Page 12 of Doxed

The savory smell of eggs and cheese gets stronger as I follow it into the kitchen. Carlos stands in front of a large stove with a warm brick backsplash, tending to a pan heaped with scrambled eggs.

“Good morning, Hermosa. I thought I was going to have to send someone to wake you,” he says, briefly taking his eyes off of the pan to run them down my body.

My eyes wander as I walk around the kitchen and to the stools on the opposite side of the massive butcher’s block island. “I followed the smell of the food. I thought you’d have someone who cooks for you.” I cock my brow and sit down.

I see his shoulders rise and fall with a quiet laugh as he focuses on the food in front of him.

A dark shirt hugs his muscled back and dark lounge pants hang high on his waist. His bare feet stand confident on the marble flooring.

He looks so different from all the other times I've seen him.

Dressed in expensive, tailored suits with his hair slicked back and quarter-of-a-million dollar watches adorning his wrist.

“I do, but I thought we needed to talk this morning, and I know we both prefer things more comfortable.” His tone is calm and serious, and I'm a little worried about what he’s going to say.

It said a lot when I didn't stay in his room last night, but I just couldn't fake it with him. He deserves better than me putting on the same show I do for all of my clients. I don't want him to be a client. I've never done this before, because it ruins business, but he's become a friend to me.

I need to pass him off to someone else, someone who won't basically friend-zone him like I did. God, Hector is going to be so mad at me for losing Carlos. He said he was a big deal.

Carlos places a load of scrambled eggs mixed with peppers, onions, chilis, tomatoes, and cheese on two plates and sets them on the counter in front of me and next to me. He walks back around to the stove and opens a drawer next to it.

“Are we eating alone?” I ask, eyeing only the two plates in front of me.

“Yesenia already flew out this morning for business and Mateo will sleep until noon. We’re alone.

” He sets forks down beside the plates and walks to the fridge, taking out a pitcher of orange juice and setting it on the counter as well.

Lastly, he sets a plate of sliced peaches between us before finally sitting down on the stool next to me.

My skin itches with anticipation, as he seems calm walking around his kitchen grabbing items.

“You seem nervous,” his tone is even as he raises the fork of eggs to his mouth and looks forward.

He swallows his bite after chewing and continues, “Last night was nice, but I have to admit something, Briar.” He turns to look at me, his caramel gaze friendly, but I catch regret in them as well.

“I felt nothing besides friendship and some lust for you.”

I lower my head. He could feel it too, that I wasn't into it. I'm normally not that into it. It’s a job, but I've gotten good at pretending. I had to. I have to sell a fantasy to the people who pay for me.

“I’m sorry, Carlos,” I say to the floor. Ever since Dox walked into the club, he’s been messing with my mind and I can't get him out.

Carlos’ hand wraps around my shoulder. “It’s not your fault, Hermosa. It’s me. I didn’t feel it. It has nothing to do with you.” My head snaps up. So he didn’t notice. “I’m sorry, but I was hoping we could go back to our conversations and back to being friends. I value your friendship a lot.”

I discreetly let out a sigh of relief. Thank God! “I’d like that, Carlos.” I smile softly and pat his hand on my shoulder.

“Good.” he nods once. “Now eat your breakfast and then we can go into town or the jet can take you home. Whatever you want, Hermosa.” Carlos turns back to his plate and starts eating again.

I like Carlos. As a friend. And this is an immense relief. I haven't let Hector down, and I don't have to fake anything with Carlos.

Now I just need to figure out who Dox is and what’s going on with him.