Page 66 of Mine to Keep

“How about this? I’ll go in there and tell them I invited you for family night. Watch their reactions. If you think they don’t want you there, I won’t push.”

He rolled his eyes. “They won’t be outright rude.”

I full on belly laughed. “You don’t know Angel, then—he’s the outspoken one.”

He pursed his lips and nodded. “Okay, but if anyone pulls you aside and tells you they’d rather I not, promise me you’ll let me know?”

“Promise.” I would punch any of them who said such a thing.

As expected,everyone loved the idea of Matt joining family night. We ordered meatball subs, salads, and wings. It was Angel’s turn to pick the movie and he went withShadow of a Doubt, a classic Alfred Hitchcock film. Angel adored old movies so we’d all expected this, except Matt.

“I took Angel for an action-flick kind of guy.”

“He loves them, only much older ones. Hitchcock is his favorite.”

Matt was sitting beside me, and we ate in front of the TV this time instead of around the table. I thought it was to make it more comfortable for Matt, and that was kind.

Four was on the recliner away from the rest of us; he wasn’t a fan of squishing together. With the size of the living room and how many places there were to sit, though, that never happened unless you wanted it to.

When the movie ended, Matt was beaming. “That was amazing, I’d never seen that one.”

Angel nodded. “I saw it in school years ago, loved it.”

“Great pick.” Matt stood, and Angel smiled, which was a rare thing.

It was quite late by the time we all cleaned up and were done talking. I’d go back to Matt’s apartment if he wanted to, but I really wanted Matt in my bed for a change.

“Hey,” I whispered while everyone was rattling about.

“Yeah?”

“How about you stay here tonight, with me, in my bed?” I bit my bottom lip and waggled my brows.

“Uh…is that a good idea?”

“Do you honestly think that every person here doesn’t know we’re…what are we?”

“What do you want to be?”

I tsked. “No, not fair, I asked first.”

He chuckled. “I think it’s fair to say we’re dating.”

I nodded curtly. “Good, I agree, and so do they.” I jutted my chin toward my family, who were all staring at us.

“Oh, God.” Matt covered his face with his hand.

“You are both adorable.” JJ was giddy.

“Matt’s staying the night…and we’re walking out of the room now…bye.” I pulled Matt with me, the whole time listening to him mumble about how embarrassed he was.

As soon as we were in the privacy of my bedroom, though, all the nervousness went away. My room had LEDs, and it painted the room into a peaceful and tranquil place. My monitors were asleep, my bed freshly made. It was my sanctuary, and I loved having Matt in it with me.

“I’m not having sex with you here, Nick.”

I cackled as I tumbled us onto my bed. “Fine, but eventually, Mattie, I’m gonna have you here, spread out, feasting on every inch of your delicious skin.”

“You don’t play fair…and don’t call me that.”

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