“I love it. Maybe I can get some work done here this weekend.”
I shake my head as I walk over to stand next to her. “Absolutely not. No working this weekend, remember?”
She looks up at me, her lips pouty and oh-so kissable. “It’s so pretty, it’s just begging for somebody to work here.”
I lean down until I’m an inch away from her lips. “Well, it’s not going to be you.” I close the distance between us. The kiss is short and sweet. I dare not linger any longer for fear of never making it out of this office if I let myself really kiss her.
I straighten and take in the tempting sight of Holly with her eyes still closed, frozen in place, and tempting me to kiss her again. Nope. Can’t do it. I’m being a gentleman.
I grab her hand and tug her up out of the chair. “Let’s go. I want to show you the master bedroom.”
Her nose scrunches, but she stands up willingly. “Okay, fine.”
I lead her down the hall, past a bathroom and another guest room, and into the master bedroom. I open the door and let Holly enter first.
This is the room I’m most proud of and most nervous to have her see.
“Wow.” The word is a whisper, but it fills me with pride. Holly walks to the bed and runs her hand over the headboard, tracing the cherry blossomflowers I carved around the border. She inspects the night-stands next, once again noting the blossom carvings on each drawer.
There’s a dresser against the wall with a matching design. The walk-in closet and bathroom are next to each other, and across the room is a set of bookshelves, decorated with memorabilia Mami insisted I take after moving out of the house. It’s every ribbon and award I've earned since kindergarten.
Holly sits on the edge of the bed. Our eyes meet. “I didn’t expect it to be so cozy in here. It’s beautiful.”
Bashfulness isn’t an emotion in my repertoire, but I’m strangely feeling it right now. I shrug. “I had some help with the color schemes, but the woodwork is my own.”
Her smile grows at my admission. “I love all the wooden accents. It brings the whole house together. You’rereallytalented, Mateo.”
I rub the back of my neck. “Thanks.”
Holly looks away and her smile wilts.
I step in front of her and crouch down to look into her face. “What’s wrong, Hols?”
She shakes her head, flashing a fake smile my way. “It’s nothing.”
I grab her hand. “Hey, I’m here to talk if you want to.”
Her smile is sad, and I can’t stand it. She shrugs. “I think I’m all talked out.”
After spending the evening with my family, I can relate. “That’s understandable.” An idea strikes me, and I run with it. “Hey, change into some PJs, then come join me on the couch. It’s been a long day. Let me brush and braid your hair for you.”
Curiosity fills her eyes, and there’s a little more life in her voice. “I can’t remember the last time someone brushed my hair.”
“Well, I’m not expertly talented at braiding, but I’m passable after doing my little sister’s hair. They were always telling me how nice it was to have their hair brushed. I figure you might like it too.”
“That does sound nice.”
“Okay, let me grab your suitcase for you, and I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
She smiles as I leave her in the master bedroom, quickly grabbing all the things. I head to the guest bedroom and change into my own sweats before heading to the guest bathroom where I keep a hairbrush and hair ties for my sisters. Sisters need breaks from their parents sometimes too, and Cruz has crashed here a few times since I moved in.
I head to the kitchen and heat a cup of water. I reach up and open my spice cupboard. I spin the lazy Susan, searching the labeled dried herbs and tea flowers Mami keeps me stocked with, until I find the chamomile flowers. I throw a few into the tea strainer and get it steeping.
Holly’s soft steps pad down the hallway and she enters the room wearing an oversized t-shirt and sweats. How does she look just as amazing in sweats as she does in her fancy dresses? I just want to scoop her up and cuddle on the couch.
Pull it together, Mateo.
Tonight is about helping Holly feel better about whatever she’s worried about, not about cuddling and kissing.
