Page 76 of My Undead Heart

“Yeah, should she change it or keep it another round?” Jared’s being ridiculous, and even though I’m pissed, I am a little curious as to how Matt will answer. The elevator comes to a stop and we all take a step to shuffle out. I think maybe Matt won’t answer but he stops walking and moves to the side before we’re all out of the building.

“Oh, I’m sure I’d love whatever Mia decides,” he says with a polite smile.

I slip on my coat, surprisingly satisfied with Matt’s answer.

“Safe.” Jared hides his response in a cough.

“Pardon?” Matt cocks his head.

“Nothing. Hey, Mia, I’ll meet you outside. I just remembered I need to return Logan’s call. Give me a few minutes? Nice seeing you again, Matt.” He’s already halfway across the foyer and doesn’t even wait for my agreement.

“So, I’m guessing you got my texts?” Matt shoves his hands into his back pockets, calling out the elephant in the room. I have to admire that about him, but then that only irritates me further. Why is this man so perfect?

“Oh, yeah. I was going to answer but then Jared asked me to break for coffee.”

“Cool.” He nods.

“Yeah.”

His laughter comes easy. “So, are you free Saturday?”

“Um, yeah, I think so.” I bite the corner of my lip and glance outside the big glass walls to make sure Jared’s still out there.Traitor. Leaving me to fend for myself when I’m obviously out of my element.

Matt’s laughter dies and his gaze is sincere as he reaches out to place his fingertips at my hips. “Mia, if you don’t want to hang out, just say the word.” There’s hurt in his tone and I hate that I’ve put that there.

“No! It’s not that. My cousin wasn’t sure if she was gonna come up for the weekend,” I lie. My closest cousin is married with three children and still lives in Clear Lake. She hasn’t come for a visit since I graduated Loyola and that was over a decade ago. I don’t know why I made up a bogus excuse, but it only makes me feel worse.

“Oh.” His face floods with a relaxed smile. “Sure, just let me know. I’m game for whatever. But we’re still on for training tonight?”

“Yep. I’ll be there.”

“Well, I better ...” He points over his shoulder at the exit.

“Yeah, me, too.” I nod and we both make our way outside, parting as he heads down one side of the street and I turn toward Jared.

“Bye, Matt.” I wave.

“Later, Mia.” His lips tug with more than just a smile. They tug at my heart, and for the second time today I panic that I’m in over my head with this man. Feelings weren’t part of the deal.

“Oh, my God. What was all that about?” Jared pockets his phone and wraps his arm around my waist.

“What?” I am not entirely ready to divulge my worries to the steady stream of business professionals walking alongside us down Michigan Avenue.

“The I’d-like-to-fuck-you in the elevator but I’m-not-sure-if-you’ll-bite-my-head-off and not in a good way vibe?”

“You got all of that from a trip down ten floors?”

“What are you doing with that boy? He’s obviously into you for more than your good looks.” Jared holds open the door to our favorite coffee joint and we crowd into the long line. It’ll move fast though, and we’ll be back on our way to the office, delicious coffee in hand, before Stanton even notices we took a break.

“Shit, you got that too? We’ve been having fun. Lots of fun.”

“Fun equals sex, right? I’d be certain with anyone else, but this is you we’re talking about.”

“Thanks.” I roll my eyes. “Yes, so I need to know what to do about it. Help me, Jared.”

“I don’t know, Kitten. What do you want?”

“That’s the problem. I don’t know. We both know a relationship between me and Matt would never last.”