Jaime understood circumstances were different for Santi. He was creating a first generation of wealth like Jaime’s father had, whereas Jaime did work and provide for himself, but he’d always had his family money to fall back on. Since college, he’d also received all his opportunities based on his name—well, and his looks.
He yearned to be more than just a pretty face. More than just a fuckboy.
He desired to be a good man. “You’re right. I’ve just beenbelieving the narrative that I’m an asshole and embracing it. I’m better than that.”
“You coming back to my place tonight?”
Honestly, he wanted to be alone. “No. I’m going to check into the Lodge. But I’ll come by your place when my family gets in.”
The Tiburon Lodge. He checked to see if they had a room, and he lucked out. He quickly booked it. The hotel was a block from Alma’s bar. And her place.
He wasn’t planning on bothering Alma. No. He would give her space. But just being in the same town as her comforted him.
“Sounds good. I can drive you?” Santi offered.
“Nah. It’s okay. I’ll Uber so you can spend time with your family.”
“Thanks. Night, man.”
“Night.”
Jaime ordered the ride. Once in the vehicle, he relaxed on the drive from San Anselmo to Tiburon, and reflected on the night. He loved being around Leti. She lived in the moment and her joy radiated. She was happy just dancing and talking. Jaime was always living in the past or the future.
His whole reason for this trip was future motivated. But what if he lived in the present?
Maybe he could change now.
Maybe he could be as happy as Leti if he could just try to let go.
Damn, he sounded like fucking Enrique.
Jaime’s driver dropped him off at the Lodge. He checked in and entered the room. It wasn’t a luxury hotel, but Jaime liked its simplicity. And he loved the location.
He looked at himself in the mirror. The night was still young, and he wanted to take a stroll on the water, get some fresh air, andlook at the bridges. He didn’t have any clothes with him, so he had nothing to change into even if he wanted to. It was the tuxedo or ahotel robe, so to not get arrested for indecent exposure, he opted for the formal attire.
But Alma’s bar was on the pathway of his walk, and she could never resist him in a tuxedo.
Dammit. He promised himself he wasn’t going to stop by her bar.
He left the hotel and walked toward the water. A few older couples were walking hand in hand. Tiburon was such a safe, quaint town; it almost had a magical feel to it.
After strolling around the block, he ended up at Alma’s bar after all. He took a moment to watch her work. She was chatting with her patrons and racing around the bar. A few guys were checking her out, which shot a spark of jealousy through Jaime. The thought of another man touching her, kissing her, licking her, fucking her, was excruciating to him.
He had pushed those thoughts out of his head for years. But tonight, it became clear.
He wanted Alma back. Not just for tonight.
But possibly forever.
He’d sworn he wasn’t going to walk in, but he couldn’t resist. She was like a magnet.
He couldn’t not see her.
Jaime took a deep breath and opened the door.
Chapter Fourteen
The door to her bar opened and Jaime sauntered in, though for some reason he seemed less cocky than usual. Alma’s heart beat rapidly when he stood in front of her. His eyes raked over her body, and she shuddered under his gaze. She felt so exposed, as if she was naked in front of him.
