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“Will this interfere with Gabriel's schedule?” she asked, and I appreciated her thinking of him, especially with all she had going on.
“It's fine.” It so wasn’t fine. What was I going to do?
“See you soon.”
I sat there for a good minute, staring at the phone before I threw myself into action. Shower. That was what I needed to do first. Then maybe a solution to how I could be in two places at once would come.
I showered and quickly dressed.The meeting wasn't optional. My son wasn't either. I sucked up my pride and got on the elevator.
Carlos opened the door within seconds of me knocking. “What's wrong?”
“I know I said I didn't need your help, but Mulaney called, and there's a meeting I have to go to for her at three—”
“I'll drop you off at work, pick up Gabriel, and you can call us when you need a ride home,” he finished.
Problem solved. “Are you sure?”
“Holly, you wouldn't be here if this wasn't your only option. I'm glad to help. I need to grab my wallet and keys, and then we can go.”
In the elevator, we stood in opposite corners, as far away from each other as possible. I stared at the number panel as it ticked off floors, though I was hyper-aware of him.
“I appreciate this,” I said, shattering the silence.
“I'd do anything for you,” he returned solemnly, holding the elevator doors when they opened in the underground garage.
We briskly walked over to the dark SUV, and Carlos opened the passenger side door for me. This contradiction always caught me off guard. He wasn't a gentleman, and yet, he respected me more than anyone ever had. Treated me like I was on a pedestal.
He climbed into the driver's seat, cranked the car, and hit the busy streets of New York. “High and Dry” by Radiohead played through the speakers, and I leaned my head against the seat, wondering if Carlos was playing this for me. He cursed when a taxi dove in front of us and slammed on the brakes, his arm going across me protectively.
“How can you know you love me when we've only just met?” I asked. I'd been pondering the question for days.
“I just do. It's insanity to feel so strongly, so quickly. But that doesn't make it any less true. I could try to fight it, but what would be the point? I love you, and I love Gabriel.” He sounded so sure, so confident. I hated the circumstances tearing us apart. He reached across the center console for my hand. “I thought my heart was empty, incapable of feeling anything good. You and Gabriel have brought out a side of me I didn't know I had.”
Any other man, and I'd question their motives, but not Carlos. He radiated a genuineness I couldn't dispute.
“How is Gabriel?”
“Already good at masking his feelings. But he's down. I can see it. He misses you.” I glanced at him. “I miss you too,” I admitted. This was asking for trouble, but I wanted him to know.
“I won't ask you to wait for me, but if I can solve the problem, I'm coming for you and Gabriel. Wewillbe a family.”
“I'd like that very much. But nothing has changed for now. I'm sorry I've put you in this awkward position today. I hate that this will get Gabriel's hopes up, but you are the only person I trust with him.”
“Never hesitate to ask me for anything,” he said. “Is it okay if I take him to the Empire State Building this afternoon? I'd like to keep my promise to him, but if it's something you want to do with him, I'll respect that.”
“He'd like that.” I wanted that. I wanted him and everything he wished he could give me.Give us.
Carlos pulled up in front of my office, the ride I'd dreaded going by all too quickly. He put the SUV in park. “I have a new phone. Let me give you the number, and as soon as you're ready, we'll come pick you up.” His fingers flew as he programmed the number into my cell. “Dinner is almost ready. Do I need to feed Gabriel or should we wait for you?”
“Thank you for all the meals. It's been such a relief,” I said. “I have no idea how long this meeting will last. If it gets past six, and you haven't heard from me, go ahead and eat. I don't anticipate being that long, but you never know.”
“Don't worry about Gabriel. He'll be fine.”
“I know, and thank you again, Carlos. I have no idea what I would have done if it weren't for you.”
“That's exactly how I feel about you too.”
Chapter Forty-One
