Page 78 of Mr. Red

“Hmm. I don’t mind if you come over late.”

“By the time I get back it’s going to be almost the next day. Don’t worry, I’ll be back over Friday.”

“Just come over to me after. I don’t care what time you get in.”

“Matt, don’t be ridiculous. We can be apart for one night.”

“We don’t have to be. I’d much rather you be in my bed, no matter the hour. I’ll see you soon, sweetheart. Don’t forget to pack.”

“Matt! Come on. You sleep light. I don’t want to wake you. Let’s hold off for one night.”

“No need.”

“Anyone ever tell you you’re controlling?”

“My girlfriend likes to mention it. See you soon.”

“Wait! Matt?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you!”

“Anything for you. Bye, sweetheart.”

“Okay, bye!”

I pack while trying to get ready, folding everything and putting my beauty products into containers. I’m in and out of the shower in record time and choose a tank top and shorts to wear. I put my hair up in a low ponytail and grab a sweater on the way out.

I’m not ready to tell Matt about my dad. I’m still not ready to tell my dad about Matt. Matt would probably insist on meeting my dad, and I think it’s too early. I want to see if there truly is a long-term commitment here first.

I make my way over to the address Matt gave me. Once I pull up in the wraparound driveway, my mouth drops open and my eyebrows raise. I’m not qualified to go into this house in this outfit.Houseisn’t even the right word to describe what I’ve just pulled up to. In front of me stands a three-story modern mansion on a freaking hilltop.

At least I have time to freak-out. Maybe I can go to Paige’s and borrow one of her more modest dresses. Being Miss America seems to be a requirement to get inside. At the very least, I need a business suit and heels.

I’ve run out of time to do anything. Matt starts walking to my door. Great timing to be a gentleman, Matt.

He opens my door and takes my hand to help me out of the car. “How was your drive?”

I manage to respond with, “Lovely. How’d you know I was here?”

I was trying to escape.

“Security cameras notified me, and I was expecting you.”

“Oh, right. Cameras.”Damn them.

“You ready?”

“Sure, I go to mansions all the time. Just another Tuesday for me.”

“It’s Monday.” He has his sideways smirk on, makingmy knees want to buckle.

We walk up the concrete pathway with his hand on my lower back, guiding me. At some point he grabbed my bag in his other hand.

We pass plants placed strategically to bring color and warmth to the property, like hydrangeas, evergreens, and sculpted hedges framing the structure. There’s also lighting accentuating trees, the pathway, and a modern-looking rectangular fountain.

“Is this what your place in Texas looks like?”