Chapter Nineteen #2
When I awoke, the sun had long since set, and dark shadows climbed the walls.
I wandered out of the room, rubbing my eyes, and found everyone sitting around the dinner table, eating pastelón, red beans and rice, and leftover pasteles.
I glanced about for Alex and with a start noted that he wasn’t there.
“He went back to his hotel.”
Spinning about, my gaze landed on my mother. “Alex?”
She nodded. “He said he hadn’t slept the night before, and seeing as how he’s a Nochebuena newbie, poor Alex hasn’t had time to build up the necessary stamina.”
“Is he coming back?”
If my mother recognized the pleading note to my voice, she didn’t acknowledge it. “I doubt it, nena. He looked exhausted. I even packed some food and sent it with him.”
“That was nice of you,” I murmured, even as I considered the possibility that Alex wanted to be alone to FaceTime Caitlin. Perhaps open presents on FaceTime. My emotions crashed to the ground.
Mamí stroked a thumb over my cheekbone, and I wondered if she could tell I had cried myself to sleep. “He went in the room to tell you goodbye, but I’m guessing you slept through it.”
I must have, and that almost made me burst into tears anew.
“Come, mi amor, and eat. Your young man will be here tomorrow.”
My brows snapped together. “Alex isn’t my young man, Mamí. You know that.”
My mother’s dark eyes studied me, and I was struck by a bolt of fear because she had always been able to read me like a book. And when the corner of her mouth hitched up, I knew I had been right to be scared.
“But does Alex know that?”
—
I didn’t hear from Alex until I climbed into bed later that night after a quiet Christmas night with the family. And to my surprise, Alex didn’t text; he FaceTimed me.
Debating on whether I should take off my bonnet and fluff my curls, I opted for the unvarnished truth. With a quick inhale, I hit the accept button.
Alex’s handsome face filled my screen, and in a flash his dimple appeared. “You look adorable.”
I rolled my eyes. “Hello to you, too.”
It was obvious Alex was in bed, his body propped against pillows and the headboard I recognized from that morning.
The room around him was dim, and the only light came from the television, which flickered across his face.
“I’m sorry I didn’t return to the house.
I had every intention to, but my quick one-hour nap turned into four hours, and I woke up not long ago. ”
“That’s okay. I fell asleep, too, as you know.” I cocked my head as I stared at him, taking in his rumpled hair and sleep-softened face. “Are you feeling okay?”
Alex nodded. “Aside from feeling a bit sleep-deprived, I’m great.” His dark eyes twinkled in the dim lighting. “You wore me out.”
The girlish giggle that burst from my lips made me blush in embarrassment. “You’re just showing your age.”
“Ouch.” Alex turned onto his side and leaned the phone on a nearby pillow while he propped his chin onto his fist. The change in position revealed that he was shirtless, and I filed away that information. “You didn’t seem at all concerned about my age this morning.”
Oh, I liked this sexy, flirty Alex. Pursing my lips, I slowly arched a brow. “I didn’t because I did all the work.”
Alex closed his eyes and groaned. “Christ, Sofia, I can’t wait to return the favor. I’d invite you to come over now, but I’m guessing you wouldn’t want your family to know you’re leaving for a booty call.”
Not at all. My head swam at the idea of my entire family knowing I was leaving to meet up with Alex, especially after my conversation with my mother earlier that evening. But rather than share that with him, my attention focused on a different detail.
“Is that all I am to you? A booty call?”
I hadn’t meant to ask it. And yet I had to know. If he said yes, that what we shared was just sex and great banter, I could survive that. I would still be a cheater, but at least I wouldn’t be tempted to indulge my emotions any more than I already had.
But when Alex’s expression softened, I knew, once again, that I was in trouble.
“No, that’s not all you are to me. Not by a long shot.” Alex pinched the bridge of his nose. “But I don’t think you’re ready to have that conversation.”
Pressing my lips together, I looked away. God, he knew me so well.
“Are you driving back to Tempe tomorrow?” Alex asked after a moment.
“Yeah,” I said, shrugging. “Javi and Olivia fly out tomorrow, and I plan to leave afterward.”
“I want to come by in the morning and say goodbye to your family, and thank your parents for allowing me to spend Christmas with you all. I’ll set off for Phoenix afterward.
” He paused, his gaze fixed on a spot on the mattress in front of him.
“Would you mind if I came to visit you tomorrow after you get home?”
“Y-you want to come to my house?” I stuttered.
Alex’s lips twitched. “I would, if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.” I clamped my mouth shut, cringing internally at my eagerness. But I was feeling bold, so I added, “Bring a bag.”