When he turned off the car, he slipped his keys in his pocket and went to her side to help her out. He had to catch her as he opened the door and laughed at the small little grumble she let out at being disturbed. He reached for her purse and got her keys out. Then he went and unlocked the front door, propping it open so he could easily bring her inside without waking her mother. Getting back to the car, he scooped her back into his arms and she let out the sweetest sigh as she snuggled into his neck. He got into the house and headed down the back hallway. Assuming that the room with the open door was hers, he went in and laid her on the bed, placed her purse on her nightstand, and plugged her phone in.
He slipped her shoes off and leaned in, placing a small kiss on her forehead. “Goodnight little Izzy. Thank you for being you.”
Taking a step back, he turned to leave and nearly had a heart attack. Standing in the hallway was a five foot two-inch lady standing in a housecoat with a smile the size of the sun.
“Oh! I just knew there was something going on with you two. Isabel always denies it, but a mother just knows,” she whispered, gesturing for him to follow her into the main part of the house.
Micah had all of ten steps to get his story straight. He gently closed Isabel’s door behind him and then went to face her mother.
“Mrs. Diaz, it’s good to see you again,” he said, leaning in to kiss her cheek.
“It’s been too long.”
“I know, and I apologize about that. I also should clarify something. There isn’t anything going on with me and Izzy. She just had a bit too much to drink tonight, and I wanted to make sure she got home okay.”
“Who was she out with?”
“Me.”
“Then I think I’m right. My Isabel doesn’t go out with just anyone, Micah. In fact, she hasn’t been out with anyone as far as I know. Not since... well never mind, that doesn’t matter. It’s you she’s meant to be with, anyway.”
“It’s not like that. I adore Izzy. She is an amazing employee, but that’s it. Really.”
He could sense the disappointment in the woman’s features. “She’s wonderful and will find the perfect man some day. Unfortunately, that’s not me.”
“If you say so.”
“I do.”
“That’s fine, for now. But my Isabel is quite a catch, you know. I taught her how to cook all the best dishes. Now, I know you’re Italian, but Cuban food isn’t that different. I know you like that restaurant. Oh, what’s it called?”
“Sergio’s.”
“Yes, that’s it, but you really should have Isabel cook for you. Home cooked is always better. Besides, you can’t make a decision on a relationship without eating the woman’s food.”
“But there’s no... you know what, never mind. I’m sure you are right, Mrs. Diaz, and someday I will ask Izzy to cook for me.”
“Now that’s a good boy,” she said, making a reach to give him a hug.
“It’s very late. I don’t want to keep you up any longer. Please tell Izzy to call me in the morning.”
“Oh, I’m sure she will. You drive safe now.”
Driving safe wasn’t Micah’s concern. He had switched to shots of water hours ago and Isabel was none the wiser. Instead, he got in his car while running down the list of reasons in his mind about why he was awful for her and why he could never cross that line he spent so much time dancing around. Mrs. Diaz was right about one thing, her daughter was a catch and any man would be lucky to have her.