Billionaire's Best Friend

XVII. Mister Blue Eyes

Nina’s POV:

I rolled around on my large bed and stared out the window. I can see thousands of tiny windows that look like a million sparkling diamonds blocking any star from shining. Resting my eyelids, I can’t hear a single sound, not even a cricket.

Unable to sleep, I got out of bed and walked to the kitchen for a cup of water. As I walked in the empty hallway, I could hear my footsteps echo very loudly. Grabbing a cup of water, I sat on the counter, drinking it silently in the dark as my eyes scan the living room.

“Nina?” I turn my head towards the weak voice. Matt came out, rubbing his eye and scratching his stomach.

“Sorry, did I wake you up?” I placed the cup of water on the counter.

“Can’t sleep?” He said, taking a seat in front of me, placing himself between my legs. Wrapping his arms around me, he leans on my stomach, releasing a deep yawn.

“No, not really,” I whisper slowly, running my fingers through his hair. I wonder how someone can have such smooth, silky hair. Props of living with Matt - I don’t have to buy my own shampoo.

I’m not very good at adapting to a new environment. When I first slept over at Alice’s house in middle school, I laid there awake the whole night listening to crickets and barking dogs.

Matt rubs my cheeks lightly with his warm thumb. “Want to sleep with me?”

I shook my head, “No, it’s okay. I have to get used to it by myself somehow.”

He stood up, carrying me off the counter towards my room. I wrap my arms around his neck, “You smell like apples and peppermint.”

“Yeah. It’s my favorite smell. A girl I really like got it for me on my birthday. Don’t tell her I like her, though; her ego will swell.”

“I won’t tell her. It will be our little secret.” I place my finger on my lips, making a shushing sound.

I can feel his chest rumble lightly. Reaching our destination, he put me down. The hair on my arms shot up as my feet made contact with the wooden floor. “Good night, dumpling,” he said.

I walked back to my bed and flopped down, once again staring out the window. As I close my eyes, I can see Kevin running out of the hotel bedroom, frantically. The shocked look on his face when he saw me. How his eyes widen as he drops the clothes on the floor. The desperation in his voice as he apologizes to me. Stupid stupid stupid, stop thinking of him. I bit my lips, hugging Mister Blue Eyes tighter, curling myself into a ball.

My idiotic heart yearns for him, continually pestering me to call him. However, a part of it tells me to stay here with Matt.

Grabbing a pillow and Mister Blue Eyes, I stood up and walked out of my room. Lifting a fist, it hangs in the air momentarily before I knock against the door. The handle clicks, and the door opens. “Can I sleep in here tonight?” My head lowers, looking at his feet, quite ashamed of how weak I am.

“Of course,” he responds. He grabs my hand, leading me to his bed.

“You stay on your side of the bed.”

“Fine,” he mumbles, crawling into bed, laying on his bare stomach.

I laid down on my side, my back facing him. My eyes open, staring at the outside window. Biting my lips, I turned and got under Matt’s arm.

“I thought you said to stay on your side of the bed,” he chuckles as he wraps his arms around me.

I snuggle into his chest. “It was too bright outside,” I mutter while our legs crossed with one another.

A smile of satisfaction emerges, “You have the panda I gave you.”

“Yup, I like Mister Blue Eyes,” I replied, feeling the blood flowing in my cheeks.

“Mister Blue Eyes?” He grabs Mister Blue Eyes and stares at it. “The Panda eyes are black. Are you okay?” He placed a hand on my forehead.

Rolling my eyes, I swat his hand away. “I know Mister Blue Eyes; eyes aren’t blue. My eyes are messed up, but it can still distinguish colors, sometimes.”

“Then why did you name the panda Mister Blue Eyes?”

I lay there while he stared at me. “No reason,” I whisper, placing Mister Blue Eyes between us. He removes Mister Blue Eyes and wraps his arms around my waist.

We laid there, in comfortable silence, staring into each other’s eyes. Matt has the darkest blue eyes I had ever seen. It’s exceptionally alluring, holding such mystery and seductiveness. As if he has a deep secret, he isn’t telling, holding something back that I don’t know.

He lifts a hand, stroking my pink cheeks, something he had been doing quite frequently. I don’t mind, though; I like it. It soothes me like how a warm bottle of milk calms a baby. Strange comparison, I know.

“When will the pain go away?” I breathe out.

I can feel his chest flatten as he releases a deep breath. “One day.”

