Page 88 of My Undead Heart

“Are you kidding?” He turns his chin to give me a wink before pulling his pants up and picking his shirt up off the floor. “It’s a walk of honor. I’m proud to be leaving your place in my day old clothes. I hope everyone notices.” He does a little shimmy and it’s enough to make me laugh, even at this early hour.

“You’re such a dork.” I toss a pillow at him but he dodges it, instead walking over to gather the rest of his clothing.

He comes to sit at the foot of my bed, all teasing gone from his expression. “Hey, I have to head to the gym.”

I nod. “Okay, I should probably get ready for work, too.”

“Thank you. For last night.” His hand squeezes my leg through the covers. Last night meant something more to him. It was evident in every touch and kiss. I should ask why, but before I can, his lips lift into a smirk. “And this morning.”

“What did I do this morning?” I shake my head, totally confused.

He grins again and that’s when I notice a second too late he has the blankets clenched in each hand. With a yank he pulls them right off my body and his eyes light with appreciation at my naked form.

“Really, Matt?” I sit up, not at all ashamed to be bare in front of him. Why should I be when his gaze holds so much desire?

“I really have to leave ...” He groans and turns away to find his shoes.

Things between us are light, easy, and the smart thing would be to let it ride, but with the morning of a new day, I can’t just let things go. “Why did you cancel our date on Saturday?” The words blurt out, causing him to stop and meet my stare.

“I got held up training Xavier Johnson. He’s been going through a few things that we had to work around.”

I nod because that’s an answer that makes perfect sense. One that doesn’t include drama or games.

“Why did you show at Zig’s?” His gaze is full of a watchfulness that goes straight to my intent.

“I let my friend talk me into it. That was a mistake.”

“Why? Because it didn’t work out the way you wanted?”

“No, because she ditched me for a one-night stand and then you went all controlling alpha on me. I don’t like that, Matt. I told you I don’t like being told what to do, or where to go.”

He nods. His gaze is sober but he walks closer until he stands over me. He bends down and lifts my chin with the tips of his fingers. His lips brush against mine once and then he pulls away. “Okay. I’m sorry about that. I won’t do it again.”

“Thank you,” I murmur and hold his gaze until I can’t anymore.

Meow.Rick jumps on the bed and trots between us. I pull back, lifting the covers over my body for protection and the shuffle causes Rick to jump down with another loud meow.

“Your cat is adorable.” Matt chuckles.

And there he is, Rick fucking Grimes, winding his way in and out of Matt’s legs in circle eights. His tail twitches back and forth, and for once he actually seems content.What the—?Is he purring?

“He’s a real traitor, that’s for sure,” I grumble and climb off the bed to throw on a big T-shirt and pair of sweats. Matt walks out to the living room and I can hear him cooing to Rick while he laces up his boots. I step out of my room to get a glass of water and when I pass by, the cat hisses.

“Whoa!” Matt bends down and scratches Rick behind the ears. “No need to get excited, big guy. I promise to be good to your owner.”

“He’s not pissed at you. He hates me.”

“Your cat hates you? I’m sure that’s not true.”

“The fucker shits in my closet once a week. The last time, I swear he smiled at me mid-poo.”

“I think you’re being paranoid. He’s a good cat. Aren’t you, buddy?” Rick just purrs and rubs his head on Matt’s palm as though he can’t get enough. At least that’s something Rick and I have in common.

“Really, Rick? Make a liar out of me, why don’t you?” I laugh because Matt really does have some lion tamer gift when it comes to my psycho cat. Bringing my cup to my lips, I take a gulp of water.

Matt walks over. “Mia, I have something I want to ask you.”

Oh, God. This is it. The moment he asks me to take things further. To label our relationship when I’m not ready. Only this time is different, and for the first time I’d actually consider it. Oh, God. What’s happened to my cold heart for one?