Page 9 of Not For Keeps
“So we’re really doing this, huh?”
“Yes, Lyse, we’re really doing this. But if you don’t want to, just say the word.”
I’m quite for a few beats, and for a second, I think about backing out. Finally, I shake my head. “No, I want to do it.”
A smile spreads across his face. “Great.” He leans down and presses a kiss to my forehead. “Now you’re my girl.
Chapter Six
ANALYSE
Ineed to get to Seb before Libby’s big ol’ mouth makes its way to him—so much for checking things off my to-do list today.
I turn the key in the ignition, and the sound of the next episode of my favorite podcast fills the car.
“The thing about small towns is that secrets don’t stay buried—unless, of course, someone makes sure they do.”
I take a deep breath, pulling out of the driveway, gravel crunching beneath my tires. The host’s voice is smooth, calming my nerves as I prepare myself for this conversation I’m about to have. I chew on my bottom lip, practicing what I’m going to say, preparing myself for what he might say in return.
As I’m hyping myself up, I can’t help but to feel frustrated. Why do I feel like a sixteen-year-old on my way to tell my dad that I crashed our car? Seb can’t tell me shit. I may be his baby sister, but I haven’t been a baby in a long time, and who I date—or pretend to date—is none of hisbusiness.
I pull up in front of Seb’s house and freeze when I see a familiar car idling in the driveway. Mateo.What the hell is he doing here?
I glance at my reflection in the rearview mirror, trying to wipe the hangover off my face with a quick swipe of my sleeve. Then I step out of the car, walk over, and tap on Mateo’s window. He’s looking down at his phone and jumps at the sound. Dramatic.
He steps out of his car and says, “You scared the shit out of me.”
I cross my arms. “You scare easily.”
“Only when it’s you, baby.” He winks.
I roll my eyes, but the corner of my mouth twitches before I can stop it. “Cut it out, Mateo. What are you doing here?”
“What?” He grins, leaning against his car. “Can’t a guy stop by to see his girlfriend?”
“This isn’t even my house. What are you doing at Seb’s—and why are you just sitting here in your car?”
“Anna called me.” He rubs the back of his neck.
“Fantastic.” I fold my arms tighter and glance toward the house, my stomach churning. I can’t tell if it’s the lingering hangover or the looming conversation, but either way, I feel sick.
“She said Libby’s been running her mouth, and that you were coming to talk to Seb.” Mateo shifts his weight, his eyes scanning mine.
“So she told you to come save me?” I raise a brow.
“You never need saving, preciosa—and she didn’t tell me to do anything.” He steps closer, voice low but steady. “I came because I wanted to.” He pauses then adds, “And even if you don’t need saving, we both know how Seb gets, I wasn’t going to let you do this alone.” He shrugs, but there’s nothing casual about the way he’s looking at me. “We’re in this together.”
I stare at him for a moment, unsure what to say. Finally, I settle for a mumbled, “Okay,” and walk toward Seb’s door.
Before I can knock, the door bursts open and Maya comes flying out, running straight toward me. But at the last second, she skids to a stop—her eyes lighting up when she spots Mateo.
“Mateo!” she squeals, launching herself at him.
He laughs, bending down to catch her easily. “Hi, princesa. Did you miss me?”
“Yes!” She wraps her little arms tight around his neck. “We played dress-up, did puzzles, baked cookies, and watched movies!”
“I’m glad you had fun.” He gives her one last squeeze before setting her down gently. “But I think someone else is waiting for a hug.” He tips his chin toward me.
