Page 26 of From Drummer to Gamer

A tense beat of silence passed.

Matty’s lips twitched. “You would hide the light.”

Hide the light?The room was swathed in sunlight. How the hell was I going to hide it? Maybe I would hide it for him since his seat was at the head of the table.

“Fine,” I huffed, switching seats with Raphy, who thankfully did not argue. But he was sporting a cheesy grin on his lips that grated my nerves. I knew he was itching to pull out a fangirl joke.

“So first things first,” Matty started as we all finally settled in our designated seats.

Matty at the head, me to his right and Raphy to his left.

“Wait.” I held out a hand, my eyes roaming over the feast. “First thing, did you make all this?” My wide eyes darted to him.

“No,” he muttered, staring blankly. “I ordered it.”

“I’ve never seen anything like this before,” I said with awe, tossing a piece of fruit into my mouth. “But you don’t have to worry about cooking anymore. I’m the most amazing cook I know,” I declared proudly.

“Yeah, right,” Raphy said with his mouth full of French toast.

“Not what you said when you scarfed down my muffins,” I countered, fixing him with a glare.

Matty let out a loud sigh. “Can we please concentrate?”

“Yes, sir.” Raphael saluted him.

Matty’s left eye twitched.

Fuck, he was getting really mad.

“Please continue,” I said softly, placing my hand over his arm. “We won’t interrupt you.”

He nodded before his eyes dragged to my fingers, which were clutching his huge, veiny forearm like it was the easiest thing I’d ever done.

Fuck, I touched Matty Evans without even thinking. But he felt warm and strong and nice…

Matty Evans felt nice.

That was a weird conclusion to arrive at.

Matty cleared his throat, gesturing to my hand.

“Ah, yes.” I jerked my hand like I’d been electrocuted. “Sorry.”

“So first things first,” he started again. “I take security very seriously. You’re both under my care now and my responsibility, so if anything happens to you, it falls on me. I want you both safe while you’re with me.”

Ah, my heart. Did Matty Evans just say he wanted me to be safe?

“…so don’t share the building code with anyone. Don’t engage with someone wanting to know anything about the band. Some paps and reporters will go to great lengths to get the story out, so be vigilant and careful. Don’t unnecessarily mention that you’re living with me unless it’s someone you trust. Also, no guests without letting me know first. I’m a pretty private person, and I’d like to stay that way.”

“I know,” I breathed.

He paused, his eyes snapping to mine. “How do you know?”

Did I say that out loud?“Like… you know how you say, you know, or I know. For example, you say the sky is pretty and I say I know,” I blubbered, waving my hands. “It’s like that, you know. Like I know likethatI know. Because how the hell would I know if you’re private or not? That’s blasphemous. I don’t follow you around like a stalker. Only a crazy fan would do that. I’m certainly not that.”

Matty blinked. I think the man was shocked for the first time in his life.

I shoved my foot in my mouth, didn’t I?