by SJ McCoy
It was hard to concentrate on work, knowing that he was in her kitchen. But she was almost done now. Her phone rang, and she frowned at it. She didn’t want to answer. She wanted the workday to be over and for her evening with Diego to begin.
She smiled when she saw that it was Audrey.
“Hey,” she answered.
“Hi. How’s it going?”
“Great. I’m almost done for the day.”
Audrey laughed. “I should think so.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because I know he’s there with you.”
Izzy hadn’t mentioned that Diego was here. She and Audrey had spoken several times throughout the day, but it was about work. And she didn’t want Audrey to think that she was slacking in her first week working from home. “He hasn’t been here all day. He went to work for a few hours, and then he went to the grocery store … and now he’s making us dinner!”
“I know. He talked to Ted. I heard all about it. What I want to know is how you’re feeling?”
Izzy pursed her lips.
“Uh-oh. Is it too much for you?”
“No! I’m not staying quiet because I’m uncomfortable with it. I think I’m just shocked at myself at how much I’m loving it.”
“Oh, Iz. That’s wonderful. And you know, if you want to take some time off, you go ahead. We’re not exactly busy at the moment.”
“No! No way. I mean, thanks for the offer, but if he’s going to be a part of my life, then he’s going to have to fit into my life, isn’t he?”
“Oh, my goodness! I was hoping things might be headed in that direction, but I didn’t expect to hear you admit it just yet.”
“Admit what?”
“That he’s going to be part of your life.”
Izzy looked over her shoulder. She was upstairs in the spare room that she’d converted into an office. Diego was downstairs in the kitchen. He was hardly likely to overhear, but she still felt self-conscious admitting it.
“Are you going to clam up on me now?” asked Audrey.
She chuckled. “No. I’m not. I’m just making sure that he’s not around to hear me when I tell you that it feels like he already is part of my life—and I like it!”
“Wow, Izzy! That’s wonderful! Oh, I’m so happy for you.”
“Don’t get carried away. It might all wear off as fast as it happened.”
“Do you really think so?”
“No. I don’t. But I’m not sure I can trust just yet that this is as real—as special—as it feels.”
“Aww, Izzy. Please try? He’s a wonderful guy. Of course, there are no guarantees, but … well, maybe there are? You can guarantee that it won’t work out if you don’t give it the chance to.”
Izzy sighed. “Aren’t you the wise one?”
“Just hopeful. Hopeful that you and Diego might find the same kind of thing Ted and I have.”
Izzy frowned. Audrey and Ted were in love—they were going to get married. She’d sworn off that four-letter word years ago.
“Are you still there?”
“Yep.”
“Have I spooked you?”
She thought about it for a long moment. “Not spooked me, no. But you’ve given me food for thought.”
“Is that good or bad?”
She smiled. “Good. I’ve been a confirmed cynic for far too long. But you know what? Thinking that I might have the chance to be as happy as you are …? That Diego and I could possibly …” She didn’t even dare say it out loud. “Well, it feels … good.”
“Then get off the phone. Shut down for the day, and go enjoy your evening with him. And if you want to take the week off, then do it. Okay? We’re hardly busy, are we?”
“I’m not going to take the week, but …”
Audrey laughed. “You do whatever feels right, just know that whatever you choose is great with me.”
“Thanks, Audrey.”
“You are more than welcome.”
After she hung up, Izzy stared out the window. It felt as though all her resistance to Diego and to being with him was melting away. She hugged her arms around her chest and smiled. Ever since she and Tim had divorced, she’d been wary of men—at least of getting into relationships. She didn’t usually let herself dwell on the end of her marriage. Audrey used to tell her that she perhaps needed to work her way through her feelings, but eight years had gone by now. That was the past. It was sad, but she’d dealt with much worse than that.
She heard Diego’s footsteps on the stairs and smiled when he popped his head around the door.
“Sorry. I don’t mean to disturb you …”
She held her arms out to him, and he came in with a smile.
“But I’ll be happy to … if you’re finished?”
She nodded happily. “I just talked to Audrey. I’m done for the day.” She got to her feet and felt a wave of warmth and happiness rush through her when he closed his arms around her.
“Excellent. Then do you want to come and keep me company while I finish dinner?”
“I do. But tell me what I can do to help? I don’t need to sit on my ass the whole time while you wait on me.”
He chuckled. “You don’t need to do a thing. It’s almost ready.” His smile faded, and he looked thoughtful. It seemed that he really did understand her when he added. “But I’ll take a drink if you’re offering. And I don’t know where you want to eat? You could set the table if you want to … inside or out?”
She smiled. She wasn’t one to sit around while someone else did for her. She hated when a man expected her to take care of him, and she didn’t need one to take care of her either.
Once she had the table set out on the deck by the pool, she went back inside to join him in the kitchen. He handed her a glass of wine, and she took it with a smile. “Thank you.”
“Thank you for letting me stick around, for letting me make dinner for you.”
She went to him and closed her arms around his waist. “I love that you want to make dinner. I love that you want to stick around.”
