Page 26 of Never Again
“I haven’t told you, but I’m very proud of the work you’ve been doing in operations,” Alfred continued.
“Thank you, Daddy.”
“By the way, do you have an escort for the upcoming ball? The time will be here before you know it.”
“I’ve been too busy to date, so I’ll go alone.”
Fit Body Gyms co-sponsored a ball that benefited sports for underprivileged children—from volleyball to baseball—the event shined a spotlight on the importance of team sports in childhood development. Since the creation of the event five years ago, Fit Body Gyms and other sponsors had raised millions that they donated to sports teams around the country to aid in travel, buying uniforms, or whatever the kids needed.
This was the first year she’d be attending, and as a member of the management team to boot. In the past, she’d refused to go as an act of rebellion against her father, but in her new role in operations, she embraced this as one of her duties. Besides, it was for a good cause.
Alfred frowned. “That’s too bad. You know—”
“Well, I’m going to clean up a bit and then come back to help you, Mommy.”
Graciela sent a sharp look at her husband, and Alfred shrugged, as if he couldn’t help himself. Someway, somehow, he always had to interfere in her love life.
“Thank you, honey,” Graciela said.
Carmen hurried from the kitchen. She hated lying to her parents, but it was a little white lie. She would definitely check on the business in Atlanta, and while there, she’d kill two birds with one stone and spend time with Carlos, too.
11
Carmen stood on tiptoe in her tennis shoes, searching for Carlos’s car among the many that dropped off and picked up passengers at the airport sidewalk.
He had said he was less than two minutes away, but she still didn’t see him. Almost a month had passed since she’d touched him, and she was anxious and impatient to do so again. She was about to call him one more time but saw him walking toward her with his easy-going stride.
His curly hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and he wore a tie-dye vintage T-shirt, jeans, and the same group of bracelets and rings she saw the last time she was in Georgia.
Carmen immediately released her luggage and ran toward him. His eyes brightened into a smile as she jumped into his open arms. Laughing, he spun twice in a circle before setting her on her feet and then gave her a thorough kiss that made her body wilt against him and her toes curl into the soles of her shoes.
“Mmm,” she said when their lips parted.
“Finally,” Carlos murmured, looking down at her with slitted eyes.
“It’s beenforever.” Carmen laced her arms around his neck, certain the love filling her heart must be evident in her eyes.
He looked over her shoulder at the luggage. “You abandoned your bag.”
“I don’t care. Everything in it is replaceable.”
He laughed and rubbed a hand up and down her back. “Come on, let’s get out of here before they tow me. I couldn’t get close to the curb, but I’m right over there.”
Reluctantly, Carmen released him, and Carlos took the handle of the suitcase and led the way to a red, older model Jeep Wrangler with a soft top.
“It looks brand new,” Carmen remarked, standing back to get a good look. The last time she saw the vehicle, it had been clean but looked much more used.
Carlos placed her bag in the back and shut the door. “New paint job.”
“When?”
He held open the passenger door. “Last week. Get in.”
He’d obviously had the interior done as well. The seats and rugs were spotless and had that newly washed smell.
Carmen climbed in. “You didn’t have to do any of this.”
“I wanted to. I hated that you got into my car the last time, in the condition that it was in. That wasn’t good enough. You deserve nothing but the best.” He braced a hand on the seat and kissed her, the firm pressure of his mouth warming her insides. “I’m so glad you’re here,” he whispered.
