Page 46 of Who's Loving You

I’m convinced he wants to send me to an early grave. That’s the only explanation as to why he keeps fucking with me. I think I’m going to have to remind him of the parameters again. He hasn’t just stepped over the line, he hurdled it and sprinted far beyond it.

“I’ll drive so you can rest.”And so I don’t punch you in the balls.

“This is so exciting.” Elena looks like Nic told her we’re expecting her first grandchild with the way moisture swirls in her eyes.

The only way that could happen is if I let this idiot con me into bed with him.

No, you’re the idiot for thinking you wouldn’t fall right in.

16

NICO

Me: Good morning, beautiful. My family really enjoyed their visit with you yesterday. Thank you for taking time from your day to show them around Houston.

Mi Reina: You’re welcome. I’m still trying to figure out how those nice people ended up with a nuisance like you.

Me: Oh babe. You don’t mean that.

Mi Reina: Oh, I do. With every ounce of my being. Is there anything else you need? I’m busy

Me: Just one more thing.

……….

Mi Reina: What is it?! Jesus, Nic. You really grindmy gears.

Me: I can grind something else if you’d like.

Mi Reina: I’m about to grind your balls into your spleen. Get on with it.

Me: So feisty. I love it. Anywho. We leave for Milwaukee on Saturday and there’s a dinner with some of the guys and their spouses on Friday that I was invited to. With the condition that I bring you.

Mi Reina: Whose condition?

Me: Monty’s. He said you and Rinaldi’s wife hit it off and suggested you and I be there.

Mi Reina:

Me: Is that a yes?

Mi Reina: That’s a “I really don’t have a choice in the matter so see you Friday.”

Me: That’s a “We’re going to have a great time and you’ll be thanking me by the end of the night”. And that’s how you plan to thank me.

Mi Reina: Not a chance in hell.

Me: See you Friday. Wear something sexy.

Mi Reina: I’ll wear a parka.

I look across the room again andfind Valentina wrapped up in a conversation with Rinaldi’s wife, a warm and genuine smile on her face.

In the short time that she’s allowed us to spend together, I’ve come to recognize that Valentina tends to keep a small and very selective circle of friends. Mostly acquaintances, from what I can tell. Lucy is her closest friend and what Chase has told me –from their conversations– Valentina doesn’t let many people in.

She’s calm, cool and collected, almost aloof in her approach to people. The professional side of her almost never cracks. I mentioned once that she had a stick up her ass and she corrected me by saying, “It’s a steel beam, so don’t ever think you can break me.” I won’t break her, but I may see if I can get her to bend just a little.

As if she senses eyes on her, Valentina slowly turns her head in my direction and we lock gazes. They don’t immediately spit fire in my direction and almost look, dare I say, happy. It’s like she’s actually enjoying herself despite my presence.