Page 51 of XOXO, Valentina

She forked up the last of her eggs. “I can’t explain it. I’m just surprised you’re so domesticated.”

“Because I don’t eat cardboard crackers for lunch and have cream in my kitchen, I’m boring? Is that what you mean?”

She put her fork on her empty plate. Her eyes raised to mine, and a bolt of desire zigzagged between us. “You’re definitely not boring.”

A slow smile spread across my mouth. I pushed away my plate and reached for her hand. Her phone buzzed, but she ignored it and placed her hand in mine.

“It’s probably more for the list,” she said, running her thumb along the rings on my middle finger and fourth fingers.

I stroked her hand and touched the gold band on her ring finger, wondering if she ever took it off.

“Spring break can’t come quickly enough,” she said. “The teachers have done such a great job, but everyone is ready for a week off.”

“Ten days,” I said.

“That’s right. Shane will be gone from Saturday to Saturday, and we won’t be able to talk the whole time. It’s going to be the longest we’ve gone without contact.” She shook her head. “I’m sure he’ll be fine, and if there’s an emergency, one of the counselors will call me.”

“A glamping emergency?”

She laughed. “Not likely, right?”

I shrugged. “Anything can happen, but there’s no sense in worrying.”

“I know, but worrying comes with being a mom. I try to live in the now as much as possible, but it isn’t always easy.” Her phone buzzed again, and we both glanced at it. “I should get going,” she said.

We stood and cleared the plates. “What will you be doing with an entire week to yourself?”

“Stuff around the house and catching up on my reading.” She rolled her eyes. “Sounds exciting, right?”

I smirked. “Depends on the books.”

She put her plate in the sink and slapped my shoulder. “Stop it.” Her hand lingered on my sleeve.

I nudged her away from the sink. “Leave those. I’ll get them later.”

“What about you?” She traced the seam of my shirt on my shoulder. “What are you doing for spring break?”

For the first time, I regretted my travel plans. Gabriella would be responsibility-free for a week. It would be the perfect time to see more of each other.

I took her into my arms. “I’m going to Costa Rica,” I said. “Sun, sand, and delicious meals cooked by someone other than me.”

Her hand stilled on my shoulder. “Sounds fantastic.”

I stared into Gabriella’s pretty brown eyes, and an outrageous idea sparked to life. What if I could visit home and spend more time with Gabriella? It might be tricky getting some alone time with her and seeing my family, but with a little planning, I could make it work.

“What is it?” Gabriella asked, narrowing her eyes at me.

“You’re going to think I’m crazy.”

“Why?”

I tightened my arms around her waist, lifting her off her toes. “Do you want to come with me?”

Her eyes went wide. “I can’t,” she said.

“Why not?” The idea took root and bloomed. I pictured Gabriella joining me for leisurely breakfasts and long walks on the beach. I thought about everything I wanted to show her. “Shane is gone all week, and you said you don’t have any plans. I’ll be there for ten days. You don’t have to come the whole time.” I worked out a plan as I spoke. “We can stay at my friend Santiago’s hotel, the one with the outdoor showers.”

I stopped talking when I saw the look on her face. She had completely shut down.

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