Page 54 of Outspoken

Rico stares at me with wide eyes. He even removes the sunglasses from his head like he’s shook to the core. “TheAmber you’ve had a secret crush on for years? Like, even when you were proposing to those fifty other women?”

Johnny snickers beside him as I shake my head.

It was only two proposals!

The doorbell rings and my heart jumps into my throat. I give the three of them a vulnerable look and clasp my hands. “Please, I beg you, donottalk about proposals, relationships, or any of it. It’s not like that with her. Not right now, anyway. I’m taking it slow and playing it cool and casual, so no jokes. Soy serio.”

Maribel doubles over again, gasping out the word, “Casual.”

Rico slaps my shoulder. “Cuz, you were born husband material. You are miles from casual.”

“Well, I’m changing,” I say with conviction.

They won’t stop laughing or snickering at me, so I yank the heat-resistant gloves off and smack them on the counter. I’m done with their jokes. I only hope they won’t cause problems today.

Maybe I should have lit one of Mom’s candles and prayed to Lupe or any other saints listening.

I check my slicked-back hair in a hallway mirror and then let out a long, calming exhale before opening the door to mi corazón.

Amber smiles sweetly at me from the porch, holding up a chip bag. I’m speechless for a moment. I forget the indifferent vibe I’m supposed to give off, and my eyes slide down her body, taking in every delicious curve under her yellow dress. If I had my way, I’d pull her against me right here and kiss her deeply, molding her body to mine. I’d love to hear her moan again, like the day I pinned her against the fridge. But not just a moan of pleasure, a moan that's from her heart, like she's desperate to join with me.

Like her heart wants mine.

I crave all of her—body, mind, and spirit.

I erase my mental imagery before the lower half of me gets too eager—before all of me gets too eager. When my eyes travel back up her body to meet her beautiful eyes, she’s smiling with satisfaction.

I’m blowing it.Gotta act casual. Indifferent. Less eager.

“Cool,” I say, shifting my focus to the street and away from her stunning wavy blonde hair and gorgeous face. “Thanks for bringing chips. Glad you could make it. Come on in.”

As she breezes past and I inhale her lavender perfume, I come to my senses and realize what she’s wearing over her dress. My jacket—a jacket Rico and others will instantly recognize.

Though a primal part of me swells with pride at seeing her in my jacket again—something of mine keeping her warm and comforted—I touch her shoulders. “Hey, let me get that for you.”

She steps back. “Oh, it’s fine. It might get a little nippy later.”

“We got blankets. And my sister doesn’t like guests wearing jackets inside.”Lame.

Though the logic makes no sense, it does the trick. She slips out of the jacket, handing it to me with an iffy expression. I hang the jacket in the hallway closet, out of sight.

As she steps into the living room and takes in the rustic decor, my gaze lowers to her ass. I bite my lip hard.I'm done for.She has such a full, round, and perfect curvy ass, and the damn dress accentuateseverything.

Rico catches my pained expression through the archway to the kitchen and laughs soundlessly, tapping Maribel's shoulder until she also looks. The two of them try to contain their laughter as I frown at them.

Thankfully, Amber is looking in a different direction at the mantel, where Maribel has set up a flowery garland and decorative candles.

“Hey, let's go out back and add the chips to the snack table,” I tell Amber, trying to steer her outside and away from all the jokesters.

Rico steps in our path, grinning. “Thanks for coming to my party. I’m Rico.” He holds out his hand.

Amber smiles and shakes it.

“Happy birthday. I’m Amber. Here’s your gift.” She presents the chip bag and he laughs.

With a teasing expression, he says, “Oh, man. How’d you know my favorite? I’m going to dig in right now.” He pops the top and Maribel peers around the archway, pointing her wooden spoon at him.

“No, you’re not,” she snaps. “Put those down. I am not in here busting my ass so you can stuff your face with chips.” She glances at Amber and smiles warmly. “Hi. I’m Maribel, the sister.”

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