Match Made in Quarantine

15. The Morning After

With heat rushing to my cheeks, I made my way to the kitchen, in desperate need of caffeine. Or a time machine that could take me three months back in time. But, I'd settle for a coffee.

After I'd made some coffee, I went back to the scene of the crime — the living room.

The remnants of yesterday's game night — crushed Cheetos, beer stains, and empty bottles — still decorated the table, the couch, and the floor.

I shook my head at the mess and got to work clearing it. A smile pulled my lips up as I remembered Maddox's shocked expression when he noticed I was good at Halo. But once my thoughts drift to how the evening ended, I feel a clenching sensation in my chest.

Was game night really cancelled? And why did that thought make me feel both happy and disappointed?

Letting out a sigh at my conflicting emotions, I went back to pour myself another cup. Deep in thought, I didn't notice Maddox had made his appearance until I felt his breath against my nape.

I jumped up in surprise, spilling most of the coffee on my shirt.

"What the hell?" I muttered at frustration, turning around to give him the nastiest glare I could muster.

He bit down on his lip, clearly trying to keep from laughing, "Sorry, sorry, didn't think I'd scare you."

"What kind of reaction did you expect?! Creepily standing behind me like that." I shuddered, rubbing my hand along my nape, trying to get rid of the tingling sensation.

He smirked, rubbing his chin with his fingers, "Well, usually I get more of a squee or giggling."

I rolled my eyes so hard I thought they'd stay inverted in my head. Pushing him away, I made my way back to the living room and felt him follow behind me.

"Can I help?" He asked in his puppy dog voice and I knew looking at him would be a mistake, but I did it anyway.

He gazed down at me through his thick lashes, his head tilted slightly to the side, and an unbearably sweet smile on his face. I clicked my tongue, frustrated at how good he was at using his physical appearance to manipulate. Even more frustrated that it was working. I thought you were smarter than this, Aimee.

Huffing, and riding a self-deprecating wave of disgust, I pointed at the garbage bags I'd filled.

"You can throw that in the garbage can downstairs, I guess." I muttered through clenched teeth, glancing at him briefly. 

He grinned like I'd just given him some great gift and picked up the two bags with ease. Considering one bag contained a bunch of empty bottles, the fact that he made it look like he was carrying a bag of feathers was kind of impressive.

As he made his way to the front door, I walked past him to go and change in my room. Before I could make it there though, he spoke up again.

"Hey, last night was fun. Game night, I mean. Talking to you and stuff." He said, his voice unusually warm as he nervously scratched the back of his head.

I looked at him in surprise since I'd expected the end of the night would ruin the whole thing for him.  The expression on his face was so soft it made every other expression he'd worn look like a mask. Were they a mask?

"Yeah..." I muttered, all of a sudden feeling awkward about this new look on him. 

"Next game night will be even better." He concluded before leaving the apartment and closing the door.

I stood there in shock for a few seconds, staring at the closed door.

Better? Next game night?

I bit down on my lip, trying to stop a smile from creeping onto my face.

I guess, game night wasn't cancelled after all. 

Hi lovelieeees!

Sooo, game night is still ON! Ouyeaaa. *party hats for everyone!*

Though it'll be a few days before the next edition. 😂

I hope you guys enjoyed the new chapter! As always, it was incredibly fun to write, hehe. 

Thank you guys again, so so much for your support! Every time I see you guys vote and comment my entire day feels brighter. I know it sounds cliche since everyone says that but it (and YOU!) really does mean a lot to me. <3

I hope you have a lovely day and stay safe. <333

PS. Apologies for any typos, it's been a hectic week and I haven't had time to really read through this in my hurry to post it up. :(