Why? We both know you have stamina
Tomás
I do But right now I want to talk
Fine, seeing how I don’t think I’ll be getting in my apartment until I adhere to your request I’m on my way
Tomás
Thank you
A few minutes later, I round the corner to Tomás’ penthouse to see him standing outside with his leg tattoos on full display, courtesy of his slutty, too short workout shorts paired with an even sluttier tank top with wide arm openings and the wordsHemp Grove Ranchacross it.
It’s so good to see him again. I’ve missed not seeing him, fully aware that it’s my fault that we haven’t seen each other. I needed a few days to process all that happened at Harper’s wedding with my dad. As much as it needed to happen, and was well overdue, it doesn’t make it any easier. No one prepares you for essentially having to break up with your parents. Nor does anyone tell you that as necessary as the separation or break may be, the hurt you’ve grown accustomed to –that you excused– for years, deepens somehow.
“You look beautiful.” The grin on Tomás’ face is contagious as his gaze drinks me in.
“I’m wearing no makeup and have yesterday’s clothes on, but whatever you say.” I can’t help but downplay the compliment.I don’t feel beautiful right now, not with all that’s clouded my mind since leaving Colorado.
He moves closer, reaching for my hand. There’s no denying the calm he brings to my nervous system when he’s around. “You look beautiful always, because that’s who and what you are.”
That’s a first.
I’ve been called beautiful before, sure. But I’ve never had the sentiment said in terms ofwhoI am. It’s always been said with superficial intent.
He leads the way through the lobby and to the elevator. As we ride up to his floor, I feel the need to break the silence cradling us.
“I’m going to dance at Luxe again,” I blurt as the elevator doors glide open.
I don’t know why I started with that. Not that it’s anything to be ashamed of or some secret I was going to keep from him. But if anything, an apology for ignoring him would have been a better thing to say.
The elevator doors open and he guides us into his penthouse, without saying a word.
“Did you hear what I said?”
He lets go, walking to the kitchen island to empty his pockets. “Mhm.”
“That’s it? I tell you I’m going to be dancing again, and all you have to say is ‘mhm’”
He turns to face me, leaning against the island. “I heard you.”
Shifting my weight to one hip, I cross my arms “And?”
“And if I didn’t know any better, you’re about to pick a fight with me.”
“Tomás.” I stomp my foot, but all it does is have him move a hand to his mouth trying to shield his beaming smile.
“I mean it. Why are you being one-worded and all smiley after I just told you I’ll be grinding on other men.” Low blow,sure. And yeah, I know, a tad immature —or a lot— any-fucking-way, beside the point. This is what I do. This is who I am. I skate around issues pertaining to my feelings. I put up a guard of defense even when the situation doesn’t warrant it. This is how I’ve been conditioned to act or react. I hate it. But I don’t know any other way.
“No. You said you were going to dance at Luxe again.”
“That’s right. But the grinding part is implied.”
He stares at me for a beat with nothing but intrigue glossing over his face. “What do you want me to say? Do you want me to tell you that you can’t do what you want?”
“No.”
His brows lift, as he slowly makes his way toward me. “Good, because I would never stop you from doing what you want. I would never come between you and whatever it is that you need.”
