Easy, girl! The man would walk through fire for you. He’ll be back.
Yeah… you sound sure of yourself, P.
That’s because I am. He’ll have a good reason. Don’t you worry about it.
Maybe…
So…? Come on, spill it. Do you feel different?
I wandered out the double doors to the lake, smiling. There was something so serene about it at night. When Peyton and I were kids, we used to stay up late eating snacks and staring at the moonlight reflecting off of the water. It was as mesmerising now as it had been then.
I miss you, P.
I’ll always be here. But you’ve been relying on me for too long. It’s time you gave yourself a chance at love.
I never imagined I would find someone. But from the moment we met I felt this pull. I’ve tried to fight it but there’s just something about him that just fits.
So why exactly are you trying to fight it?
Because everything good always gets taken away… Besides, Papa’s not going to allow it.
Don’t you dare listen to your father, or your brother for that matter. You deserve happiness, Bella, and I’ll be damned if I see you letting love walk away. If Arturo gets you and balances you, then fight for him. Don’t let him go.
What?
I’m your best friend, B. I can see the love oozing from you even if you can’t yet. But as soon as you do, you need to tell him.
You’re being ridiculous. Besides, Artruo doesn’t love me.
He does. I see everything, remember?
Shit, P… Am I falling for him?
Time reveals all things, B. And we’re always the last to see what’s coming.
Maybe you’re right… I love you.
I love you too. Give my boys a kiss from me.
Always.
I shook my head as Peyton’s presence in my head melted away and the cool evening air kissed my bare legs. As the breeze gently swept through my hair, I turned back toward the house to see Arturo leaning against the door, breathing me in.
“Hermosa, I’m sorry,” he began to close the distance between us, as I met him halfway.
“What for?”
“For leavin’.” His hands cupped my face as I nuzzled my cheek into his palm. “If I’m bein’ honest, I needed some advice.”
“Looks like we both got some advice this evening,” I smiled.
“Ah, how was yours?”
“Confusing. Yours?” I asked.
“The same,” he linked his fingers with mine and led me back inside. I rested my head against his shoulder, the scent of his worn leather jacket and tobacco invading my senses.
The moment we stepped inside my bedroom, Arturo wasted no time in stripping and sliding back beneath the covers. He watched me intently as I stripped off my shirt, hanging it neatly over the chair.