Page 30 of Stalked By the Recruiter

“You know about that?”

“You think it was just a coincidence I was outside that night?” I opened and shut my mouth. “I love how you play music every night. Even if it’s way too loud. I love how you video chat with your mom every Sunday.” My hand clenched his shirt. He knew me.

Andres really, really knew me.

“But most of all, I love you, Carmen.” I blinked to keep the tears at bay.

He loved me. I loved him. We were in love.

“I never believed in love at first sight. The concept always sounded ridiculous to me. But it was because I hadn’t seen you yet.”

“Smooth talker,” I whispered with a sappy smile, and there was no holding back the tears. Both his hands cupped my face and tilted it up, so our eyes connected. The pads of his thumbs wiped away my tears.

“I’m not. I’ve put my foot in my mouth around you too many times for you to even think that.”

“I don’t know.” I shrugged. My eyes dropped to his lips. “You’re pretty smooth when you want to be.”

“I love you, Carmen. It’s fast, and the way I started this has been pretty… unorthodox.” I giggled at his choice of words.

“I don’t care,” I cut him off. “I love you.”

“I love you. Fuck, I love you so much.” His touch was warm and tender, and my eyes fluttered shut.

“We will figure this out,” I whispered, a breath before his lips touched mine. We kissed. Slowly and languidly. Wet and passionate.

“Such a good girl,” he muttered before deepening the kiss.

To say the least, I took a long lunch, and he was late for his meeting.

CHAPTER 11

CARMEN

“She’s getting so big!”My mom grinned with a slight squeal in her voice, and the smile on my face matched hers.

“She is, isn’t she?” My lips twitched as I looked past the phone I was holding up as I did my weekly video chat with my mom. For a moment, I was distracted by the tall, dark, and handsome man on my couch, who was currently busy petting a sleeping Stitch on his lap. My beautiful fur baby had taken to Andres easily, and I was almost convinced after Andres being around for the last two weeks, Stitch was starting to like him more than me. But it might have something to do with the fact Andres loved to spoil him with treats.

“You should make that banana peel water! I bet your Monstera will love it.”

“Yeah, I should,” I agreed, trying to tear my eyes off my guy. I was completely in love. I had no idea how me, Miss Done With Even Trying To Find Someone, had done just that and turned into Miss Obsessed.

Thankfully, I didn’t really have to overthink it because he was Mr. Obsessed, too.

“So, are you going to tell me what’s making my niña smile that way, or you going to keep me in suspense?” my mom finally asked. I was actually pretty surprised she hadn’t asked earlier.

“Me? Smiling?” I laughed and then pressed my lips together. “I’m not smiling,” I tried to deny.

“You’re lying,” my dad interrupted, popping his face into the screen, “But if you’re not ready to tell us, it’s fine.”

“It’s fine?” Both Mom and I repeated, each of us equally surprised.

“Yes, it’s fine,” he repeated. “If and when you want to share what’s happening in your life, we’re here.” My insides went all warm and fuzzy. I loved my dad. After my divorce, he had worked really hard on letting me choose what boundaries to set with everyone, and that included them.

“I don’t even know you,” my mom scolded as she glared at him. “She should tell us.”

“Mi amor, she will, when she’s ready.” He sighed, staring lovingly at my mom. “When she’s ready, she will,” he confirmed, then turned his attention to me.

“I’m not…” I started to say I wasn’t lying or keeping anything from them, but I couldn’t outright lie. I bit down on my lip and looked above the screen. Andres’ gaze locked with mine. His brow rose, and I knew he wouldn’t mind meeting them.

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