Page 22 of Hot Shot

“No, we already knew each other.” I explain who he is.

“Ah.” Grandma nods. “Well, I’d surely be interested in seeing some of his art.”

We chat about other things, Mom complaining more about her boredom now that she’s retired, Lauren tight-lipped about what’s happening with her marriage, although she does tell Grandma about Julia being grounded.

“Are you giving her enough attention?” Grandma asks. “Divorce is hard on kids.”

Lauren’s face pinches. “Of course I am.”

Grandma tips her head to one side. “You spend long hours working, Lauren dear. Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

Grandma’s the only one who can get away with saying those kinds of things to the family. I may think similar thoughts, but I’m not as gutsy as Grandma when it comes to calling out people on their behavior. Maybe I need to be more like my grandmother.

When we’re done our visit, I drive Mom home, then head to a strip mall where there’s a huge party supply store. I wander the aisles searching for inspiration for a theme for the engagement party. Being held at Conquistadors, the party seems to lend itself to a Mexican fiesta theme, but maybe that’s too obvious. We could do something different: champagne and chocolate; wine and cheese; beach theme—hey, that could be kind of cool; burgers and beers . . .

I pause for a moment, overwhelmed with the choices. But it needs to be about Hayden and Beck, who they are. And they’re different in so many ways, with Hayden’s cautious, analytical approach to life and Beck’s adventurous, live-in-the-moment nature. And yet they’re similar in their dedication to something bigger than themselves, to giving back. Similar in their willingness to compromise for each other, to be both bold and careful with each other. Similar in their love for friends and family, and the friends who’ve become their family. And most of all, their love for each other.

I spot a gold “Cheers and Beers” banner and smile. Yeah, something fun and casual that’s not tequila themed but still a good bar theme. Beers and burgers it is. I’ll talk to Marco about maybe doing a burger bar where guests can fix their own. Big tubs of ice filled with different kinds of beers, some salads . . . well, we’ll figure that out.

I pick up decorations for that theme, as well as plates and paper napkins and some cute party favors. Oh right, invitations. I select some of those too, although most people will receive email invitations.

As I load my purchases into my car, I’m eager to let Marco know what I’ve come up with.

Or is that just an excuse to talk to him again? Because dammit, last night was fun. Even when we were insulting each other, there was an undercurrent of excitement. And then there was the kiss on the dance floor that nearly had my clothes falling off.

We have a hot little romp for a few weeks while I teach you Spanish and we throw an engagement party, and then you leave for Spain and we say goodbye and everyone’s happy.

I slam down the lid of my trunk and dust off my fingertips.

Oooooh. Seriously? I am perilously tempted by that idea. Am I losing my mind?

That heat and the way he kisses and that hard muscled body is hard to resist. Not to mention those rare smiles that melt my thong. And then after I went to his place and saw the sculptures he does, well that pretty much did in any last shred of resistance. It took my attraction to him to a whole other level.

How the hell did this happen? He annoys the fuck out of me. That’s not attraction!

Or apparently it is.

In my car, I slap it into gear and drive home way too fast.

I can’t even talk to Hayden about this, because . . . it’s Marco.

And I can’t show off all the pretty decorations I bought and discuss the ideas for the party with Hayden, because it’s a surprise.

I feel a sharp pang of loneliness as I turn into the parking lot at my condo complex.

It’s not as if I don’t have other friends. I was out with some last night, and I had fun with them. I have lots of acquaintances I hang out with from time to time. But that’s not the same as one true friend, the one I can talk to about anything and everything.

Inside my condo, I pile the bags into the closet in my spare bedroom and decide to text Marco. Just to let him know what I got.

He answers quickly, and I sit on my couch smiling at the phone.Burgers and beers sounds great. Love it. Cade and I will talk to Sid to come up with menu.

I type in a reply.Perfect. I have a few other ideas and we just need to finish off the guest list.

I set down my phone, not sure if he’ll answer again. My phone pings seconds later. I lean over to peer at it on the coffee table.

Wednesday night good for Spanish lessons?

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