Once I climbed inside the cockpit, the rest of my troubles faded. The only thing that mattered when I was flying my plane was making sure I landed on the ground safely, especially as an Angel performing for crowds of thousands. The risk of death was real in the diamond formation, where we flew as close as eighteen inches to each other.
I loved it. I couldn’t imagine doing any other job.
I secured my harness and my lap belt and began to taxi on the runway. I made a call to the tower and once I was cleared for take-off, I accelerated and headed towards the heavens.
Time to pay a visit to my wife.
Chapter Seven
Tortas
I dressed Sky in a cute onesie with yellow ducks on it and placed a headband bow on her head. She was so adorable. I made the band from some fabric I had bought from home. When I had searched through the accessories in her room, I had found no embellishments, which made me sad. Had her mom not had time to purchase them? Maybe she was sick while she was pregnant. Or maybe she and Beck didn’t know until Sky was born if the baby would be a boy or a girl. Sky was a gender-neutral name. And many of her clothes were unisex. I realized I knew nothing about this sweet baby in my arms. I wanted to respect her mother’s intentions on how to raise her, but since I knew nothing about Catherine, for now, I would keep this feminine bow in her daughter’s hair.
I heard the car pull up and my heart raced. Beck was home. It was one o’ clock and if I left within the next ten minutes, I’d be able to make it to my sisters’ school by the time they were dismissed.
The door opened, and Beck’s blue eyes widened when he saw Sky.
He scooped her out of my arms and kissed her forehead. “Nice bow. I don’t remember seeing it before.”
“That’s because it hadn’t existed. I just made it myself. I brought over ribbons and threads. I hope you don’t mind.”
He turned to me and smiled. “It’s cute. Thank you. How was the first day?”
“Great. She’s an angel. You lucked out. How was work?”
“Incredible. There is never a bad day flying. I’ve been an Angel for a year, but every time I get in that plane, I can’t believe how lucky I am.”
A burning sensation filled my stomach. How cool was it that this man had this prestigious job? Clearly he was whip-smart and a hard worker, but I was so envious of his accomplishments. Being around him was a blessing. He inspired me to let nothing stand in the way of my goals. I wouldn’t be a nanny forever. I would graduate from college and start my own restaurant. My dreams were finally in reach.
“Oh, that’s awesome. Glad you had a good day. Are you hungry? I made lunch. Just tortas—we really need to go shopping.”
He looked at the plate of grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, which technically weren’t tortas because I didn’t have the right bread but at least I had made a spicy aioli from scratch. I wondered how spicy Beck liked his food—normally I would pickle jalapeños, but I would slowly test his tolerance for heat.
“I can eat. You are off now if you want to leave.”
I needed to leave. But I wanted to stay spend as much time with Beck as possible. “Yup. I’ll leave in a few minutes.” I handed him his sandwich, some chips, and tall glass of water. There were beer bottles in the fridge, but I hoped that Beck didn’t drink during the day like my uncle did.
He gave Sky back to me, sat down at the table, and took a bite of his sandwich. After a moment, he gave me a thumbs-up. “This is a great sandwich. Seriously. I would pay ten dollars for this. You are a really talented cook.”
I beamed with pride. “Thanks.” Many people had complimented my cooking, but for some reason, Beck’s approval made me giddy.
“So Paloma, tell me what it’s like living in El Centro. It’s so hot now, I can’t imagine it in the summer.”
I closed my eyes and remembered the sweltering nights, sweating in my apartment with no air conditioning. I didn’t want to complain but I wanted to be honest with him. “It’s brutal. Every day is over one hundred and seven degrees, so we don’t go outside much. That’s how I learned how to cook. I would stay inside most days. It’s really rough for the younger kids because they can’t go outside, and our place is so small there isn’t much room to play. That’s one of the reasons I can’t wait to move to San Diego.” San Diego. A place I had never even visited. I was so sheltered.
