“You’re off base.”
“That’s a shame. I’ve been told I’m really good with my hands.” He held out his hands in front of him, examining them. Big hands. Hands that looked like he used them to do some actual work when he wasn’t flying a plane.
Damn.
I needed to be back in control of my body and this conversation. “Actually, I’ve heard you were good…with your hands.”
Carter furrowed his brow.
“Your crew. They might have mentioned something.”
“What did they mention?”
“It’s not important.”
Carter was about to push for more information, until the taxi came to a stop. I looked around. “Where are we?” We were still in the middle of a residential neighborhood.
“Maria Rosa Rio Guesthouse.”
“You mean like a bed and breakfast?”
“It’s more like a bed and dinner. Maria Rosa doesn’t usually get up before noon. But she makes the best damn feijoada south of the equator.”
He exited the car and surprised me by offering me his hand. “Fei-what?” I asked as he helped me out of the taxi.
“Trust me. It’s fucking delicious. I get hard just thinking about it.”
“You’re a pig, aren’t you?”
“Perky, you have no idea. I’ve been holding back, trying to be a gentleman since you seem a little more refined than I’m used to.”
Carter handed a wad of cash to the driver and toted my carry-on bag on top of his wheeled suitcase as we walked up the driveway. After he rang the bell and we were standing on the doorstep waiting, the taxi drove away. It was at that moment that he decided to let me in on a little information.
“Don’t let Maria Rosa scare you. She’s not really as crazy as she seems.”
CARTER WAS A LIAR.
“Meu filho Americano!” Maria was wearing a bright-colored house dress as she took Carter’s face in both of her hands, planting kisses on each of his cheeks. An aroma of saffron and other herbs and spices filled the air.
Carter introduced me. “Maria, está é a minha amiga, Kendall.”
God, he sounded sexy. Even if the only thing I understood was my own name. He’d even used an accent to say, Kendall, lingering on the L a little at the end.
Maria looked me up and down, a thin black moustache expanding across her upper lip as she smiled. “Aha! Você nunca trouxe um amigo antes…”
I turned to him. “What did she say?”
“She’s pointing out that I’ve never brought a friend here before.”
“Exactly how often do you stay here?”
“About every other time I come to Rio. This place feels sort of like a home away from home to me.”
The chattering sound of an animal suddenly registered. Before I knew it, a weight landed onto my back, nearly causing me to topple over from the impact. Then, I felt a spray of warm liquid on my neck.
I stiffened and waved my hands erratically. “What is on me? Get it off of me!” I screamed. “Get it off!”
The creature let out a series of high-pitched screeches as its nails started digging into me. Carter was laughing hysterically as he lifted the thing off of my back.