When I pull it open, I stumble back half a step. Blink. Surprise explodes in my chest. “Callie.”
My agent stands on the doorstep. Her black hair curls down her back and over her shoulders. She usually wears it pulled back in a sleek bun but God, do I love seeing it wild and free. It reminds me of that first day, by the hotel pool. Natural, with waves abounding. She quirks an eyebrow and her eyes flash.
I bite back my grin, correctly reading the frustration in her gaze.
“You turned off your phone, Gutierrez?”
I snort, crossing my arms over my chest and leaning a shoulder against the doorjamb. “Came all this way to point that out, Cal?”
Callie’s eyes narrow but then, her gaze travels over my shoulder and a warm smile moves over her mouth.
“Callie, cariña!” Mom’s voice is laced with joy. “Gage didn’t tell me you were coming. Come in, come in!”
Inwardly, I groan. I know my family and they are going to hog Callie’s attention and gobble her up before I have a chance to understand her motive for coming here.
Is it for the endorsement deal?
Of course it’s for the endorsement deal.
“Hola, Mrs. Gutierrez. Happy Anniversary,” Callie says.
Mom pulls Callie into a hug, forcing her over the threshold and into the massive home my parents built years ago as our family started growing. Fortunately, I snagged an apartment nearby.
As much as I love being with my family… Carla was right. It’s usually too damn loud and the good snacks never make it to the evening.
“Thank you, love,” Mom says sincerely, linking her arm with Callie’s and steering her toward the kitchen. “Come, you must be thirsty. We just opened several bottles of wine.”
“Oh, I—” Callie’s voice is drowned out as she enters the kitchen and a symphony of greetings rings out.
Shaking my head, I close the front door.
“Man up,” Jake says, watching me from the staircase.
“What?” I sputter, chuckling.
“It’s obvious you’re into her,” Carla points out.
I raise my eyebrows, another bloom of surprise filling my chest. “I?—”
“Come on, Tio. We can tell,” Carla continues.
Jake nods in agreement. “Now she’s here. Man up and make your move, Tio.”
“It’s now or never,” Carla adds.
I narrow my eyes and stare at the two little troublemakers.
But this time… I think they may be right.
Chapter 2
Callie
The entire Gutierrez family is charming. None more so than my client football player Gage.
My frustration at having to travel halfway across the globe to communicate with him dissipates slightly as Mrs. Gutierrez draws me into the kitchen and a welcoming cheer rings out.
I fight my smile as Gage’s brother Joe hands me a glass of red wine. “You look like you need it.”
