Alex chuckles, lifting his mug for a slow sip, clearly trying to appear unbothered by the playful lashing Gabriel just put him through. “Mmm, this is delicious, he says, lifting a brow. Is that nuts I taste?”
I hold up the orange-and-black bag of beans, hearing Gabriel spit out his coffee. “Café Bonito. Comes straight from the farms of Puerto Rico.”
“So, Alex,” he says, clearing his throat, and I immediately brace myself, grinding my teeth, already regretting not gagging him earlier. “It’s fitting that we finally meet. I’m taking my daughter to Spain for the summer, and she’s asked to bring Emilee along.”
He leans back leisurely, crossing his legs.
Alex stiffens just slightly, but he keeps his voice smooth. “Is that so?” He glances at me, then back at Gabriel. “Emilee’s always wanted to visit Spain. I was hoping to take her myself, one day.”
“Well, she’s more than welcome to come with us,” Gabriel says, ever the gracious charmer. “My parents live there as well, and I assure you the girls will be well cared for… isn’t that right, Elijah?”
I slip an arm around Alex’s waist and press a soft kiss to the dimple on his cheek. God help me, I want to lick it—but I think I’ll save that for later.
“Gabriel’s family is lovely,” I say sweetly. “And Ana would bethrilledto have Emilee join her for the summer.”
A faint blush rises on Alex’s cheeks as he turns back to Gabriel. “Well… okay. I’ll talk to her about it later today. And thank you for the invitation. That’s very kind of you.”
“My pleasure,” Gabriel says—with a wink, of course. This man is one wink away from wearing my latte.
He uncrosses his legs with all the smugness of a man who knows exactly what he’s doing and stands. “Emilee’s always been a joy to have around. And Ana’s spoken very highly of you, Alex. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other.”
Another wink.Another one.
Before I commit a minor felony with my coffee mug, he turns to me. “Elijah, I’ve got to run a quick errand, but tell Ana I’ll be back for her later this morning.”
I set my mug down next to Alex’s and exhale deeply, like someone who just survived an ambush.
“Will do, mi amor,” I reply, shooting him a tight smile that he pretends to miss.
9
ALEX
I wakeup early Sunday morning, at home, in my own bed.
My sheets are in total disarray—coiled tightly around my feet, my thighs, my waist—teetering on choking the life out of me.
Evidence of a restless night’s sleep.
I drag my hands through my hair and head to the bathroom, feeling the urge to brush my teeth. Thankfully, my dick has finally decided it needs a break, as I didn’t wake up with my usual morning wood.
After leaving Elijah’s place around noon yesterday, I came straight home and showered, hoping to scrub away any imprints left behind from his beautifully brutal lips.
Meeting Gabriel had been… unexpected. I can’t imagine how it must’ve felt, seeing another man with his ex-husband. But, to his credit, he handled it well. Gracefully, even—though he definitely could’ve toned down the sarcasm a notch.
And he seems like a decent guy too.
I remember Emilee once telling me how sweet Ana’s parents were. From what I gathered, Ana and Gabriel were close.Like two peas in a pod, my daughter had said.
Still… I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve seen this guy somewhere before.
Pushing that thought aside, I head out for a five-mile run, tearing up the asphalt and willing my body to sweat out any and all confused thoughts about my self-identity. When I return home, I make a beeline for the shower. I know I’m in desperate need of a shave too, but I purposely avoid looking in the mirror, unable to face myself after my marathon of sexual… revelations.
I slick my hair back, throw on some loose, tattered jeans, and pad barefoot into the kitchen. Straight to the coffee machine. I pop in a pod, yawn, set my mug under the spout, and hit start.
“Morning, Dad!”
Emilee’s voice shatters the morning calm. I jump back, scalding coffee sloshing down my arm and splattering onto the hardwood floor.
