Page 61 of Blindsided

Matthew’s body tenses as he comes. His deep groan makes me shiver with aftershocks, and I run my hands up and down his back in smooth circles.

Before he moves off me, Matthew grabs the box of tissues on the end of the couch to help me clean up before we make too big of a mess on the fabric.

The movie has been over for a little while, so we pick up our snacks and take them upstairs. I place the tray on the counter as Matthew wraps his arms around my waist. He runs his nose along my neck.

“I love it when you smell like me,” he rumbles against my skin.

I giggle. There’s something to be said about having our feelings out in the open. I’ve never held myself back from Matthew, but this weightlessness has me floating.

“Can you finish this up? I just had an idea I need to write down before I forget.”

“Sure. But bring your computer back in here. You can write while I clean.” Matthew slaps my ass on my way out of the kitchen.

I grin over my shoulder at him as I walk around the corner. When I turn back forward, a gasp escapes my chest.

The blood drains from my face.

“Hey, sis.”

CHAPTER27

Tilly

“Desmond,” I whisper. I swallow in an effort to get my words to come out a little stronger. “What are you doing here?”

He stands from the chair with a humorless laugh. “I thought I’d surprise my best friend and my little sister with a visit. Since you didn’t answer when I knocked, I used the emergency key in the planter box, figuring you weren’t here, and I could wait for you to get home. Now I’m the one getting surprised instead.”

“How long have you been here?”

“Long enough.” Desmond’s voice is practically a growl. I cringe at the idea of him hearing Matthew and me having sex. Jesus, what a mess.

I open my mouth to say something. I haven’t quite figured out what yet when Matthew walks into the room, his gaze on me.

“Tilly?” When he looks up, his eyes widen, and the blood drains from his face. “Desmond.”

“Well, if it isn’t my backstabbing best friend. Glad you could join the party.”

“Des, let us explain,” I plead.

He scoffs. “No. Because whatever is happening here is over. Talia, go get your suitcase. I’ve already booked flights home.”

Anger races through me, replacing the shock and guilt. “No. You have no right to dictate what I do. I will leave when I’m ready to go.”

“So you’re willing to choose a backstabber over your own brother?” Desmond’s eyebrows raise in surprise. “Glad to see where your loyalties lie, sis.” He grabs his phone off the end table and pulls his keys out of his pocket.

“It doesn’t have to be like that, Des. Just let us explain,” Matthew says.

Desmond stares at me, completely ignoring Matthew. “Seems like you’ve already made your choice. I don’t think there’s anything we need to discuss.”

Then he’s walking out of the room, the slam of the front door echoing in the silent house. I wrap my arms around my middle. It feels like my heart has shattered into a million pieces, and they’re scattering around the floor like glass.

I look up at Matthew, my eyes wide in shock. “Matty?” I’m not even sure what I’m asking for, but he seems to understand. He pulls me into his chest with a curse, and I finally break. My sobs come out in heaves as the situation catches up to me.

“It’s all my fault. I did this,” I cry.

“Shhh. It’s going to be okay, pretty girl. He’ll come around. We did what we thought was best. He’ll understand that after he calms down.”

“I don’t know, Matty. He was so mad.”

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