Page 29 of The No Falling Rule
“Mia,” he says my name like a prayer.
I hold his gaze. “I want to taste you.”
My phone starts ringing somewhere in the room. I close my eyes, trying to hide my disappointment. There’s only one person who’d be calling me.
“I need to get it—it’s Carly,” I tell him as I stand, trying not to maul him in the process. I pick up mydestroyed panties before looking for my phone. Pressing it against my ear, I say, “Hey.”
“Hey, you. Is everything okay?” Carly asks, a hint of worry in her voice.
“Yeah, yeah. I’m okay,” I reply, my voice still breathy.
“Ohmygod. Please don’t tell me I interrupted you with Fall Guy.” Carly sounds apologetic—but damn, she knew I was seeing him tonight.
“Yup,” I pop the P for emphasis.
I glance at Diego. He’s standing with one knee propped on the couch, a lopsided smile curving his lips.
“Oh no. Why did you answer? I’m hanging up,” Carly says quickly, but the moment’s already gone.
Guilt floods me—guilt for wanting space from her, shame of still being under my sister’s watch even though I’m twenty-five.
“It’s alright. I was heading out anyway.” The moment the words leave my lips, I regret them.
Diego raises his eyebrows, surprised.Holy hell. I wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t want to see me again after this. I wouldn’t want to see me either.
I hang up after assuring Carly I was leaving.
“Diego,” I start, but I have no idea what to say that won’t make me sound like a loser.
“It’s alright,” he says, walking toward me. “You mentioned earlier you were here to spend time with your sister, and we practically spent the whole day together.”
I search his eyes, looking for disappointment—or maybe regret. I’m not sure.
“Hey, it’s okay. I promise,” he says, running his hands over my shoulders. “We still have one more date tomorrow. Remember?”
I blink. “What other date?” The lust fog in my brain refuses to clear. I swear this man produces more pheromones than any man alive. My attraction to him is ridiculous.
“We’re going to my niece’s wedding tomorrow.”
The news lands like a bucket of cold water over my head. “I thought that after tonight I wasn’t supposed to attend,” I say quietly, lowering my gaze. I hate that a stranger’s comment has this kind of power over me.
“I’m sure Armando put her in place after we left. It wouldn’t surprise me if she reaches out tomorrow to apologize.”
I raise my brows.
“Yeah, either way she’ll apologize,” he says gives, pecking my lips.
It’s not lost on me how certain he sounds. I wouldn’t put it past him to make sure of it.
I shake my head, a small smile spreading across my lips.
“Let me put a shirt on, and I’ll walk you to your bungalow,” he says, heading toward the bedroom.
“Oh, there’s no need. I’d actually like to walk alone.”
Diego stops and turns around. “Are you sure? Are you okay?”
I nod quickly. “Yes, of course. I just want to walk by myself.”
