Page 26 of Secrets, Lies and Love

“I thought Miami was just a vacation destination. People arebornthere?”

He laughs but then looks at me intensely. “Is it too early to ask for your number, Cecily?”

I bite the inside of my cheek, not knowing how to answer. He doesn’t attract me, but what’s wrong with making friends?

As if reading my thoughts, he says, “I don’t bite. I just figured you don’t have any friends in town yet.”

“And you want to be my friend?”

“Why the surprise?”

“I’m from Kansas, not Mars, sir.”

“Cage.”

“Okay,Cage. I know that when men like you ask for a girl’s number, it’s with the goal of something more, and I’m not the casual type,” I say and blush because I hear how weird thatsounded. “I mean, I’m not looking for a boyfriend either, but if that’s what you want . . .”

Jesus, kill me now.

Why in heaven am I talking this load of nonsense? The man only asked for my phone number; he didn’t ask me to marry him.

To my relief, when I look at him, he’s smiling. “You’re beautiful, Cecily, but what I’m offering, for now, is friendship. But it’s okay if you don’t feel comfortable giving me your phone number.” He takes a wallet from the back pocket of his jeans and takes out a card. “Keep mine for lonely days. I’m the type who responds to messages, so it’s okay to send them in the early hours of the morning.”

I take the piece of paper and feel like a country bumpkin. “I’m sorry for my bad manners. I’m not very used to dealing with strangers.”

“Maybe that’s what makes you so fascinating,” he says, winking, and then he walks away.

I’m getting ready to leave when suddenly I feel my heart stop in my chest, because at the end of the hallway is the reason I made every commitment in my life: Joseph.

He’s already walking, and I close my eyes for a moment, feeling emotional. Maybe I shouldn’t get closer, but I can’t stop myself.

I walk forward cautiously and see a nanny, dressed in pants and a white coat, closely following the little one’s steps.

He looks at the floor, not seeing me yet. He’s about five steps away, and I kneel, waiting.

He seems very pleased with himself for walking, talking, and moving his arms, until he stops in front of me.

He lifts his head, and our eyes meet.

He’s a beautiful child. The most beautiful in the world, to me.

I feel my throat catch, and I stay still because Elina explained to me that he doesn’t like strangers very much. And then, amiracle happens. He reaches out his little hand and grabs a strand of my hair. Concentrating on it, he runs the fingers of his other hand through the strands.

“Hello.” I risk greeting him.

He looks at me but doesn’t seem scared.

I’m dying to hug him, but I know that if I do, I’ll ruin everything.

“My name is Cici, and yours?”

“Shiiishiiiii.”

“That’s right, I’m Cici, Joseph.”

I hear the nanny’s footsteps approaching.

“How do you know his name?” the woman asks, looking suspicious.

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