“We can’t stay in bed all day. You have to meet Carmen.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Who?”
“She was my mother’s best friend. She’s my family, Mateo. She helped raise me when I lived here. I really want you to meet her.”
His smile was gentle as he lifted himself onto one elbow. “I would love to, mariposa.”
When I rolled out of bed, I smirked over my shoulder. “Fair warning, she knows we broke up for a while. She’s ready to rake you over the coals.”
He looked startled, dropping back on the bed. “I will not survive.”
I laughed. “I’m sure you’ll be fine. You’re very charming.”
He lunged at me as I walked past him to the bathroom, smacking me on the ass. I shrieked and ran, listening to him chuckle. I turned on the shower, shaking my head. When I stepped back out, Mateo was on the phone, cursing.
“I don’t need a babysitter. No. I’m not answering that.”
I frowned. Wrapping a towel around me, I tiptoed behind him, listening. I could hear Amari’s voice on the other end of the phone.
“This is ridiculous, how can I do my job effectively if you keep sneaking off?”
I snatched the phone from him, ignoring his protest. “Hi, Amari.”
“Mariana?”
“Did Mateo come see me without checking in with you?”
“Yes. Where are you?”
“Ixtapa, Mexico. I can text you the address to the hotel if you want. We are going out at lunch but I will keep you updated until you arrive.”
She paused for a moment. “If he doesn’t marry you, I’ll kill him myself. Thank you Mariana, I will be there in a few hours.”
When she hung up, I smirked. He scowled at me, storming off to the bathroom. I heard the shower turn on and decided to let him cool off. I had no interest in ruining the happy bubble we were in by fighting with him. I just wanted him safe. And his security team was included in that, whether he liked it or not.
I was blow drying my hair when he got out of the shower so I didn’t hear him until he was behind me, his hands on my hips. I jumped. He wrapped himself around me, forcing me to turn off the dryer. I smiled, leaning against him.
“I’m going to get you back for that, you know.”
I turned slowly in his arms, pulling him down until I could press my forehead against his. “I love you, Mateo. Your safety is important to me. You wouldn’t have hired Amari unless you needed her. Please.”
He looked like he wanted to argue but finally he let out a sigh. “Alright. If it would make you feel better. She has started tracking my phone, you know. I can’t have a moment's privacy.”
“I’m betting she wouldn’t track your phone if you didn’t sneak off so often. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure we get plenty of privacy.” He flashed me a lecherous grin and I rolled my eyes. “Come on, we need to get ready. I refuse to be late meeting my family.”
Just saying it made me feel warm and fuzzy. Especially now that Mateo was part of it. He pulled on his slacks but didn’t bother with his shirt. A few buttons were missing since I was a little overeager last night. “We will have to stop in my room. You are always leaving me without a change of clothes.” He winked at me. I giggled.
“I don’t know, I think you look fine just like that.”
He snatched me around the waist, yanking me against him. He nipped at my neck until I wriggled to get free.
“Stop that! I need to get ready!”
I was really glad he said we had to stop in his room. I worried he might go by himself. I don’t think I can let him out of my sight for a while. I might wake up and this will have all been a dream.
“Why are you frowning, mariposa?”
I spun, digging through my bag. I didn’t bring a lot of clothes, especially not something nice enough to meet my family. Maybe if we hurried, we could stop at a shop before we had to meet Carmen.