“Sit down. You want something to drink?”
She sat on the old couch. “Water, please. You did a good job in here. I need to hire you to clean my place.”
“It’s the least I can do.” He handed her a plate and her water. “I hope you like flan.”
“Love it.”
They settled into a comfortable silence. Adele was enjoying the baked custard until she caught Miguel watching her. He looked amused. “What?”
“Nothing. I’m just glad you’re enjoying it.” His full lips curved up in a smile.
“This is so good!” Adele waved her fork in the air. “I’m serious;your mother is a genius.”
“I didn’t think you’d enjoy it very much.”
Adele stopped mid-bite. “Why not?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. Aren’t nuns all about denying themselves?”
Adele thought guiltily about her shower escapade. “That’s not what it’s about. It’s about improving life for everyone through God.”
He regarded her solemnly. “Is that why you became a nun?”
Adele nodded. “More or less.”
“But what about everything you have to give up?”
“Such as?”
He thought. “Nice things. Marriage. Children. You don’t want any of that? I’m not prying, am I?”
“I don’t mind. Okay, I have nice things. Not expensive things, but I think they’re nice. I am married. To God. And my children are the people I help.”
“And that’s enough for you?” His eyes bored into hers. She suddenly felt naked in front of him. And not the way she would have liked to be.
“Yes.” She raised her chin a notch, as if to emphasize her point. “No muss, no fuss. Although, I might have liked to have a child of my own. But that’s water under the bridge now.”
“You still could.”
She laughed. “Miguel, I’m thirty-seven. It’s too late for me. I’m too old for that.”
“Thirty-seven ain’t old. Shoot, all you need is a man and you’re in business.”
“Right. And where am I supposed to find one that I want to share my life and my child with?” she challenged.
“You’re a pretty lady. There are plenty of men who’d want to get to know you.” He spoke softly, looking into her eyes.
Adele looked back at him, then wished she hadn’t. It was like looking into a mirror. His eyes were cloudy with lust. Every nerve in her body screamed at her to give in to his unspoken invitation. Adele was floored; until now, she’d thought the attraction was all in her head.
“I should go!” she blurted, mentally kicking herself for her juvenile reaction. “It’s late. Thanks for the dessert.”
“You’re welcome.” He stood up and stretched. Adele watched wordlessly, her brain greedily storing the image for later.
“I’ll see myself out. Good night.” She hurried to the door, but he followed her and pulled the door open.
“Good night, Adele.” He looked at her with those eyes again.
It took all of Adele’s willpower to walk back to her apartment. She didn’t breathe until she got inside and bolted the door.