He winced. I didn’t know if he was pitying me, but I felt self-conscious just the same. “You should. There is a chance I’ll be stationed there next year.”
Oh my God, really? That would be amazing! We could fall in love and both move there, and I could have a hot fighter pilot boyfriend. God, I was so pathetic—he wasn’t even remotely interested in me. He had just asked me to leave his home and I was sitting here ruining his lunch by hanging around. I had to play it cool. “Oh really?”
“Yup. I love San Diego. Perfect weather. Amazing beaches. I was going to try to get stationed there next, but Catherine wanted to go home to Virginia. Her folks live there. And that might be wise because when I deploy again, I will need a guardian for Sky.”
I nodded my head like I thought that was an excellent idea, which I supposed it was. There went my fantasy of having a future with Beck. “How long do you deploy for?”
“Depends. Nine months, maybe up to a year. Whatever the Navy needs. And I have no control over where I get stationed. I can request a certain place but there is no guarantee. So who knows? I could still end up in San Diego.”
Oh. There was still a glimmer of hope. How amazing would that be if we met in El Centro and ended up both living in San Diego?
But no matter what, the deployment would suck for Sky. She would be without both of her parents. No day-to-day consistency in her life. “The deployment sounds tough. What about your parents? Can they watch her?”
“They live outside of San Francisco. They are great, but don’t really want to raise a baby. They travel a lot, go to the opera, attend many social events. That’s not really an option.”
That didn’t surprise me at all. I could tell that Beck was very wealthy by the cars he had parked out front and the amount of money he was paying me for my job. I definitely wanted to be comfortable in life, but I had no desire to be that rich. “Well I don’t know much about Virginia, but I bet it’s really nice. I’ve never been to San Francisco either”—I paused, not wanting to open up to him too much. But then I just blurted out—“or San Diego for that matter.” Ugh. I sounded so pathetic.
Beck’s jaw dropped. “Are you serious? You live two hours by car from San Diego. I can fly there in forty-five minutes. You never even went there on a field trip?”
I wanted to laugh but didn’t want to be rude. “Field trip? No. Our school played a football game in La Jolla once, but my mom wouldn’t sign the permission slip. Ana María was a baby, so I had to stay home and take care of her. But I’ll be able to go after this job ends. I can’t wait to see the ocean. And for that matter, I’ve never been on a plane. What is it like?”
Beck’s eyes bulged. I wanted to know what he was thinking. Probably how pathetic I was. “It’s exhilarating. You are on top of the world. I love everything about it. The adrenaline rush, the excitement, the thrill. Tell you what, I’ll take you for a spin . . . in my plane.”
Oh my god. Was he flirting with me? “What? Are you serious? Is that even allowed?”
His mouth closed and widened into a grin. “Of course, it’s allowed. We have a passenger seat for a reason. The whole point of the Blue Angels is to do PR and recruitment for the Navy and the Marines. We take up news reporters, family members, friends . . . beautiful women.”
Whoa. Did he think I was beautiful? My heart beat rapidly in my chest. My eyes met his. I wanted him to know how much I craved him, even though I would never ever make the first move. “I’d love that.”
His knees touched mine under the table. “Then it’s a date. I have to head to San Diego for flyover change of command ceremony anyway next month. My friend’s wif
e can watch Sky. I’ll show you around the city. You will love it.”
Ay, Dios mío! I was so excited! I wanted to jump up and down and kiss him. But I still told myself he was probably just being nice. It would be like a pity flight. Even so, I wanted to believe he had ulterior motives. “I can’t wait.” I glanced down at my watch and noticed the time. Dammit. I had to leave now to get to my sisters. “Oh. I have to go. I’ll be back later.”
“I can take you. I don’t mind.”
“No, thank you. I’ll walk.” A ride would be so much easier. But no. I couldn’t risk him seeing my uncle’s place. He might think that giving me this job was a bad idea because they had to stay there. And he’d be right. It was a bad idea. But I needed this job as a way out.
