Page 52 of Love Arranged

“What’s it for?”

“Supporting families affected by drunk drivers.”

My sister’s eyes soften. “That’s a great cause.”

Our town hasn’t faced many tragedies, so everyone knowsabout how Lorenzo’s parents died in a hit-and-run accident. While the other driver was never found, could they have been drinking? If so, how did they get away?

Lorenzo’s next comment snaps me out of the thought. “I’m surprised Julian didn’t mention anything since he’s a guest of honor.”

A few days ago, Julian was giving me a hard time about Lorenzo fixing my car, only to become hisguest of honor?

“Since when do you support Lorenzo?” My tone reeks of annoyance. I should be happy because a Lopez endorsement could go a long way for Lorenzo’s campaign, but I’m too irritated to think about the bigger picture right now.

Especially after Lorenzo’s confession the other night about the Eros app.

“Rafa asked me for a favor, so I had no choice but to agree to Lorenzo’s endorsement request,” Julian answers.

I pause at his phrasing. “Must’ve been one hell of a favor since you’re deathly afraid of public speaking.”

Julian sinks deeper into his chair, giving me nothing but anxiety to go off.

Lorenzo takes a seat on the empty barstool next to mine and casually wraps his arm around the back of my chair like we do this all the time—a move Julian takes note of immediately.

Before anyone can comment on it, Lorenzo states, “Rafa came to me for help, and I delivered, so that’s all that matters.”

“Couldn’t you have helped him for free?” I ask, somewhat snippy.

“That would require a conscience, and Lorenzo was born without one.” Julian smirks.

“I’m sure Lily would disagree with you.” Lorenzo turns to hit me with an incriminating smile. “Especially after what happened the other night?” He teases the end of my ponytail as he winds a strand around his finger.

What is going on here? Speaking at the adoption event is one thing, but touching me like this in front of everyone?

Did he get abducted by aliens? If so, how do I convince them to take him back?

Julian’s brows crinkle as his dark gaze swings toward me. “What’s he talking about?”

“What happened while we were gone?” Dahlia asks at the same time.

I could strangle Lorenzo for the chaos he is causing, but my expression doesn’t reflect my innermost thoughts. “Nothing important.”

“On the contrary, I take Lily’s healthveryseriously.” He pushes my cup of water closer to me.

I respond by kicking my foot out. I aim for the leg of his chair, but I accidentally hit his shin instead.Oops.

“One kind act doesn’t make you a hero,” I reply with a tight smile.

“So you admit I’m kind.”

“Only on rare occasions when it benefits you.”

“In what way did you puking all over my Ferragamos benefit me?”

My sister’s mouth falls open. “Wait. Shewhat?”

“There’s a reason Lily skipped out on her regular passion-fruit vodka seltzer tonight.” Lorenzo has the audacity to look concerned over my health.

My head is reeling from this conversation and Lorenzo’s proximity. If I wasn’t stone-cold sober, I’d question how much I had to drink.