Page 16 of Matthias’s Protective Embrace (Cardinal Falls #3)

Chapter Eleven

FRANK

“You got this, Frank?” Devon asks. I grunt and hope that’s enough of a response for him.

It’s all he’s getting since all my brain and muscle power is focused on not dropping this paver.

These bluestones are gorgeous but fucking heavy.

The weight strains my shoulder muscles even when we move them together.

It’s going to be a long day, given the number of these to get through.

If I didn’t like Matthias as much as I do, I’d hate him for insisting on having these for his patio.

It’ll look fucking amazing when it’s done, but they’re a bitch to move and install.

Devon and I drew the short straw after lunch, so we’ve been moving them into place for the last few hours.

The only good thing is that since it’s November, the weather’s chilly.

If it was hot out, we’d be dying right now.

“Get that one in, then take a break,” Sam calls. He’s been hanging out around the work site for the last few hours, pitching in and giving direction. Notably, I haven’t seen him move one of these pavers. Guess that’s the advantage of being the boss.

As soon as we get the stone down, I sigh in relief.

If only there wasn’t a gazillion more. No way am I giving up this chance for a break, though.

Especially a boss-approved one. I flop down next to the cooler Sam brought with him.

There’s a bunch of waters and Gatorades in there, but I prefer the metal bottle Matthias prepares for me every morning.

The water isn’t special, but knowing he’s thinking about me, even for a few seconds, fills me with warmth.

I gulp down as much as I can manage at once before my thirst is quenched. Apparently, I need to stop for a drink more often. When I’m focused on work, it’s hard to remember. Probably why Sam feels the need to check in with us and make sure we’re taking appropriate breaks.

“Hey, Sam.” I know that voice. My head snaps up in time to see Matthias round the corner into the backyard. My mouth goes dry, giving me an excuse to take a few more sips. Maybe he’ll see me using his bottle. Something tells me that would make him happy. “How’s it going?”

I’m not sure why he’s here in the middle of a Monday afternoon.

I haven’t seen him out here since the first day when he accused me of stealing.

Part of me wants to run over and check on him, make sure nothing happened at work.

The other part of me wants to stay here where I can eavesdrop on their conversation.

The sneaky part of me wins out, keeping me hidden behind some of the equipment while I take my break.

“Making good progress. I expect we’ll still be able to wrap up the project roughly on schedule.

” That might be a rare answer, but it’s true.

We’ve been working here for six weeks now and have made significant progress.

While there’s still plenty to do, it looks like we’ll wrap up on time.

That means moving to a different site. I’m still not sure what that means for my relationship with Matthias.

“Friday night?” Sam asks. Matthias looks over in my direction.

I duck my head, fixing my eyes on the grass.

I’m not even sure if he can see me back here.

If he can, his face doesn’t give anything away.

It’s not like I don’t have a reason to be here, but my cheeks still heat under his gaze.

It’s not polite to spy on them, though they’re the ones who are having a conversation near me. I had this spot first.

“No, I don’t think I’ll make it.”

“Come on. You haven’t made it to a Daddy Night in months. We miss you.”

Well, that’s interesting. I knew Sam went to Daddy Night at one of the local clubs.

It’s not really a secret. Or, if it is, it’s not a well-kept one.

The whole crew knows that Sam is a regular at Daddy Nights.

I’ve heard stories from Benji about his past relationship, though I think that ended a while ago.

Honestly, I never put much thought into it.

Sam’s just Sam. But Matthias? That gives me a lot more to think about.

“I’m not really looking for anything right now.”

“You don’t have to play. Come and have a few drinks with us.”

My stomach drops, and I put my water bottle down, too nauseous to drink anymore.

I don’t know why it comes as a surprise to me that he’s out hooking up with people.

Maybe because I’ve spent a lot of evenings and nights in his house and not seen any evidence that he’s bringing anyone home.

Probably purposeful. It’s not like I’m here every night, only on the weekdays.

“I appreciate the invitation, but I think I’m going to sit this round out. Besides, the crowd the day after Thanksgiving is always a bit rough,” Matthias says. I keep my focus anywhere but on the two of them.

Does it make me a little happy that he’s not going?

