Reckless Kiss

.”

“Angel.” We rush together.

I wrap her in my arms, and warmth surrounds my heart as the stress of this day melts away. The elevator dings, and we step inside, rising quickly to the penthouse suite. We’re across the foyer and into my room as we’re finishing our first sentences.

“I missed you so much.” I kiss the top of her head.

“I thought about you all day. How was your drive back?”

“Long. I wondered why I didn’t just follow you this morning.”

“You had to lock up the house, make sure we didn’t leave anything on.”

Inside my apartment, I lead her to the kitchen. “Wine?”

She climbs onto a barstool, hesitating before shaking her head no. “I’ll pass tonight.”

For a minute, it feels like she wants to tell me something, but she doesn’t. “How was my aunt? Bitter as ever?”

“Actually, she was nicer than usual.”

“Good.” I go to the refrigerator and pull open the door, taking out cheese and milk and eggs. “She’d better treat you like a queen.”

“I’m not royalty.” She says the words softly, like she’s remembering something.

“Feel like dinner? Signature mac and cheese a’la Angelica?”

A smile breaks across her pretty face. “Sounds perfect. Although… I think I’ll have it your way tonight.”

“You’re kidding?” Holding the door open, I motion to the plastic bags of peppers and onions. “I stocked up.”

“Oh, no!” She laughs, putting her hands over her face. “I’ve kind of been having… heartburn lately.”

Frowning, I fill the quart saucepan with water and put it on a high flame. “I’m sorry. I might have Tums in the hall closet. No promises.”

“It’s okay, I have some.”

Her voice is so soft, and she seems so distracted. While I wait for the water to boil, I walk around the bar to where she’s sitting and wrap her in my arms. “What’s going on? Did something happen today?”

Nestling her cheek against my chest, she exhales softly. “I brought the car back to Beto. He’s home. He came outside and confronted me.”

“I wish I’d have been there.”

“No.” She shakes her head, and I step back, meeting her eyes. “He wouldn’t call off Mateo. He wouldn’t back down from any of it. I’m so mad at him.”

It’s a sad, soft lament, and I lift her hand, kissing her fingers before stopping cold. “You’re not wearing your ring?”

“I am.” She reaches around her neck, tugging on a silver chain and pulling the diamond out of her shirt. “I thought it was better if I kept it hidden until we’re ready.”

She slips it on her finger, and I give it a kiss before going to where the water is boiling. I drop the noodles in and start the cheese sauce.

“Tomorrow I’m going to this warehouse where they store a bunch of old records.”

Her eyes are round as she watches me. “You think you’ve found something?”

“I think it’s going to be like the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Stirring the cheese mixture, I take the boiling pasta off the stove and transfer it to a pan, pouring the creamy sauce on it and covering it all with shredded mozzarella and parmesan.

“I wish I could help you.” She sits on the stool watching, her pretty face on her hand, her diamond gleaming in the lights.