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Of course mymother shows up to checkon me.
How did I not anticipate her scheme?
My chest sags with guilt. Matthew is surely violated. How could he not be? Our easy-peasy marriage course now consists of countless activities, all under the surveillance of Lolita, my mother’s new spy.
He’s sacrificing his time and energy to raise money for his reforestation project, while my mother’s orchestrating one of her silly games. He stood up to her. No one, apart from Dad, has the nerve to talk back to Vivian Greene.
But there was Matthew—confident, composed, and smart.
“I can’t believe her,” I say as the door to the Unity Suite latches shut. “I completely understand if you want to leave now.”
“I’m not going to leave.” Matthew flicks on the light switch, illuminating the room, which is decorated in earth tones and elevated southwestern decor.
Everyone has a breaking point.Don’t they?
My eyes brim with tears. I can’t believe I’m crying in front of Matthew—again. He grabs a tissue and hands it to me.
“Thank you.” I sniffle, blotting my eyes.
“Anytime.”
My face turns hot as a wave of embarrassment washes over me. I pinch my eyes closed and then open them. “I promise I don’t normally cry this much,” I attempt to assure him.
“You don’t need to hide your emotions around me.” He boyishly pockets his hands, making his trousers hug his thigh muscles.
I gulp. The longer I stare at him, the calmer I get.Is that so wrong?
“Thank you. I know my mother isn’t pleasant, but my parents are always there for me, even if their methods are unusual.” Regardless, Matthew doesn’t deserve her wrath.
If she knew how he’d spend his portion of the trust payout, would she still act this way?
Probably. She would be annoyed it wasn’t being used to expand the Greene legacy.
My heart pirouettes at his lack of response. Is he irritated? Upset? What on earth is he thinking?
He should storm off or yell. Instead, his eyes fill with compassion and understanding. Does he pity me?
Matthew places his hand on my forearm, and goosebumps fizz along my skin. “I’d do anything for my family. I won’t leave you here, Molly.” The words barely register. “The forests need replanting, remember?”
Right. The forests, our arrangement. That’s all this is.
He breaks the connection.
Then I’m fully aware of where I am. The panic from dinner made me forget all about our sleeping situation.
I’m alone in a hotel room with a man.
“So, about this bed in here,” Matthew says, walking into the bedroom.
Oh boy. Untamed heat floats around my body.
Is it desire? Seriously,now?
I toss my tissue and walk toward the room.
The room with just one bed.
One freaking bed.
