“Yes, I am.” He gives a short laugh, and we start walking again. “Oh well, shit happens, right? I couldn’t leave that poor goose suffering like that.”
The attraction I feel for Matt skyrockets at that. There is nothing more attractive than a man who’s compassionate toward animals. Okay, the fact that Matt is physically gorgeous, has a sense of humor, is sweet and an amazing kisser that might also have something to do with what I’m feeling. This man is everything I’ve ever wanted.
I stumble over my feet. Matt’s hand is immediately on my arm to steady me.
Blearily I blink up at him, realization hitting me like a jolt of lightning.
He’s everything I asked for.
I’m in a daze as Matt drives us back to my work. It doesn’t even register when he pulls into the parking lot and stops next to my car.
“Tricia.”
At my name, my head lifts and I meet his searching gaze. His brown eyes are so full of warmth that I want to fling myself into his arms and stay there forever.
I’m doing just that when his hand captures mine.
“I know I’m rushing things and if you ever feel overwhelmed, just tell me to back off…” he trails off, his eyes closing for a moment. When they reopen, he smiles. “I’d love to have you come over for dinner tonight. It would be late and it’s probably asking too much. We just had breakfast, but I need to see you again-”
“Yes,” I cut in.
“Yes?”
Undoing the seat belt, I angle my body closer. “It is overwhelming, but in a good way.”
Matt’s mouth covers mine in an instant. His tongue sweeping against my lips in a way I’m growing to crave.
When the kiss ends, we’re both smiling, and it hits me I could fall in love with this man so easily.
I’m halfway there already.
CHAPTER TEN
MATT
I have no idea how I made it through a full workday and can only hope I said nothing too off-key when recording my presentation for the webinar. My thoughts were fully on Tricia. As they have been since the moment she walked into the room for my massage. I’m too old for puppy love and it’s not mere infatuation.
Freezing in the act of stepping into the shower, it hits me how much I want her. Obviously sexually, zero doubt about that, yet this is more. I’m looking forward to showing her my home, of seeing her here and this space being filled with her scent and presence. I want her, all of her.
I shower and toss on slacks and a plain blue shirt, hoping to project a casual appearance. Assessing myself in the mirror, the same face stares back at me that has most of my adult life. There’s more silver in my hair and beard than there was a few years ago and it’s hard not to wince at the lines bracketing my mouth and creasing the skin around my eyes.
All the signs are there that I’m not a young man any longer. Yet I’m just as eager as any twenty-year would be waiting for Tricia to arrive.
I’m not young, but I still have a lot of life left in me. Life that I want to spend with her.
When the doorbell rings, the sight of Tricia standing there steals more than my breath.
Words feel inadequate.
Still, I try.
“You’re beautiful,” I breathe, stepping forward to take the bulky white and red bag from her.
Her blue eyes sparkle, her pink lips parting in a pleased smile I cannot resist. Cupping her cheek, I press my mouth to hers, almost dropping the bag when her arms wind around my neck, her fingers brushing through the hair on the nape of neck. She pulls back first, yet I linger, breathing in the sweet scent of her and enjoying the closeness.
“Hi again,” she says, a flush of pink on her cheeks.
“Yes, hello again,” I say, brushing my fingers along her blush before dropping my hand. “Thank you for coming.” Looking down at the bag, I grin. “D’Angelo’s. You didn’t need to.”