Page 40 of Exposed

“Sure. It was fun.”

“Nice. We’ve got a workout buddy, Simon.” Simon looks at Matt and toots.

“Good push, little dude,” he chuckles and lifts his son’s hand to high five him. Gosh, they’re stinking cute together.

I’m not going to turn down an opportunity to be with Matt and Simon. He’s the total package: smart, established with a solid career, helpful, protective and caring. I’ve never met anyone who would take in a stranger with zero expectations in return. Now, he’s dropped everything to become a dad. I don’t even have to mention how talented he is at making me come.

I shiver at that thought, and Matt gives me a grin. Plus, ogling him while he lifts heavy things isn’t a hardship. There’ll be an expiration date in the near future, but I’m going to ride this roommates with benefits train as far as I can.

I’ve had enough hard knocks in life to know that when you’ve got a good thing going, you don’t give it up. And Matt is a good guy, one million times better than any guy I’ve known. There’s no way I’m giving him up until he asks me to leave.

“I can buy you workout clothes,” he suggests.

Every penny I make is going to something more important than a sports bra.

“Yeah, yeah. You don’t want to owe me. One outfit isn’t going to break me. Pay it forward when you can,” he says quickly.

I hate the thought of owing Matt. Sadly, I’ve been in this position before. One where a guy says I owe him something because he gave me a place to stay. I’m not proud of it, but I did what I had to do my last couple of years of high school.

My eyes grow wet with tears, both from seeing Matt be so patient and tender with his son and thinking about how different my experience as a child was.

I realize what it’s like to not have much. I’m not ashamed of it, because I’m used to it.

A few months ago, I’d finally gotten to a place where I was financially stable, and it was amazing. Now, I’m back to square one. Well, not exactly. Matt has been a huge help, even though I feel bad eating his food and staying in his house.

When I get everything sorted out, I’ll pay him back. He seriously is the kindest guy.

“Pepper.” Matt’s voice interrupts my thoughts. “Simon needs a hug.”

I was too busy in my head to notice that Matt is standing now, holding Simon.

“Come here,” Matt says. His voice is soft yet commanding at the same time, and I obey him.

He holds Simon in one arm and outstretches Simon’s arm to touch me. I step into them, and Matt holds me tight with his free arm.

“Whatever it is, Pepper, I’m here. You can talk to me,” he whispers into my hair.

Damn. I can’t bawl right here.

“Stupid freaking hormones,” I mumble. “I’ve got to get ready for that fundraiser now.”

16

MAGIC CARPET RIDE

MATT

Women are hormonal during their time of the month, but something deeper is eating at Pepper. I hope she tells me soon, because I’m itching to help.

During Simon’s nap time today, I forced myself to stay up and edit wedding galleries. At least, I finished two of them before I fell asleep.

I’ve never been behind with work, and it’s stressing me out. How do parents find time in the day to do everything? Parents are freaking superheroes. I need to thank mine the next time I see them.

Monday is usually laundry day, but I never got around to it with Simon’s surprise arrival. My second load of laundry is spinning in the washing machine when Pepper gets back from work.

“Hey, Pepper. How was work?” I ask as I entertain Simon with a book during tummy time.

“Haven’t dropped a tray yet, so that’s a win,” she replies.

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