Chapter Thirteen:

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"Is this really necessary?" I grumbled as I soaked in my tub and enjoyed the hot, sudsy water.

"Oh, shush. If you don't stop complaining, I'll make you look like a clown, by the time I'm finished." Dom gave me a look that told me that there was no point in arguing with him. I made a face at him, but stopped griping. "When is the last time that you've had anyone pamper you like this, or had someone else wash your hair?" He asked me.

"I can't even remember." I told him, truthfully. I sighed blissfully, as I felt his fingers massage my scalp. "How long have you lived here?" I asked him, as my curiosity got the better of me.

"Just a smidge longer than you, love. I've got to say, living here has a certain finesse. Doesn't it?" He mused, as he started to rinse my hair.

"Ya know, a girl could get used to this."

"Just another perk of my friendship, darling. Don't worry, I'll let you make it up to me, by inviting me to your next ladies' night." I could hear the smile in his voice.

"I promise you'll be invited."

---

"Alright, let's get a look at you." Dom clapped his hands together. He looks more like a proud parent, than anything else. He helped me to my feet and ushered me in front of the mirror. I took in my appearance, before hugging him gratefully.

I'm not sure what all he did, but my skin is glowing. My hair looks soft and vibrant. He kept my make-up minimal and just played up my eyes. I've gotta hand it to him. I look like a better version of myself. The man knows what he's doing.

He dressed me in an old pair of Daisy Duke's, a fitted grey camisole that hugged me in all the right places, a light burgundy cardigan and flats.

"Well, love, what do you think?" Dom pressed.

"I love it. I might just keep you." I teased him.

"Careful, you say that now, but one day you'll come home and I'll be modeling your clothes and things will never be the same." He laughed. I shook my head and pulled away from him.

"I don't think I'd mind that. I've heard worse." I giggled.

"I better be going, pet. I expect all the details later." He winked and let himself out.

---

I jumped, when I heard a knock on my door. I set my book down and glanced over at the clock. I had lost track of time. Just as I put my hand on the doorknob, my phone went off.

'Any chance I'm gonna see you later, babe?
-Dean'

I pulled the door open and saw an anxious Matt waiting for me.

"Hey, I brought Thai I hope that's okay." He gestured to the take out in his arms. I nodded and stepped aside, so he could come in.

"That sounds great. Come in." I told him. He stepped past me and I shut the door behind him.

'I'd say your chances are very good... but I have no idea what time, yet.
-Karen'

I pocketed my phone, after texting Dean back.

"Nice place," Matt said somewhat awkwardly.

"Thanks. I like it." I replied. It's small, but it's home. He looked at me questioningly and I knew he was asking about the food. I pointed to the table in the kitchen. I moved a few work things, before we sat down. "Let me grab some plates." I got up and grabbed a few paper plates from the counter.

"Here, let me help." Matt offered. I ran into him as I turned around. I didn't realize how close he was. He put his hands on my hips to steady me. I tried to ignore how nice his hands felt on my skin and the fact that my shirt had ridden up. "You okay?" He asked me. I nodded and handed him the plates.

"Here... I'll get drinks." I told him. I waited for him to let me go, but he didn't. I felt his eyes on me. I took a deep breath and met his gaze. I cleared my throat and he seemed to realize that he was still holding me in place. He let me go and moved to the side. I stepped around him, but felt his eyes on me. I grabbed a bottle of wine from the fridge. "Sorry, I only have wine or water..." I apologized, softly.

"Wine is fine with me." He shrugged. I nodded and grabbed glasses, before sitting down. I opened the bottle of Riesling and poured a generous amount into each glass. Matt took a glass, as we stared awkwardly each other across the table.

Matt grabbed his glass, as we stared awkwardly each other, from across the table. He cleared his throat, smirked, and started dishing out food.

---

We ate without too much forced small talk. Thank God. When he basically invited himself over, I didn't think that it would be this uncomfortable. But hey, it wouldn't be the first time I was wrong.

We ended up watching The Fast and the Furious. He has better taste in movies, then I thought he would. Every time my phone would go off, he would give me weird looks, like he knew exactly who I was texting. I don't see what the big deal is, though. It's not like we're dating.

“I can't believe that you actually like this movie." Matt mused. I shot him a look of disbelief.

"What is that supposed to mean?" I asked him. He just smirked.

"It's not exactly a girl type of movie." He looked like he was trying not to laugh. I narrowed my eyes at him. That’s such a guy thing to say. And he wonders why I don't want to sleep with him. As if.

“Wow, that doesn't make you sound chauvinistic at all." I rolled my eyes in disdain. He can't be serious.

“What? It's not like I'm wrong." he chuckled. Wow. I think it's time to call it a night. I wonder what Dean is doing...

"Well, you're definitely not right." I argued. "Sorry, I forgot that we were still trapped in the stone ages. Because heaven forbid, females not like anything that's not a romantic comedy." I pulled out my phone to text Dean.

'You still want to come over? So over tonight. Why did I agree to be acquaintances with Matt, again? Ugh.
-Karen'

"Oh, you know that I didn't mean it like that." Matt tried and failed do you know that you what was left of our forced hangout. He must have realized that his foot really does live in his mouth.

"You know, it's getting kind of late. I think we should call it a night." I said, instead of agreeing with him. He nodded and got to his feet. I walked him over to the front door.

"What are the chances, of you wanting to do this again? Because I swear, I don't always make such an ass of myself." He asked me. I shrugged.

“I’m not sure." I told him, truthfully.

"That's fair. Don't think you’re getting off that easily. You can't avoid me forever." He said, teasingly.

“I can try." I deadpanned. He smirked and took the hint and left. My phone went off.

'On my way, darlin'. I'll give you something else to think about. ;)
-Dean'

'I can't wait. The door is unlocked. Come on in.
-Karen'

Notes

As promised, a new chapter! Next chapter will be up tomorrow! Reviews/Comments would be fantastic!

Xo,
Katie