Page 28 of Lavish Love: A Second Chance Romance

Susan laughs, “You better split the prize with me.”

“Split what?”

“The hundred dollars,” she squeals.

"Deal." I didn't know about the prize, but I'm down. We disconnect, and I call Mateo. He doesn't answer. I send a text message with a picture of me in the sweater, Thank you!

Seconds later, he responds, You’re welcome. I’ll see you after my meeting. Have fun!

I return downstairs.

The partying begins, and I forget I'm upset. There's something about Christmas. The lights, food, and family. They pull out board games, and I'm pulled into the fold. No one allows me to remain a bystander.

We laugh and get to know each other. Once we disperse, I head toward Gloria, thankful she meets me in the middle. She sits on the couch, patting the cushion beside her, and I sit.

Tia Marie throws up a thumb, and I smile. The others head to the kitchen to refill their drinks. I take a deep breath, ready to grovel if necessary. Then Gloria stops me.

"To the world, Mateo is this big, powerful businessman. To me, he's my firstborn and my baby. I'm sorry for the way I've behaved but not for looking out for my son. I've managed to ruin my son's Christmas, and I'm hoping you'll help me turn this thing around. Can we agree to try again?" Instead of extending a hand like before she opens her arms.

"I'd love to." I accept her apology and hug.

She holds me tight, and I hold her tighter. The moment we pull back, I feel Mateo's presence behind me. I turn around, and we're wearing matching ugly sweaters.

“I’ll leave you two alone.” She pats my knee. She stops whispering in his ear before kissing him on the cheek.

“Thank you, Gloria.”

"Call me, Mamá, mi hija.” Hearing her call me daughter has me emotional.

Mateo opens his arms, and I find myself smothered in his embrace. "Are you okay?"

“I am now.” I exhale.

I glance up, searching for the anger I've seen in the eyes all week. But up close, his anger looks more like what I'm feeling inside, disappointment.

“Can we talk later?” I ask.

“I’d like that.”

"It's time for the gift exchange." Someone calls out, and we head into the family room.

We party until three in the morning. The kids open gifts and slowly start dropping one by one. Mateo and I say our goodnights and head up to his place. The elevator opens, and I'm on the couch before the door closes.

“I have a gift for you.”

Chapter 12

Alexandria sits up alert. “I thought we don’t exchange gifts until tomorrow.”

"I want to give you this now." I pass her the envelope.

She slips her fingers underneath the fold and stops. The contents may change us forever. But I think it's the missing piece. The piece she's longed for from the moment I met her and I'm hoping by giving her him that she'll let me in.

I know my mother will come around, but will Alexandria give us a second chance?

She stares at the envelope, and I stare are her. I flex my antsy fingers, wanting to touch her. Then she sits it on the table, reaching for the hem of her sweater. I lose sight of her eyes for a moment as she slowly removes her clothes. Each garment lands on the floor, and she sits back waiting. Not saying a word.

I reach for my sweater and add it to hers. The items fall to the floor until we’re naked. Eyes roaming.

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