Page 23 of The Love of Secrets

“I just moved here from Texas.” I cross my arms across my body. I don’t really want to dive in why I moved here with strangers.

Hazel must sense my turmoil because she interjects. “Guys. You have to meet her son, Oliver. He’s the cutest.”

I can’t help but smile. “He is the best boy.” I pull out my phone, showing them a picture of him playing with his trucks at the park.

“Aww…” all the ladies say at the same time.

A woman sitting to the left of Kimberly huffs. “I can’t wait to have kids.”

“Well, you might want to find the father first.” Another teases her.

“I’ve been thinking of doing it on my own.” She shrugs and sips her beer.

“You’re strong. You could do it if you wanted.” Hazel nods, agreeing with her.

“I’m not strong. I’m just getting old.”

Hazel leans over and lightly smacks the woman’s arm. “You’re not old. You’re only thirty-two.”

“Well, tell that to medicine and my body. They say I’m old.”

“I think sometimes the hospital makes y’all so jaded.” Hazel tips her face down and shakes her head.

The woman to the left of Kimberly shrugs. “Maybe. But it’s the truth.”

Thankfully, Ricky interrupts by setting a tray of shots down on the table. “Here you go, ladies. Congratulations Hazel on your engagement to Dex. These are on the house.”

The group cheers, and I notice Ricky’s eyes seem to linger on Ashley a little longer than necessary. I wonder if something is going on between them. As if Ricky could hear my inner thoughts, his face snaps to mine and he gives me a small smile. “Nice to see you, Cecilia, and on your day off too. Does that mean Oliver is better?”

“Much better. I’ll be back to work tomorrow night.”

“Great. Tomorrow is karaoke night. We’ll need all the help we can get.” That’s the moment that Bear, Mateo, and his brothers came to the table, greeting Ricky.

“Dexter. Ricky brought these drinks to celebrate our engagement. Grab one guys.” Hazel extends her hand over the drinks.

We all grab a shot from the table. Lifting them up, someone shouts, “To Dex and Hazel.”

Everyone joins in, shouting, “To Dex and Hazel.” We tip back the drinks and place the empty glasses back on the table.

I look around and can’t help but grin. This is exactly where I need to be. This feels like home.

Mateo’s warm body engulfs me as his breath skates across my neck, causing my nipples to pebble. “Let’s go home.”

I turn to look into his eyes, and all I see is love, warmth, and belonging in them. Yes, somehow Mateo has become my home. I lean up to him, brushing my lips across his when I whisper, “I love you.”

His eyes darken with my words when he leans down. “I love you too, Pretty Girl. Now it really is time to take you home.”

He then lifts me up and throws me up over his shoulder.

“Mateo,” I squeal.

He smacks my butt as he shouts to the group. “Alright, guys. I’ve got to get my woman home.”

All I hear is laughter in our wake as we weave our way out of the bar.

Chapter sixteen

Epilogue

---