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And explained all her unavailable vibes. Cas had given his father what must be a similar amount of money in a single hit. And his father had messaged that it would hit Cas’s account by Monday.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because it’s my problem. My decision.”

“Not fair, Beatriz.”

“I told you I was unavailable. That this was a fling.” But she breathed the words with a horror that revealed she was as aghast as he was.

“It stopped being a fling a long time ago.”

Tears poured down her face. She didn’t seem to realise she was crying. She loved him. He was sure of it. Every action, every touch, told him she loved him, but she’d made a promise to her parents. He knew what that was like.

“I thought this was a fling. A friends-with-benefits situationship while we stayed here.”

She was digging a deeper hole with each word she uttered and didn’t know it.

“Do that often?”

“No,” she confessed, shame-faced.

“Right answer. But you assumed I did?” That stung. “Because of Monique?”

“No,” she said. “But I was wrong.”

“I told you about Nick Richardson’s raid and why I needed free rent.” He’d shared all his secrets. “Why not tell me then?”

“Because you also told me your father planned to give the money back. Now or never, you said.” She reached a hand toward him and let it drop on her thigh. “We were talking about you achieving your dream. You’re too good not to live that dream, and you need every cent you’ve saved to do it.”

“What did you think would happen next week?” Cas demanded. “Just say goodbye. It’s been nice. See you across a crowded room at the next cocktail function.”

“I’ve tried not to think about it.” She held up a hand. “Not true. I can’t stop thinking about it. But I’ve tried to live in the moment.”

“Doesn’t ring true, Beatriz.” He shoved his hands in his pockets, aware that at odd moments he’d wondered at the desperation in her lovemaking these last few days. “You do careful, detailed work. Everyone knows your planning skills are unbeatable.”

“I took advantage of you,” she whispered.

“You took advantage ofus. I can’t stay here. I need to think.” He turned to leave, then swung back around. “One more question, why turn to Antonio tonight?”

“Antonio’s untouchable. He owns his own business. He’s had years in the business.” Her face was pale, her eyes shadowed.

“You were protecting me from Smithers by letting everyone in that room know I didn’t mean a damn thing to you? I’m secure in my job.”

“You’re about to start a new business,” she snapped, seemingly goaded past breaking point.

“And you think I can’t look after myself.”

“It’s a statement about his viciousness. Not a criticism of you.” She looked like he felt. Blindsided by life.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.” He was gutted. “I’m going out.”

She nodded.

––––––––

Somehow, he found himselfat Hunter’s. Sitting on the lounge where he’d shared beers, pizza, football games and deep and meaningfuls about life. Cas let the memories come. Beatriz had encouraged his dream, she’d found Mo. Although Mo would have approached him eventually. Or he hoped so. Beatriz made it happen sooner. She’d asked the probing questions, pushed him forward, all the time knowing that his father was about to give him back the money Cas had lent him. Savings that would set her free. Probably knowing she only had to ask.

She hadn’t.