Page 64 of Innocent Intentions (The Syndicate #1)

Margot

Today has not been a good day. I’ve been in a bad mood since I opened my eyes. Even Benny noticed and started avoiding me. I can’t even pin down why.

Is it because Matty wasn’t there when you woke up? That he had Dotty deliver you your coffee?

Ok, maybe that’s it.

I just don’t get it. Last night felt perfect. We were laughing at my disaster of a dating life. He looked me dead in the eyes and said what we have is real. He talked about marriage and kids like he meant it. He couldn’t have been lying, right? Why would he lie?

Calm down. He probably just had a busy day.

But even my inner hussy doesn’t sound convinced.

We didn’t meet up for lunch or to walk Benny. Which isn’t unheard of, but it makes me question us. I needed to see him. Just to reassure myself everything’s okay .

I head to dinner with one goal: confirmation. I’ll see him. He’ll say something charming. And I’ll feel ridiculous for worrying.

But the second I open the dining room door, all hope vanishes.

There are no place settings.

My heart stops. A tear slips down my cheek. Then another. I break without making a sound.

What did I do wrong? Why is he changing his mind?

I thought everything was going well. I ignored all the signs today, clinging to hope. I should’ve known better. I do know better. I knew not to get involved with him.

How did I let it get this far? When did he take my heart?

“There you are, dear! I was looking all over for you. Matthias–” Dotty cuts off when she sees me. “Oh, goodness. What is going on with you, girl?”

Her voice is the perfect blend of soothing and scolding, that only Dotty can manage.

I didn’t even hear her come in. I probably look like a wreck. It takes a second to find my voice.

“There’s no place setting,” I whisper. Any louder and I’ll cry again.

“Well of course there isn’t. You two are having dinner on the terrace.

Matthias set the whole thing up. Woke up early just to tell me exactly what he wanted.

He was very particular. Said he wanted everything perfect.

And I quote, ‘This will be the first date of many to erase all her shitty ones before me.’” She shoots me a look that says I’m being absurd.

“It looks beautiful up there. Dinner will be ready soon, so wipe those tears, and off you go.”

Well, how the hell was I supposed to know?

Drama Queen. You’re in here bawling your eyes out while he’s upstairs setting up your date .

I don’t even try to play it cool. I thank Dotty and take off. I’m running up the stairs like my life depends on it–

For five steps before you got out of breath, lazy.

I stop at the terrace door, suddenly realizing I should’ve taken a minute to compose myself. I’m still a mess. But now I’m a sweaty mess. A wheezing, flushed mess. God, I hope I don’t smell.

Wait. She said date.

Date.

I need to change. And shower.

I take a step back and immediately trip.

I fall with a loud thump. With zero grace.

I let out a startled scream as I smack the ground.

Perfect.

Before I can recover, the door swings open. Matty appears, and his smile crumbles the second he sees me.

“Sweetheart, what happened? Are you okay?”

He crouches in front of me, eyes scanning for injuries. I checked myself too. I’m fine, just embarrassed.

“Sweet girl, please don’t cry. Tell me what hurts.”

“I’m okay, Matty. I just tripped.” I mumble.

His brows furrow. “Sweetheart, you’ve been crying. What’s wrong? Do you need a doctor? I can have the Syndicate doctor here in thirty minutes.”

He’s already reaching for his phone.

“No, baby. Don’t call the doctor. I’m not crying from the fall.”

He pauses. “Then why are you crying?”

“It’s stupid. I was overreacting. Just forget it.”

“Margot.”

The use of my first name makes me crack.

“You didn’t bring me coffee. Then we didn’t eat lunch or walk Benny together. Then I get to the dining room, and there aren’t any place settings. I thought… I thought you changed your mind. That you were done with me. I thought I messed up.”

A tear slips out. He catches it before I can.

Then he pulls me into his arms and tucks my head against his chest like he never wants to let go.

“Sweetheart, I’m so sorry. I wish you would’ve told me.

I got up early to plan this evening and worked through lunch just so I’d have time to set it all up.

I’m so sorry. I didn’t think you’d notice, and I definitely didn’t think you’d think I was ending things.

” His voice goes soft. “There is no ending things. This is forever. I could never be done with you. And if you still doubt that, then I clearly haven’t done enough to show you. Tonight is my next step.”

He pulls back just enough for me to see his eyes.

“Margot Peterson, one day Margot Montclair, would you do me the honor of going on a date with me?”

He bows dramatically. Then kisses my hand.

My heart melts.

“I’d love to,” I whisper.

He helps me up and opens the doors to the terrace.

And I freeze.

It’s stunning.

Strings of warm light hang from the ceiling. Soft music flows throughout the room. A table covered with candles, crystal glasses, real silverware, and folded napkins makes it look like we’re at some five-star rooftop restaurant.

I turn, and he’s holding roses. Beautiful, deep red ones.

He’s in a navy suit and a white button-up. Crisp, clean-shaven. Polished in a way he never is by this time of day… and I’m in yoga pants.

He smiles, waiting for my reaction .

“Matty, I don’t even know what to say. This is amazing. It’s too much.”

“No. Nothing will ever be enough for my sweet girl. But I’ll damn well try.”

He pulls out my chair, waits until I sit, then slides in across from me.

His legs find mine under the table and wrap around me. As if even now, he needs the contact.

It’s perfect.

He’s perfect.