Page 52 of Rio

I frown and wonder if he’s talking about last night, then I force myself to focus on the task at hand.I can’t have any romantic daydreams about us.As for this folder, he’s not pushing me to have it, and I guess it won’t do me any harm if I take a peek.I’m curious to see what their angle is “Why do you want me to have this?”

“I don’t want you to do anything.I thought it might help, that’s all.It was carried out by third-party consultants.We’ve got nothing to hide.”

“I don’t know.Everything with you guys always feels so ...calculated.”

“What feels calculated?Me handing you this file?You don’t have to take it, princesa.”

“Can’t you stop calling me that?”

“Make me.”

I peer at him, almost laugh out loud.“How old are you?”

“You want my deets?My date of birth, my measurements?My length, my girth?”

I screw up my face, glaring at him.“Once again, how old are you?”I notice that we’ve both crossed our arms.

He brings out the warrior in me.He makes me want to slap him and kiss him with equal measure.He’s infuriating, and charmingly annoying at the same time.Here I am, in Belize, thousands of miles from home, and I run into him.

What are the chances?

I’m hot and bothered, and this time, it’s not even due to the weather.It’s because of him.Heat rolls off his skin like a slow-burning fire.He’s wearing a black T-shirt that clings a little too well to his chest, his bronzed forearms now resting on the steering wheel.Even sitting with him here in his Jeep makes me start to sweat like I’m in trouble.

And maybe, I am.

“You’re very Jekyll and Hyde,” I say, waving a hand between us.“Last night you were different and today—”

“Last night you were different, too.I know you’re a true professional.I’m trying to be mindful.”

Oh.

I appreciate that.

“You have a bad impression of the old man,” he continues.“That’s warranted.I’m assuming Dani has told you everything.Just remember that we’re not like that.I’mnot like that.”

I’m trying to figure out his angle, on why he’s really here this morning.The man had a hardon when I last saw him.Did he sleep?Did he take care of himself?Like I had to so that I could sleep?

I put out my hand, nod at the folder resting on his lap.“I might glance at it.See what your independant consultant has to say.”

He shrugs as he hands it to me.I rest it on my lap, not even bothering to open it or flick through it.

“No ‘thank you’, princesa?”

I grit my teeth together.Fake a smile.“Thank you.”

“One more thing.Just a heads up.We’re having a meeting at the community hall later this evening.Your boss might already know about it.”

“She mentioned it.Why are you being so nice and helpful?”

“Can’t I be?”

“But why?You didn’t answer my question.”

“Are you always so suspicious of people being nice to you, princesa?”

“Rich people, yes.I’m always worried that they’re ten steps ahead, buying their way out of a mess.”

He shakes his head.I climb out of the Jeep and walk away without looking back.But a swirling feeling in my gut tells me he’s probably watching me.I go back inside the bungalow and sit down at the table again.Alma watches me intently.