“Okay. I’ll see you later. Thanks again for the sandwich, Loma.”
Loma? Was that his nickname for me? “You’re welcome.”
He took the last bite of his sandwich, finished his glass of water, and then stood up. He walked toward his room, and a few minutes later, I heard the water start. A chill ran over my body. Beck was naked in the same house as me. I couldn’t stop imagining what Beck looked like with water streaming down his chest. I wanted to jump into that shower with him. I wanted him to make me come so hard that I could forget the hell that was my life.
But my attraction to him wasn’t just physical. Ever since I’d first met him, his presence has awoken a hunger inside me that I didn’t know existed. I wanted to know everything about him. He was so worldly and cultured.
I wondered what it would be like to be loved by a man like him.
Chapter Eight
Tortilla Soup
After the first few weeks of flying, I was exhausted. I had adapted back to my routine effortlessly. It helped that I didn’t have to worry about Sky when I was working. Paloma had been such a blessing. I couldn’t have asked for a better nanny. Not to mention a cook. She had made me three meals a day, despite my protests. She never complained once and was always on time. And Sky seemed as happy as a lark.
I wanted to do something nice for Paloma. Maybe take her shopping. Spoil her.
Hell, I wanted to fuck her.
But that was totally out of the question. I wasn’t going to reward her kindness by hitting on her. And I didn’t want her to think she had to hook up with me because I was her boss. So, I would put myself in check and just appreciate how lucky I was to have found her.
I pulled up to my home and was greeted by Paloma who was holding my little girl.
“Hi sweetheart. I missed you,” I said to Sky, but I meant it to Paloma as well.
“Here’s your daddy.” Paloma finally handed her to me, but Sky let out a cry.
Ah fuck. I tried again to grab her, but she clung to Paloma like a magnet, snuggled against her breasts. Not that I could blame Sky—I wanted to stick my face in Paloma’s breasts also.
“It’s okay, sweetie,” she said as she hugged Sky. “I’ll just hold her until you are done with your lunch. I made you tortilla soup.”
Sounded good to me.
“You sure? You are off if you need to leave.”
“I’m in no rush. I’ll stay a bit longer.”
Sky’s last babysitter couldn’t wait to leave every day and Sky never seemed to care that she was gone. Now Sky was already becoming attached to Paloma. Was I going to take another caretaker away from my daughter? And what would happen next year when I was stationed at my next base? At some point I would have to deploy again. My own parents would never watch her and though Catherine’s parents offered, they were so cold that they would probably ignore her. They had even mentioned that they would maybe even put her in full time day-care. I didn’t have a problem with day- care but I didn’t see why they couldn’t watch her since they were retired.
Who would sing songs to her at night? Who would love her when I wasn't around?
I studied Sky interacting with Paloma. Sky smiled and clapped and pulled Paloma's hair. Suddenly, I wanted to be the one pulling Paloma’s hair while she screamed my name.
Ah fuck. It had been so long since I’d had sex. But I couldn’t think of the nanny like that, even if she was wearing an apron wrapped tightly over her clothes. The tie in the back accentuated her amazing ass. I pictured her wearing nothing but that apron as I took her from behind.
Fuck, Sawyer was right. I really did need to get laid.
At least I was about to eat another great meal. The kitchen smelled like lime and spices and I couldn’t wait to taste the soup. Hell, I couldn’t wait to taste Paloma. Well if my cock wasn’t going to be satisfied, at least my stomach would be.
Still holding Sky, she placed the bowl of soup in front of me. “How was your day?”
“Great. How was yours?”
“Perfect! Sky and I had so much fun today. I took her to story time at the base library and then we danced.”
I took a big scoop of my tortilla soup and the warmth immediately soothed my stomach. I had never had a version like this with a clear broth base instead of a tomato one. It was filled with big chunks of avocado, wedges of lime, and shreds of chicken. A dollop of sour cream accentuated the flavors and freshly toasted tortilla strips gave it an extra crunch. I loved it. I wished I could eat like this every day.
