Breaking Hearts (Full Hearts #4)

by MJ Summers

  “I do. I am, Trey. I am so completely in love with you. The thought of you leaving is unbearable to me.”

  “Then I’ll never leave you.”

  Twenty-Three

  The next morning, Trey was up with the sun. Filled with excitement, he’d been unable to sleep for more than a few hours. Alessandra had stayed late into the night and they’d made love for what seemed like hours before he walked her back to the main house, kissing her until he forced himself to let her go. She wanted to be nearby in case Tomas woke up, and she needed some sleep before her job interview the next day. Trey had stood outside the house and watched her disappear into the kitchen before he managed to tear himself away and stroll back to his house under the stars.

  Now that he was up and dressed, he stood next to the window for a moment, staring out at the rows of orange trees. He should be exhausted but he wasn’t. He was bursting with energy—the energy of being in love for the first time. Thoughts of the night before flooded his mind. The smell of her, the taste of her skin. He’d never spent such a long time exploring a woman’s body before and had revelled in every second with her. He wanted to know every inch of her, what she wanted, what she needed, what he could do to make her addicted to him forever.

  He started for the tool shed, where he’d left the painting supplies yesterday. The day before, he’d finished scraping the loose old paint off the outside of the barn, and now he was going to start the first coat. His stomach twisted into knots at the thought of Alessandra’s mother finding out what they’d done the night before. That would get ugly. But maybe Lorena would forgive him once she found out they were getting married.

  The proposal had come as a shock to both of them, to him maybe even more than to her. It had just come out without him thinking about it, but as soon as the words left his mouth, he knew he meant it. Really meant it, like nothing he’d ever said to anyone before. He knew everyone else would think they were insane. They’d only known each other for a few weeks. But in that time, they’d lived with each other, and cared for a child together, and gone through the stress of her exams and his custody case together. Surely that was more telling of how perfect they were for each other than even a year of going on dinner dates.

  He knew asking her to marry him like that was impulsive. He knew he had done things backwards. He’d asked her to spend her life with him before the I love you’s had even come out. He could picture her face, flushed with passion then wide-eyed with shock for a brief second before she answered him. She hadn’t even needed convincing, which just proved to him that he had been right to ask. She understood him like no one else ever had. She was the one person that he’d bared his soul to, that he’d let into his heart. She’d seen him for who he was and she loved him anyway. He had hidden nothing from her and it hadn’t scared her off. Instead, she had accepted him the way he was. And that made him the luckiest guy on earth.

  So what if they were from different countries? So what if they hadn’t known each other long? They would find a way to make it work. They were in love with each other and could make a life together. He’d find a good career back home and the three of them would live happily ever after. They would be a family.

  Smiling as the first rays of sun hit his face on the way to the barn, he felt better than he had in years. More sure of himself and of the world. He had Alessandra, and with her by his side, he felt like he could do anything. He could jump through the hoops required to get his son, he could find a good job and he could ride any bull he’d mount in order to achieve his goals.

  Pouring some paint into a tray, he then put the lid on the can, grinning as he got started. He would paint until Alessandra was awake and ready to go to town. They would file the papers showing their intent to marry at the courthouse when she went for her interview. And he couldn’t wait. He wondered if she was still sleeping. Maybe she would be able to sneak out here before anyone else woke up so they could have a little time to themselves again.

  The sound of the back door to the main house opening interrupted his thoughts, and he waved as Carlos approached. The old man’s mouth was set in an unfamiliar grimace this morning, and it made Trey’s heart pound. The last thing he wanted to do was upset this man who’d been so good to him and his son. Carlos walked up and gave him a nod. “Olá.”

  “Olá, sir. I hope you slept well.”

  The look on the old man’s face made him wonder for a minute if maybe he did understand English. He swallowed hard as he watched Carlos open the paint can and dip a brush in. Holding the can in one hand, Carlos began working on the trim in long, even strokes.

  Trey got back to work without saying anything for a long time. Finally, he decided to get it off his chest. “What would you think if I asked Alessandra to marry me? I know I told you I wouldn’t let things go past that kiss the other day, but the truth is that I’m really in love with her and I can’t imagine my life without her. I hope you and your daughter will give us your blessing. I know Alessandra and I haven’t known each other that long, but we’ve been through a lot already, and we’re really perfect together. I want to marry her. I actually asked her last night and she said yes. She wants to keep it a secret for now, but I thought I should tell you. In fact, I’d like to shout it from the rooftops, because I’ve never been so excited about anything in my life.”

  Carlos stopped his brush mid-stroke and then continued without saying anything, leaving Trey to wonder exactly how much English he really knew.

  * * *

  When they parked in front of the courthouse, Trey put his hand on Alessandra’s knee. “Can you believe we’re doing this?”

  “Not really. Can you?”

  “It doesn’t seem quite real yet, but it sure feels right.” He pulled her in for a kiss before opening the door to the truck. “Stay there a minute.”

  A moment later, he opened the door for her and held his hand out to help her down.

  “Thank you.”

