CHAPTER 17
Rachel
The soft ping of a text message called to her psyche, breaking through the thin layer of veiled sleep clouding her brain. Groaning as she forced her eyelids open, Rachel rolled and came nose-to-nose with Miguel.
His quiet breaths fell from his lips in peaceful sleep. The rise and fall of his bare chest instilled instant comfort and contentment in her soul as he rested beside her.
There’s nothing better than waking up next to you.
Sighing at the ease filling her heart, she let her gaze drift to the window and the streak of light sneaking in through the crack in the blinds. With a snort, she eyed her own bedroom window from a distance. “You can see it,” she whispered. Stifling a snicker at the uncanny coincidence, she ran her hand over the nightstand and gripped her pesky phone.
Rachel squinted at the bright screen and frowned at the unknown number responsible for waking her in the early hours of Sunday morning. She tapped the message and brought the phone closer to her face to read, Good morning, Rachel! This is Regina Banks. Thanks again for offering to grab a cup of coffee with me today. If you’re still willing, I’d like to take you up on it. Would 9:30 AM work for you? If so, how about Java Janes in Rosewood?
Rachel sucked in a quick breath and closed out of the text to peer at the time. “7:13 AM,” she whispered and returned to Regina’s note. Tapping in a response accepting the invitation, Rachel sighed as the time spent beside Miguel ticked away.
She studied his face, focusing on the scruff shadowing his tan cheeks and the tiny scar indented above his left brow. As she breathed through the newfound love gripping her heart, her gaze fell to the freckles dotting his shoulders and upper arms. Happiness blossomed in her soul, stealing the air from her lungs at the recall of his body moving on top of hers the night before, the memory, a moment of pure passion.
With a groan, he rolled and lifted his left arm over his head.
Giggling as his quiet breaths morphed into full-on snores, Rachel returned her attention to her phone as Regina replied. Wonderful! See you in a couple hours!
Rachel texted back a thumbs-up emoji, but a frown overpowered her smile as another text appeared. Her heart skipped a full beat as Ian’s name registered in her brain. Tapping his note with immediate intrigue, she snuck a quick peek at Miguel before reading, Fun fact: I made the biggest mistake of my life breaking up with you. I’d do just about anything to have you back in my arms right now.
Her belly twisted into a knot, inciting a bout of nausea. She swallowed the bile suddenly lodged in her throat, and the burn behind her lids roared. Rachel sucked in a quick breath and closed out of his note. She shook her head, willing the last thirty seconds of her life away.
This can’t be happening. This can’t be happening. This can’t be happening.
But the era of Ian returned to her mind’s eye, sneakily smashing through the barriers erected around her heart. Groaning at the memory of his dorky fun facts and the unsuspected spark they once shared, Rachel rammed her eyes closed. “You were just supposed to be for fun,” she whispered. “We were never meant to be anything serious...”
Until we were.
“Hmm?” Miguel rubbed his eyes. “Did you say something?”
His sleepy, sweet confusion pierced her heart. The man beside her reclaimed her soul with the simple grin on his lips.
My sweet Miguel.
Shaking her head at the audacity of Ian’s text, she tossed the phone aside. Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous, Ian. You’re way too fucking late. With a snort, her heart agreed, and she pushed Ian’s plea to the back of her mind. His sudden realization was two months too late.
“Just good morning,” she whispered and returned his sleepy smile.
“Good morning to you, too,” he muttered and tugged her into his body. “How’d you sleep?”
“Absolutely amazing.” Rachel dragged her hand along his torso beneath the sheets and paused at his belly button.
Miguel shivered and gripped her fingers with a wild grin, boldly guiding her hand to his morning arousal. “Don’t stop, Sunshine.”
Her heart hammered in her chest as desire replaced angst.
Fuck you, Ian. I’ve moved on. And I’ll prove it to you.
His eyes closed, but his smile widened as her hand found the right rhythm.
“Raquel,” he muttered. “Sigue adelante.”
Pressing a kiss to his lips, she quickened her pace and moved her grip to his sensitive tip.
“Oh, fuck,” he murmured and arched his back.
Rachel giggled and ducked her head beneath the covers. As she guided his arousal into her mouth, a tingle erupted along her flesh.
The intake of his breath rocked her core. She swapped motions between her lips and fingers, his impending pleasure urging her on. Satisfaction was imminent as she tasted his swollen length.
“Rach—” he choked out. “I’m—”
Willing him to explode in her mouth, she brought him to the brink. Her full name dripped from his lips as his passion coated her tongue.
