Page 8 of Cartel King

“What were you going to say?”

“Nothing. It’s not important.”

“I’d like to know.” He sounds genuinely curious.

I laugh and shake my head. “No, I don’t know you well enough for you to hear that kind of humor.”

“Was it something about balls in your face?”

I can’t help but laugh as I nod. I look over at him, and again, his smile is so bright against his naturally tan skin I wonder if he ever modeled. He could’ve been in those toothpaste or gum commercials. Hell, he could still be on a billboard in Times Square.

We keep chatting as we finish a loop around the park and head back to my house. The conversation was never stilted, even though we talked about sports we play and even ones we enjoy watching the whole way.

Chapter Three

Ellie

I was in the middle of work the last two days when Enrique went by my window in the morning. I couldn’t pull myself away because of a deadline. He didn’t go for any evening runs while I was out with Constantine, but I’ve walked with him every morning for two weeks now.

I’ve run into him on the water three times too. It was exciting to see him glide across the lake’s surface, his body in perfect harmony with his oars. We didn’t do more than chat like we do on our walks when wehappenedto take breaks near each other. We chat about plenty of things, but neither of us is ready to reveal anything too personal.

I don’t want to be nosey, even though I’d love to know more. But if I ask, then I’ll need to reciprocate. There’s too much I don’t want to talk about with a virtual stranger. It’s a catch twenty-two: I want to know more, but I don’t want to share more, so I’ll never get to know more.

I’ve finally finished everything I need to do for today, so I’m headed out for my long walk with Constantine. I have an hour before it gets too dark. The sun is setting a little later, so I can get more done before heading out.

“If I didn’t know that all it takes is a pat on the head to tame your wild beast, I might fear running up behind you.”

I nearly jump out of my skin. I’m unprepared for Enrique's appearance. He isn’t sweating like he normally would be at this point in his run. I’m just heading up the hill at my snail’s pace.

“He’d give away where I hide all my silver and jewels for a biscuit. But don’t let that get out. He’s the biggest dog on the block. He has a reputation to protect. Otherwise, that little yappy chihuahua over there—” I point across the street, “—will think he can step to Constantine and do more than just bark.”

“I doubt your dog would do anything besides sit on the little ankle biter.”

“You’re not far off. His size is intimidating to anyone who doesn’t know him, but he’s the least aggressive dog you’ll likely ever meet.”

“That’s because nobody’s tested him. I’m certain if he felt you were threatened, he’d have a very different reaction.”

“I suppose you’re right. Nobody’s ever approached me in a way that’s concerned either of us.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

We’re quiet for a moment before I wonder about something he said the other day.

“You mentioned you play soccer with your brother and nephews. It sounds like there must be a lot of them.”

“I have a younger brother and two younger sisters. Among the three of them, there are five guys in their early thirties, so they keep me on my toes.”

“There’s seven of you all together. That doesn’t make for even teams.”

“Yeah, we take turns reffing, but if either of my sisters plays, then two of us switch sides.”

What? That makes no sense.

“I'm not following.”

“The team that doesn’t have my sister gets two extra men. We rarely let them play together because one of us always ends up injured for at least a week.”

“They’re that good?”

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