Last night changed things between the Green family and me. They are still the same and sweet supportive bunch. But I could sense Elizabeth walking around eggshells near me. She wanted to know what happened, how she could help, and if I was warming up to Matt. It's hard to keep my past hidden from them and I want to be a part of this family, but the less they know...the better.

Now, I'm even more confused about my feelings towards Matt. If last night proved anything it's that he is genuine and kind. He wants to know the real me, if I would just let him in. Every time we get close, a string is pulling me back...my trust issues are tugging me away from starting a relationship with him. I like him, I really do, but I have doubts about his intentions, maybe he only likes me out of pity. I still think it would be best for now if we just kept being friends and nothing more.

After I ate a delicious breakfast with the family, I offered to wash the dishes. Hearing footsteps come downstairs, I get nervous when I see Matt out of the corner of my eye. An awkward silence falls between us as he leans against the kitchen counter. I could cut the tension with a spork.

"Hey."

"Hi," I say without making eye contact.

"Tessa...I think we should about talk it.... what happened last night."

I sigh, "Well, I'm not in the mood."

"Oh, I can tell. You've been avoiding me since breakfast, you won't even look me in the eye." He crosses his arms. "If this is about the photos or your panic attack...it hasn't changed anything."

I scoff and face him. "How can you say that? I scared Mallory and freaked you out."

"I wasn't freaked out; I was worried about you...I still am."

"Well, you can stop worrying, I'll be out of your hair soon." I say and try to leave when Matt grabs my arm.

"I still like you, nothing's changed. If you would just let me in, then maybe-"

"We're friends Matt. Let's keep it that way."

"Oh, come on, really? I don't think friends flirt with each other. And I've seen you checking me out, clearly you like me too."

"Matt-"

"You can keep pushing me away, Tessa...but I'll still keep coming back. Because I care about you."

"Is it out of pity?"

He looks at me confused. "What?"

"This...thing that's been going on between us...it is out of pity?"

"What makes you think that?"

"You see me as a...charity case. I show up at your doorstep like a lost puppy dog and now you think I'm some...project that needs to be worked on. That I'm a damsel in distress and you've come to rescue me."

He steps towards me and leans close, "Now you sound crazy. The truth is, I admire you, Tessa."

"Really?"

"Yes! How could I not? You're an amazing mother with a tough and fiery personality. You'd do anything to keep Mallory safe, even it means asking a stranger for help. And you choose to work instead of taking handouts from my ma and my siblings loves you. Look, I don't know what you've been through, but it seems to me that you had a terrible past and came out of it even stronger."

I blush, that's such a corny but sweet thing to say. "Is that it?"

"Not even close." He leans towards me, our lips are an inch apart, "Every time I see you in my work clothes, wearing those tight jeans...I want to spin you around and kiss you like crazy."

I gulp, what is this man doing to me? "Maybe.... you should." I say in a whisper.

He smirks, "You first."

I'm about to lean closer and give in, leaning towards temptation when Mallory comes running down the stairs shouting. "Mommy! Mommy!"

I walk away from Matt, my cheeks burning bright red. "Hey, sweetie. What's up?"

"I want to go pony riding. Please? Lizzie is too busy to take me!"

I sheepishly look over at Matt, "Is that okay with you?"

"Uh, sure. Do you want to join us?"

"No thanks." After what almost happened in the kitchen, I'd rather stay away from Matt...for a while.

"Please, Mommy?" Mallory looks at me with puppy dog eyes.

"We can go later and watch the sunset together." Of course, Matt would say that a sunset horseback ride sounds totally romantic.

"Yes! Can we?" Mallory tugs on my shirt.

I sigh, "Fine."

"I'll go ahead and saddle up the horses." Matt winks and leaves for the stables. I am so going to regret saying yes to this.