He must sense my demeanor change, because his hands come up as he says, “Wow. Really, my man? It’s like that, huh?” He shakes his head while not attempting to hide his smug smile. “Isabella and Denise were in the same class in high school and have been friends ever since. She’s my daughter’s godmother.” He starts jogging backward, as if he doesn’t trust me to not aim a fast one at his head as he retreats, chuckling to himself. “Oh, this is going to be fun to watch, Martinez.”
By the time I get home, I’m exhausted.
After practice, I stayed behind and had an early dinner with the team. It’s something we try to do once a week since this is the New York Monarchs’ first season as an MLB team.
Then I avoided Torres like jury duty, since he’s been really working overtime trying to get me to open up and talk about Isabella. Even though I now know nothing ever happened between the two of them, I’m still finding myself irrationally annoyed that someone else on my team knows her. And probably knows her even better than I do.
By the time I step into my foyer, I can hear Anna and Isabella in the living room. I give myself a minute before announcing my presence by the kitchen entrance. Enjoying the sounds of their giggles and gasps at whatever they’re looking at on Isabella’s phone.
They look like two peas in a pod, huddled together on the couch. Perfectly content and comfortable with one another. That’s what I should be focusing on.
Anna.
Anna feels comfortable with Isabella. And even though I doubt Isa will survive here until the end of the week, obviously due to my inability to stop thinking about her inappropriately, I do recognize that Isabella’s influence is good for Anna. And that she’ll most likely always hold a place in Anna’s heart.
So with that thought in mind, I tell my dick to calm the fuck down and be mature about this whole situation.
Less than a week left to mildly obsess over Isa.
Maybe if I keep repeating that to myself, I’ll start to believe it.
ten
“Papi,” Anna yells asshe leaps off the back of the couch and into her father’s waiting arms.
The same muscular arms I haven’t been able to scrub from my brain since last night.
Basilic veins.
Yes, I googled what those stupid forearm veins were last night after I tossed and turned for what felt like an eternity.
I thought for sure I would be awoken by building security, requesting my immediate evacuation. On the grounds of, I don’t know, indecent exposure? Grotesque ogling of Mateo’s abs? World’s most inappropriate and ratty pj’s?
I’m not sure, but I definitely feel guilty ofsomething.
This morning was so awkward for me, especially because he acted as if nothing happened. Which made me feel crazy and second-guess whether last night was as bad as I made it out to be in my head.
But the slow glide of his gaze over my body as he holds Anna tells me maybe I’m not.
Since I’m not one to make the same mistake twice, I’m currently wearing a long-sleeve flannel pajama top and matching leggings that are four months too early for Christmas, given their red and black checkered pattern. But there’s no chance in hell I’ll ever be caught airing out my lady bits again.
Then why am I heating up under his inspection as if I’m wearing nothing at all?
Flannel. It’s the fucking flannel, of course.
He sets her down but keeps his eyes set on me. “How was dinner? Sorry I’m late. I had to chat with my coach before I was done for the day.”
“Dinner was great. Your chef is really talented. I never knew someone could make cauliflower tasty enough for a five-year-old’s palate.”
Anna beams proudly up at him, clad in a stylish pair of pajamas that she had to wear as soon as she saw that I’d changed into mine.
“Sounds great. And, uh, did you eat your portion as well? I asked the chef to include your meals in this week’s schedule.”
I roll my lips as I go over his words. Is he trying to make sure I’m fed so that we don’t have a repeat of last night? Or is he trying to remind me that only this week of work is guaranteed for me?
Either way, I straighten and answer honestly. “Yes, I did. Thank you for that. You really don’t have to keep feeding me.” I shut my mouth tightly, hoping Anna didn’t catch on to my slip. “I mean, I work for you, not the other way around. I’m more than capable of taking care of my needs. Really, don’t worry. I’m of no concern to you.”
He takes a step closer to the couch, but I make no attempt to stand from the spot I’m perched on. It wouldn’t make adifference; this man would tower over me anyway. He lowers his voice as he says, “I take care of the people under my roof, Isabella. So I guess that means, for the time being, that your needsareof my concern.”
