Page 11 of When Love Changes Everything

Lisa is silent the entire drive home. She stares out the window, lost in her own thoughts, while I grapple with the desire toreach for her and apologize. When we arrive, she thanks me before heading back to the guesthouse, not sparing me a single backward glance. I know what I told her wounded her, and the fact that I did it deliberately to keep her at arm's length gnaws at me. Knowing she’s just across the garden makes it nearly impossible to ignore our growing attraction. Lisa is beautiful, quick-witted, and so captivating that being near her is an exercise in restraint. If I let my guard down, it would only be a matter of days—hours—before I’d be tempted to close the space between us and claim her lips in a kiss. But I’ve forced myself to draw the line, as painful as it is, because what’s waiting on the other side of that line might be more than either of us is ready for.

When I step inside, I pull out my phone and call Lily, knowing I’m likely interrupting her honeymoon. But it's inevitable—the best thing I can do now is leave. Lisa can housesit, and I’ll go back to Mérida, where I belong.

“You can’t leave, Dad!” Lily’s voice bursts out, a mix of surprise and protest before I’ve even finished speaking. “Noah and I will be back in three weeks. Youhaveto be here for the gender reveal party.”

“Lisa’s here,” I say, trying to sound resolute. “She can stay at the house until you’re back. And for the party, we can video chat. It’ll be just like I’m here in person.”

“It won’t be the same, Dad,” she murmurs, her disappointment thick and unmistakable. “What about Thanksgiving? Christmas? You promised, Daddy. You have to stay. Please.”

“When have I ever been able to say no to you,mija?” I say, my resolve slipping.

“So, you’ll stay?” she asks, hope warming her voice.

I pause, wishing I could stand my ground. “I’ll stay.”

“Good, then it’s settled,” she says, her tone lightening. “See you in three weeks.”

“I love you,Cariño,” I say, hoping my voice can convey how much I love myprincesa.

“I love you too, Daddy!”

***

The past few days have been agonizing, each passing hour a test of willpower to keep my distance from my beautiful neighbor. Five days—that’s how long it took for me to finally admit I need to see her again. So here I am, standing on her doorstep, my fist hovering over the door and my heart pounding a fierce rhythm in my chest. It’s only eight o’clock, and her car is in the driveway, so I know she’s here. If she doesn’t answer, I’ll know she hasn’t forgiven me.

“What are you doing here?” she asks the moment she opens the door, her voice sharp. The fresh, tantalizing scent of her perfume envelops me as my gaze sweeps over the natural beautyshe possesses. The coral sweater she’s wearing hugs her curves perfectly, leaving me momentarily speechless.

“Mateo, what are you doing here?” she repeats, the impatient tone in her voice pulling me back from my wayward thoughts.

“Good morning to you too,” I manage to say, finding my voice again.

"I’m on my way out," she sighs, reaching for her purse. "I have to pick up my father from the airport in a few hours.”

“Have you had breakfast?” I ask with a hint of hope in my voice.

“I’m not a breakfast person,” she mutters, looking away.

A smile tugs at my lips. “I’ve seen you pour half a gallon of maple syrup over pancakes. Youarea breakfast person. Let me take you out to eat before you leave.”

Her blue eyes flicker with hurt as she meets my gaze. “My mother always warned me to stay away from bad men.”

“I deserve that,” I admit, my voice low. “I’m here to apologize for what I said.”

She raises an eyebrow, a trace of bitterness in her gaze. “My mother used to say, ‘The truth will set you free, Sweetie, but first it’ll piss you off.’”

“I don’t think my words made you angry,” I say softly. “I think they hurt you. And for that, I’m sorry.”

She holds my gaze, her eyes unwavering. “Doesn’t change the fact that what you said was true. You’re not a good man, Mateo. I should keep my distance.”

“You really believe that?” I ask, even though I know she's right.

“I believe you have the power to hurt me if I let you."

“I won’t hurt you,” I say, my words heavy with promise.

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” she snaps.

“I’m sorry,” I say, cutting her off, the words spilling out. “I just… I want us to be friends.”

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