A Few Days After Their Date 

Sage's POV

The date with Matteo was amazing. He was such a gentleman throughout the entire thing. We talked about almost everything. I was trying to pry more out of him. I was especially curious because of all of the rumors that I have heard throughout town. I wanted to know more about him and who he was on the inside. 

I am not one to jump into a serious relationship without getting to know the other person first. He clammed up very quickly when I started to ask him about his family and what he does for work. 

I laid in my bed the night after the date replaying and reminiscing all of the amazing moments. He managed to make me feel better in two hours than Axel had in two years. 

Unfortunately I had to go back to work today. I was absolutely dreading my shift because I didn't work with any of my favorite coworkers. Being a server at a local restaurant was not my first choice for a job, but it paid the bills. I slipped into my uniform and headed to work. 

I had to work a twelve hour shift. I was not too happy around dinner rush. At the time of the dinner shift I was not in a good mood at all, and my feet always hurt. About eight hours into my shift, I saw Axel's mom walk in. I was hoping Axel was not with them. I dreaded seeing him absolutely anywhere. 

I did not see him anywhere around the restaurant but I was still hoping I did not get assigned to their table. My heart dropped when I found out I got Axel's mom's table. The host of course seated him in my section. She did not know our history so I couldn't be mad at her. I did not want to face them right now. 

I mustered up the courage to walk up to the table. I mean this is my job I have to do it right? As I approach the table Axel stands up abruptly, his chair almost falling back. He gives me a pleading look his brown eyes bore into mine. Axel hurt me and he knows it. He looks fucking pathetic. 

It somehow manages to still upset me. I am so glad his mother didn't say anything to me. That would have definitely made the situation much worse. Matteo however was sitting right by Axel reading me and analyzing the entire situation. 

I politely excused myself and ran to the bathroom hallway to calm down. Another waitress Maria rushes up to the table and helps them immediately. I'm so thankful for Maria, she's a godsend. 

Axel stays at the table with his parents and orders food. I see Matteo out of the corner of my eye. He gets up suddenly and follows me down the bathroom hallway. I keep walking and I tell him "Go away, I don't wanna talk to you right now." Matteo walks up to me and pushes the hair out of my eyes. 

I was so shocked by the fact he was this close to me. He grasps my face and says "I'll always be here for you Sage." I melt into his touch. He somehow never fails to make me feel so safe and secure. 

He smashes his lips into mine with so much aggression and raw passion that I was taken aback. I started kissing him back almost immediately. I simply could not help myself. Matteo kissed me then stole my battle against him. His lips were soft but his jaw was rough with overgrown stubble. He tasted like whiskey and I couldn't get enough.]

I ran my hands through his hair as he roughly grabbed my waist. Matteo pulls away and says "This isn't right I would never deserve a girl like you. Not as long as I live." Matteo turns around and walks away. He leaves me there in the dark hallway confused and heartbroken. How could he say that he'd always be there for me and then just leave. I hate men.