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“No, Carolina. I’m serious. I’m very proud of you.”
Proud?That gave me pause. Why would the man who nearly ruined my career beproudof me?
Disbelieving, I snatched the book from his hand. I opened the cover to the third page, which had the most blank space for a dedication. I smiled devilishly. I couldn’t resist:
To the Devil himself—
You couldn’t pull me down to hell with you.
Hate always,
Dr. Ramirez
Jumping off the edge of the stage, I landed squarely in front of him and handed him the book. Standing on his level, I hated the height difference. I was tall, but he still had a good three inches on me. He encroached on my space too much with his height. I damned him for looking more handsome than ever. In the seven years since I’d seen him, his impossibly good looks had actually improved. His dark-brown, tanned skin glowed even more. What had once been salt and pepper hair was now nearly white at the temples, and his face was a bit rounder. He’d gained weight. The good kind. He was broader at the shoulders than he’d been back then, and I hated myself for noticing he’d clearly been working out. The man was like freaking wine.
He opened the book to read the inscription and laughed.
“That’s funny, huh?” I said.
What in the world was happening? I didn’t understand any of this. Why was he here? Why was he happy, smiling of all things, andproudof me? Nothing made sense, but I would be damned before I’d ask him.
“I will treasure this forever,” he said, clutching the book to his chest. “I see you remain judgmental and critical of me.”
“I see you remain tactless and careless,” I shot back.
He laughed, and I noticed the sparkle in his eye. A sparkle I knew well, but it was so much brighter now.
I slung my purse over my shoulder, ready to get going and forget this crazy day ever happened, but Hector grabbed my wrist as I turned to leave.
“No, Carolina, wait.” I looked at his hand on my wrist at the same time he did, and we both froze. We only connected for two, maybe three seconds, before he withdrew his hand, but those seconds electrified us. Nine years since the first time I’d touched him. Seven since the last time I’d spoken with him. I couldn’t believe my body still reacted to him the same way after all this time.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
“It’s okay,” I said, palming my wrist with my other hand to calm the fire on my skin.
“Can I please take you out for a drink, or coffee perhaps?”
I was speechless, so I could only shake my head.
“Please, Carolina. I have so much I have to say to you.”
He said my name in nearly every sentence like he was pleading. I took too long to answer, and he pulled off his glasses to clean them. I knew that tell well. He was thinking. He wanted to find an argument that would persuade me to have drinks with him.
“Even if I wanted to,” I said, “which I don’t, I can’t. I have a flight to catch.”
“How about in Kansas City?” he asked, hopeful.
My entire body stilled. “In Kansas City?”
“Yes. Tomorrow. That little café on Westport Road you liked so much. Wait, is that still open?”
“It-it is, but you’re going to be in Kansas City?”
“Yes. Does five sound okay to you? Tomorrow?” He smiled, and in that moment, he looked like a little kid.
“Why?” I asked, closing my eyes, seeking patience from within. “Why are you going to be in Kansas City? Please don’t tell me you’re coming back.”
“Is the idea so terrible?”
“I-I, um, I have to go.”
“Okay, but please. Meet me tomorrow. Five p.m.”
I finally nodded. I would at least have to find out why my nightmare was back in my hometown. Then I ran out of the building as fast as I could because there was no air left in the vast auditorium.
