‘True. But it’s only day one and I already feel like a storm is approaching.’
Rafael gives a laugh. ‘Welcome to the Perez family!’
‘Thanks for the encouragement.’ I can hear Tyler’s grimace.
‘You’ll get used to it soon enough. Just tell me what’s going on. You and Dani are supposed to pass all the stress my way this week. I know Marianna’s kicking up a storm, but I’ll deal with that shortly. What’s up with Dante?’
‘I’m not sure, just that it’s urgent and he’s been trying to call you, but you’re not picking up.’
Rafael curses under his breath. ‘I must have been in the shower. I’ll give him a call now. In the meantime, why don’t you take Dani out to enjoy the grounds before everyone else arrives and chaos truly descends?’
‘I think I’d rather hit the bar. Remind me why your family is so complicated?’
I wince. I can just imagine the shutter falling over Rafael’s expression.
‘You were the one who decided Dani was worth dealing with the rest of us.’
Tyler laughs. ‘It’s true. That woman is worth putting up with every one of you eccentric Perezes.’
I hear them make for the door and the gentle creak of the antique hinges as it swings open.
‘On a serious note, though,’ Rafael says, and I can hear the sincerity in his voice. I feel it warm me to my toes. ‘Leave the stressing to me, si?’
‘Will do, Raf. And thanks.’
‘Prego.’
The door clicks shut and I let out a breath. Thank goodness that’s over. I push away from the wall and head back into the room.
Rafael has his palm pressed against the door, his head down and shoulders hunched.
‘That was close,’ I say quietly.
He spins to face me, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. ‘What’s life without a little danger, eh?’
He walks to the bedside table, picks up the phone that’s there and grimaces at the screen. ‘I need to call my cousin back.’
‘Of course.’ I chew the corner of my mouth. This isn’t awkward. Not at all. I’m kind of in limbo. My body is still reeling from an orgasm so intense I feel like jelly inside and out, but there’s a pressing urge to express something, anything. ‘I’ll... I’ll leave you to it.’
‘Faye?’ His fingers are soft as they close around my wrist and he waits for me to meet his eye. ‘I’m sorry I need to deal with this.’
I shake my head. ‘I’m the one who’s sorry. Hardly seems fair that I get to have fun and leave while you...’ I shrug.
His smile lights up his eyes now and it makes everything better in an instant. ‘I had fun, believe me.’
I laugh softly. ‘You know what I mean.’
‘I do.’
One second passes, two, and I force myself to pull away. He has to call his cousin; he doesn’t have time for this.
‘Wait,’ he says, and my heart lurches. ‘Let me check the way is clear.’
I don’t know what I hoped he would say, but my heart sinks just as quickly. He walks ahead of me, scooping up
a pastry on the way, and opens the door. He does a quick sweep, turning back a second later.
‘Clear.’