He cupped his hands around the sides of her neck and looked down at her lips. Her tummy flipped over, knowing what was coming. She couldn’t get enough of the way he kissed her.
He looked up into her eyes again, and his words stole her breath away. “I love you, Miss Isobel.”
Her heart started to pound, and her stomach felt like it was doing backflips. She opened her mouth to speak, but his lips came down on hers, and the way he kissed her left no room for doubt that what he’d said wasn’t just words.
When he finally lifted his head, he raised an eyebrow at her. He wasn’t asking her to say it back, at least. He was asking if it was okay that he’d said it. Her heart still felt as though it might beat its way out of her chest, but she was sagging against him, letting him hold her up, loving the way his arms felt around her. She nodded slowly. It was okay that he’d said it. It was okay—much more than just okay that he felt that way—it was amazing. But it had been such a long time since she’d even contemplated the possibility that she might ever feel that way again. She pressed her lips together.
He planted a peck on the tip of her nose and turned away to stir one of the pans. “Don’t look so worried. I don’t need to hear you say it. Not yet, anyway. I simply need you to know how I feel. So that you can think about it.” He turned back around and smiled at her. “So, that you can get used to the idea.”
She had to smile back at him. His confidence was irresistible, and she had to admit that it was a big part of his charm.
He came back to stand before her and put his hands on her shoulders. “Do you think you might be able to get used to the idea?”
She nodded slowly, and a smile spread across her face. He might have taken her by surprise; it might feel like it had come out of nowhere, but if she was honest, she was already getting used to the idea that he could fall for her—that she could fall for him.
~ ~ ~
Diego checked the clock on the dash
board when he pulled into the parking lot at the airport. He was early. Karl was taking him back to Laguna Beach at six-thirty. He had to spend a couple of hours in the office this morning, and he needed to stop at the house to pick up more clothes to take to the lake.
The week had flown by—he’d spent most of it at Izzy’s place. He’d slept there every night with her. He’d come back into the office every day except Wednesday. And now that the weekend was here, she’d agreed to come up to the lake with him. Austin had everything set to close on the house this afternoon.
He pulled out his phone. It was early, but he knew that Austin was an early riser. Still, he sent a text rather than calling.
Are the sellers happy with the separate bill of sale on the furniture?
And am I coming to your office at three?
The reply came back almost immediately.
Yes, on the furniture and the time. No on the location. The closing is at the title office. Do you want me to pick you up?
Diego frowned.
Do I have the address?
It made him smile that each reply came back almost instantaneously.
It’s at 48, Main St. 100 yards past the bakery if you’re heading out of the resort.
He thought about it for a moment.
I’ll see you there just before three.
Austin came back one last time.
I’ll be there at 2:45. Call me if you have any questions beforehand.
Diego put his phone away with a smile. He liked Austin. He was one of Zack’s friends. It seemed that all his friends up at the lake were good kids. He pursed his lips at that. They weren’t kids. They were all in their thirties, getting married, and starting families of their own. He hoped that Zack and Maria would hurry up and start their family soon. He couldn’t wait to be a grandpa.
His smile faded as a thought hit him. He had to wonder if that wasn’t part of Izzy’s hesitation over being part of a family. She didn’t have any. She didn’t have children, and therefore, would never have grandchildren. His smile was back at the thought that if things went the way he hoped they would between the two of them, then she’d be a grandma to Zack’s kids, too.
He looked around the parking lot, feeling a little self-conscious about getting so carried away. He knew he probably shouldn’t be thinking this way about a woman who hadn’t even told him she loved him—yet. She’d probably say it was just his big ego, but he knew in his heart that if she didn’t feel that way about him yet, it was only a matter of time until she did.
He hit the speed dial on his phone. He knew that Zack would be up.
“Hola, Papá. Qué pasa?”
“Hola, mi hijo. I wanted to check in with you. What are your plans this weekend?”
“Not much. We want to go to the Boathouse tomorrow night because everyone’s out. Of course, we’re hoping that includes you. Other than that, I’m waiting to hear what your plans are.”
“I just talked with Austin. The closing is at three this afternoon.”
“That’s awesome, Papá. I can’t believe that after all these years we’re finally going to be living just down the road from each other. Well, I know you won’t exactly be living there—”
“What would you think if I did?”
“Did what? Actually lived here? I’d love it! You know that. Is that what you’re thinking?”
“I’m starting to.”
“Tell me to butt out if you like, but what about Izzy? I was thinking that she might be a reason for you to keep spending more time at the beach.”
Diego smiled to himself. “I want to ask her to come with me.”
Zack was quiet for a few moments. It was long enough to make Diego’s smile fade.
“You don’t like the idea?”
“I do. It’s just …”
“What? You think it’s too soon?”
“No. Not really. Not if it’s what you want.”
“It is.”
“And is it what she wants?”
“I hope so.”
“I hope so, too. Sorry. I should have sounded more enthusiastic. I guess I’m just feeling a little protective.”
Diego had to laugh at that. “Of me—or of her?”
