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My head snaps up at Austin’s loaded tone. He’s looking into my eyes, setting butterflies to flight in my middle. “Would you like to pet her?”
No. Yes. Definitely not. I swallow and answer, “I would.”
Austin smiles, the emotion reaching his eyes, highlighting the fine lines there. I wonder briefly how old he is until his boyish grin steals my attention and gives away how pleased he is at my response. “Hold out your hand. Palm up,” he commands softly.
I do as he says, and he walks over, Piper remaining glued to his side like she’s an extension of him. The pretty dog sniffs my hand and rests her chin in my palm. Her quick acceptance makes me giggle, and I run my fingers over her dark fur. “You’re a sweet girl, aren’t you?”
Her tongue lolls to the side, and she rolls over, exposing her belly. I offer the scratch she’s begging for and stand. Lifting my face again, I’m stunned by the intensity in Austin’s eyes. He shakes his head and clears his throat.
I remember I’m still in my cotton pajama shorts and tank. Crossing my arms over my chest, I back up a few steps, embarrassed at my state of undress. “It was nice to meet you both. I’d better get back to work.”
Red-faced, I rush back onto the porch, grab my things, and go inside, smiling at the answering flush in Austin’s cheeks.
I wash out my coffee cup, thinking about Austin’s broad chest and the tempting V muscles at his trim hips. Thanks to the visual, my poor coffee cup received a washing it wasn’t ready for.
Chuckling at myself, I put the sexy man out of my mind and resume unpacking. I finish the living room and collapse onto the sofa, deciding it’s time for a break. The rest can wait till later.
Feeling accomplished, I break down the empty boxes and set them by the front door to recycle later. Then, after a shower, I get in my car, ready to spend some time getting to know my new home.
The spring air is pleasantly warm. It’s chilly compared to Southern California and San Juan, but I’ve gotten used to it, having lived in Richmond for several years. Virginia’s beaches are new to me and don’t compare to the ones back home in San Juan. They’re still beautiful in their own way.
The best thing about Virginia is that it isn’t filled with the same ghosts as my home. I’m sure Norfolk has plenty of nasties hiding in its dark corners, but those skeletons don’t live in my closet.
Around noon, I stop at a quaint deli in nearby Virginia Beach for lunch and then figure I’ve explored enough for today. I still have more boxes to unpack. My last stop is at a grocery store to pick up a few things.
My phone rings as I finish putting the last of the groceries and supplies away. It’s only been a week, but seeing my father’s name on screen brings a smile to my face. “Apá.”
“How is my bebita?”
I roll my eyes but smile. “Apá, really? I’m older than you were when Cordero was born.”
“And I’ve told you before, that doesn’t matter, mija. How are you settling into your new home?”
“It’s great so far, but I’ve only been here a day. I met my duplex neighbor this morning. He has a big dog.”
“What?!”
My father’s level of surprise is a bit excessive, but he knows I’m afraid of dogs and why. “Don’t worry. I was scared at first, but Piper is sweet and well-trained. I actually petted her.”
“What about her owner?”
“I didn’t pet him,” I giggle.
My father makes a choking sound but then laughs. “Alborotadora.”
I smile because it’s been years since he called me his troublemaker. “What do you know about him?” he asks.
“Not much. He used to be in the military.”
“What’s his name?”
Uh oh. Here we go. “Apá, you’re not going to investigate every person I meet. Not only is it ridiculous, it’s impossible.”
His tone is somber when he answers, “You cannot blame me, mija. You’re all I’ve got left.”
Thoughts of being ambushed by Belisario Pastrana come to mind, and all my patience and goodwill wither. Biting off a nasty retort about his chosen business being the source of danger, I sigh. “You will have to trust that I can take care of myself. Besides, I’ve only been here one day, remember? I haven’t seen my office yet and barely know my way around this house.”
“Alright. Alright,” he concedes. “I’ll leave you alone, but please call me. All the time.”