Page 96 of Veiled Amor

“You don’t have to ask, take it anytime. Or I can get you a car of your own.” He said it so nonchalantly, like he was talking about picking up a carton of milk, for freak’s sake. Wide-eyed, Lucia swallowed. “Whoa there, moneybags. We’re not doing that. I can use your Jeep or walk into town.”

“Why not?” He asked over his shoulder. “You’re gonna need a car, eventually. I’ll look into it. You got any preferences? Tesla? Tahoe?”

“Capone, you are not getting me a car. I mean it. It’s nice of you, but no.”

He came over, a rolling gait of steps, and captured her cheeks in his hands. Leaning in, wearing a smirk, he popped a small kiss. “You look beautiful when your eyebrows are scowling at me.”

She huffed amusement, “Yeah, well, see what they do if you dare get me a car. You buy your girlfriend chocolates or flowers, not a whole-ass vehicle, Giancarlo.”

His reply was a dirty smirk and a pat on the ass as he sauntered out of the room. “Call if you need anything,” he told her as he swung into his biker jacket and kissed the hell out of her before he left for the day.

Dazed and so in love with that man, Lucia smiled as she went to get ready for her day.

Yeah, so not ready for her dream to end yet.

TWENTY-SIX

“Friends: The one where it’s not what it seems.” - Lucia

“That’s fine, move at a glacier’s pace. I have all day to wait, it’s not as though making a cappuccino takes a lot of effort…” a beautiful woman complained at the counter.

Lucia sipped her latte, watching as the outspoken woman received her takeout cup of coffee. The woman didn’t tip, and she turned around to find Lucia watching her. Lucia braced for a tongue lashing for spying when the woman strode through the tables to hers, but she smiled, “swear to God, this place is so slow when I’m dying for my caffeine hit. Mind if I sit for a minute?”

“Um,” Lucia blinked and moved her shopping bags out of the way, “sure.”

“Looks like someone had a fun morning.” Indicating to Lucia’s bags, one from a jewelry store.

“I have. I was picking up my boyfriend’s birthday gift.”

“Ah, neato. Who is he? I think I know everyone in Armado.”

Not finding hertoointrusive, Lucia was glad of the company, even if it was someone who yelled at the staff. Everyone had their moody moments.

“He’s called Capone; he’s a member of—”

“The Renegade Souls.” The other woman smiled. “Everyone knows them. They’re good guys, and they do a lot for the community; you got yourself a hottie, girlie. I haven’t seen your face around town, though.”

“I’ve only been here a month. I’m originally from Florida.”

“Ah, I’m sure our weather is a shock to the system, yeah?” She laughed lightly. Lucia knew what she meant since the other woman was wearing three-quarter leggings with a light jacket, and Lucia was dressed in ripped skinny jeans, a knit sweater with a scarf wound around her neck.

“You could say that. Does it ever stop snowing?”

“Wait until it snows in June, then you’ll get a shock.”

The pair chatted for almost ten minutes.

“I’m happy to show you all the best spots to go,” she offered, “oh, listen, I have a great idea! My family own a chalet up on the mountain; we can go skiing soon. Have you been before?”

Taken aback by her generosity, Lucia smiled. “Not in a long time.”

“Then it’s settled. I have to run, but put my number in your phone,” numbers were exchanged.

“Oh, my god, listen to me rambling, I didn’t even introduce myself. I’m Kate.”

“I’m Lucia.”

“It was great to meet you, Lucia, I’ll call to have you and that gorgeous man of yours over for a cookout. I love hosting.”