Chapter 31: Friends Again
Sarah
"So you really are going?" Matthew asks me as I slide into my dress.
"Yes, I really am going to the party, Matthew," I say flatly. I reach behind me and try to reach my zipper, but it’s too far down.
"And you don’t care that I asked you not to?" he snarls.
I can tell how angry he is that I decided to go to Josh’s get-together no matter how many times he told me I couldn’t. And how many times we have argued about it over the past two days.
I let out a slow breath, forcing myself to stay calm as I turned to face Matthew. His jaw is tight, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. His entire body is coiled with tension, like a predator ready to strike.
"I care, Matthew," I say evenly. "But I am not your prisoner. You don’t get to dictate where I go or who I see, especially when you say no out of spite."
His eyes darken. "You are going to regret this."
"I am sure I will. Now, could you please help me with my zipper?" I ask, turning sideway so he can look at my back.
Matthew glares at me, his jaw clenching so tight I can almost hear his teeth grinding together. For a moment, I think he’s going to refuse, that he’ll just stand there and let me struggle. But then, with a low growl, he steps forward.
His fingers brush against my bare back as he grips the zipper and drags it up in one smooth, controlled motion. The touch gives me goosebumps. His fingers are warm and calloused.