Page 94 of From Drummer to Gamer

“Yes, him.”

“No, Tin’s my best friend. We’ve known each other forever.”

“That doesn’t stop him from developing a crush.”

“How do you know that?”

“Trust me.” He slanted me with a pointed look. “I know.”

“Why?” I raised a brow. “Because you have a crush too?”

“What I have is not a crush, Sierra,” he said, opening the car door and helping me inside. Just as my ass hit the seat, he hooked a finger under my chin, bringing my eyes an inch away from his.

My next breath hitched.

“Crushes are fleeting feelings for cowards who couldn’t admit what they want. I’m neither a coward, nor what I feel for you is fleeting.”

“Then what is it?” My voice cracked. “That you feel for me?”

“Much more,” he whispered, pressing a soft kiss on my cheek before he shut the car door, and I watched in utter bafflement as he calmly walked to the driver’s side.

What the hell was that supposed to mean?

The car swallowed in heavy silence as he started the engine, and we cruised through the city.

My brain finally made sense of everything that happened.

Matty kissed me.

Matty held my hand.

Matty spoke more than four words in a sentence.

And Matty smiled.

Did I fantasize about him so much that I was living the dream now? Did having delusions work?

But what did he mean by he felt so much more… more what?

“Does that mean you like me?” I blurted.

He shot me a glance. “I thought it was obvious. I can still taste you on my lips, Sierra. I could give you another demo if you’re still confused.”

“No,” I shouted, wide-eyed. “That’s okay. I think I got that… But wait, I thought you would be mad, not this.” I waved a hand.

“I could never be mad at you.” He shook his head, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “But I was wondering why two different women were fucking with my head at the same time. Color me surprised when I learn they’re both the same.”

I shrugged, biting my lip. “How did you find me?”

He reiterated everything, and I only felt dumb with each mistake I made, thinking I could fool someone as smart and observant as him. But then it all did work out in my favor, right?

“You did good,” he said, smiling warmly. “More than good, you were amazing, firecracker.” He brought my hand to his lips and placed a soft kiss. “I’m so proud of you.”

My throat lodged with emotion. He didn’t know how much it meant coming from him. “Thank you,” I whispered.

He nodded.

A comfortable beat of silence passed between us, and I couldn’t help but ask the question that’d been floating in the back of my head ever since he kissed me like I was his favorite green apple snack.