  “Say, if I ever forget, remind me how much the little things matter, okay?” he asked.

  “I have a feeling you’ll need to remind me.” She lifted her hand to his cheek and guided his face down to hers again. Their kiss lasted longer than what would be considered appropriate for a courthouse parking lot, but they could hardly help themselves. The sound of a car pulling in reminded them of where they were.

  “Let’s do this,” Trey said, taking her hand and starting for the front door.

  A couple of hours later, Alessandra hurried to meet Trey, who’d been waiting in the park next to the courthouse watching a soccer match since they had filed their papers and she had gone to her interview.

  “I did it! I got the job!” She rushed into his arms and he picked her up, swooping her around in a big, celebratory circle. “Wow! That’s so great, Alessa! Congratulations.”

  “I can’t believe it. I start on Monday!” She spoke quickly with big, enthusiastic gestures as they walked to the truck. “I’m going to have to buy some work clothes. And a briefcase. I’ll need a briefcase. I should get my hair cut, maybe. Oh, and some nice shoes. Can you believe I just got a job?”

  “I can.”

  “I’m going to be an assistant to the judge. The pay is horrible, but it’s a good start. I’ll always have work, and I’ll get so much experience,” she continued.

  “Sounds perfect, really.” Trey smiled at her. “I’m really excited for you.”

  “Me too! I did it! I’m working as a lawyer now! And we’re getting married!”

  “We sure are,” he said, giving her a firm kiss on the lips.

  Alessandra beamed at him. “It feels like my entire life is starting and it’s going to be perfect. I have you and Tomas and now a job.”

  * * *

  That evening as Trey stood in the shower, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. As happy as he was for Alessa, he wished he was starting a career as well. As it was, he would have to wait indefinitely for the custody case to be decided. He could hardly stand having his fate
rest in the hands of a stranger. He rinsed shampoo out of his hair, feeling worry set in again. He needed to find a way to provide for his little guy. Even though his wife-to-be had found a job, that didn’t remove the pressure he felt. He needed to make his own way as soon as possible, and he knew that once he had his chance, he’d do well. He just had to be patient, which wasn’t necessarily his strong suit. For now, he would continue working hard on the farm to earn his keep and that of his son. Inside, he ached to be free to finally step up and take care of his son the way he knew he could. At least there was a rodeo coming. If he did well, he could bring home some money for the three of them. It would be a start.

  * * *

  It was after eleven when Alessandra finally appeared. “My mother was up watching one of those practical-joke shows,” she said as she kicked off her flip-flops and crossed the room to him. Trey had been reading on the loveseat when she came in and Alessandra was excited that she could finally act on the impulse to straddle his lap.

  Trey gave her a long kiss before pulling back a little. “Doesn’t it seem a little weird to you that you’re a lawyer and yet you’re sneaking around so your mom won’t know you’re sleeping with your fiancé?”

  “I know it’s strange, yes. But can we just keep this our secret for now? Trust me, as soon as she finds out, you’ll wish she didn’t know. I want us just to enjoy this time together. Just you and me. Okay?” She trailed kisses down his neck then tugged at his T-shirt, pulling it over his head and tossing it behind her.

  “Alright, if that’s what you want. But I can handle the fallout, whatever it is.” Trey lifted her tank top off and tossed it over her shoulder. He took a moment to look her over, then let out an appreciative puff of air. “You’re so sexy.” He traced the outline of her bra, letting his fingers glide over her skin until she shivered a little.

  Alessandra lowered her face to his, kissing him wildly as he reached around behind her and unclasped her bra. Soon his mouth was on her full breasts and she was arching her back to keep him there. “Ahh, yes, Trey,” she moaned.

  He continued working his magic for a deliciously long moment before flipping them so that she was on her back on the loveseat and he was kneeling before her. She laughed a little in surprise. “Whoa, how did you do that, even?”

  “Talent.” He raised and lowered his eyebrows playfully before gripping her hips and pulling her closer to the edge of the seat. “I have another talent I’d like to share with you.” He unzipped her jeans and pulled them off along with her panties.

  He started to lower his mouth over her but she covered her body with her arms.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I feel silly.”

  “Why?” He gave her a concerned look, resting his hands on her thighs.

  “No one’s ever done this to me before and I feel a little . . . exposed.”

  “Really?” he asked, clearly surprised. “So, I’m the first one to . . .” His voice trailed off and a look of satisfaction replaced his surprise.

  “Yes.” She closed her eyes. “I know I shouldn’t be embarrassed. It’s just so bright in here and you’re going to be able to see everything.”

  “I want to see everything,” he said, giving her a kiss on her hands, which were covering her tummy. “And I want to taste everything.”

  She shifted uncomfortably. “What if, after, you aren’t attracted to me the same way?”

  Trey had an incredulous look on his face. “You know that’s not possible, right?”

  “No.”

  “You remember a few minutes ago when I told you how sexy you are? I wasn’t lying. You’re gorgeous. Seriously. Any guy would kill to be exactly where I am right now. How do you not know that?”

  “Because you’re making it up.”

