“Come on,” he murmurs, nudging my arm. “I’ll drive you home.”
I sling my bag over my shoulder and glance at Ford and Jacob. "Hey, I’m catching a ride with Matthew," I tell them casually.
Jacob’s brow furrows slightly. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah," I say with a small shrug. "I just want to touch base with Matthew since some of our new teammates have noticed... you know, the way Matthew and I are with each other."
Jacob nods knowingly. "I feel that."
"Cool. See you in a little bit." Ford smirks, like he knows exactly what’s going on but doesn’t feel the need to comment.
I lean in to kiss each of them goodbye—Ford’s kiss is quick, Jacob’s lingering just a bit longer—before I turn toward Matthew, who’s waiting patiently. Without a word, Matthew takes my bag off my shoulder and slings it over his own. His small gestures always mean more than I let on.
We walk hand-in-hand to his car, the sun dipping lower on the horizon.
The drive back is quiet. I glance over at him as we cruise through the few streets, trying to gauge his mood. As usual, Matthew looks calm and relaxed, like the weight of the world could roll right off his shoulders.
"You’re not worried about them talking, are you?" I ask, breaking the silence.
He gives me a quick glance before focusing back on the road. "Nope. They’ll lose interest soon enough."
His confidence should rub off on me, but I can’t help feeling like there’s a target on my back. Still, if he’s not concerned, maybe I shouldn’t be either.
When we pull up to the house, he puts the car in park, steps out, and opens the door for me. He carries my bag again, slinging it effortlessly over one shoulder as we walk toward the front steps together.
This time, the quiet between us isn’t awkward—it’s comfortable, like the weight of the day is finally starting to fade. I kick at a loose stone on the sidewalk, watching it roll off the curb.
"Thanks for the ride," I say softly, glancing up at him.
He smiles that easy, familiar smile of his. "Anytime."
We reach the steps, and he leans casually against the railing, studying me. "You were incredible today," he murmurs.
I roll my eyes, even though I can’t stop the smile tugging at my lips. "You have to say that. You want in my pants."
He chuckles, and for a moment, everything feels light again—like nothing else matters but us, standing here together.
"See you tomorrow?" I ask, shifting on my feet.
"Wouldn’t miss it," he says with a wink.
“Still moving in this weekend?” I smirk, excitement blooming that I’m so close to having all three of my guys under the same roof.
“Almost all packed. Luckily, I haven’t been in my place long, so it’s been easy.”
“I can’t wait.” I smile.
“I’m calling dibs my first night sleeping here.” He licks his lips, his pupils widening with heat.
Just like that, the knot in my chest loosens, the tension I’ve been holding on to slipping away.
I watch him walk back to his car, hands in his pockets, whistling a soft tune under his breath. And even though I know not everyone on the team is sold on me yet, I’m not worried.
Chapter 28
Ford
“Okay, that’s the last of it!” Matthew shouts up the stairs, just before we hear his boots thudding on the steps as he makes his way up. “We can take the truck back in the morning.”
