Page 55 of Ignacio

He smoothed his hand down the curve of her back to rest on her bottom. “I’ll talk to Thiago,butunderstand we’re in a transition period. If he needs me…”

“I understand,” she said, a smile brightening her face. She cupped his cheek and kissed him. “You’ve made me so happy with your decision.”

“Your happiness is my priority.”

Rose leaned in and kissed him again.

After a delicious lunch of leftovers, Benicio reluctantly headed to the front door with a container of food in his hand. His other hand was linked with Rose’s. She held on to him as if she never wanted to let him go, which was a great boost to his ego.

“I’ll see you next week,” he said, dropping a kiss on her lips.

“I’ll start doing some research for our trip.”

He would do whatever it took to keep that happy smile on her face. “Sounds good.”

Standing on tiptoe, Rose cupped his bearded cheek and gave him a longer, lingering kiss. “I love you,” she whispered.

Benicio rested his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. They had said “I love you” to each other multiple times in recent months, yet each time his heart became impossibly full and filled to overflowing with love and affection for this woman.

“Yo también, te amo, miamor,” he said huskily. After one more kiss, he reluctantly left.

As he was driving along the highway, his phone rang, and the name on the car’s screen made one eyebrow lift higher.

What does she want?he asked himself. He must have conjured her up with the conversation about Ignacio.

He answered the call. “Hola, Valentina,” Benicio greeted his first ex-wife.

“Hello Benicio, how are you?” she asked, also speaking in Spanish.

“I’m fine,” he answered carefully.

Years ago, Valentina had taken his sons from Mexico and moved back to her native Colombia out of spite. Then one day she gave up on being a mother and told him he could bring them to the United States to live with him. A long time passed beforethey were able to speak to each other in a civil manner, and once their sons became adults, they had no reason to communicate at all. In fact, they rarely did. So this call and her friendly demeanor were a big surprise.

“I’m planning a trip to the States to see my cousins in California. Then I want to stop in Atlanta to see the boys. I was hoping I’d get to see you, too, if you’re not too busy.”

Benicio frowned. Why would she want to see him? “Maybe. It depends on when you’re coming.”

“I’ll have the details soon, but I hope you can make time for me. We could have dinner or something. You know? Like old times.”

Like old times?Their marriage had consisted of frequent explosive arguments that seemed never-ending. What a difference it had been when he met Rose. Her calm, quiet personality was in sharp contrast to the volatility he had been used to.

“Get me the dates, and we’ll see.”

“I’ll try to coincide with the birth of Bruno’s baby. I’m very excited to have my first grandchild. You’ve already had the pleasure of being a grandfather through Rose’s children, so I envy you. How is Rose, anyway?”

“She’s fine.” Benicio kept his answer short on purpose, suspicious of this newer, friendlier Valentina.

“I won’t keep you. I’ll be in touch when my plans are finalized. I hope you can make time for me. It would be nice to see you, Benicio. It’s been a long time. Goodbye.”

After the call, several minutes passed before Benicio realized he was not only frowning, he was gripping the steering wheel.

Valentina was up to something, and her coming to town could only mean one thing.

Trouble.

Chapter Twenty-One

Sweat glistened on Ignacio’s skin as he fought against the weight pressing down on him. His trainer’s voice cut through the thrumming of his pulse.

---