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Fuck, I love that adorable, inquisitive frown on her face as she stares at my stupid tattoo. The one I’ve had since college that stands out like a sore thumb compared to all the others. I’ve had a good laugh about it with friends over the years.
“It’s a Lakers tattoo,” I say.
Her cute little nose wrinkles, and I can’t help but chuckle.
She licks her lips as she stares at my arm, making my stomach clench.
“It’s very dramatic looking for a Lakers tattoo.”
“I thought I was going to play for them someday. In fact, I was certain of it.”
Her eyes grow wide. “Were you that good?”
“Nope. Not even close.”
She laughs. “That’s a bummer.”
I shrug. “I was pretty good. I got a scholarship in college, but nowhere near NBA good.”
She smiles sweetly. “We do have quite the audacity as teenagers, don’t we?”
Warmth rushes through my veins. “We do.”
“When I was fifteen, I truly thought I was going to be married to Harry Styles by now. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind.”
I let out a laugh. “That wasn’t even that long ago.”
When her smile fades, I wince. “I don’t mean to sound patronizing.”
She lifts a brow. “You’re almost a decade younger than my dad. You do realize that, right?”
“I do. It doesn’t feel like it though.”
She crosses her arms over her chest. “It’s because you’re men. Age is only a big deal with women because men are obsessed with our ages. We’re not obsessed with yours. I’m a grown woman. You’re a grown man. It doesn’t matter that I’m your friend’s daughter. I’m your peer, too.”
Warmth fills my chest. I love how direct she is. How those dark brows dance up and down her forehead. How those bright, expressive eyes flash when she’s passionate about something. Hector is right. She is a powerhouse.
“I’m sorry if I treat you like a kid. I promise I don’t mean to do it. I know you’re a grown woman.”
It’s only when her gaze lowers that I realize that I’ve moved so close to her that my thigh is nearly touching hers. I jerk back. “Well…” I scratch the back of my head. “The computer fans have stopped roaring, which is a good sign. Let me know if it gives you any more trouble.”
“I will,” she says, her voice raspy.
I rush out of that room as if I’m on fire.
God help me. I know she’s a grown woman, but I don’t want to see her that way.
I want this desire for her to go away.
ChapterFive
Mariana
I’ve been trying my hardest to concentrate on my work. I’ve been banished to the abandoned hallway.
It’s not my imagination. He’s uncomfortable around me.
Why?
