Page 12 of The Kat Bunglar

Could she be the one to kiss away his sorrow? Her hand waved off the unwanted thought as if shooing away a fly.

“We FaceTime every night, and I visit when I can—usually during the holidays. But I miss them so much. It’s hard being a long-distance parent. Adil is really into soccer—or football, as we say in Mexico—and Alejandro is quite the talented chef. His mole sauce is so good!” Gabriel continued.

“Gabriel, I’m so sorry for your loss,” Laila interrupted softly.

Gabriel tipped his head in acknowledgment of her words.

“What about their grandmother? I’m sure they’re all very close. Would you like to apply on her behalf as well, so the transition isn’t so sudden for the boys?” Laila asked.

Gabriel fiddled with his watch and shook his head jerkily. “No, just the boys.”

“Got it. Well, we need to make you a U.S. citizen first. I’ll file the paperwork to get that started. After that, we can file an I-130 petition for your two sons. The process can take up to seventeen months, but I’m here to ensure everything goes smoothly for you all.” Laila grabbed another pen and jotted down notes as they talked.

“Okay. And how much will all of that be?” Gabriel asked.

“I promise you, it will be incredibly reasonable. I’ll have Carol draw up the paperwork and email you a complete list of fees, along with a possible payment plan. I’ve handled dozens of cases like yours. I truly believe I can have your entire family here within eighteen months.” Laila closed the manila folder and couldn’t help but smile at him.

“Gracias, Laila. I’m so glad we ran into each other yesterday. I think it was destined, no?” His smile made something contract painfully in her chest.

“Well, we can’t have you missing any more football games, right?” she said, not fully meeting his eyes.

“Laila—I wanted to thank you properly for giving me some direction on all of this. I’m having an art show in L.A. next week. I would love for you to come. I’ll pay for your plane ticket. I will not take no for an answer.” He held out a hand as she began to protest.

She glanced at him, surprised that he was an artist as well as an art professor. But then again, it made sense. The tattoos peeking out from beneath his otherwise crisp button-down hinted at something raw beneath the polished exterior. She didn’t know why, but it made her want to peel back his shirt and see what else lay hidden underneath.

Her gaze lingered a second too long, and she quickly snapped herself out of it. This was ridiculous. She was his lawyer, not some starry-eyed teenager with a crush. She cleared her throat and struggled to maintain the façade of their lawyer-client relationship.

“That’s not necessary. I’m swamped with work. I don’t have a minute to spare—”

“It’s important. Consider it work-related. I’ve seen you in your place of work, and I’d like you to see me in mine.”

She finally met his eyes and instantly wished she hadn’t—they were dark and all-encompassing. She could feel herself falling in with no way out.

She shook her head and cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. She was married. She couldn’t. She shouldn’t.

But when was the last time she’d taken a trip out of town? Staring at Gabriel, it was hard to recall her own name, let alone plan a trip. He was right, though—she was overdue for a much-needed vacation. Not even a vacation, just a quick holiday. In and out. No harm, no foul.

His laugh sparkled through the air, causing her to smile.

“I can see you’re changing your mind.”

“How?” she asked.

“Your eyes give everything away,” he said, walking over to her desk and leaning forward. He smirked. “Never play poker, Penthouse. You won’t win.”

The challenge irked her. “I still have a few tricks up my sleeve. Don’t count me out yet, Mr. Santos,” she replied, her voice taking on a husky, suggestive quality she barely recognized.

Gabriel’s eyes roamed over her, bathing her in his heat. “I’m looking forward to seeing you in Los Angeles, Penthouse. Bring a swimsuit—just in case.”

Gabriel’s smile sent a shiver down her spine.

“I am looking forward to being seen,” Laila responded with her own enigmatic smile.

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