The Spanish Love Deception

And that … only made me grin wider.

Walking closer, I didn’t turn down the megawatt smile as I looked down at him. “Comfy?”

“Very.”

“I just bet you have never been this comfortable in your life.”

He rolled his eyes. “Fine,” Aaron said as he sat up, the springs in the simple and—let’s face it—most likely cheap mattress creaking loudly under his weight. “So you were right,” he continued as he moved to the edge, trying to leave a bed that seemed to be turning into quicksand, swallowing each of his movements. “Now, if you would just—”

Before I could even realize what was happening, the structure of the bed gave in with a big bang, engulfing part of the mattress and Aaron along with it.

A gasp shot out of me as my hands flew to my mouth.

“Jesus fucking Christ,” Aaron growled.

“Oh my God, Aaron.” The cackle that left my mouth as I stared at the grumpier-than-ever man sitting in the middle of the box spring catastrophe was probably heard all the way in New York City.

He didn’t look anywhere near okay if the way he glowered was any indication.

But I asked anyway, “Are you okay?” I tried to sober down; I did. But I couldn’t hold in the laughter. So, I laughed.

Then, I laughed louder.

“Yes. All good,” he grunted. “Nothing I can’t handle.”

“Okay, but just in case …” I stretched my hand to help him out, but both of us froze when a holler came from the entrance door of the apartment. A voice that sent shivers down my spine.

“Hola!” a pitchy shrill called.

Was that …

“Hay alguien en casa?” that voice I realized I knew—and I was related to—called again.

No.

The woman whose red hair I was almost certain was about to make an appearance in about two seconds asked if there was someone at home. As if she h

adn’t probably known already.

Charo. My cousin Charo was in the apartment. And judging by the quick clicking of her heels, she’d be in the room in about—

“Ay, pero mira qué bien. Someone is christening the bed.” A giggle that was not adorable and was outright evil instead reached my ears from behind me.

Understanding flashed through my fake boyfriend’s face.

Not caring to wait for my response, my cousin continued babbling, “Look at this mess.” She tsked. “After being single for so long, one would think you were out of practice, Linita.”

I grimaced. Way to put it out there, prima. My eyelids shut on instinct, and I felt a blush climbing up my throat.

“Because, really, how many years have gone by since the whole thing with Daniel exploded? Three? Four? Maybe more.”

Oh sweet Lord, I wanted to disappear. I couldn’t believe Charo had gone straight to that after barely saying hello. And in front of Aaron. I didn’t want to look at him. Didn’t want to look in his direction for that matter. Couldn’t that busted and mangled bed swallow me up too?

And just like that, my wish was granted.

Aaron tugged off my arm and pulled me right with him, ripping a squeal out of me. Right onto the chaos that used to be a twin bed. My body ended up sprawled half on top of him. Not for long though because before I knew what was really happening, his large and meaty arms flipped me onto his lap. Turning me to face my cousin Charo and causing my body to go as stiff as a broomstick at the change of positions.

Holy shit, I am on Aaron’s lap. Back to front. Ass on … yeah. On his lap.