Page 55 of One Hotlanta Night
I swear that girl never takes a breath when she’s excited, and especially when it comes to relationships—mine, hers, or the neighbor next door. She is a walking romance book, always looking for everyone’s happily ever after while still fiercely defensive of everyone she cares about.
Her big heart has also had the misfortune of being unlucky in love, so I know she’s just looking out for me.
“¡Parra el carro, hermanita!I haven’t even had my coffee yet,” I say to stop her tirade.
“Mira, Miguel, you can't be upset with me for wanting to know more,” she huffs out. “You haven't brought anybody home since prom, which was like a decade ago.”
“Look who’s the comedian now,” I tease back. “I'm notthatold.”
“Might as well be.” She grunts and I visualize Isabella blowing the top of her bangs back in frustration. “But seriously, who is this chick? We haven’t met anyone you’ve dated in forever.” She pauses, and I can almost guess what she’s going to ask next before it spills out of her mouth. “Wait. No way. I-is she your one?”
I hesitate a moment, debating how to answer her. Just because I already know doesn't mean I'm ready to share it with everybody else yet.
Especially not until I’ve had a chance to tell Vivian how I feel.
It had only been a few days since the bowling alley incident, and although I was pretty certain of her affection for me, I’d used every chance I could to make my feelings for her crystal clear. Flowers and her favorite coffee at work, cooking for her every night, followed by foot rubs to relieve her tender feet from ten-hour shifts. Hoping that she’ll see my devotion through more than just words; actions always speak louder anyway.
I’ve been neglecting my regular weekend visits, so when Paquita called to check on me, I told her I’d be there this Saturday. And possibly bringing someone with me. Even though I’d called her girlfriend to my co-workers, I wasn’t about to reveal that to my grandmother just yet. It would become a big deal and put more pressure on Vivian when we got there. Besides,girlfriendseemed such a superficial term for what Vivian meant to me. They’d see right through it once they met her and saw her effect on me.
When I broached the topic of a visit to Vivian, she’d gone completely still, before trying to play it off with a laugh. “Baby, don’t you think it’s a bit early to meet the parents?”
Tamping down the lust that always shot through me with her term of endearment, I swallowed and adjusted myself, not bothering to hide how my body reacted. Something about the way she saidbaby—the way she claimed me with her words—got me rock hard in seconds. Hell,anythingshe did got me hard. It was like a 24/7 boner when she was around.
She smirked, noting my “problem” and reaching for me, but I wasn’t going to let her distract me from the conversation.
“Not at all, mi amor,” I told her, taking her hands and kissing each of her wrists before pressing our lips together. She moaned and tried to deepen the kiss, but I pulled back. I needed her to see that I was serious about this. “I want you to meet my family and my friends. They’re going to love you.”Almost as much as I do.
I wanted to cement our relationship as much as possible. It only made sense for her to meet everyone sooner than later. They were going to be her in-laws anyway.
Vivian’s eyes still held too much trepidation for my taste. “Michael, I don’t know about this…”
“It’s just overnight,” I promised her. “Just the family getting together like they always do; we’re just joining them. No pressure,te lo prometo,” I said as I cupped her chin and indulged in her sweet lips once more, cutting off her protests.
“She's… special,” I admit to Isabella. “Veryspecial to me. And I don't want you guys to plan anything elaborate. She’s kinda skittish as it is and if you say anything, they’re gonna pull out all the stops.” If my mom gets an inkling of exactly how special Vivian is to me, she’ll start planning the wedding. Not a bad idea, but I guess I should ask my girl first, right? “This is just me coming up to see you guys and bringing my girl with me.”
“Your girl,” she says. “That sounds pretty serious to me. I can't remember the last time you called someone your quote, unquote,girl.”
“She’s mine,” I confirm. “Trust me.”
“Okay, well, I won't tell mom to bring out the baby photo albums yet.”
I groan, smacking my hand to my head. “Hell, no. You know she said she would only ever do that for the one.”
“But what you’re saying sounds like—”
“I know what I’m saying.” My voice lowers, not wanting Vivian to walk in on something she’s not prepared to hear yet. “And yes, you’re right. Onallcounts.”
Her squeals pierce the earpiece, and I have to hold it away from my head again.
“Shh! Damn, Isabella!”
I can hear her gulp down her excitement. “I’m here, I’m here, I’ll be quiet,” she says, her voice softer this time, and I guarantee she’s dancing around in the kitchen in those pink house slippers she loves to wear on the weekends.
“Listen, this is still new, okay? I don't want to scare her off just yet.Pleasetry and talk to Mom. Can’t have Vivian running for the hills before she even gets a chance to know you,” I beg.Isabella might be a hopeless romantic, but we take care of each other. We always have, with our dad working so hard and Mom being sick. I’ve got six years on her and have always taken the lead as big brother. But she holds her own as the peacemaker and nurturer in the family. If anyone can persuade my excitable mother to show some restraint, it’s Isabella.
“Okay, okay.” she begrudgingly agrees. “I won’t say anything, and I’ll try to keep Mom under control… as much as I can anyway,” she says with a laugh.
I grin. “That’s all I’m asking for,” I reassure her.
