The way she says it makes a knot in my gut pull tight.
“You’re working out together now?” Nico asks. “That new? Or just…picking up where you two left off?”
I don’t know what this guy is going on about. Picking up where we left off? Did I hit my head? Is it the lack of sleep? Either way, I’m confused and getting more annoyed by the second.
I exhale slowly through my nose, the towel clenched in my hand. “We’re not working out together.”
Nico chuckles. “Looked like it. Especially when she had her hand all over you.”
Letty doesn’t deny it. Doesn’t say a word. Just crosses her arms and looks down at her sneakers.
I take a step forward. “What do you want, Nico?”
He shrugs. “Just saying hi. Seeing what my daughter’s mom’s boyfriend is up to. I mean, I’d hate to find out you’ve got side pieces.”
My fists clench. “Watch your mouth.”
Nico smirks. “Touchy, touchy. Didn’t mean anything by it, man. Just looking out for Analyse. She deserves to know what kind of guy she’s with.”
The way he says it makes my blood simmer. “You done?” I ask, jaw tight.
He takes one last look at Letty, then me. “For now.”
Letty adjusts the straps on her sports bra, still not looking at me. “Sorry. I didn’t know he was gonna show up.”
I stare at her. “Sure.” And I walk away.
I grab my bag, slam my water bottle into the side pocket, and head for the exit, not bothering to look back.
Later that night, I decide I’m going to see my favorite girl. Maya. That kid can turn a bad day into a good one within minutes.
I knock twice, and the door opens before I even lower my hand.
“Hey,” Analyse says, voice soft, already stepping aside to let me in.
She’s barefoot in leggings and an oversize tee that saysYo hago lo que me da la gana. Yeah…that tracks. If there’s a more Analyse shirt out there, I haven’t seen it. Her curls are clipped up, a few stray pieces falling loose around her face. She looks tired, but still as beautiful as ever.
“I brought something,” I say, lifting the brown paper bag in my hand.
Maya appears like a blur behind her, squealing, “Florecitas!”
I hand the bag over, and she snatches it excitedly. Analyse raises an eyebrow at me as she closes the door.
“She asked for them the other day.” I shrug.
“You’re ridiculous,” she says, but her lips twitch like she’s fighting a smile.
“Only a little.”
We settle in the living room, Maya sprawled across the floor with her coloring books while we sit on the couch. The TV is on low in the background—some baking competition show. We sit down on the couch, and Analyse begins opening the can of Florecitas. I can’t help but stare at her.
She’s radiant. End of the day, hair a little messy, and she’s still the most beautiful thing in the room. Hell, in every room.
“You okay?” I ask, my voice low.
She turns to me, eyes soft. “Yeah. Just a long day. The kids were wild. Full moon energy or something.”
I chuckle. “Want me to bring them in for a drill? Firefighter bootcamp?”
