Page 63 of Blindsided

I press a kiss to Matthew’s lips in solidarity. I wouldn’t trade anything for the love I’ve found in Matthew. He’s everything I’ve always wanted in a partner. I just have to make Desmond see that, too.

* * *

I stare blindly out of the window in the living room. I can’t seem to get the gumption to do anything else but sit here. Sergio is curled up in my lap. It’s as if he knows I need the extra cuddles today.

It’s been four days, and we haven’t heard a word from Desmond. I only know he’s back in New York because Mom told me he was. Other than that, it’s been radio silent. He hasn’t said anything to Mom and Dad about what happened. I managed to avoid talking about it myself. She’d try to meddle, and I’m not sure it would be all that helpful right now.

She’s always struggled with how protective Desmond is of me. At times, she’d get on to him for being overbearing; other times she’d be grateful he was keeping an eye on me because it gave her peace of mind.

The idea of being in New York while Desmond is mad at me makes my stomach turn. I was hoping I could still stay with him despite our fight, but since he hasn’t answered a single one of my calls or texts, I booked a hotel room for the week instead. I’m not looking forward to spending five days by myself in the same city my stalker is in, but I don’t have a choice.

I’ve decided I’m going to try to talk to Desmond in person when I get to the city since it’ll be the last time I can just stop by anytime I want.

Tears well in my eyes at the thought. God, this hurts more than I thought it would.

“Hey, pretty girl.”

I look up at Matthew. His sad eyes give away how much the silence is affecting him, too, but he refuses to talk about it with me. He said he needs more time to work out exactly what he’s feeling before he’s ready to talk.

“Are you all packed up?”

I sigh. “Yeah. I’ve got my duffle ready to go.”

“It’s only a few days. Then you’ll be home.”

“I’m still gonna miss you.” I fake a pout.

He pokes my lip. “Put that away before I bite it.”

Despite not feeling like laughing, I do anyway. “I’d like that.”

He leans forward and nips at my mouth. The move makes Sergio grumble and jump off my lap.

I moan into Matthew’s kiss. Even when I’m sad, he can turn me on like no other.

Matthew scoops me out of the chair and smoothly sits back down in it with me in his lap. I snuggle into his chest with my arms around his waist.

“I wish you were coming to the city with me.” It’s pathetic for me to be so needy. I just hate that I’m going to be alone the entire time I’m there. I used to not mind being on my own, but having spent these past two months with Mathew, I loathe the idea.

“Me, too. This project is happening at the worst time, but it’s going to be great for Sidelines in the long run,” Matthew says, talking about the new contract they’ve been working on with another professional sports team.

“I’m just being a baby. But I am going to miss you.”

“If you’re a baby, then so am I because I’m going to miss you more.”

“Not possible.” I press a kiss to his neck. This feeling of dread won’t go away in my stomach. Being on the outs with Desmond is throwing me for a loop. There was a comfort in knowing I could turn to him if I ever needed anything. Being in New York without that safety net is enough to send me into an anxiety spiral.

Needing a distraction, I bite the soft flesh where Matthew’s neck meets his shoulder. He shivers at the contact, and I grin.

“Hold that thought, my love. Adam and Ellie are going to be here any minute. I thought they might be a fun distraction.”

A relieved sigh relaxes my shoulders. “I love you.”

“I love you, too. Now, come on. I want to beat you atMario Kart.” Matthew slaps my thigh to prompt me off his lap.

“In your dreams.”

CHAPTER28

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