  “I am not,” he said, shaking his head. “Not at all. You’re beautiful. You’ve got the softest, smoothest skin I’ve ever seen. You’re like butter—creamy and delicious, and I just want to lick you all over.” He moved her hands aside and trailed slow kisses over her tummy and hips. “Trust me, I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t want to. There’s nothing I’d rather be doing. I’m hard just thinking about it.”

  He tugged at the button fly on his jeans, letting them fall open. Reaching into his boxer briefs, he freed himself. “That’s better. It was getting a little uncomfortable in there.”

  Alessandra looked down to see his erection aimed up at her. He wasn’t lying. He was turned on by this. She started to let her body relax, trying to shut out all of her self-hating thoughts and just let his words sink in to her heart. He had said she was beautiful and sexy. Why would he say it if he didn’t mean it? She shut her eyes, pretending the lights were out, soon finding that she didn’t have to try to fool herself. She was completely lost in what he was doing as his tongue skimmed along the front of her sex. It was an entirely new sensation for her, one she’d wondered about many times but had never experienced. He gently parted her legs with his hands, then used his thumbs to tease her as he let his lips drift along the insides of her thighs. Okay, that feels sooo good. She gasped when he put his mouth over her and sucked, then slid his tongue inside. How did he know what she wanted when she didn’t even know herself?

  His movements were slow, careful, thoughtful, and she knew he meant to bring her the most exquisite pleasure as he worked. The pressure he applied was just perfect, firm but not overzealous. He groaned and she could feel the groan vibrating through her, causing her hips to buck of their own accord. She was greedy for more now. She wanted him to thrust deeper, and the way she moved left him with no doubt. He obliged, pushing his tongue in farther, then pulling back with long, slow drags before plunging in again. Deeper, harder, over and over until she came undone, grabbing his hair and pressing herself against his tongue as she felt the waves of her climax roll through her entire body. “Oh yes! Trey! Yes!” She cried out.

  When it was over and she had finally started to recover, she laughed in surprise at how loud she had been. Trey grinned at her. “I take it you won’t mind if I do that again?”

  “Not a bit. That was . . . Wow.” She smiled down at him, completely satisfied.

  “Good,” he murmured, kissing her breasts. “Because I’ll never get tired of doing that to you.” He sucked on her nipple, causing it to tighten again. “Mmm, you are just like butter. You melt in my mouth.”

  Twenty-Four

  The next three weeks flew by as Trey looked after Tomas and continued his work on the farm. Alessandra started her job as planned. Each morning, she left for work early and returned close to suppertime. Each evening, she arrived home to some type of improvement that Trey had made, returning the farm to its former glory. The exterior of both houses had been scrubbed down and given a fresh coat of paint, the overgrown shrubs had been trimmed and shaped, and the fences stood at attention again. His hard work made her love Trey even more. The way he was helping out her avô showed how he would take care of them all. Trey was as good as he was sexy, and she wanted to pinch herself, knowing that a man like that wanted to marry her.

  Trey managed to make it over to Daniela and Ricardo’s ranch to practise bull riding with Miguel and Bruno several times. Each ride, his knowledge and confidence in his ability grew. Bruno gave him a protective vest, lent him a pair of chaps and helped him enter his name in the next competition.

  With Betina’s help, Trey and Alessandra were still keeping their relationship a secret, but this would end soon. For now, they stole private moments to kiss and drive each other wild whenever they could. At night, Alessandra would sneak to Trey’s to make love until the sun was almost up, then sneak back into her room. Each day, she checked the notice boards at the registry office at the courthouse for notice of their intent to marry. All impending marriages were posted there and in the newspapers before approval was given for the licence. The Santos didn’t have the newspaper delivered to the farm, but her mother usually picked it up when she went to town for groceries. This led Alessandra to
offer to stop in at the grocery store on her way home from work every day. She knew that once the notice was in the newspaper, someone would read it and call her mother, but she wanted to give her and Trey’s fledgling relationship a little more time to grow before her mother interfered.

  On Friday afternoon, Alessandra got home from work early, her boss having sent everyone home as a thank-you for the long hours they’d been putting in. Trey met her in the kitchen of the main house. He grabbed her hips and pulled her in for a long hello kiss, but Alessandra cut it off and backed away. “Someone might see. We have to be more careful.”

  “No one’s in the house. But honestly, Alessa, let’s just tell them. I don’t like all this sneaking around. It just feels wrong.” He wrapped his arms around her.

  “Trey, can we just please do it my way? I know it’s immature, but I don’t want any fighting in the family right now. I just want to enjoy this time in my life.” She gave him a lingering kiss to help make her point. “Okay?”

  The sound of the back door opening had her scrambling to move away from him, and her reaction had Trey temporarily giving up on the idea of coming clean. Lorena came around the corner just as Trey headed for the door, giving her a little nod on his way out. With no need to wait until he was out of earshot, Lorena turned to Alessandra, speaking in Portuguese. “You think I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m not a fool, young lady. I know everything!”

  Alessandra stared at her defiantly. “What do you know, Mother?”