Chapter 10
Diego
Last night, after Mia left, I did a quick search online for Carly Martinez, DVM.
I didn’t like the way Mia walked out—she looked embarrassed, almost defeated.
I know it’s not my place to get between sisters, but I figured Carly might be willing to share a few details about their Christmas traditions.
From what Mia’s told me, that’s something she misses.
And I’m determined to give her everything her heart desires.
“Good morning,” I say as Carly opens the door.
She gives me a once-over, a smirk playing on her lips. “Morning, Diego.” She steps aside so I can come in. “Does she know you’re here?”
I shake my head. “She didn’t text me back last night.”
“That’s probably on me.” Carly grimaces as we walk toward the dining area. “We had a conversation, and Mia didn’t take it the way I’d hoped.”
Can she be any more cryptic? I know technically it’s not my business, but when it comes to Mia, everything feels like my business. And if Mia looks as exhausted as Carly does, then my girl had a rough night.
That thought alone makes my blood boil.
“I’d like to check on her,” I say, lifting my full hands—one holding a bouquet of red flowers, the other a large coffee.
“Of course. Let me knock for you.” Carly leads the way down the hall. “Mia, are you awake?”
“Leave me alone,” Mia grumbles, her voice thick with sleep and irritation. Who knew you could still sound mad while half-asleep?
“Mia, it’s me.”
Silence.
Then the sound of movement—rustled sheets and feet hitting the floor. Then the door opens.
“Hey,” she says, smiling sleepily.
God, she’s gorgeous—hair a wild mess, eyes still heavy with sleep. The flimsy tank top clings to her in all the right ways—no fucking bra. Her pebbled nipples—I need to think about something else; right now, my dick is getting ideas, and we’re not there yet.
Down boy.
“Hey yourself,” I manage, lifting the coffee and flowers like proof of good intentions.
“Diego,” she says, stretching my name, her eyes beaming with pure joy.
“Do you think you’re up for a date before getting ready for the wedding?” I ask, holding my breath. I didn’t prepare myself for a no.
She glances at her sister with pleading eyes.
“Oh, yes. Of course. I’m volunteering again today,” Carly says in a chirpy tone that only makes me angrier.
Is she that oblivious? Her sister’s anxious at the thought of leaving her alone, and she’s answering like everything’s fine?
Fuck this.
“You’re welcome to join us at the wedding,” I blurt out. I haven’t checked with my niece, but the caterers always make extra food. One more person won’t be a problem.
Mia’s face lights up—then falls as Carly replies.
“Don’t be silly, Diego. I’m not going to be the third wheel. I’m sure the resort has a nice dinner planned for tonight. I’ll make a reservation as soon as you two leave.”
Why is she so adamant about not spending time with her sister?
“Look, Carly, I don’t know you, but I know how important you are to Mia. Please accept the invitation. I assure you, you won’t be the third wheel.”
I press my lips together. Can I actually behave? Every time Mia’s close, all I want to do is dote on her, kiss her, make her feel safe.
“What?” Carly asks, her expression lighting with amusement. “I’m just not sure I can promise to be on my best behavior.”
We both laugh. “But what I can guarantee is that we’ll have a great time—and you two get to be together during my girl’s favorite holiday.”
Carly’s eyes turn soft. She takes a breath, glancing between Mia and me as if choosing her next words carefully.
Mia slides her arm around my waist, resting her head against my chest. I kiss her hair and hand her the flowers. She flashes a blinding smile, rises on her toes, and kisses me softly. And it feels so right—like we’ve fallen into a rhythm without even trying.
“You’re right,” Carly says finally. “I came to spend time with my sister. I’ll go to the reception with you guys, but I won’t attend the ceremony. Deal?”
I glance down at Mia, who’s grinning from ear to ear.
“Ah, I’m so happy,” she squeals. “We’ll get ready together—for Nochebuena!” Mia hugs her sister, excitement spilling out of her.
Carly looks at me over Mia’s shoulder, and I nod. She mouths thank you while Mia chatters about outfit ideas.
“Okay. Alright, sis. Go get ready so you can go out with your man. We’ll have time to play dress-up later,” Carly says.
Mia turns back to me, wraps her arms around my neck, and I happily bend to kiss her. I could lose myself in her, but we have a busy day ahead. I pull back, and she pouts, making me chuckle.
“Would you put this in water for me?” Mia asks Carly, who nods.
“I’ll be ready in ten,” she tells me, grabbing the coffee I brought.
“What’s that? An hour, you say? That’s okay. I’ve got time.”
She swats my chest playfully, and I wink at her. Once she closes the door, Carly exhales, and her shoulders drop.
