“I left, Rae. I handed my notice in and came home.” I shrug and try to play it off but Rae sees through me. “I can’t do that again. I’m happier here with my family around me, and I can still put my training to use on the Hotshot crew. I’m also on hand with the local firehouse. I keep my hand in but I’m not going back to work in New York.”
Rae places a sweet kiss to each of my cheeks and then my lips before she meets my gaze. “Although, I wish you were home under different circumstances, we might not have met. But I’m glad that you’re here and if you ever need to talk, I’m here for you.” Rae smiles and leans in, kissing my lips again and I don’t want her to stop.
“We’d have met sooner rather than later now that you’re living around here.” I chuckle and change the subject, “So, I believe we’re all heading to Vegas for Aiden and Sarah’s bachelorette parties.”
“Ugh. I’m hoping to get out of it somehow,” she grumbles
“Hell no!” I jump up and tug Rae with me. “You and I are going to spend our time in Vegas together. I’m not going to take no for an answer. You’re mine, baby.”
She rolls her eyes and wraps her arms around my neck. “You do realize that Andie is invited and that she’ll expect to be with me.”
I audibly groan because I’ve forgotten that her daughter will be around. ?
?Just book two rooms. Your daughter might want her own space anyway. I mean there’s always guys looking for a good time.”
The minute the words leave my mouth I realize what I’ve said and freeze while Rae narrows her eyes. “Watch it Diego. I don’t want to think about that, thank you very much.” She lets out a disgruntled breath and chews at her lip. “Leave it with me and I’ll see what I can do about two rooms instead of one.”
I grin. “I’m paying for it.” I cover her mouth with mine to silence her protest. “I need a room too, but because of Andie it’s going to be best if you book it. However, I refuse to allow you to pay for a room that I’m going to be using with you.” I slap her on the ass. “And that’s final, woman.” I chuckle at the exasperated look she throws over her shoulder while she saunters toward the horses.
It’s going to kill me having to hide our relationship. I made out that it would be smooth sailing with my family, but that isn’t the truth. I know my mom has strong negative feelings on the subject and it angers me when I see the way she treats Rae. I’m going to have to put a stop to her pettiness soon because it can’t go on for much longer.
She’s my mom but she needs to let me make my own decisions and to support the life that I choose… I just wish it was easier said than done.
RAE
Stepping into the kitchen, I’m surprised to find Andie sitting at the table talking to Kasey, Diego, and their parents, Emiliano and Lucia.
Lucia spots me first and her eyes flash with fire before she glances away, proceeding to ignore me. I dip my head to hide the sadness that I’m sure is clear on my face.
“Rae,” Diego calls, my heart races, hearing my name from his lips.
I meet his gaze and quickly glance at Lucia who is glaring between us as she leaves the room. Looking back at Diego, he’s stiff with anger, which he tries to hide with a smile. “Come and join us.” He nods. “Andie was just telling us about the graduate program she’s been accepted into.”
My smile finally reaches my eyes when I see the excitement on Andie’s face, but it starts to slip from her face, and that’s when I realize I’m frozen by the door.
So quickly moving forward, I sit between Andie and Diego. Reaching out, I squeeze Andie’s hand to let her know I’m okay. She raises a brow in concern before going back to chatting animatedly with Emiliano.
Diego’s father isn’t stupid and glances between his son and me, setting my nerves more on edge as my left leg starts to bounce up and down. Diego presses his thigh against mine, which slowly but surely calms my nerves allowing me to catch the tail end of Andie’s conversation.
“…it means switching college’s though, but I’m really excited about the whole thing,” Andie announces.
“They’re lucky to have you,” I offer when she turns to me. “My clever beautiful daughter.” The smile I offer is alive with affection and delight.
“She takes after her mom,” Diego comments, resting his arm along the back of my chair. His fingers slip under my long hair and he rests his palm gently on my back.
My breathing quickens as I turn to meet his gaze—a big mistake. His eyes are a heated caress over my skin and desire races through me.
Diego twitches back to reality, and swiveling his head toward Kasey, they glare at each other and I know then that Kasey must have kicked Diego under the table.
I quickly glance at the distinguished man at the head of the table and meet his worried eyes. Diego’s father has always made me feel welcome and I fear that he’ll react in the same way as Lucia if he realizes that I’m in love with his son.
Feeling the nerves beginning to return, I push away from the table, and when Andie moves to join me, I place my hand on her shoulder. “I’m fine, but I have some emails to answer.”
Andie frowns, and I know she’s going to have questions later. At least for now she’s keeping quiet as she turns to Kasey. He distracts her with questions.
“I’ll see everyone later.” Wrapping my arm around my stomach, I quickly make my way to the guest room, thanking God when I don’t bump into anyone.
Safely in my room with the door closed, I force the tears back as I breathe deeply. Recently I’ve been like a broken faucet and I refuse to let any more tears fall.