looked even bigger.
