Hidden

Chapter Twenty-Three

I look up from the computer, finding Matteo walking into the room, holding a rather full envelope of cash. I smile guiltily as he tilts his head, pursing his lips.

"I believe I need to ask you what this is?"

"You know full well what it is."

"Yes, but I believe I told you that I wasn't taking this."

"And I decided against it," I state with a smirk. "See? That girl you met a couple weeks ago is still in here."

"Yeah, no." He walks forward to hand it to me. I shake my head, standing up.

"No," I reply.

"No?"

"You heard me." I laugh, turning to walk from the room.

"Emma."

"No." I skip out the door into the living room.

"I'm not playing this game," he says, without malice. I squint, shrugging.

"Well, I am."

"I have ways of making you take it."

He moves forward, smiling mischievously.

"None that will work," I answer, suddenly breathless.

"Wanna bet?"

"Sure," I sing, moving around the couch for protection. We stare at each other, tight-lipped before I roll my eyes. "Oh, Matteo, just take the money."

He moves suddenly, sprinting towards me, catching me off guard. I yelp, running towards the kitchen. He reaches for me as I skirt around the island, headed for the living room. He catches my shirt and knowing I'm caught, I turn, deploying my best hand. I crash into him, lips first, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. He pulls me in by the fabric of my t-shirt, growling. I hear the envelope fall onto the floor.

"We're not done talking about this," he says, defeat apparent in his tone. I smile, lips against his as he pulls me down onto the couch.

                                                * * * *

I lift my head from the pillow as the bed sinks, waking. "Matteo?"

"We're you expecting someone else?" he asks, amused. I roll my eyes as his body warms my back and his arm comes around my waist.

"I tried to stay up," I whisper, blinking. "It's late... where were you?"

"I know. I went to my appointment with the shrink and rehearsal lasted longer than usual. They needed the work before the weekend. I called another meeting for the morning- it will probably last all day."

My eyes stare at the clock that reads fifteen minutes to midnight and I feel a twist of jealousy. I refuse to say anything so I simply remain quiet, trying not to picture Matteo with Wendy or some other woman.

"I'm sorry," he whispers, kissing my hair. I shake my head, smiling softly in the darkness.

"You have nothing to be sorry for. Your work is hard... and important. How was your appointment?"

"It was fine."

"Do you like the therapist?" I whisper, cautiously. He remains quiet for a moment in the darkness.

"He's alright... As much as I can like someone that's digging into my psyche."

"What's his name? I don't think you've ever said it."

"Dr. Reynolds."

He drifts off after my silence, I feel his body go lax behind me. I continue drifting my fingers over his hand comfortingly, wide awake with my thoughts.