“We can create a show, together.” He wiggles his eyebrows.
Thea serves him with her famous eyeroll but also a sweet smile. “I have my own deadlines, Matt, but I’ll see what I can do.”
No doubt Thea’s promise will end up being an overnight brainstorm session, which I’ll love to watch. They’re a great creative team. “If I finish soon.”
Matt hands her a box of food and chopsticks. “I can’t believe that you haven’t eaten yet.” He finally turns around to pay attention to the rest of us. “So, I take it you two are the parents?”
“Yes,” I confirm. “Viviane and Ferdinand Cooperson.”
“Matthew Decker.” He extends his hand, but they both just stare at it. Dear Lord, they’re going to get the smartass in exchange.
“Awkward,” he says using a high-pitched voice, then mumbles, “I’m trying to be friendly. What’s with them, Coop?”
“Who is this brute that just came into your house, Tristan?” Father’s voice echoes in my brain, reverberating like a sharp kick to the shin.
“Brute? That’s a fucking new word. I have to text the bro. His father-in-law called him a hooligan. I bet he’s going to get a laugh out of your tender referral.” Matt gives him a glance and smirks at him. “I’m the owner of this crib.”
Then he sets his eyes on Thea, who is in place, waiting for another punch or to punch back. “Butterfly, you okay? Did they provide you with a nickname? ‘Cuz if they insulted you, I’ll have Joe remove them from here.”
Matt doesn’t blink, nor sound bothered about my parents’ presence. But I know he is. Annoyed, hurt. Yes, the words resonate inside me. I sense that. Thea is hurt. Matt is hurtandannoyed by my parents’ judgment.
“Why are you living with a man?” My mother’s agonizing tone makes my father stand straight. “Tristan, you swore. You promised you’d change. God might not forgive you this time.”
“Make it one month, Tristan,” my father repeats, his face red. “And don’t forget our holiday plans. Don’t plan to include her. Victoria is expecting her ring.”
“Please, Tristan, don’t become a gay. I’d rather have you with that whore than a man.”
“Time is up.” Matt storms to the door while tapping his phone. He opens the door and gives me a stern look. “Say goodbye to your parents, Coop.”
His commanding voice doesn’t leave room for anything. To my parents, he adds, “Next time you swing by, make sure you’re willing to be civilized.”
“It’s a Connecticut thing, Matt.” Thea smiles sweetly at him.
“By the way,Mr.andMrs. Cooperson. My name isDr. Agatha Dennis. I’m a psychiatrist, editor, and jewelry designer. Not a stripper or a whore. But even if I were, you have no right to judge,” she calls out as they step into the elevator.
ChapterFourteen
Matthew
After lunch,I cancel my video conference and decide to work on the show. Thea offers to help me. Unfortunately, she changes clothes. Fortunately, she wears a loose dress that gives me access to her—not that I’m going to initiate anything with her.
But a man can always dream, right?
After placing the car into park, I turn off the ignition, helping Thea unclasp her belt and pulling her to my lap. “That little number you were wearing back at the house has me hungry.”
Thea sucks in a sharp breath.
“I had no idea you could wear so little, Butterfly. You’re always hiding those long legs.”
To keep my hands from wandering around her body, I tangle them through the loose strands of hair. I start slow, running my lips down her jawline, nibbling her earlobe, her chin, and then taking her lips.
It starts as a sweet kiss, but as her lips imitate the motions and speed up with my rhythm, I thrust my tongue past her lips, drowning myself inside her. Devouring her mouth like a starving man. Thea moans into my mouth. Her hands slide under my shirt and skim over my belly, trails of hot current vibrating in their wake.
“Fuck, baby, stop,” I pant. “I’m about to lose control.”
“Do we have to?”
The question sends sparks down my spine.