Page 72 of Up In Smoke

Rico nods and covers our joined hands with his other one, looking down at them. “I approached my captain and asked him about a hypothetical situation. I…I was so afraid that without extensive help, I was going to lose Jesse forever, and I couldn’t stand by and let that happen.” His blazing eyes cast upward again, like he’s challenging Angelica. “I was willing to do anything to save the man I love and that’s a decision I stand by. It might seem on paper like we got married after only a few months together, but we’ve known each other for most of our lives. I’m honored that Jesse agreed to become my husband, and I made a commitment to take care of him for the rest of our lives.” He looks back at me, and my heart swoops in my chest as my eyes dampen. “I love you, baby,” he whispers.

Love? Baby?

Those are big words.

I kind of want him to use them every day forever more.

A sob escapes my throat, and the tears spill down my cheeks. I know we’re not alone, but it doesn’t feel like he’s putting on a show for the interview. Forgetting that Angelica’s even there, I cling to his hand and press our knees together.

“I thought I loved you before,” I rasp. “Back when we were kids. But the reality is so much better.” I chuckle and wipe my face. “Even if it’s a little messy and unconventional. I love you,too.” Taking a breath, I turn and face Angelica. “Is he going to get in trouble for what we did? Because if anyone is going to be punished, it should be me. I’m the one that fucked up. Don’t take it out on Rico, please.”

Angelica sighs. Then she clicks her pen closed and stops her phone recording.

My heart leaps into my mouth. Both mine and Rico’s palms are clammy against each other.

“Okay.” Angelica puffs out her cheeks and scratches the back of her head before fixing us with a firm stare. “I’m not going to lie. I still think the timing of this marriage was a little convenient and if I made a case, I think the company could claim something fishy went on.” Nausea rushes through me and my grip spasms on Rico’s hand. But she lifts a finger and shakes her head, not giving either me or Rico a chance to speak. “That would be a lot of paperwork for me, though.”

I manage a tiny breath that stops my head from completely spinning.

“Okay?” Rico says tentatively.

Angelica shrugs and starts putting her things back in her purse. “I’ve done a lot of these reviews, and I pride myself on being able to sniff bullshit from a mile away. This?” She waves her hand between us. “Is not bullshit. This is actually fucking beautiful.” She slaps her hands against her thighs and stands, swinging her bag over her shoulder. Rico and I look uncertainly at each other and hastily scramble up as well. “I wish you luck, gentlemen!” Angelica Carson declares. “Although after seeing how dedicated you both are to the other’s wellbeing, I don’t think you need luck.”

She nods once, then turns and heads for the door. Klaus raises his head and lets out a little questioning whine.

I blink, unsure what’s going on. “So…what happens now?”

Angelica pauses with her hand on the doorknob and looks at us over her shoulder. “Case closed. You won’t be hearing from me again, Mr. Silverman.” She nods at Rico. “Mr. Flores. You two have a nice life now. I have a feeling you’re going to be just fine.” She glances back at me. “One day at a time, right?”

“One day at a time,” I repeat back in a daze.

The door clicks shut behind her and for a few moments, Rico and I simply stand there looking at it, our fingers still tangled together.

“That’s it?” I utter in disbelief.

“I guess we didn’t need to go to all that effort of moving you into my room,” Rico says. “Shall we move you back out?”

I turn to look at him, but before I get the chance to feel hurt or confused, he bursts out laughing and throws his arms around my waist, picking me up and spinning me around. Klaus jumps up and barks as I laugh in relief. Rico places me back on the floor and moves his hands to cup them either side of my face, gazing into my eyes. “We did it. We’re in the clear.”

“So…you don’t want me to move out of your room?” I ask, still not entirely sure if he was joking or not.

But his eyes smolder and he starts walking me backward. “Baby, if you think I’m letting you leaveourroom for the rest of the day, you’ve got another thing coming.”

Several emotions fly through me at once. I press my hand to his chest and stop walking for a second. “Say it again,” I whisper. He raises his eyebrows questioningly at me, and I lick my lips before elaborating. “Call me that again.”

“Baby?” Rico murmurs.

My eyes flutter closed and I shiver. “Yes.”

Rico moves one of his hands to card his fingers through my hair. His breath ghosts over my exposed neck before he kisses it. “Baby. My baby.”

The moan that vibrates through me is sinful. I keep my eyes shut as he starts walking me backward again. “Rico,” I gasp.

“I’m right here, baby.”

We stumble into the bedroom, and I pause just before we get to the bed. My heart is hammering in my chest, and my breathing is ragged. My skin feels like it’s on fire and I desperately need Rico to touch me everywhere.

Everywhere.