He releases me and steps away, shooting me a cocky grin. “The best,” he challenges, all cocky-like, lightening the mood.
“Yeah, the best.”
He pretends to dust his shoulder off. “I do what I can.”
I don’t know why, but it feels like his words have a double meaning. It’s probably my emotionally overwhelmed brain reading too far into things, but it feels like more.
All of this does.
Helping me, buying the shop, the name and décor—it’s too much. Far more than an acquaintance would do. More than a friend would do, even. These things, they have an intimate quality to them; one that didn’t hit me until now.
Suddenly, I find myself examining every interaction we’ve had in a new light.
Did he ride in like a noble knight and rescue me at the fair because of his friendship with my dad, or was there something more at play?
I didn’t think anything of it when I woke up in his bed—not really. But now…
My mind races faster than a Mustang at the drag strip.
His nickname, his kindness, our kiss.
Holy shit. I thought it was only a physical thing, but he actually does have feelings for me!
“What’s got you looking like your brain is melting?”
I swallow roughly. Go figure, the first guy to be interested in me for more than claiming my V-card has me so firmly in the friend zone, I may as well be a dude.
“Just a little stunned,” I answer honestly.
Mateo nods like he understands. But how could he, when we’re talking about two different things. He thinks I’m referring to the shop, when really, I’m overwhelmed by him.
I want so badly to tell him how I feel—to confess that I want him, too. But he made it clear after our kiss that he had no interest in exploring anything further between us.
And I have to be okay with that. I’ll show him day in and day out how much I appreciate all he’s done for me. I’ll be the best damn friend and employee possible… even if I break my own heart in the process.Chapter FourteenMateo“Are you excited?” Desi asks me as she shovels cereal into her mouth.
Absentmindedly, I nod. It’s our grand opening—for the mechanical side of things—and I’m still no closer to asking Seraphine to dinner tonight than I was when Mamá decreed it.
There’s not really a suave way to tell a woman you’re interested in but won’t date that your mother is demanding to meet her.
The three stooges—Arrón, Silvi, and my traitor of a daughter—are absolutely no help either. Honestly, I think they like watching me squirm.
Desi sighs loudly, causing me to look her way. “Dad, are you listening?”
“Yes.” Mostly, I think to myself.
“Then what did I just say?”
“You asked if I was excited.”
She rolls her eyes. “No, after that.”
Guilt prickles at me. “I’m sorry, pollito. I am lost in my mind. Say it again.”
“It’s okay, old man. I know your brain isn’t as sharp as it once was—you know, because of your advanced age.” She pauses for dramatic effect, her deep brown eyes twinkling with mischief. “I didn’t actually say anything.”
I groan, and she bursts out laughing.
“You think you’re funny?”
“Uh, yeah. Silvi bet me twenty bucks you wouldn’t fall for it, and now I’m that much richer.”
“I can’t believe you!” I mime plunging a knife into my heart and slump down onto the table before popping back up. “Get out of here or you’ll be late for school.”
She stands and moves to the sink to rinse her bowl. “Love you, Dad.”
“Love you, too, Des. Don’t forget about dinner tonight.”
She smirks. “Oh, I won’t.”
I don’t have anyone scheduled at the shop for two more hours, but I decide to head on over. It’s not like I’ll do anything here other than obsess over dinner.* * *Unfortunately, it seems location doesn’t affect my fixation; I’ve spent every second brainstorming ways to ask Seraphine to dinner.
As if my thoughts alone summoned her, Seraphine waltzes through the door twenty minutes early. “Good morning,” she says, all sunshine and smiles as she approaches me.
She’s dressed in a black logo-tee that’s knotted at the waist and a pair of skin-tight jeans that hug her lush curves. The combination is low-key and hot as hell all at once. So hot, I hardly notice the still-steaming cup of coffee she’s holding out to me.
“For me?” I ask when she clears her throat.
“Yup. Drink up while it’s hot.”
I accept the to-go cup, deliberately making sure our fingers brush. It feels like I’m back in high school with no game. “This is twice you’ve brought me coffee. Don’t go spoiling me.”
She grins and takes a big sip of her drink. “It’s nothing.”
“Don’t sell yourself short. You are very thoughtful.” My eyes drop to her lips as she licks away a dab of whipped cream with a happy little moan.