Page 10 of Tell Me What You Want, Or Leave Me

I nod and force a smile.

“My love, let me introduce you to Juan Alberto, Dexter’s cousin. Juan Alberto, this is my lovely wife, Judith.”

Teasing, the other man takes my hand and chivalrously kisses it.

“Judith, it’s a pleasure to meet you...at last.”

“At last?” asks Eric, surprised.

But before I have a chance to say anything, Juan Alberto clears the air.

“My cousin has spoken very highly of her.”

I blush.

Oh my God...my God. What did Dexter say to him?

Eric grins when he looks at my face. He knows what I’m thinking.

“But, really, I mean ‘at last’ because I tried to meet her this morning. Dude, your wife has a hell of a temper. She kicked my ass and warned me that if I bothered her again, I’d be in even more serious trouble.”

Eric cracks up. He likes hearing this although I can tell he’s bothered that I didn’t mention it to him.

“I told you I could defend myself from any predator,” I say.

Juan Alberto laughs. “Oh yes. I will testify to that, my friend. She really scared me off.”

Eric sits down and pulls me on his lap. He puts his arms around me protectively and gives me a teasing smile.

“So, this guy tried to flirt with you?”

I smile, but it’s Juan Alberto who responds.

“No, dude. I was just trying to meet my friend’s wife. Dexter had mentioned you were staying at this hotel, and, when I saw this beautiful young woman, I knew it had to be Judith.”

Eric grins, as does Juan Alberto and, finally, I do too. Everything has been cleared up.

The three of us keep partying, drinking exquisite margaritas while listening to the delightful music at the bar. Juan Alberto is as much fun and as lively as Dexter. They look quite a bit alike too. They’re both dark and attractive but, unlike his cousin, this guy does not look at me with desire.

We talk and I discover Juan Alberto will be going with us to Spain and then traveling through Europe. He is a consultant and designs security systems for businesses.

Finally, at two o’clock in the morning, Juan Alberto stands up. “Well,” he says, “I’m going to sleep so you two can enjoy yourselves.”

Eric and I get up too, and Eric extends his hand.

“Are you going to the dinner Dexter is having at his house in Mexico City?” Eric asks him.

“I don’t know,” responds Juan Alberto. “He mentioned it, and I’ll try. If I don’t make it, I’ll see you guys at the airport, OK?”

Juan Alberto gives me two quick kisses on the cheek and leaves.

Once we’re alone, Eric brings his mouth to my neck. “I like knowing you can defend yourself from predators.”

“I told you, my love.”

“What do you think of Juan Alberto?”

When I see the look on his face, I arch an eyebrow.

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