I love you, Miguel. Ian can fucking shove it.
––––––––
Miguel pulled into her driveway, and Rachel dashed out the front door, pausing only to ram her key in the lock with a bottle of wine tucked beneath her arm.
She blushed as he exited the car and jogged around the hood to the passenger side door.
“You know, you don’t always have to open doors for me, right?” Pecking him on the cheek, she giggled.
“But a gentleman always opens a door for a lady.” He shrugged.
“Like every dessert begins with a kiss?” Snickering at the flush appearing on his cheeks, she sank into the front seat as he returned to the driver’s side.
“Are you saying you don’t like my—”
She shook her head and squeezed his knee as her seatbelt clicked into place. “I’m saying no such thing.” Her heart pounded. Her soul relished the contentment of his presence after the hours spent apart.
Miguel smiled and returned her kiss, depositing his love and affection on her lips. With a wink, he backed out of the driveway, and within minutes, the wheels of his Mazda 3 met the highway and headed north into the elite neighboring town of Rosewood.
“How’re you feeling about tonight?” she asked.
“How am I supposed to feel about having dinner with a woman I had a thing for and a dude who hates my guts?”
Rachel rested her hand on his thigh. “Mitch does not hate your guts.”
Grinning wildly, he dropped his sunglasses on his nose and accelerated. “Trust me, Rach, there’s no doubt in my mind.”
Hmm, well, maybe you’re not too far off base.
Miguel weaved in and out of traffic until the sign for Rosewood appeared. Tapping his turn signal, he exited the highway and slowed the car to a stop at the light. “Oh, hey, how’d your coffee go this morning?”
“Really well, actually.” She pulled her hair back into a low ponytail, and a tickle teased her throat. Rachel sucked in a quick gulp of air and shook her head as a full-on coughing fit attacked out of nowhere. Her eyes watered, pooling with tears at the sudden assault.
“You okay?” Miguel rubbed her back as the light turned green. “I think there’s a bottle of water in the backseat.” Stretching his arm behind them, he rummaged through Izzy’s Peppa Pig gear beside her car seat. “Somewhere...” he muttered, splitting his attention between the search and the road.
Rachel gripped his hand and returned it to the wheel. Coughing into the crook of her elbow, she commandeered the search and located the half-empty bottle of water left over from the zoo.
The warm liquid trickled down her throat, quelling the sudden cough like a blanket stealing oxygen from fire. She wiped the tears from her eyes and shook her head again.
“Better?”
Rachel snorted and replaced the cap on the empty bottle. Tapping it against the middle console, she sucked in a deep breath. “I’m so sorry.”
He grinned. “You really don’t need to apologize.”
With a giggle, she tugged at the sun visor and frowned at her reflection in the mirror, swiping at the watery mascara staining her skin. “Well, apparently I forgot how to breathe there for a minute.”
“Are you okay now? There might be another bottle back there...”
Rachel turned and pawed through the items again until the back of her hand collided with a plastic bag. Smirking as Ryan’s dopey furry face peeked out, she gripped the stuffed goat and laughed. “What’re you still doing back here?” she cooed and tugged the toy into her lap.
“Who?” Miguel squinted at the stuffed goat. With a snicker, he bonked him on the head. “Forgot he was even back there.”
“Me too,” Rachel muttered as Miguel turned onto the private drive leading to the Templeton Manor.
Weeping willows lined the path. The branches waved in the breeze as they cruised along the pavement. The historic Victorian mansion appeared beyond the circle drive like a movie filmed a century prior.
Rachel squeezed the goat in her hands as they arrived, and Miguel put the car in park.
Well, here goes nothing...
He cut the engine and sighed, lifting his eyes to peer at the magnificent home with a frown. “You have no idea how much I don’t want to go in there.”
She dropped her hand on his knee. “It won’t be that bad.”
“You don’t know that.” Miguel cringed and dragged his hands through his hair.
“I promise, it’s a one-and-done double date.” Snagging the bottle of wine from between her feet, she tugged at the plastic handle and pressed her feet to the pavement.
With a stilted nod, he opened his door and met Rachel in front of the hood. Miguel gripped her hand and guided her to the front porch.
“Let me take the lead with Mitch tonight. I’ll keep him away from you—”
The bark of his out-of-place laughter caught in her ear as he pressed a kiss on her knuckles. “You sound like my sister!”
Rachel wrinkled her nose. “What? Why?”