I took several sniffs as tears started rolling down. Sometimes, it feels like all I do is cry in front of Matt. When I hear his voice, my walls crash down almost instantaneously with brutal force.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be here for you. Okay? I’ll always be by your side,” he whispers, placing kisses on my forehead.

I nod as I place my hand on his chest, letting the warmth take me. “Thank you, Matt.”

I can feel his lips tilting upward on top of my forehead. “Short Stack, thank you.”

“For what?” What have I done for him during these past few months except being a burden? He feeds me, ensuring I don’t starve myself, something I often do when I’m stressed. He lends me his clean clothes, reminds me to bathe, and he doesn’t push me for answers or forces me to leave his room when I don’t want to.

“Just for being here, in my arms.”

“I know I’m an excellent cuddle buddy, aren’t I?”

“Terrific cuddle buddy.” He snuggles closer to me, kissing my forehead once again.

“Why do you always kiss my forehead?” This is also something else I notice he has been doing lately, too. I hate to admit, but I love the feeling of his hot lips on my forehead. It makes me wonder how it would feel on my lips. Unfortunately, I will never have the luxury to feel it.

Matt probably views me as a baby sister as I see him as an older brother. Deep inside, there is a part of me that wished for more, but I’m happy with our position. Matt being my older brother and best friend, means he will never leave my side.

“Because I like your forehead,” he replied casually.

I snicker, “You like my forehead?” This may be the first time in my life when someone compliments my forehead

My face used to be full of acne, resulting in many faded scars. Not just my face but neck and back too. Sadly, many people will not let me forget it. I’m not sure if they mean well or indirectly insulting me when they say things such as: “Maybe you should’ve eaten healthier” or “I know this facial cleanser.”

My ex-fiancé used to defend me, but over time, he stops. At first, I would ignore it, but as time passes, if enough people tell you something, you start believing in it. When people look at me, it feels like they were looking at the ugly red pimples or dark scars on my face instead of me.

“Yup sexist forehead I’ve ever seen.” He tapped his finger lightly on my forehead, giving it another kiss. I love the small gestures Matt would give me. For the past two years, we know each other; he had never once pointed out any of my flaws. When he knows I’m insecure about something, somehow, he always finds the positivity in it.

“Matt, how is your skin so damn perfect. There isn’t a single scar or blackhead or a pimple. Have you ever had a pimple before? Do you have a secret you’re hiding? Like splashing your face with holy water every night?”

His brow furrows together as his lip tightens. “I have, once in middle school, I think.”

I exhaled through my nose lightly. “Of course. Once.” I rest my hand on my hand as I tap my fingers on the table.

“What’s wrong, Nina?” He held his hand on top of mine slightly as his lips scrunched to the side.

“I went to my boyfriend family meeting today and his sister sort of pointed out certain spots on my face,” I said as one of my fingers started tapping rigorously on the table

He exhales and holds my tapping finger. “Your boyfriend didn’t say anything?”

I shook my head. “He used to, but it happens frequently, so he just stops, I guess. But it’s okay. I completely understand why he would. Plus, I’m pretty sure they didn’t purposely say it out loud.” I bit my cheeks, praying what I’m saying is true.

He got up and sat next to me. “Look at me, Nina,” he said in a severe tone.

I glanced up at him.

He cupped my cheeks together. “You are gorgeous just the way you are. Your acne does not define who you are; it plays a very tiny part of your life. The people who don’t see that don’t deserve your attention or time. It’s hard because you, yourself, notice it more than everyone else. But I know you, you’re strong, kind, and truly amazing. You’re the most beautiful woman I have ever met in my life.”

Staring into his icy blues, I knew what he said wasn’t a lie. Matt doesn’t lie, ever. He had always known exactly what to say to me. Things that I wish my boyfriend would say.

Steadily, he leans forward. “Nina,” he whispered.

“Yes?” I blinked several times as I bit my lips.

“You spilled the tea on me.” I looked down, and the ice tea in my hand was half empty. Glancing down, his pants were soaked. I cover my mouth, but a muffled laugh exposed itself.

He rolled his eyes, “You think this is funny?”

I nod as a burst of loud laughter burst from the pit of my stomach. My laughter died when I saw him reach for his cup of water.

“Matt don-”

I laughed lightly, “Should I give you a compliment too?” Even if I did, I wouldn’t know what to say. Matt is the closest living being that represents perfection.

He scooted downward, “Go on. Praise me,” he spoke with pure amusement, lacking any self-interest.

“Let’s see,” I lifted a finger, tapping my chin, attempting to choose one of many things I can say.

I could compliment his bottom, but knowing him, he would turn it dirty somehow. Perhaps his abs?