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The moment we stepped through the doorway of the kitchen, Jenna marched to the refrigerator. A part of me wanted to speak, but I knew she had something on her mind. Taking out two bottles of water, she set one in front of me, then swiped hers across her forehead before opening it.
“It’s so hot in here all the time.” She groaned in frustration then drank half the bottle.
“I’m just going to get the wine. You take this.” I slid the bottle back toward her and trudged to the wine rack.
“It’s morning.” She sighed.
Pausing, I scoffed before choosing a bottle of cabernet and the largest wine glass I saw. Pouring myself a full glass, I snickered. “Grapes can’t tell time.”
“Amber, I—” She struggled to stifle a smile at my joke.
“It’s okay,” I reassured her, following her to the den. “I have to move on, right?”
She spun around, pursing her lips, shaking her head. “Not until you’re ready, no, and definitely not with a bottle of wine.”
“It’s a better boyfriend, really,” I joked with a lame snicker.
* * *
Not wanting to ruin the evening, I suppressed any further sadness I had, painting my face with a faux smile. When Ian opened the game cabinet, I didn’t even bat an eye at Chance’s favorite. I didn’t even know why he liked that damn game so much. I never asked. And now, I didn’t care.
Ian set up Clue while Jenna finished getting Dylan to bed. Taking it upon myself to help, I sauntered to the kitchen to clean his highchair tray so his parents could relax. I stared out the window over the sink, watching the moonlight’s reflection flicker on the surface of the pool.
“Would you like some help?”
Startled, I whirled around to see Alejandro taking swigs from a bottle of beer as he inched closer. He was the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome, with an overpowering, controlling demeanor. If I hadn’t known what he did for a living, I would’ve assumed him to be a formidable man, anyway. Everything about him screameddrug lord. The way he carried himself with poise, mixed with his, what I thought was a Spanish accent, was enough to make even the strongest woman feel intimidated.
“Everything okay?” He took a step even closer, causing me to jump. “Whoa!” He lifted a hand. “I was just coming to ask if you needed any help.”
Glancing around, I shrugged. “I think I’m fine.”
“Fine?” He chuckled, roaming the kitchen, trailing his fingertips over the back of the chairs in the breakfast nook. “Something tells me you’re not actually fine at all.” He set the bottle down and got the broom from the wall. Sliding the highchair out of the way, he began sweeping the floor.
“Uh,” my forehead creased with confusion, “what?”
He lifted his gaze only for a moment. “I’m guessing you just got out of a relationship.”
Turning toward the sink, I finished washing the tray in silence. My eyes pooled with tears. I took several shallow breaths, fighting them back.
The sound of the broom stopped. “Listen, I’m sorry. That wasn’t my business to ask about—” His voice trailed off.
Wiping my eyes on my sleeves, I pivoted around. Picking up a nearby towel, I wiped the tray vigorously. “It’s okay, I need to just realize it’s never going to resolve.”
“You’re really beautiful. I’m sure you’ll have no problem finding someone else.”
I opened my mouth to respond, snap at him maybe, but I realized he was probably being kind in his own way. Still, he didn’t know me and was quite forward. Exhaling, I readied myself for a clever reply, but the sound of the doorbell caught me off guard.
“Got it!” Ian shouted from the other room.
As I poured a large glass of wine, I remained aware of Alejandro’s intimidating presence. He wasn’t trying to hide that he was admiring me. I didn’t feel uncomfortable. I was used to men gawking at me while working. However, I didn’t exactly know how to speak to any man other than Chance or my male friends right now. Before him, my only serious relationship was with a severely abusive piece of shit.
“Hey hey!” Luke called out as he and Jade entered the kitchen with several boxes and brown paper bags. “It’s wicked cold outside.”
“Hi.” Sheepishly, I greeted both of them. “That’s unpredictable Boston weather for ya.”
“No shit, right?” Luke waltzed over, placing a hand on my shoulder and his lips close to my ear. “You okay?” He pulled away, staring into my gaze.
Nodding, I did my best to feign a smile once again. “I will be.”
