Page 154 of Chasing Hope

Fifty minutes later, Evie has reheated the bath for a second time, pressing play on episode two ofThe O.C.The bubbles hide her body as I sit beside the tub, dishing up the butter chicken that arrived moments ago.

“My mouth is salivating.”

I pass her the plate I made for her, and I can’t help but smile. “It smells incredible.”

“Better than incredible. I’m in heaven, Matteo.”

Slowly, I’ve watched Evie come back to herself, have been able to gently coax her out of that shell of exhaustion. She hasn’t brought up therapy since her earlier confession of how hard it was and I don’t want to push her.

I just want to continue being the man who puts that gorgeous smile on her face.

That’s all I want, to give her what she deserves—the world.

Chapter 46

Evie

BOOK CLUB BANDITS

LAYLA

I can’t wait any longer

CINDY

thank God someone said it

BELLA

move Totti’s dinner to lunch today before the game?

EVIE

HAHA

count me in

It’s been four days since my first therapy session and only today I’ve woken up without feeling bone-deep tired. My therapist warned me it would be grueling, warned me that going through the memories and talking about what happened would utterly exhaust me. I just didn’t think it would have such an impact on me for so long.

I’m just grateful I feel like myself again.

Today marks the first game of the season, and despite Calebstill ignoring my calls and not speaking to me, I’m still going to show up. For Matteo, and for Caleb, too.

Although I don’t think he’ll see it that way.

I haven’t seen my brother play in person in over a year, which is far too long, a tidbit that has guilt eating away at me. But if my first therapy session has shown me anything, though, it’s that I am carrying far too much guilt on my shoulders.

Walking down the apartment stairs, I’m triple-checking I have everything I need in my purse for the lunch drinks and the game itself when?—

“Fuck no.”

Lifting my head, I spot Matteo swiveled toward me in his office chair. Shaking his head, he stands, stealing my breath in doing so. He’s shirtless, his corded muscles rippling as he walks.

That’s not all, though.

He’s wearing sweatpants low on his hips, so low that I can see the V trailing down to his groin.

My stomach flips, butterflies taking flight as my core pulses.