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“I’d like that.”
My goofy grin comes back at the thought that this is becoming more of a stay-at-home date—dinner and a movie. While that thought usually makes me nervous, the butterflies in my stomach make me think they’re more from excitement than fear.
“You want to pick a movie?” I’m curious to see what he likes.
“No, go ahead. What do you have?” He looks toward the television curiously. There’s no connection other than the power cord, so it doesn’t look like it’s hooked up to anything.
“No cable, mostly streaming.” There’s not even a DVD player. “Luckily, the Wi-Fi is strong here.” When I first told my mom where I was moving, she was convinced I’d be in the boonies with no cell phone reception and no reliable way for her to get in contact.
“An essential convenience.” He winks and picks up our plates, leaving me to grab the drinks again.
I lead him to the living room’s large sofa. There are wooden coasters in the center of the table with some other cabin knickknacks, so I grab two and set them out. Norman watches us carefully from his stance by the door.
We settle in, and I bring up the streaming app. I’m a little embarrassed by the profusion of baking and mindless reality shows on my Currently Watching list.
Scrolling through my to-be-watched list, I don’t feel drawn to any particular one. “Anything interesting?”
“Any of those look good.” His deft fingers pop open the tabs of our cans. He pours the drinks into glasses of ice, then sits. I quickly grab his plate so it doesn’t fall off his lap while he moves and set it on mine instead.
As Matt relaxes back into the couch with his feet on the table and reclaims his plate, his fingers brush against my thigh. I don’t even remember him taking off his shoes.
My breath catches, and I involuntarily lean toward him. Trying to cover up my reaction, I grab my plate and lean back into the couch, tucking my legs underneath me.
I pick a movie that’s a good mix of rom-com and action and adventure. I don’t think I’d be able to keep up with all the twists and turns of something too serious.
It’s surprisingly entertaining, and we both finish our food in companionable silence while the story unfolds.
Eventually, our empty plates wind up on the table, and Norman comes over, checking for leftovers.
“I probably shouldn’t keep feeding him human food, or he’s going to turn into a massive pest.” I watch as he tentatively sniffs the plate and makes a face.
“But he’d be a really cute one.” Matt’s fingers are laced together and resting on his stomach. He’s lounging back on the couch with his head on the deeply cushioned back, smiling indulgently at Norman’s look of disgust.
“C’mere, buddy.” He pats the space on the couch between us, and to my surprise, Norm jumps over, makes a circle, and settles down.
“I swear he’s part dog.” Matt scratches the back of Norm’s neck affectionately.
I laugh, nearly snorting the last of the ginger ale I just drank. “I was just thinking the same thing.”
I curl sideways into the couch to face them with my head pillowed into the back.
It feels homey. Norm relaxes between us and doesn’t even come close to filling the space. His small body elongates, and he stretches his spine. When Matt filled the food bowl earlier, I was gratified to see Norm dig right in. Hopefully with some care, he’ll put on more weight.
“What have you decided about tomorrow?” Matt speaking softly fits the mood that’s settled over the cabin. The credits just finished playing, and the TV scrolls through previews for other movies.
“I texted Annie earlier, and she said she’d be able to keep an eye on him tomorrow. We’ll just have to send some food along.”
Matt watches me carefully. “She really likes you.”
A warm burst of pleasure fills my chest. In some ways, she’s already becoming like a second mother-figure to me. She’s so easy and comfortable to be with. “I like her too.”
Matt gives Norm one more stroke and settles his hands back on his stomach, relaxing into the couch.
“I like you too. I wasn’t lying earlier.” Matt looks directly at me when he speaks, and I feel like I’m being pricked with little arrows of awareness. Heat spreads across my skin, and I’m sure I look like a tomato.
He sets his feet down and half turns toward me. “I know this might be an odd situation since you’re technically my employee.”
He watches me while he waits for a response.
