Page 64 of Blindsided

Tilly

Isqueeze my arms to my chest in a poor excuse for a hug. The silence of my hotel room is starting to get to me even as I watch the hubbub of New York City pass below my window. After being in Westlake for months, the city feels much larger than ever before. My fondness for New York is still there, but I’m finding out that I don’t miss living here.

I never thought I’d feel that way. It’s confirmation that I’m making the right decisions for my future.

My phone rings from the nightstand by my bed. I hate that my smile dims a little when I see it’s Matthew instead of Desmond. Being this close to him is making me miss my brother more than I ever thought possible.

But a call from my guy is always a good way to cheer me up, so I answer with a cheerful smile I genuinely feel.

“Tilly, you’re fucking incredible,” Matthew gushes before I can even get out a hello. His face is adorable as he grins at me.

“Why’s that?” I ask, bemused by his praise.

“Because I’ve spent this entire morning reading your book instead of working. I couldn’t put it down.”

I grab a pillow, groaning as I cover my face so I don’t have to see him looking at me like that anymore.

“Put that pillow away and talk to me, please.”

I drop the silky hotel pillow and look back at him. “If you’re blowing smoke up my ass, I’ll junk punch you.”

Matthew laughs. “I’m not blowing smoke, pretty girl. You’ve truly got something here. I can’t wait to read more.”

I emailed Matthew the first half of my book because I was starting to doubt myself. I thought if he read it while I was in New York, then I wouldn’t have to see his face when he finished. Leave it to Matthew to get around that small detail.

“I’m not sure how it’s supposed to end. I’ve mostly been winging it. Now, I’m regretting that decision.”

“I have no doubt you’ll figure it out. Maybe we can bounce ideas off each other when you get home.”

I grin. “That would be fun.”

“We should also try that scene where he holds her upside down while he eats her out. You know, just to make sure it’s practical.”

My face blushes bright red at the idea. It took a whole lot of courage and a couple of glasses of wine before I got the nerve to write the sex scenes. Once I started, though, my imagination took off. And I still have no idea where that idea came from.

“I’ve also been coming up with some fun ideas for inspiration. Then you could just write from experience.” Matthew winks. He’s enjoying my embarrassment entirely too much.

“Can we talk about something else, please?” I groan.

“Okay, okay. I’ll stop teasing you. What are you up to today?”

“Veronica is coming to the hotel to go over my schedule in a bit. I’m a little nervous about telling her I’m done.”

“Why?”

I shrug. “She’s been my agent since the beginning of my career. I feel like I’m going to disappoint her.”

“I can understand that.”

“I’m also worried I’ll have too many commitments to come home right away. What if I have to stay here for longer than we thought?”

“Then you’ll do what you have to do. I’ll visit you as often as possible, and you’ll come home when you’ve got a few days off. We’ll make it work.” The conviction in Matthew’s voice eases the pressure in my chest. Ever since Desmond found out about us, I’ve been waiting for Matthew to give up on me. I know he’s hurting as much as I am over this fight. What if he decides his friendship with Des is more important than our relationship? He’s giving up a twenty-year-long friendship for a girl he’s been dating for two months. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

I nod my head. There’s not much I can say to that without spilling all my fears, and right now is not the time to do it. “I should probably go get ready. Veronica will be here in an hour.”

“Okay, pretty girl. I love you. No matter what happens or what she says, remember that.”

“I love you, too, Matty.”

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