Love in Bloom (De La Fuente Family 3)

“I’m good on the pointers, but I’ll remember everything else.” Diego leaned forward, looked out the barn and placed his wrists on his thighs before he turned his head and added, “I think you better go and find Erin, she’s chatting with Kasey again.”

“Fuck!”

Chapter Fourteen

Erin liked that Mateo was being possessive with her because it meant he cared more than she hoped he ever would. She’d only been slightly embarrassed when he’d interrupted her while she’d been talking to Kasey. Now that the truth was out, Kasey seemed to have accepted it like the click of a switch and she was grateful.

But Mateo’s highhandedness had gotten her inside his truck as they headed toward town again. She didn’t have any objection and really did enjoy being with him. The fact that he was good on the eyes didn’t hurt either.

Mateo hadn’t said a word since he’d dragged her away with him, but as he steered the vehicle through town, she laid her head against the chair rest and stared at the man who was constantly in her thoughts.

His profile was strong and rigid, but his lips curled as though he was on the edge of la

ughter. And then he parked the truck and turned his body so that he faced her, his eyes alight with mirth and his beautiful mouth wide in a smile just for her.

“See anything you like?” he asked, his voice dark and husky. Filled with lust? Maybe.

“I’m not sure.” She bit her lip, which drew his gaze, so she teased him by slipping the tip of her tongue through her lips to caress her bottom lip.

Delight bubbled up inside her as Mateo reacted to the sight of her teasing. His eyes narrowed and a slight blush coated his cheekbones as he lifted his eyes and met hers. “Considering how innocent you are, you sure as hell know how to get a guy worked up.” He inhaled and exited his truck.

She smiled to herself knowing what she was capable of doing to such a strong man.

“Out,” he demanded when he opened her door. “Before I have other ideas.”

She chuckled and slipped out. “We wouldn’t want that now, would we?”

He growled in her ear. “Behave so I can get through the day.”

She started walking up the steps to Barbara’s Bistro, when she said over her shoulder, “And what about the night when I’m in nothing but a silk Victoria’s Secret?”

Mateo froze mid-step and looked at her. “I need to sleep in a bath full of ice,” he mumbled as he continued past her and opened the door to the Bistro. “After you.”

She grinned and walked through the door before she waited in the entrance. “We’ll get takeout.” His hand landed on her back and slipped to a stop on the curve of her hip.

Every nerve ending came to life at his public display of affection. She didn’t think it was for show because he’d never willingly touched her when she’d been Caprice. So this was nice and it began to feel hot as arousal flooded through her system. It hadn’t really been that far away, but having Mateo so close with his hand on her wasn’t helping to cool her down.

Barbara eventually came over to them and while she was more pleasant than the night before, she was still reserved with Erin.

She gazed out of the window and only half listened to Mateo’s conversation with Barbara. Erin had always been picky and choosy in the Bistro in the past, so Barbara’s reservation with her was warranted. Erin just wished it didn’t continue to hurt. Perhaps her staying around for Eric’s wedding wasn’t such a good idea.

At least if she was back home, she wouldn’t have to accept how people treated her because of how she’d treated them. Back home everyone knew her and considered her a friend. She’d never been one of the popular kids and was considered more nerd, but it was who she was.

One of the other students in her class had asked her out a few times and flirted with her at every opportunity. A date with him wouldn’t compare to being with Mateo, but at least she’d be moving on and away from what she’d done to keep a roof over her own head.

There was definitely something between her and Mateo. He’d gradually gotten under her skin to the point that he was all she could think about. If only things had been different. If only they’d met under different circumstances. There were a lot of if’s.

“I’m sorry,” Mateo said, pulling her gaze back to him. “She’s just a bit reserved with you, I guess.”

She sadly shook her head. “You don’t have anything to apologize for. It’s my fault not yours…But thank you, anyway.”

He pulled her into him and kissed the top of her head. As he held her tightly, her pulse leaped at the feel of his strong hard body against hers. She laid her cheek against his chest and heard the thumping of his own heart while her arm went around his back and held him just as tight. He was just as aroused at her closeness, as she was.

“I’ve asked for two cakes and two takeout coffee’s.” He kissed the top of her head again and sent a shiver down her spine at his caress of her long hair down her back.

“Thank you,” she whispered, surprised she had any voice with the arousal running through her.

Erin had just worked up the courage to tease him with her fingers at the waist of his jeans when Barbara appeared with their takeout, ruining the moment.