“He told us to keep up the pretense when he heard Matt pretended to be my boyfriend.”
“That’s not the same thing.”
No, but it fell under the same umbrella.
“No, but Matt’s an overachiever.”
He’d said as much when he gave me my fourth orgasm that night.
“You’re blushing.”
“You can’t see that.”
“No, but your grin was a giveaway, and you just confirmed it.”
“You’ve been hanging around with the guys too much; their observation skills have rubbed off on you.”
“Thank you.” She yawned.
“Let me put Nat to bed.” I got up and took my sleeping niece from Meg.
“Thanks.” She gave me a side hug. “Think about what I said.”
“Okay.”
After putting Natalie down, I washed the makeup off my face and brushed out my hair. I moisturized my face and added anti-aging under-eye cream.
“What have you gotten yourself into?” I asked the mirror.
If I expected an answer, I’d disappoint myself.
Instead of knocking, Matt sent a text at seven-forty to let me know he was waiting.
“Is he avoiding me?” Jack asked with a laugh.
“Why would he do that?”
“You tell me.”
“I’m sure I don’t know.”
“Madi.” Jack’s tone turned serious.
“Yes, Jack?”
“I know you think we’re overreacting.”
“You think I can’t take care of myself.”
“What? No. You probably fended off sailors every day; we know you can take care of yourself.”
“You do?”
“Yes. It’s the psychos of the world we don’t trust.” He ran his hand through his hair. “We’re worried because we’ve seen how fast a situation can escalate from mostly harmless to life-threatening.”
Maybe it’s time to sit down and talk to my brothers instead of being so pig-headed.
“Madi, we love you and we don’t want to lose you.”
