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Then again, it wouldn’t do much to lie to my mother right now if the truth would come out later. And later would be so much worse. She’d probably explode, and I’d lose my planning privileges with the family.
But was that really so bad?
Goddess, I had no idea what to do. Being close to Andres felt good and bad at the same time, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how much my thighs had ached with him leaning so close to me today. I nearly wet my underwear just sitting there. It wasn’t until he left that I realized I was sweating harder than any aerobics exercise.
What if I lose control?
That was my biggest concern. If I slipped and slept with my boss, even if it was just for appearances, where would that leave me when the performance was over? Would he kick me out?
My heart lurched in my chest.
How many women have fallen into this situation with Andres?
That was a darn good question to ask during dinner. I lifted my chin, squared my shoulders, and tried not to think about how much my legs were starting to wobble. Up ahead, I spotted his mailbox with the house numbers glowing in the light of dusk. I noticed the rocking chairs on the porch, the big wheel in the yard, the sandbox with piles of buckets and toys and things.
Those were probably things that belonged to Leo. Xavier brought him here often, as I heard, and I knew Andres loved spending time with his nephew. It was hard to believe such a hard man with an orderly attitude liked being around kids. But he cared for his nephew. He showed appreciation whenever I helped with Leo’s rescue.
A cold shiver passed through me as I passed the mailbox. Goddess, I couldn’t imagine being Xavier during that time. I had no idea what it was like being a parent, and though I never planned on having kids, I wasn’t opposed. I just couldn’t picture my life with kids in them. There were other things I wanted to do.
Besides, I would need to get into a relationship to have kids at all. I couldn’t see my mother being on board with me being a single parent.
She’d probably have a heart attack.
Ding dong.
The air charged with my anticipation as I waited for Andres to answer the door. I twisted my fingers together. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. I smoothed the lines of my flowing skirt and fixed my blouse. By the time the door opened, I was ready to faint.
However much I wanted to fall back and retreat, the sight of him kept me steady. He wore simple black jeans, a loose cotton sapphire blue V-neck, and loafers. It was so unlike the professional chic he wore at work, even those funny sneakers he sometimes sported whenever he was taking his brisk walks.
I smiled crookedly as he stepped aside to let me into a cozy living room complete with three different game systems, a wall of games, and enough encyclopedias to make a library jealous. Plush furniture in various muted colors hosted cream knitted blankets. Children’s toys sat in a corner that were neatly stacked and organized.
A wide doorway led into a kitchen that appeared spotless. I frowned. “I thought you were making dinner.”
“My apartment is upstairs.”
Surprise accompanied me to a simple wooden staircase with crimson carpet leading to the second floor. We walked over a landing, through a doorway, and into a grand space that appeared far more vibrant than downstairs. Light teal walls hosted white and orange accents. Mustard yellow furniture matched cherry brown wood along with multicolored rugs strewn about. I half-expected to find a hookah among the variety of art on the walls and shelves.
I gaped at him. “This is…so unlike you.”
“Is it?”
“I mean, it’s so bright and—”
He laughed. “You thought I was dull.”
“I mean, it’s neat and tidy, but—”
“Alright, Sadie. I get it. You expected a robot.”
Part of me had, yes. And that was just the funniest thing about this situation. I hardly knew Andres at all, but I was fascinated by his mystery. Each layer revealed something totally unexpected.
It made me want to learn more.
I set my purse on the couch. My brain was a bit foggy when I joined him in the dining area. Funky paintings hung on the walls with a retro chandelier floating over the table. Everything was already set up with pork tenderloin and garden vegetables set out along with biscuits, butter, gravy, and an assortment of sauces.
I took my seat while salivating over the choices. Caramelized baby carrots called for me along with the pork.
Andres grinned. “Dig in. No need for manners here.”
