"Of course I wanna be seen with you. Why wouldn't I?" Mateo's voice softens, a hint of concern threading through his words.
I bite my lip, feeling that familiar heat of embarrassment crawl up my neck. "Sorry," I mumble, suddenly fascinated by the floor of the elevator. "I'm… not used to guys treating me with any shred of respect."
The elevator dings and the doors slide open. I step out, the hallway echoing faintly with my footsteps. Mateo keeps talking in my ear as I dig out my keys, unlock my door, and push it open with my shoulder.
"Well," he says firmly, "you need to start hanging out with better guys, then. When's the last time someone actually treated you with respect?"
I toss my keys on the counter and let out a dry laugh. "Today, actually."
