“I’m not talking to you because of your body.”
Her eyes raked him up and down, the heat in her gaze belying her words.
Well, at least she liked what she saw. “Then why, after all your protesting, did you finally talk to me?”
“Because I’m glad you are going to help this community. I talked to the organizer, and he told me about all the amazing programs that will be funded as part of this festival. They will be adding more community classes at the library, they will revamp the playgrounds, provide new equipment and better fields for the sports teams, and have more after-school care for residents. It’s really exciting.” She paused. “So I want to thank you for participating and getting Ramón and Enrique to come…even if your motive was just to see me. Or to start a tequila company. It doesn’t matter why—your presence in Marin will be a blessing to the people of the Canal.”
Satisfaction filled him. He was trying to make the world better. He was going to the charity event with Santi, he was fundraisingfor the Canal—he was doing good, and if he got to start his own new business venture at the same time, that’d be a bonus. “Don’t mention it. I’m happy to help.” He had to do something to extend this conversation. Get her to agree to see him outside this festival. “Can I please take you to dinner?”
She shook her head. “Nope. No dinner. No dates.”
“Come on, babe.”
She cringed at his affectionate nickname. “Don’t call me that.”
Fuck.Babe?Why had he said that? Again? It just flew out of his mouth.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to say it. It’s a habit.”
“I get it. Last time we were together, I was your babe. But I will never be your babe again.”
We’ll see about that.
No. He was crazy about her, but they were in agreement. They could never be together again.
Time to try another angle. “Fine. Then let’s have a business meeting. Over lunch.”
Her brow rose. “Business? What business do we have together?”
“Well, I’m only in town for a bit, but I’m realizing that I can do a lot of good here, even though I don’t live in Marin. So let’s see how I can help.”
“Are you serious? Is this about you wanting to do a tequila line?”
Yes, Jaime still wanted to learn about tequila. And he wanted to spend whatever time he could with Alma. “I’d love to still talk to you about tequila, but I won’t press it. Though I do think I could help you with your socials, and possibly even that critic. Clearly, I want to see you. I miss you. But you’ve made it crystal clear that we will never be romantically involved again. I respect that. And Iagree, because no matter how I feel about you, I am not looking for any serious relationship. I’ll take what I can get. We can be friendly right? Friends, even.”
She pursed her lips. “That’s fine and all, Jaime, but I know you. You don’t just want to be my friend. What if I’m dating someone?”
Was she? Jaime clenched his fist. He had no right to ever have any opinion on who Alma dated. But the thought of another man kissing her, fucking her, made his head explode.
His voice lowered. “Are you?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but not at the moment, no.”
Thank God. “Look. You were such a huge part of my life. You were all I had at college. You were more than my girlfriend—you were my best friend. I miss you. Maybe we can find something in what’s left of us and start something new.”
“Honestly, I missed you too. Like a lot. But I don’t know, Jaime. You’re fire. And I can’t get too close to you.”
“Why?” He winked. “You won’t be able to resist me?”
“You cocky bastard. No, that’s not it. I can and I will resist you. It’s just—I was a different person when I was with you. I was fun, carefree, wild. I’ve changed so much. Even Zoila says so.”
Zoila? Zoila was her high school friend. She was super fun, but not at all responsible like Alma was. “Zoila? You still talk to her?”
“Yeah, what’s it to you?”
“Nothing. You two were just very different.”
“She’s loyal and has always been here for me. She’s a teacher, actually, at a school over here.”