Zack didn’t laugh with him. “Of you, of course. I mean, from what I saw of her, she seemed nice enough. But at the same time … don’t take this the wrong way, she didn’t seem like the type who was looking to settle down. She’s not like Audrey, is she?”
Diego mulled that over before he spoke again. Zack had a point. But his smile was back when it hit him. “No, she’s not like Audrey. But then I’m not like Ted, either. And until I met Izzy, you would hardly have described me as the type who was looking to settle down.”
Zack laughed. “You’re right about that. It’s the last thing I expected of you. But if that’s what you want—and what she wants, then I’m behind you all the way.”
“Thanks, mi hijo.”
“There’s nothing to thank me for. I love you. I want to see you happy. Whatever—whoever—makes you happy is good by me. So, do we get to spend some time with her this weekend? You know Maria’s going to want to get to know her … she’s probably as protective of you as I am.”
Diego chuckled at that. “She is. And I love her for it. I’ll tell you what, do you guys want to come over to the house tomorrow afternoon?”
“Sure. That’ll be great.”
“Okay. We’ll see you then.”
“Can I ask you something before you go?”
“Anything.”
“Are you in love with her?”
Diego grinned. “I am.”
“And is she in love with you?”
“I believe she is. She just doesn’t know it yet.”
Zack didn’t laugh at that like he’d hoped he would. “Okay. Will you guys be out tonight?”
“I don’t know yet. I’ll give you a call.”
“Okay. Love you, Papá.”
“Love you.”
Diego hung up with a wry smile. He’d hoped Zack might be a little more enthusiastic about his confession that he’d fallen in love with Izzy, but he could understand his caution. He’d feel the same way if the roles were reversed. Still, it’d be different once he got to know her. He’d understand then.
Chapter Fourteen
“So, tell me all about it?” Audrey asked with a smile.
Izzy smiled back at her. “I don’t know where to start.”
“Anywhere you like. You know, you haven’t even told me what actually happened when he came back for you after we left Ventura. You’ve only given me snippets since then.”
Izzy blew out a sigh but couldn’t help grinning as she remembered how shocked she’d been when she saw Diego walking back out onto the terrace at the restaurant after he’d left with Audrey and Ted.
Audrey laughed. “That smile tells me it’s quite a story.”
Izzy looked up when the server came out with their drinks. Audrey had come over to meet her at the lodge at Four Mile Creek. Diego had asked if she wanted to go into town with him, but he was going to the title office to close on his house, and she hadn’t wanted to be in the way.
When the server had gone, she picked up her drink. “I couldn’t believe that he’d come back. Honestly, I was sitting there feeling a little bit sorry for myself, you know. You’d just gone off to start your new life here with Ted. And …” She stopped when she saw Audrey’s face. “Don’t look like that … I’m thrilled for you … you know I am. But I miss you.”
“Well, if this goes the way it’s starting to look like it will, you won’t have to miss me for long.”
Izzy’s heart rate picked up. She kept wondering how all this was going to work out. She knew what Diego wanted. She’d be lying if she said she didn’t like the idea, but …
Audrey raised an eyebrow at her. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. What could be wrong? He’s wonderful, and he cares about me.” She met her friend’s gaze and decided to tell her. The two
of them told each other everything. “He says he loves me, Audrey.”
Audrey clapped her hands together. “Oh, Iz! That’s wonderful! … Isn’t it?”
She nodded slowly. “It is.”
“But?”
“But nothing. I mean, come on. He’s a great guy. He’s gorgeous.” She waggled her eyebrows. “He’s amazing in bed.”
“But? It still feels like there’s a but. What are you not saying?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. Well, I do know. What I’m not saying, at least, not to him, is that I love him, too.”
“But you do?”
She nodded again.
“So, why haven’t you told him?”
“Because I promised myself that I wouldn’t ever go there again.”
“I know, but that was a long time ago. Things are different now.” Audrey touched her arm. “It’s not as though he’s looking to have kids, is it?”
She blew out a sigh. “No. It isn’t. We’re too old for that even if we wanted to.”
“So, don’t you think it’s time to let it go?”
“Yeah. I know it is. I just need to get used to it. I need a bit of time. And come on, even you can admit that this is all happening too fast.”
“Do you think so? You’ve known him for months. You’ve known him for as long as I’ve known Ted.”
“I met him months ago, but it’s not as though we’ve spent much time together. I hardly saw him for a couple of months there.”
“True, but you can’t deny that you thought about him a lot in that time. Ted brought it up the other day, and he’s right. From the day Diego met you, he didn’t even date anyone else—and you didn’t either.”
“I went out with Rafa a couple of times.”
Audrey made a face. “You went out with him, but you didn’t sleep with him.”
“I know. Isn’t that weird? If you’d told me at the time that it was because of Diego, I would have laughed at you.”
“And now?”
“Now, it doesn’t seem so funny.”
“Why?”
She had to smile. “It’s not funny because it makes me have to admit that this is serious.”
Audrey grinned. “Oh, I hope it is. I really do. The two of you are perfect together. I can see you moving up here and we can work together again and—”