Page 31 of The No Falling Rule
Mia’s face lights up—then falls as Carly replies.
“Don’t be silly, Diego. I’m not going to be the third wheel. I’m sure the resort has a nice dinner planned for tonight. I’ll make a reservation as soon as you two leave.”
Why is she so adamant about not spending time with her sister?
“Look, Carly, I don’t know you, but I know how important you are to Mia. Please accept the invitation. I assure you, you won’t be the third wheel.”
I press my lips together. Can I actually behave? Every time Mia’s close, all I want to do is dote on her, kiss her, make her feel safe.
“What?” Carly asks, her expression lighting with amusement. “I’m just not sure I can promise to be on my best behavior.”
We both laugh. “But what Icanguarantee is that we’ll have a great time—and you two get to be together during my girl’s favorite holiday.”
Carly’s eyes turn soft. She takes a breath, glancing between Mia and me as if choosing her next words carefully.
Mia slides her arm around my waist, resting her head against my chest. I kiss her hair and hand her the flowers. She flashes a blinding smile, rises on her toes, andkisses me softly. And it feels so right—like we’ve fallen into a rhythm without even trying.
“You’re right,” Carly says finally. “I came to spend time with my sister. I’ll go to the reception with you guys, but I won’t attend the ceremony. Deal?”
I glance down at Mia, who’s grinning from ear to ear.
“Ah, I’m so happy,” she squeals. “We’ll get ready together—forNochebuena!” Mia hugs her sister, excitement spilling out of her.
Carly looks at me over Mia’s shoulder, and I nod. She mouthsthank youwhile Mia chatters about outfit ideas.
“Okay. Alright, sis. Go get ready so you can go out with your man. We’ll have time to play dress-up later,” Carly says.
Mia turns back to me, wraps her arms around my neck, and I happily bend to kiss her. I could lose myself in her, but we have a busy day ahead. I pull back, and she pouts, making me chuckle.
“Would you put this in water for me?” Mia asks Carly, who nods.
“I’ll be ready in ten,” she tells me, grabbing the coffee I brought.
“What’s that? An hour, you say? That’s okay. I’ve got time.”
She swats my chest playfully, and I wink at her. Once she closes the door, Carly exhales, and her shoulders drop.
“Thank you, Diego for calling me out. Mia and I have been doing life just the two of us for a while, and I just…” She trails off, but I get it. She’s having a hard time accepting that Mia’s a capable, grown woman who can take care of herself.
“Look, Mia’s happiness is what matters most to me. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure there’s a smile on her face every single day,” I say.
After last night, I want everything with Mia. I haven’t worked out the details yet, but I know one thing for sure—I want to spend the rest of my days adoring her.
Carly studies me for a moment, like she’s trying to decide what to make of me. Then her voice softens. “I can’t comprehend your feelings for my sister—youdidjust meet—but I’m glad she found you. I hope it works out between you too.”
Her gaze drifts, her focus somewhere far away. Maybe she’s thinking of someone she wishes were here with her instead.
“I appreciate it,” I tell her honestly. “And I meant it when I said you could join us today. I know how important you are to Mia.”
For a moment, vulnerability flickers in Carly’s eyes, the brown deepening with emotion.
“I’m ready!” Mia singsongs as she comes out of her room. Her hair is damp, cheeks flushed—fresh from the shower. Not a trace of makeup, just that natural glow that knocks the air right out of me. She’s in jeans shorts, a tank top, and a flannel—my perfect country girl.
“Is everything okay?” she asks, looking between Carly and me.
“Yes, of course. Diego was just telling me everything he has planned for today.”
Mia’s lips immediately form a pout—and fuck if I don’t want to kiss it away.