Maybe I could.
“This soup is excellent. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” She bounced Sky on her lap, but I noticed that she checked her phone. Was she looking at the time? Was she late going somewhere?
Every day since she had started, I came home after work and Paloma had made me a feast. After she handed me Sky, she would leave.
And she never told me where she was going. She said it was to see her sisters but how did I know that was true? Maybe she had a man.
Not that it had been any of my business. I had made it very clear from day one that I didn’t want to be her friend. That I didn’t want to hang out with her or even be in the house with her unless I was asleep or at work. I didn’t want to get to know her.
But the curiosity was killing me. Who did she see every day for hours? Was it a boyfriend? If it was, I’d be pissed. Not because I wanted her, but because that would mean that she had lied to me. I couldn’t stand liars. And I didn’t want some jealous boyfriend getting mad that she slept in my home, that she cooked for me, cleaned my place and took care of me even though I did my best to keep my distance.
Which was becoming increasingly hard because she smelled so incredible.
Fuck it.
“So, what are your plans today?”
My question caught her off guard and her eyes widened. “Oh, just going to see my sisters.”
“Do you want me to give you a ride?”
Her cheeks flushed. I had definitely not meant that type of ride. Though I’d be game to give her the ride of her life.
“No. I’ll walk. It’s a beautiful day.”
It was not a beautiful day. Though it was January and seventy-one degrees, there were high winds that would kick up the dust in her face. It was so gusty that we might not even fly tomorrow. The chill was setting in and by the time she returned tonight, it would be in the forties.
“It’s going to be cold tonight. I don’t mind picking you up when you are done. Just text me.”
“I’m good, but that’s really kind to offer.”
Why was she being so evasive and secretive? Was she embarrassed by where she lived? I wasn’t going to judge her by her home. She was so fucking hot, I bet she had a man.
I must’ve been horny as fuck because I sat there staring at her while I finished my soup. I imagined her naked, riding some douche, as she screamed Ay, Papi, while she came. Then he probably flipped her over and plowed her as he spanked her incredible ass.
Dammit, I had been watching way too much porn. And last night I had even searched for hot Latinas on Pornhub. Maybe Sawyer was right. It had been a year. I was still a man. I loved my wife; I always would. But I really, really needed to get laid.
But
definitely not by my nanny.
I finished my soup, and she handed Sky back to me after giving her a kiss on her head.
“Bye. I’ll see you later tonight.”
“Bye.”
I watched her walk out of the door, and then paced for a moment. Something was off with her. I knew she was keeping a secret from me, and I was determined to find out what it was.
Chapter Nine
Burritos
I hurried down the road once I walked off base. The arches in my feet ached, but my heart was full. Was I imagining that Beck was falling for me? Over the past few days, he had been talking to me more after work and always engaged with me when I returned at night.
The way he looked at me made me weak and I was pretty positive he wanted me. I knew how a man looked at a woman that he desired. With hunger in his eyes.
But even if he was attracted to me, that didn’t mean he was going to cross the line and hit on me. Beck was a man of morals and principles. I didn’t think he would risk ruining our working relationship.
Unless.
Unless he wanted something serious with me.
And there was no sign that he felt anything more for me than just lust. Oh well, I could dream.
The minutes stretched into an hour, and the fierce wind hit my face. I should’ve accepted Beck’s offer to give me a ride, but I didn’t want to do anything to ruin my job.
A low rider car drove by and some men whistled at me. “Cuánto cuesta?”
How much? What, did I look like a prostitute? Maybe they thought I was my mom. I put my head down and increased my pace, hoping they would just drive by and leave me alone. Luckily, they did.
This whole situation sucked. I hated being away from my sisters. Mónica had told me that Ana María had been crying herself to sleep and who knows what kind of trouble Mónica was getting herself into. At least, I hadn’t heard from my mom.
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