Page 62 of Innocent Intentions

While I eat, Matty works. Some days he works from home. Other days, he leaves for the office, wherever that is. Even though when he works from home I don’t see him much, the house still feels emptier when he’s gone.

Occasionally, he’ll join me for lunch. I usually eat outside on the terrace. The weather has been too nice to waste.

Benny enjoys it too. We go on at least one walk a day. We play outside until we’re exhausted. Then we wander around the house, exploring new rooms.

The library is my favorite place. It contains a full wall of books, the classic rolling ladder, and a fireplace I can’t wait to use in the winter. It’s the kind of place I could get lost in and forget the real world.

The house has a home theater full of big reclining seats, which have enough room for Benny to take up an entire chair. It also has a fully stocked snack bar, a massive screen, surround sound, and every streaming platform imaginable.

There’s a gym that I don’t frequent. Sweating isn’t my thing. However, Matty sure enjoys it. Every afternoon, he leaves covered in sweat.

On my favorite days, he’s shirtless.

I’m not proud of how much I enjoy those days.

In the evenings, Dotty collects me for dinner. It’s always delicious, but the best part is the company.

Matty genuinely cares about my day. He asks what I’ve been up to. He tells me about his business successes and shortcomings.

And every evening, the same little ritual unfolds.

My place is set next to him. I move. He follows.

I don’t even do it to get away from him anymore. Now, it’s a game. Our inside joke. And I love it.

He hasn’t come onto me as boldly as he did that first dinner, but he does touch me every chance he gets.

Tucking my hair behind my ear. Kissing my forehead. Holding my hand. Resting a palm on my thigh. Whispering in my ear. Nibbling my lobe. Knocking shoulders. Brushing thighs.

And I’m not fooling anyone.

My breath catching in my throat. Sharp inhales. Full-body shivers. Goosebumps down my arms. Wiggling in the chair. Clenching thighs. Sighs. Gasps. Moans.

I know he notices.

But he never takes it further. He’s the perfect gentleman.

It’s hell.

I tell myself it’s what I want.

But I can’t deny the disappointment each time he pulls back. The problem is, it’s not just physical anymore.

I miss him throughout the day. I count down the hours until dinner. I look forward to his jokes. I even plan ways to make him smile. It isn’t difficult. He seems happy around me.

And that realization terrifies me.

Some evenings, we go our separate ways. Others, we take Benny on a walk around the property. Occasionally, I’ll read in the den while he works on his laptop. Those are my favorite.

We always get ready for bed together.

I don’t know how I’m always ready for bed when he is.

You stay up until he’s ready.

We brush our teeth and wash our faces in synchrony. He still only wears his boxer briefs to bed, something I’ve had to get used to.

You love it.

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