Page 10 of When Love Changes Everything

"He said that?!" she exclaims, her eyes going wide.

"Not in so many words," I admit. "But what I heard was that it'll be fun. He has the power to take me to the moon and back, but when it’s over, he’ll leave—and I won’t be able to protest because he warned me. It’s brilliant, really. I wouldn’t even have the right to be angry."

"Oh, Lisa," she murmurs, dumbfounded.

"I’m attracted to him, but I’m not stupid. I’m going to heed Lily’s warning and keep my distance."

Loren gives me a weak smile. "I think that’s smart."

"The only problem is, I’m staying in the guesthouse… and he’s staying at the house."

"Yeah," she says, sighing. "I can see how that could be a problem."

"I appreciate his honesty, though," I admit. "Now that I know, it’ll be easier to keep my heart out of it, even if we’re neighbors."

Loren chuckles. "That doesn’t always work, you know. Aaron and I tried being just neighbors and look where it got us."

I smile, remembering. "You’re living your dream now. I’ll never forget the day you came over, and I had to tell you Aaron hadleft. Your face was this mix of shock and sheer determination to find him and fight for your love. I want what you two have—and I know I’m not going to find it with someone like Mateo."

***

After I leave Loren’s room, Aaron and Mateo slip inside, giving Mateo his first chance to meet the twins. I walk down the hospital corridor, replaying my conversation with him, each step weighed down by a mix of emotions I can’t quite shake. My stomach growls, a sharp reminder that I haven’t eaten all day, so I head to the cafeteria, hoping the clatter and hum will drown out my unsettled mood. Just as I enter, I spot Katherine at the counter, reaching for her wallet to pay for a salad.

Katherine—Loren's sister, another one of my closest friends, and the one person I can count on to never sugarcoat a single word, even if it's the last thing I want to hear. Her eyes catch mine across the bustling cafeteria, and before I can even manage a greeting, there's already a familiar, silent understanding between us. She steps closer, her green eyes searching my face intently, reading me in that way only she can. “What’s wrong?” she asks, her voice gentle yet probing, as if bracing herself for whatever weight I might unload.

I tell her everything, letting each detail spill out, holding nothing back—not even the turmoil churning inside me when it comes to Mateo. Katherine listens in that unwavering way of hers, absorbing every word, each one a piece of a puzzle she’s trying to solve. When I finally fall silent, it feels like a weight has lifted. Iwait, knowing she won’t hesitate to give me the truth I may not be ready to hear.

"You need to get out of the guesthouse, fast," she urges. "The sooner, the better. Come stay with us or go to Mom and Dad’s."

"I’m not running from him," I say firmly.

"That’s exactly what you should do," she exclaims, a glint in her green eyes. "Run!"

I groan, frustration bubbling over. "Why does he get under my skin like this? I’m not into older men!"

She crosses her arms, a familiar smile curving her lips. "I have news for you—when it comes to this older man, you definitely are."

I sigh, biting my bottom lip as I try to contain the torrent of emotions. "Why is everything coming down on me all at once? The flood, Mateo's return, Mom being gone, Dad's visit next week."

She raises a hand, all business. "Alright, one thing at a time. When is Gretchen due back?"

"Not until the end of the month," I say, pausing as an idea takes shape. "Maybe I could hire a locksmith, have him open Mom’s place so I can stay there."

She nods, considering. "Not a bad idea. Or you could rent an apartment, or even check into a hotel for a bit. Your homeowner’s insurance would probably cover it."

I flash a guilty smile. "I’d rather stay in the guesthouse."

She arches an eyebrow, a hint of warning in her gaze. "You’re playing with fire."

I chuckle, feeling a nervous thrill. "Tell me something I don’t already know."

Chapter 4

Mateo

I’d forgotten just how incredible it feels to be a new father. The thrill is beyond words—a rush that makes you feel like you’re on top of the world and yet utterly vulnerable all at once. This tiny person relies on you for everything, every need, every comfort. It’s a responsibility like no other, and nothing compares. My love for Lily is boundless. When Sophia and I divorced, the hardest part was accepting being apart from my daughter. I learned to live with it, but it was a hollow, painful acceptance. I missed so many moments, so much of her life. And now, I don’t know if I could ever bear to put myself in that position again. Yet, watching Aaron and Loren bond with their twins stirs something deep within me—a quiet yearning to feel that connection again.

***

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