“You should install automatic lights. It’s safer.”
“This is Bluebonnet Creek.” I roll my eyes, but Matthew is having none of it.
“When has that ever stopped bad shit from happening?”
I open my mouth to bite back at him but close it, because, damn, he’s right.
“I’ll look into it,” I promise, placing my hand on his and giving it a squeeze.
His body relaxes, if only slightly, and he nods. “Good.”
I graze my teeth over my lower lip, suddenly realizing that for the first time today, we’re alone. In the darkness. Just the two of us.
“I should go inside.” I let my hand drop. “Thank you for today?”
His brow quirks up. “Is that a question or a statement?”
“Both?” My tongue darts out, sliding over my lips. “I still think this is crazy.”
“It’s just for a little while.”
Right.
Three months.
“Good night, Matthew.”
Taking a step back, I turn and walk to my porch. I can feel Matthew’s gaze on my back as I pull out my key and unlock the front door, flipping on the light as I slip inside. Closing the door, I find Matthew putting his helmet on, the black visor shielding his face from view as he swings his leg over the bike. The engine revs to life, and he tips his chin at me before he drives away.
Only when he’s out of view do I lower my gaze.
Another pink rose is placed on the mat in front of my door, the petals crumpled from when I stepped on it in the darkness. Crouching down, I take the envelope and pull the note out.
I know the game you’re playing. You’re mine, Jessy. Don’t forget that.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
MATTHEW
“Can I do it? Please?” Kyle begs, pressing his palms together as he watches Chase, who sighs.
“Sure thing.”
I bite back a laugh at my brother’s capitulation. Although, honestly, he didn’t even try to resist it. I have a feeling there is little that Chase will deny either Rose or Kyle.
Kyle throws himself at Chase, wrapping his arms around his middle. “Thank you, Chase.”
My brother places his hand on Kyle’s back, rubbing it up and down his spine for a moment.
Our gazes meet over Kyle’s head, and I smirk at him, mouthing,“Sucker.”
He just rolls his eyes at me as Kyle pulls back, and Chase signs and speaks at the same time, “Do you remember how to use this?”
Kyle nods, pointing at the buttons and explaining what each one is for. Chase nods his agreement before handing him the electric screwdriver.
We work together. I hand them the parts as they’re supposed to be put together, and Chase and I hold them. My brother points at what to do, and Kyle listens intently, his tongue peeking out of his mouth in concentration as he works the screwdriver as we set up the frame of his new bed.
When I got home earlier, I saw the delivery truck parked in front of the house, so I jumped in to help them unload everything. Since Kyle and Rose’s move from the cottage to the main house happened so suddenly, it took some time before the furniture for Kyle’s bedroom arrived. But based on what he said, he didn’t really miss it since he got to “camp” inside the house. Although, now that his new bedroom stuff is here, he’s so excited to get it all set up, so that’s how we’ve spent the afternoon.
