Page 140 of Love or Tequila in Unexpected Places

She launched herself into him without hesitation, legs wrapping around his waist, and for once, he was grateful his libido had clocked out the second she stormed in. She squeezed him tightly, just like she’d always done since they were kids.

“Thank you,” she whispered in his ear, and despite her casual tone, he felt the depth behind those two words. Katerina had always been explosive with everything except her emotions, but Angelo had learned long ago how to read between the lines.

They stayed like that for a moment, in a rare pocket of sibling comfort that felt both familiar and bittersweet. It had been far too long since they’d just been brother and sister. He hadn’t realized how much he missed it until now.

After a while, he let her slide back down to the floor. “I’m sorry,mikrí. I haven’t planned anything special this time,” he said, guilt lacing his voice.

Katerina huffed dramatically and smacked his chest. “Oh, you big buffoon,” she scoffed, rolling her eyes. “I don’t need an entire parade to have fun on my birthday. Just take me to the Space Needle, okay?”

Angelo chuckled, relief flooding through him. “Deal,” he nodded, already mentally planning to make this day as special as possible, even if it meant doing it on the fly.

I’ll make it right, Katerina, he promised silently.I won’t let you down.

Angelo took the girls out that afternoon, feeling an overwhelming sense of pride as he watched them interact. In the three weeks he’d been wrapped up in work, Katerina had spent most of her time at the house—he knew because he’d checked. Allison had taken her under her wing, and it showed in every little detail. The way they moved around each other, the small, friendly touches, the bursts of laughter.

Allison treated his sister like family, always noticing new things about her, beaming with pride whenever Katerina cracked a joke or shared a story. Her happiness was contagious, sparking in tandem with Katerina’s excitement. Angelo couldn’t help but watch over them, feeling warmth bloom in his chest.

Their first stop was the Space Needle, where the girls admired Puget Sound and the surrounding mountains. Katerina’s fear of heights cut the visit short, but that was fine—next up was Chihuly Garden and Glass. There, Allison became captivated by the art, her eyes studying the sculptures with a focus that Angelo found irresistible. Katerina, on the other hand, whined. She’d never been one for art, unless it came in the form of a rom-com or a musical.

But Angelo made a mental note: he’d bring Allison to the Seattle Art Museum sometime soon.

They hopped from one tourist spot to the next, until Katerina and Allison were worn out. They ended their day at Kerry Park with a simple picnic—takeout from a nearby restaurant and a bottle of sparkling water. Sitting on a bench, they ate in peace, with Katerina animatedly telling stories from their childhood. Soon, Allison chimed in, telling Katerina about the Lockwood family’s tradition of naming their children after colors.

Angelo smiled, soaking it all in. For most of the day, he’d been happy.

But when they returned home, the weight of the truth he’d been carrying settled back on his shoulders. The information he’d uncovered about Allison’s father gnawed at him. He dreaded telling her, knowing it would shatter her world. But it had to be done. He couldn’t keep this from her, not when it affected her so deeply.

As Katerina disappeared upstairs for the night, Angelo turned to Allison. “I need to talk to you. It’s important.”

Her smile faded, replaced by a look of concern. “Is something wrong?”

He nodded, his throat tight. He didn’t want to say the words, didn’t want to be the one to break her heart. But he couldn’t protect her from this truth. “I’ve been looking into something these past few months,” he began as they sat on the couch. “Remember when I said I’d go after your father?”

Allison’s expression hardened. She nodded, her eyes cold and expectant. Angelo could see the resolve there, the readiness to face whatever was coming. But she had no idea how deep this went.

“Well, spit it out, darling,” she said, her voice even and controlled. Despite the gravity of the moment, he couldn’t help but admire her strength—and get distracted by the way she called him darling.

He marveled at her, at how easily she’d taken control of his life, claimed it without even knowing. His carefully guarded heart, his organized thoughts—all unraveled the moment Allison Pink Lockwood had walked into that boardroom. He’d been too naive to realize it back then, but his life had become hers that day. His heart had broken free of its cage, beating only for the blonde goddess who now held it in her hands.

Of course, his body had been quick to follow suit, betraying him at every turn.Seriously, now’s not the time,he scolded himself.

Angelo cleared his throat, forcing his mind back to the present. Allison’s worry was growing, her eyes filled with concern as she waited for him to speak.

He swallowed hard. “Allison… this is about your father. And it’s bad.”

Thirty-Four

ALLISON

Spit it out already,Allison thought, her heart racing.

Angelo cleared his throat, his fingers drumming on the armrest as he shifted uncomfortably. His usual poise was gone, his striking features clouded by unease. He was always the picture of confidence, always in control. But not now.

When had his commanding nature slipped into her heart? Maybe it was that meeting all those months ago. Or perhaps it was that first ultrasound, when he’d gripped her hand, tearsin his eyes as they heard their baby’s heartbeat. She couldn’t pinpoint it.

All she knew was that her heart belonged to him, without question and beyond recall, completely under his control. His every word, every touch, wove itself into the fabric of her being. She reveled in the way he could make her feel safe and cherished, as if they were the only two people in the world.

And she never wanted that to change.

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