Page 54 of My Secret Bandit

“I don’t think I can move.”

“Oh baby,” he cooed, “let me help you.” He came back to my side and held me as we got into the shower.

He washed himself while I stood under the waterfall, letting the warmth of it soothe my body. Once he finished, he bathed me and dried us both when we were clean.

Back in the room, I sat on the bed and dried my hair with the towel.

Long and expertly defined with muscle, I couldn’t take my eyes off Mateo as he replaced his towel with a fresh pair of boxer briefs.

Returning to my side, he helped me into a shirt before brushing through the damp tangles in my hair.

Once he lay down, I placed my head against him and listened to his heartbeat.

“Jameson.” My name echoed through his chest.

“Yeah?”

“Are you okay?” His voice was quiet as he tucked wet hair behind my ear.

I looked up to see his face. A troubled look waited for my reply. I brushed my fingers along his cheek, following the sharp line of his stubble covered jaw.

“I’m perfect.” I smiled. “And I’ll never regret anything where you’re concerned, so stop worrying.” I tilted my head up so our lips could meet.

Mateo let out a sigh of relief. He pulled me close, squeezing me to him. The kiss was soft and tender while still exuding every ounce of devotion and passion we possessed for each other.

Iwalkedintoworkthe next morning with a dull ache between my legs, a blushing reminder of my activities less than twelve hours ago. I made it through half the day before I realized no blonde hair bounced around, waiting for me to spill every delicious detail. Pulling out my phone to text her, three knocks to the door frame stopped me.

Jeffrey trudged in and plopped into a chair with a huff.

“Flynn, pack a bag. You’re going to Atlanta.”

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Kyle’s gone, dealing with a family thing. I need you in Georgia for the game. Everything’s already set. You leave tomorrow afternoon.”

“I can’t—I—um. I don’t fly. Are you going?”

He shook his head, and my stomach churned. “I can’t, I told Wescott I’d fill in—wait. You’re afraid of flying?”

I shrugged.

“I’m sorry, Jamie. You should’ve told me, I would’ve happily told him to suck a dick. I don’t care who’s having a baby. Playoffs or not, baseball is definitelynotmy favorite pastime. But hey, Suzanne will be there. You won’t be on the same flight, but she’ll be at the game.”

I mustered up as believable a smile as I could. “No time to get over your fears like the present, right?”

I’m grown. I don’t need someone holding my hand on a plane. At least… I don’t think I do.

He sighed, standing up to refasten the button of his navy suit jacket that made the silver in his stormy eyes pop. “If you need it, I’m sure I have a Xanax or something you can take before.”

I half-heartedly laughed before turning him down.

I definitely don’t need drugs to make a few hour flight.

“Suit yourself.” He shrugged. “If you need anything, let me know. I’ll have my phone on.” He reached out over the desk and gave my shoulder a squeeze. “You’ll be fine, Flynn. Now get yourself out of here and pack up.”

I moved at a zombie’s pace the rest of the day. I didn’t even know if I packed matching clothes. I grabbed whatever my hand touched first and threw it into a garment bag.

I still hadn’t talked to Sierra. She texted me when I left the office, but my mind got lost in a phobia induced fog.

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