“Thank you, Diego for calling me out. Mia and I have been doing life just the two of us for a while, and I just…” She trails off, but I get it. She’s having a hard time accepting that Mia’s a capable, grown woman who can take care of herself.
“Look, Mia’s happiness is what matters most to me. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure there’s a smile on her face every single day,” I say.
After last night, I want everything with Mia. I haven’t worked out the details yet, but I know one thing for sure—I want to spend the rest of my days adoring her.
Carly studies me for a moment, like she’s trying to decide what to make of me. Then her voice softens. “I can’t comprehend your feelings for my sister—you did just meet—but I’m glad she found you. I hope it works out between you too.”
Her gaze drifts, her focus somewhere far away. Maybe she’s thinking of someone she wishes were here with her instead.
“I appreciate it,” I tell her honestly. “And I meant it when I said you could join us today. I know how important you are to Mia.”
For a moment, vulnerability flickers in Carly’s eyes, the brown deepening with emotion.
“I’m ready!” Mia singsongs as she comes out of her room. Her hair is damp, cheeks flushed—fresh from the shower. Not a trace of makeup, just that natural glow that knocks the air right out of me. She’s in jeans shorts, a tank top, and a flannel—my perfect country girl.
“Is everything okay?” she asks, looking between Carly and me.
“Yes, of course. Diego was just telling me everything he has planned for today.”
Mia’s lips immediately form a pout—and fuck if I don’t want to kiss it away.
My little brat has the nerve to cross her arms over her chest, giving her tits a lift. “Not fair. How come I don’t know what we’re doing today?”
I inhale deeply, forcing my dick to stand down. I’m getting hard just by being near her.
“Well, let’s go then, bonita. I don’t want to tell you—I want to show you.” I pull her close and brush a chaste kiss on her lips.
“Okay, lust-birds. Get out of here—I’ll see you later,” Carly says, shooing us out the door.
“She seems to be in a hurry to get rid of you,” I tease as we make our way to the resort’s parking lot. “Good thing I plan on keeping you with me forever.”
Mia stops walking.
Shit. Maybe she doesn’t feel the same way I do?
“What?” I ask, sounding much more put together than I feel.
“You just said it so casually. Like what you just said wasn’t life-altering.”
A small smile breaks free before I can stop it.
Mia gets even more flustered. “What’s so funny? You practically said you have feelings for me. How are you not freaking out?” she whisper-shouts as we reach my SUV.
I open the door and help her climb inside. The scent of leather mixes with the faint tang of ocean air. Warm night breeze brushes against us as I lean in to buckle her seat belt, my arm grazing hers. When I’m done, our faces are only an inch apart.
“Mia,” I murmur, “I swear I’ve never felt this way in my goddamn life.”
Her lips part, but no words come out. I look at her, and it’s like every feeling I have for her passes like a movie behind my eyes.
“How are you even real?” She huffs. “I didn’t even give you head last night.”
I bark out a laugh. “You’re so romantic, baby,” I say, wiping the tears of laughter from my eyes.
“Well, it’s true,” she mutters with a shrug. “Men are one-track-mind creatures.”
She’s not wrong. Normally, I wouldn’t even entertain the idea of dating someone before we’ve been physical. But the way I felt last night, giving Mia the pleasure she was craving, was enough for me to be satisfied. I can’t wait to do more with her.
“That might be true in 99.99 percent of the relationships on this planet, but you and I?” I grin. “We’re the 0.01 percent—the lucky fuckers who found love without even looking for it.”
Her face lights up, her eyes dancing with mirth. “Oh, that tracks,” she says, bumping her nose against mine. “Because you weren’t looking when you met me. You just threw me into the pool.” She bites her lip, fighting a smile.
She doesn’t even blink when I drop the L-bomb. Shit. Maybe she didn’t hear me—or maybe she’s just not there yet. Either way, it stings more than I want to admit.
I shake it off and dive back into the teasing before it gets awkward. “Well, I’ll never be able to apologize enough for that, baby. But I’m so damn happy I met you—no matter how it happened. If that’s what it took for our paths to cross, I’d do it a thousand times over.”
Before she can spout off a witty comeback, I kiss her—hard, the way I’ve wanted to since I first saw her this morning.
My hand finds the back of her neck, her damp hair cool against my heated skin. When I tug gently, she lets out a soft sound that goes straight to my dick.
We can’t go there. Not yet. As much as I want her, I want this Christmas to be perfect—for her.
The thought of her parents sobers me fast. I end the kiss, but she leans in again, hungry for more.
“Later,” I whisper against her lips. “We’ve got a full day ahead of us.”