Carmen sauntered over and gently patted my cheek. “Your secret is safe with me, querida. Did he take care of you?”
“Yes,” I whispered, smiling like a huge dope. “I’m a goner, Carmen.”
“Good for you.” She tenderly squeezed my chin before returning to the sauce. “You both are introspective people who functionin a world that doesn’t always fit you. I’m glad you found each other.”
“I was just thinking that.” Passing by her, I planted a kiss on her cheek. “And thank you. I promise we’ll tell Mom and Michael when we’re ready.”
“Enjoy the young love,” Carmen said, waving the spoon in the air. “My love was taken too early, and it’s a good reminder to embrace it when you have it.”
Carmen had married her husband when they were eighteen, and shortly thereafter, he’d been drafted to fight in Vietnam. She’d lost him there and never remarried, often claiming he was the love of her life and she would wait to be reunited with him.
“I know Luis is waiting for you,” I said, feeling a kinship with her now that I understood what it was like to be in love.
“Yes. I’m going to enjoy this lovely home that Michael has given me for a bit longer. I do love the expensive wine he allows me to drink as I cook dinner.”
Chuckling, I nodded. “It’s good stuff.”
“And when I’m ready, I’ll find Luis again. Just like you found Nick. I’ll shut up now so I don’t say anything too loudly. This house had lots of echoes that others can overhear.”
“Thank you. Can’t wait for dinner. You make the best spicy arrabbiata around.”
“Don’t forget it,” she said, her voice wafting after me as I headed toward my room.
Once upstairs, I took a shower, noting the soreness between my legs. Nick was certainly endowed, and it had hurt when he’d first pushed inside me fully. But once he’d begun moving, it had beenincredible. The way he’d stared into my eyes as he moved so deep within me had shattered every part of my soul.
And lord help me, I never wanted to piece it back together.
Once I was freshly showered and dressed, I headed downstairs to find my mom and Michael sitting at the dinner table. I sat beside Mom as Nick entered, and noticed her excited smile.
“You came to dinner,” she said as he lowered into the seat beside Michael. “I thought we’d scared you off.”
“I’ve just been busy since we got back,” Nick said, glancing over the plethora of food that Carmen had spread over the table. “This looks delicious.”
The four of us caught up as we ate. Nick’s gaze landed on me from time to time, and I felt myself blushing at the deep emotion—and the deep hunger—in his dark eyes. We now shared a secret that no one else knew, save Carmen who I knew wouldn’t tell anyone. We’d eventually have to come clean, but for now, it was nice to share something only with Nick in a world where I’d often had no one to share my secrets with.
After dinner, he rose and patted his stomach. “That was great, but I’m beat.”
“Are you heading to one of the clubs?” Michael asked.
“Not tonight. After monitoring everything for over a week, I’m not really sure I’m gathering any intel that’s useful. I thought having my ear to the ground there would help, but I think it’s just making me exhausted. I think my energy is better used getting a good night’s sleep so I can make sure I’m recharged for our early morning activities.”
“Speaking of which, we need to be at the Elizabeth docks at five a.m. Meet me out front by four.”
“Will do. Good night, ladies,” he said, smiling at me and Mom. “It was nice to catch up with you both.”
“Good night,” I softly replied, feeling like an idiot when I felt my cheeks warming. Nick grinned at me, and I almost melted into thechair. God, I wanted to run to him and scream to the world that he wasmine.
Once I was back upstairs, I plopped on the bed and texted him.
Alexis: Should I sneak over tonight?
Nick: Not tonight. I wasn’t lying about being exhausted. You tired me out, princess.
Biting my lip, I moved my thumbs over the keyboard.
Alexis: Tomorrow’s Friday. Maybe then?
Nick: I want to see you but we have to be careful. And you also deserve better than sneaking around.
