"Guapo means handsome, and -ito is a diminutive. Literally, it means little handsome one." Warmth filled Grace's cheeks. "But my mom means it as an endearment like: 'cutie' or "handsome sweetie.'"
Her mom always referred to him as handsome in one variation or another. In addition to guapo and guapito, she'd also called him guapetón; handsome one. Even Don Guapo or Señor Guapo; Mr. Handsome. Never to his face of course. Until tonight.
Grace gave up fighting her mother on the nicknames, because there really wasn't an argument. Damon was incredibly handsome.
His face split into a grin, and he laughed. "I love your mom."
Her heartbeat was erratic before, but that was nothing compared to the frenzy his words sent it into now. He had endeared himself to her mother and inserted himself into her life in a way she could not ignore. Even Gabe seemed to approve of him.
But he's leaving soon.
That's exactly what she'd tried to avoid. Falling for Damon, only to have him leave her heart in tatters.
But it doesn't have to be that way.
Yes, he was leaving, and a long-distance relationship was not appealing, but she didn't want to lose what they'd built. She'd already made up her mind to do whatever it took to have a relationship with Damon.
He ducked his head, bringing his mouth close to her ear. His warm breath distracted her from her thoughts. "Is that a like mother, like daughter thing?"
"What?" Her face jerked toward his.
He was mere inches away. It would be so easy to lean in and close the gap between his lips and hers. Would kissing him now—knowing the kind of man he was—be as amazing as it was when they were strangers in the elevator?
"Doyouthink I'm handsome?"
She pulled back a little and eyed him. The white fairy lights crisscrossing above his head gave the gym a whimsical ambiance. Combined with the slow music and fake candles flickering on the tables, it was about as romantic as it could get. But it was also crowded with people.
"In this dim light..." She tilted her head and squinted one eye. "I supposed you could be considered handsome."
"What?" Damon feigned offense. Then his mouth was by her ear again. "Maybe I should take you out by the pool. See if the lighting is more conducive out there."
"Maybe you should," she challenged.
Damon took her hand as an upbeat song started and led her to the closest set of open patio doors. Even though they could still hear the music, Grace was glad to leave the noise behind.
"That's pretty the way the water reflects all those tea lights." Damon continued to hold her hand as they wandered around the pool.
"The lights along the fence are beautiful too."
She thought it was romantic inside but that was nothing compared to the atmosphere surrounding the pool.
"Not nearly as beautiful as you." Damon pulled her into his arms again, and she slid her hands up to his shoulders.
"I really?—"
"Grace, I?—"
They both spoke at once then laughed.
"Ladies first," Damon insisted.
"Okay, that's probably for the best, since my heart is pounding so hard, I'm going to pass out if I don't spit this out."
Damon's right eyebrow arched as his lips curved up. "You'd better spit it out then."
"I'm sorry I brushed you off last week when you said you wanted to get to know me better."
"You are?" Surprise filled his face.