“She’s always protecting me, too.” He snickered and tugged her forward. “What you said reminds me of something she’d do.”
Rolling her eyes, Rachel trudged up the steps and rang the bell. “I just meant I’ll play interference if Mitch acts like Mitch.”
Miguel gripped her waist. Placing a quick kiss on her forehead, he grinned. “And you have no idea how much I appreciate it.” He sighed as the breeze caught in her hair. “Have I told you yet today that I love you?”
Butterflies tickled her belly, his words an immediate pull on her heartstrings. She shook her head and relished the heat flushing her cheeks as the front door opened.
“You made it!” Lauren announced and pushed the screen door open. “I’m so glad you’re both here!” Propping the door against her back, she waved them inside. “Come in! Come in!”
“Thank you! Lauren, you’re so kind for inviting us over.” Rachel stepped through the entryway and immediately took in the elegant foyer. Her eyes darted from one room to the next in the magnificent space. “Like always, your home is gorgeous,” she added and handed over the bottle of wine.
“Oh, you’re too kind. I can’t take credit though.” She shrugged. “Third-generation Templeton.” Her gaze dropped to the wine, and she snickered at the label before winking at Miguel. “Pier Ninety-Two’s finest.”
“Eh, what did you expect?” he mumbled and extended his hand in her direction. “Thanks for having us over.”
Lauren laughed and quickly swatted his arm. Pulling him into a hug, she giggled. “Oh, stop. Please don’t tell me our relationship has diminished to a handshake.”
The breath left her as Rachel witnessed their embrace. As she stilled her body, her heart pounded anxiously in her chest, waiting for the moment her soul would shatter, but Miguel pulled away with ease and returned to her side.
Oh!
His arm snaked back around her waist and tugged her nearer until his warm breath tickled the top of her head.
Lauren pointed to the patio down the hall. “Come on. Mitch is outside.”
“Oh, goody,” Miguel whispered and followed both women.
“Look who’s here!” Lauren announced, catching Mitch mid-lightbulb change.
He grunted and continued screwing in the new bulb on the strand of twinkle lights. Stepping down from the chair, he spread his arms wide and pulled Rachel into a quick hug. “Been a while, Rach.”
Nodding into his chest, she sucked in a deep breath, taking in the familiar earthy scents of pine and cedar mixed with paint primer. “Definitely too long. Thanks for having us over.”
Please be nice tonight!
She stepped away and cringed as he turned to extend his hand in Miguel’s direction. “Miguel,” he muttered.
“Mitch.”
Their hands connected, tightening in a silent war for physical victory.
And we could cut this tension with a knife.
“Er, umm...” Rachel searched for words—any words—and bounced her gaze back and forth between them, both men rigid as they begrudgingly greeted each other. “Where’s Olivia?” she choked out as the first obvious question settled in her mind.
She wrapped her hand around Miguel’s forearm and guided him to a seat at the table.
“With my sister.” Mitch sank into the empty chair beside Lauren and rubbed his eyes. “Mavis and Josh are expecting their second kiddo in a few months.” He snorted. “I think they’re using Liv as a test run to see what it’ll be like having two.”
Lauren giggled and gripped the edge of the bar cart. Rolling the rattling bottles closer to the table, her eyes widened. “Which means, this is our first time since Olivia was born that we get to sleep through the night.”
Mitch pointed to the bottle of gin on the top rack. “And not wake up for a 3 AM feeding.”
Rachel winked and eyed Mitch as he gripped the bottle and poured the clear liquid into four glasses. Frowning at the uneven amounts swirling in each cup, she scoffed and nudged him on the shoulder. “Oh, come on. That’s not even close,” she teased.
He dumped ice cubes into each glass and topped off the drinks with tonic water. “Forgot who I was sitting next to...”
Rachel rolled her eyes and kicked him in the shin. “Knock it off.”
“Wait, what?” Lauren reached across the table and grabbed a glass. Bringing the gin and tonic to her lips, she sipped and eyed Miguel. “I thought you were the only experienced—”
Miguel shook his head. “Nope. Turns out Raquel here knows her way around a bar better than I do.” Snickering, he took the first sip from his drink and blushed.
Rachel shrugged but barked out a laugh recalling the evening Miguel discovered her secret skill. Oh, the storeroom... “I, ah, was a bartender for a few years in grad school,” she said as embarrassment descended. Rolling her eyes in Mitch’s direction, she tilted her head. “I’m no expert, but Mitch—” She winced as the drink slid down her throat. “I’m buying you a shot glass for your birthday. This is ridiculously strong and unbalanced.”