Absolutely. Do I feel bad about that? Only the tiniest bit.

I want Matthias happy, but preferably with me.

Although the Daddy thing does put a bit of a different spin on that.

I’m not sure what to make of it, though I’m sure I’ll be running through that for the rest of the day. Or week.

“If you change your mind, let me know.” Sam claps him on the shoulder and says something I can’t quite hear.

I wait for Matthias to disappear back around the front of the house before I move.

“You okay?” Sam asks when he sees me. “You look a little off. Did you get enough water?”

“Yeah, I’m good,” I lie. It’s not that I’m not okay, but my brain’s going a thousand miles an hour right now.

“Take it easy, Frank. Don’t do too much too fast. I’d rather take the extra time than have you run into issues.”

I nod at Sam. It takes him a minute, but then he goes back to his table, doing whatever paperwork he needs to get the final orders placed.

“Ready?” Devon asks.

“Sure. Let’s go.” I’m not sure any amount of time will be enough for me to want to go back to this task. At least it’s a good distraction from everything going on in my head. Between the hard work and Matthias’s revelation, I almost forgot about the calculus exam.

Almost.

MATTHIAS

I’m a nervous wreck. If someone walked in here, they’d think I was the one waiting to hear about a grade. Even when I had to wait to find out if I passed my certification exams, I don’t think I got quite this worked up.

Frank’s worked so hard, and I know it’ll break him if he didn’t do well. I might have a few ideas to help cheer him up. Though I’m hopeful that they’ll be for celebratory purposes only. It’s nice how ice cream can go either way.

I check the time—again. It’s a little later than he usually gets here after class.

Fine, it’s five minutes later at this point, but it’s enough to get me worked up.

I didn’t receive any messages from him, but I’m worried he might not send me one if he didn’t get the grade he wanted.

He claims it’s not a big deal, but I could tell from his messages over the weekend that he was concerned.

I hate that he won’t trust me enough to say it.

He doesn’t owe me anything. We’re barely friends.

Not really. Our study session the other night was the most time we’ve spent together in—well, since the night I found him in my yard.

It broke my resolve. I might not have a clue what I’m doing, but I can’t stay away from him anymore.

What that means in the long term, I don’t know yet.

I don’t want to spring this on him. A little wooing in the form of ice cream and rewards for a job well done (or at least attempted) is in order.

I hope that he’s not staying away from me. Before I can let that thought sink in, Frank’s car pulls up in front of my house. I let a big sigh, thankful he’s here. Whatever happens, I know we can deal with it as long as he’s safe.

It takes way too long for him to get from his car to my front door, and my patience starts to run out .

“Guess what?” Frank hollers as he steps inside, pausing only long enough to slip off his shoes. I’ve given him a security code so he can come and go as he wants without worry. I love that even though he knows I’m home, he didn’t knock first.

“What?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

“I got an A. An actual A!” He’s practically yelling, but since it’s with excitement, I let it go. He holds up what must be his test in front of him, waving it wildly. “Technically, it’s an A-minus, but that’s still an A.”

“That’s incredible. I knew you could do it.

” I sweep him up into a hug, pulling him close.

He’s still wearing his winter coat, but he feels good pressed against me.

I squeeze him tight, holding on a few seconds longer than I should.

It feels so good to have him in my arms again.

I’ve kept my hands to myself in our encounters, but finally getting to hold him again feels right.

Something inside me settles in a way I didn’t expect.

I pull away and straighten. “I’m so proud of you. Now we celebrate.” I don’t want to let him go, but I want him to get the celebration he deserves. Plus, I’m hoping it means I can get close to him again later.

“Celebrate?” he asks.

“Put your coat up and meet me in the kitchen.” He gives me a strange look but darts off to the front entrance.

I finally peel my gaze away from him and make myself busy.

I hope he likes what I have planned. It’s not easy coming up with something as a reward.

At least not when I only know bits and pieces about him.

If he was my boy—I cut off that train of thought before I get too far ahead of myself.

I pull out the cartons of ice cream from the freezer and a few toppings from the fridge .

“Oh my God, ice cream.” The happy look on his face starts to fade immediately.