Page 92 of My Secret Bandit

He wrapped her in his arms and together they rocked side to side. He cupped her face, looking her over.

“You’re here,” he whispered through sniffles and a chuckle.

I watched reunion videos before, and I cried every single time. But those don’t prepare you for the fat ass tears you shed while watching it happen live with someone you love on the receiving end.

From the second I watched him turn to find Amelia, I knew this was going to be one of my most treasured memories.

“Best birthday gift ever, right?” she joked through her own tears, and all he could do was hug her tightly and nod against her.

My heart ached for Mateo, but it was a good kind of ache. Long carried crevices created by worry filled to the brim with appreciation and hope.

“Okay. Enough crying. Let’s get this party started!” Mariana cheered, throwing both hands into the air. Mateo lifted her against his side and jumped as everyone around them cheered and clapped.

Someone found the stereo system and turned on the music.

Mateo danced with Amelia in his arms and his sister by his side. Benny and Tom held hands as they grooved together. Sierra pulled Jeffery into the group. Xander stole Amelia from her uncle and the two twirled around.

Propped against the kitchen island as I watched them, I pulled a chip from the serving bowl. Just as the delicious, salty crunch disappeared into my mouth, a soft snort of laughter came from behind.

“Figures I’d find you here.”

I turned to face a gorgeous stranger. Long dark waves blended out into lighter ends and plump, shiny lips stood out among an expertly contoured bone structure. The high heels she wore elongated an already long body covered in a tight dress that hugged her hourglass curves.

“Do I know you?”

“I’d be surprised if you didn’t,” she said, her hair flip complete with a haughty smile.

It was my turn to return the snort. “Guess we’re surprising more than one person tonight.” I grinned and went back to my bowl of chips.

“Where’s Mateo?”

I pointed toward him. His warm eyes connected with mine before falling to the woman next to me. His head went back, his shoulders rose and fell with a long, drawn-out sigh before he walked over to us.

“Stephanie… what are you doing here?”

Even as he said her name, I struggled to believe that his ex was ballsy enough to show up at his house uninvited.

“It’s good to see you too, Matt. Don’t you look as good as ever?”

“What are you doing here?” he asked again.

“Just came to wish my guy a happy birthday. Convince him I have more to offer than this pathetic lump he’s decided to associate with.”

A granite-like stoniness I’d never seen on him hardened his features. “The fuck did you say?”

The innocence on her face was almost convincing. “Just speaking facts, babe. You’ll tire of allthatsoon enough and come crawling back. I wanted to make sure you knew where to find me when you were ready.”

Mateo stepped forward, bristling. I laid my hand on his arm and gave him a look, one that calmed the anger vibrating his muscles.

“It’s okay,” I said.

He nodded.

With my hands steepled together, they laid against my lips before pointing in Stephanie’s direction. “Listen to me carefully, sweetheart. The only thing as delusional as you thinking he wants youat all, is you thinking you’re welcome in our home. So.“ My hands spread to weigh her limited options. “Would you like assistance or are you smart enough to leave on your own?”

She rolled her eyes and reached a manicured hand toward Mateo’s arm.

Before she could touch him, I went into autopilot. My hand wrapped around her wrist, forcing it behind her and marched us toward the front door. “Guess we can scratch intelligence off the list, huh?”

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