Lauren coughed and gripped her husband’s arm. “Rachel is right. These are strong. I better bring out some food.” Widening her eyes as she stood, she gestured to the house. “Give me ten minutes. I just need to whip together the dip for the crostinis.”
For the what?
“What kind of dip?” asked Miguel.
“Baked ricotta.”
He nodded and scooted his chair back. “Need help?”
She grinned and clapped her hands together. “Sure! Oh, and now we have an excuse for you to tell me all about the restaurant without boring the ears off these two.”
Mitch grunted as Miguel stood and pushed in his chair. Leaning over, Miguel pressed a kiss on Rachel’s cheek. “You don’t mind, do you?” he whispered.
Solo moments alone with the woman you used to love?
Her heart paused for a fraction of a second, hesitancy reining in her soul until his gaze connected with hers. The soft brown hue bore into her, emanating with trust, love, and deep connection.
“Of course not,” she muttered. “I don’t know what a crostini is, but I’m looking forward to whatever it is you both bring out.”
He grinned and bonked her on the nose before disappearing into the house behind Lauren.
“I saw it,” Mitch muttered and drained his glass.
Rachel’s stomach clenched as she frowned. “Saw what?”
“You hesitated.”
She rolled her eyes and gulped down the remaining liquid too, relishing the fog swimming in her brain. “I did no such thing.”
He snickered. “Half a second at best. But it was there.”
Ugh. Of course, you’d notice.
“I trust him. Miguel has been nothing but truthful with me. I know they shared something...”
Mitch laughed and leaned forward to snag her glass. “Don’t fucking remind me,” he muttered and generously dumped gin into their glasses.
“We all make mistakes.”
He scoffed and added tonic. “Some worse than others.” Pushing the fresh drink in her direction, he glanced at the patio door. “I’m just saying. Lauren and I were married when—”
Her blood boiled. Mitch’s vendetta against Miguel set her soul ablaze.
“Mitch Benson. Kettle. Black.”
He sneered. “And how is Tess these days?”
Sipping on the new drink, Rachel leaned her elbows on the table and studied his face, taking in the red, puffy edges around his tired eyes. “Probably not far from becoming my sister-in-law. Ryan adores her.”
Mitch nodded and pressed his lips together. “That he does.”
“Mmm-hmm.”
His gaze flickered to the patio door before scooting his chair closer to the table. The metal legs scraped against the brick and interrupted the echo of the ocean crashing in the distance.
“How long have we known each other?” he asked.
“Years.”
Mitch nodded and rested his hand on hers. Squeezing her palm, he swallowed. “I can’t help it,” he muttered. “Miguel’s name will always—”
“Mitch...”
Sucking in a deep breath, he pulled away and dropped back in his seat. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”
His sweet words encircled her, filling her heart with admiration for the big-brother figure sitting beside her. “He won’t hurt me.”
With a raised brow, Mitch sighed. “I hope he doesn’t.”
“It’s not who he is,” Rachel added and snuck a peek at the still closed patio door. Shrugging as the gin barreled through her brain with more force, she lifted her face to eye the twinkle lights above their heads. “Miguel is like no one I’ve ever been with before. He’s loving. He’s kind. He’s attentive. He’s—”
Beneath her butt, her phone buzzed, vibrating against the metal chair.
“He’s?” Mitch questioned.
Rachel rolled her eyes and tugged at her phone. “He’s the one I wan—” The words stalled on the tip of her tongue as Ian’s name reappeared on her screen, his second text slicing into the moment of affirmation like a saber stabbing its target.
“What?” Mitch straightened and tapped her phone.
The blood ran cold in her veins, stealing the sentiment in her heart as Ian’s confession ensnared her screen.
“It’s Ian,” Rachel admitted and peered at his latest note reading, Do you remember the night we stargazed at the Heart Nebula? That’s the night I fell in love with you, Rachel. That’s the night everything changed for me...
“The Star Wars guy?”
Rachel groaned but nodded anyway.
“What’s he want?”
Her heart pounded with recall, revisiting the whirlwind camping trip shared beneath the stars with Ian. Rachel reread the words on her screen over and over, forcing her mind to focus and move beyond the gin clouding her brain. Swallowing the unease lodged in her throat, she let her gaze drift to the patio door as Lauren and Miguel emerged with smiles and arms laden with trays.
“Me,” she whispered as confusion wracked her soul.
Mitch blanched.
“Just me...” she repeated.
He wants me back.