“Oh please. I saw the way your eyes went all Disney princess the moment he walked in. If this fake engagement turns real, I expect to be the flower girl.”
“You are delusional. I just like to look at him. He is the perfect eye candy.”
“He sure is.” Ashton says as he walks back to his station.
A few minutes later, Esteban walks in, a takeout bag in one hand and a drink carrier in the other. The man is efficient, I’ll give him that.
“I got your wrap and iced coffee,” he says, handing them to me with a soft smile. Then he turns toward Ashton. “And one chai latte and a muffin for the drama queen.”
“You’re my hero,” Ashton says, as he walks back and accepts the treats with a wink.
Esteban looks back at me, his voice a little lower this time. “Hey, would you want to grab dinner later? I thought we could go over everything and make sure we’re fully prepped for next weekend.”
I blink, caught off guard for a second, then nod. “Yeah, that sounds good. I’d like that.”
“Cool. I’ll text you.” He smiles again, then heads for the door.
And just like that, he’s gone, leaving behind the scent of cedar and clean sweat and whatever cologne he uses that makes me want to press my face into his shirt and never come out.
I sip my iced coffee and try to slow my heartbeat, ignoring the very real fact that no amount of pretending is going to erase how much I want this man.
Chapter Sixteen
Esteban
Austin: Did you guys get the email from McNeal?
Noah: Yeah. He just confirmed the weekend in Key West.
Me: Yup. I just hope you two can impress him with your wives and kids.
Austin: Don’t forget about your fiancée. She’s coming too, right?
Noah: Don’t remind me. Every time I see Esteban wink or smile at her, I want to punch him in the face.
Me: So aggressive. You better brace yourself because I might have to kiss her this weekend, and I’d prefer to avoid your fist in my face.
Noah: You better not kiss my sister. I swear, I won’t hold back if I see that shit.
Austin: Dude, you should’ve kept your mouth shut. Now he’s definitely going to kiss her just to screw with you. Don’t you know him?
Me: Why are you ruining my fun, Austin?
Noah: It’s not fun. Keep your hands and lips to yourself, or I’ll beat the shit out of you.
Me: Noted.
Austin: Guys, you need this deal. Esteban, stop messing with Noah. And Noah, stop with your overprotective big brother act. It’s getting old.
Noah: Never. That’s my baby sister.
Me: Do I need to keep reminding you that she’s not a baby anymore?
Austin: Exactly. Chill the hell out.
Noah: I’ll try my best.
Me: Gracias.
