“Uh-huh. That’s how it starts.”
I ignored him. “And speaking of having a thing for someone…” I added, narrowing my eyes at him. “Let’s not act like you and Lainey weren’t just putting on a full production across the hall.”
Marcos choked on his drink. “Damn,” he coughed. “She told you that?”
“No, she didn’t… yet. But was it supposed to be a secret?” I folded my arms.
He rubbed the back of his neck, looking a bit sheepish. “From the way she was talking… yeah.” “
“That’s crazy.”
He pointed at me. “You’re messy.”
“And you’re loud,” I shot back. “You all weren’t even trying to be discreet.”
He laughed, shaking his head. “So you’re not feeling my girl like that?” I asked.
“Nah, I am. She’s cool… and fine as hell.”
“But?”
“But we’re just… having fun right now,” he admitted, sounding sincere. “We’re not trying to make it deeper than that. We live in two different worlds… literally. That long-distance, serious relationship stuff? That’s not easy, especially with our lives.”
I nodded slowly. “Makes sense.”
I heard him, but I wasn’t fully convinced. I was already planning to ask Lainey for her side.
Later that night, I was on my way up front, not really headed anywhere specific, just trying to clear my mind. I rounded the corner near the main foyer when suddenly…boom.I collided with someone.
“Damn—” we both exclaimed simultaneously, stepping back in surprise.
I looked up, blinking a couple of times to regain my composure.
It was the same guy from the event; the one who kissed my hand like he had manners and flirted like he didn’t.
A slow, mischievous smile spread across his face. “Well… guess we gotta stop meeting like this.”
I let out a small laugh. “Or maybe you just need to watch where you’re going.”
“It’s nice seeing you again,” he said, smoothly.
“You too,” I responded, the words feeling genuine.
A pause stretched between us.
Then, with a slight tilt of his head, he asked, “You know… I never got your name that night.”
“Likewise. But it’s Ajori.”
“Ajori…” he repeated, as if he were committing the name to memory.
“And yours?” I asked.
“Mateo,” he replied, extending his hand toward me instead of leaning in for a kiss like before.
I shook it. “Nice to officially meet you, Mateo.”
“Trust me,” he paused, his eyes dragging over me just a little, “the pleasure was already there.”
