I can feel the shift in the air before Matt says another word, a heaviness that skates over my shoulders as we approach my apartment building.
“I’m so glad I’m here right now, with you.”
This pulls my gaze up to his sorrowful blue eyes, hooded with the weight of the day.
“Me too.”
“Are you hungry?” he asks, as if he’s just now realizing how late it is. “I can order some food in. It’s the least I could do.”
My stomach grumbles, and Matt’s eyes widen, falling to the food monster. “Pizza?”
“Pizza sounds great.” He grins, retrieving his phone. “Mozellos? Best in the city.”
My stomach rumbles again when I hear the name of my favorite pizzeria.
“Yes, absolutely.” I reach over and take the leash from Matt so he can type. “Now, we might have to prepare for our first fight because …” I blow out a playfully intense breath. “What’s your go-to pizza?”
He winces. “I’m scared to tell you.”
I gasp. “Oh God, is it something gross? Don’t ruin this.” I gesture between us. “We have such a good thing going.”
He opens the door for me, and Kyle leads the way inside. “It’s … pepperoni.”
I glare at him. “I hate you. But thankGodit’s not something like anchovies.”
“Okay.” He scoffs like he’s offended. “I only have anchovy pizza on Sundays.”
“And I hate you even more.” I giggle as we step into the elevator. “Pepperoni sounds great, by the way.”
“Perfect.” He beams, typing into his phone. “It’ll be here in thirty-ish minutes.”
“Oh, they’re fast tonight,” I say shockingly. “Usually, it takes a good hour.”
“I guess they heard that my girlfriend is starving to death.” He shrugs, and my cheeks burst into flames as I whip my head toward him. “Unless you don’t want to have that title …”
My hand finds his mouth, silencing whatever was about to follow. “No, I’m happy with it.” I grin, feeling his smile tip up beneath my hand. “And I’m keeping it. No takesies-backsies.”
Gently, he guides my hand down and away from his face. “Good.”
“Good,” I quickly reply, spinning to the opening elevator doors. “Good.”
Why am I suddenly nervous, like a teenage girl talking to her crush for the first time? I have ridden this man’s face, held him while he cried, comforted him through hell. I should not be as nervous as I am when we walk down the hallway and into the sanctitude of my apartment. But I am because the hottest guy known to man is walking in behind me, calling me his girlfriend.
“Are you good if I crash here? I promise to behave,” he mutters, shutting the door behind him as I unhook Kyle’s leash from his collar and set him free to torment his poor toys.
Glancing back at him, I kick my tennis shoes off. “Of course. I figured you already were, honestly.”
“I didn’t want to assume or invite myself.” He strides over to me, walking with me to my bedroom. “But thank you.”
“You don’t need to thank me. If anything, I usually get cold at night, and having you beside me is selfish for my own body heat.” I shrug, glancing back to see a shit-eating grin on his face.
He chuckles. “Good to know. Pure selfish motivations—that’s just the way you roll.”
I nod. “Obviously. It’s what I’m known for.”Among other things.
A yawn takes over me, and I stretch my arms above my head. I’m so tired. I need pizza … maybe some cuddles, and then sleep.
Matt walks behind me, circling his arms around my waist and pulling me flush into the front of his firm body. “I’m scared of what will happen. What if?—”
