Page 23 of Shameless in Vegas

SEVEN

JOAQUIN

“GODDAMN, YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL,” I gush from the doorway of the en suite as I take in the sight of Natalia sweeping on one last bit of lipstick in front of the mirror.

She leans against the white marble counter, her cascades of thick, ebony waves shiny and smooth as they fall over her back and shoulders. The rose-pink wrap dress has a deep V neckline that doesn’t plungetoolow and accentuates the natural curve of her figure as well as her nipped-in waist. The sleeves go to her elbows, and the hem falls right at her knees. The heels she chose are high, but nottoohigh, and they match the creamy, natural tan of her legs. All of it is sexy, but classy and sophisticated.

Meaning, she has the perfect look of a woman you desperately need to fuck—right after she meets your mom. Which is exactly what’s on the agenda for the evening.

Natalia spent all afternoon trying on different outfits from the wardrobe we purchased for her while we were still in Vegas after she admitted that she didn’t have much worth packing up to take home with us. She must’ve tried on at least a dozen different dresses and skirt-and-blouse combos, and it’s clear that she wants to make a perfect first impression on my parents, who have finally arrived home from their Napa excursion.

All morning, we’ve kept to the opposite wing of the estate to avoid them until dinner, a standard event they, Lili, and me take part in whenever we’ve all been away on separate trips and arrive home. Mamá believes it’s important for maintaining familial closeness, and for reminding her adult children that this house isn’t just our bachelor-slash-bachelorette crash pad. Meaning, it’s fine that Lili and I are still living at home at ages twenty-six and twenty-eight, respectively, but we’re expected to respect the fact that this is still Papá’s house, and to respecthimby showing up for a proper family dinner on a regular basis.

Anyway, speaking ofrespect, Natalia and I are both prepared for an uncomfortable confrontation when I explain who she is. Because of that, she’s making a huge effort to make herself the picture of what Papá likely believes is the perfect wife for me: classy, well mannered, well dressed, andsubmissive. She came to that conclusion on her own, and truthfully, it’s not a bad idea.

Natalia catches my gaze in the reflection as she puts the lid back on the lipstick and sets it on the counter. “You’re generous with all those compliments,cariño.”

“I’m just honest.” I ease up behind her, encircling her waist with my hands and nuzzling her hair out of the way so I can kiss her neck. “Candidly, I’ve been involved with a lot of women, but I’ve never seen one as spectacular as you.” I kiss her again. “Or as humble. Or as sweet.” I lift my face to look across her cheekbone at the profile of her stormy blue eyes and long, lush lashes. “If I had to end up drunken married to someone, I’m really friggin’ glad it’s you. I got lucky asfuck.”

She chortles as I pepper her cheek with kisses, and then she turns in my arms, draping her wrists around my neck. “I am so glad you feel that way. I hope your parents can reach a similar conclusion. Whether they do or not,getting luckyis on the agenda for the evening.”

I groan quietly with anticipation as I rest my forehead against hers. “Can’t wait.”

She smiles up at me through her fluffy lashes. “Me neither.” She sighs quietly. “Should we do this now?”

My stomach twists with nerves, but I feign confidence, picking up her hand and kissing her knuckles. “Yep.”

After descending the stairs and making our way down the long hallway, I ease Natalia to a stop just outside of the dining room, where we can overhear Mamá, Papá, and Lili shooting the breeze about random stuff. Listening for a few seconds, it registers that Lili’s talking about the trip to Vegas, but it’s all her bemoaning her lifelong unrequited love for Colin.

Poo-oor Lili.

She needs to get over that shit.However, if it’s keeping her from mentioningothercertain events from the trip before I’m actually in the room, it’s good enough for me.

At a point when the conversation seems light and casual enough to indicate Papá’s good mood, I suck in a deep breath and squeeze Natalia’s hand.

“It’s gonna be okay,” I say in her ear before brushing her cheek with a kiss.

She offers a reassuring nod. “No matter what.”

I smile at her.

I really likeno matter what.

No matter whatfeels like I managed to land myself a ride-or-die woman, and the value of that never even occurred to me before now.

Her obvious commitment and loyalty fill my chest with a warm, fuzzy feeling, and it bolsters my confidence to take in stride whatever my father’s about to dish out.

Aaaannnddd…here goes something.

I casually lead Natalia into the dining room, and Mamá catches sight of us immediately. A delighted expression brightens her features, and she stands up from her chair to approach us.

“Mijito!” she coos, hands held out with her palms upturned. She clutches the sides of my head and kisses both of my cheeks. “¿Cómo estás?How are you,cariño? I have missed you.”

I give her a quick hug and kiss her cheek. “Missed you, too, Mamá. How was Napa?”

“Just wonderful.” She clutches her clasped hands beneath her chin and beams, grinning widely as her eyes flick back and forth between Natalia and me. “Introduce me to your friend.”

“Yes, please. Introduce us,” Papá pipes up in his deep baritone as he leaves the table and approaches us. He nods at Natalia. “Welcome to our home, young lady.”

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