Page 61 of Resisting the Temptation
Our family meals are a good blend of mostly Italian and Puerto Rican dishes, and today is no exception. Mamà has preparedBistec Encebollado—a marinated slab of beef topped with onions—with a side of white rice, beans, and a mixed green side salad.
Earlier, I saw the flan she made for dessert in the fridge. It will pair perfectly with our afternoon espressos, and I’m eager to see if Emma likes the creamy dessert. Perhaps if she does, she’ll let me feed it to her. I’d get to watch her plush lips wrap around the spoon and—
Not the time.
Once our food is dished up, I watch with rapt attention as Emma takes her first bite of the tender meat. She lets out an appreciative groan as the flavors hit her taste buds, and Mateo snickers from her other side.
Emma shoots him a glare. “What are you laughing at?”
Mateo bites his lip to keep from chuckling again. “I’m just glad to see you enjoying the food.”
“I grew up in a household where pepper was considered spicy. Sue me for appreciating food with actualflavor.” She uses a perfectly manicured nail to poke him in the arm, which makes him grin even wider in return.
It seems myDulzurahas forgotten she needs to be making it clear she’snotinterested in my brother.
“Camila, your food is impeccable. You may never get rid of me,” Emma teases, and Mamà beams.
“You’re welcome here any time,bella.Anyone who appreciates my cooking can be part of our family.”
We clear our plates while Cici updates us on wedding planning, and Emma hangs on her every word, asking about every tiny detail from the colors to the flowers, and then begs to see her dress. Cici pulls up a picture and hands the phone to her, and Emma gushes about how perfect she looks in it.
I can tell Cici likes having another woman to talk about wedding prep with. She and Mamà are close, but Cici’s only other female confidant is her college best friend. Cici’s been on me and Mateo about getting married so she can have a sister. She and Janessa never got along well, so I’m sure Cici is hopeful Emma will become a permanent part of our family.
I zone out of the conversation as a future with Emma flashes before my eyes. Emma in a white dress, walking towards me with a bouquet of flowers on our wedding day.
Emma and I going to work together, being able to kiss her and hold her hand openly whenever I want.
Emma, her belly round with our child. Or, if she doesn’t want kids, a dog, maybe. I don’t care.
All these thoughts should terrify me and send me running, but they don’t. They feel like goals to reach instead of fantasies to dream of. It solidifies the thoughtsfloating around about making her mine in more than the bedroom.
A zap of pain to my shin makes me turn to look at the little sprite next to me.
“Your mom was asking you a question,” Emma murmurs out of the side of her mouth.
Sure enough, I look up to find Mamà’s curious gaze on me, a sparkle of mischief in her brown eyes. I know that look. It’s the look she gets when she thinks she knows something she doesn’t fully understand.
I clear my throat, “Lo siento, Mamà.I was distracted by the wonderful meal. What did you ask?”
She hums like she doesn’t fully believe me. “Está bien, hijo mío.I was just asking if you are seeing anyone new?”
My eyes dart quickly to Emma, who appears relaxed save for the way her nails are drumming on her thigh again.
“I am,” I answer, and Emma’s head whips towards me.
“Oh, that is wonderful! How did you meet her? How long has it been? Is it serious?”
I should have said no. I don’t know why I said I am; this just causes more problems. “It’s new. Just in the last month. We met at a… club. It’s not serious. Not yet anyway.”
“You haven’t had a serious relationship since Janessa, so this girl must be special. What’s she like?” Cici asks.
“She’s… pure sunshine,” I say honestly. “She’s insanely gorgeous, easily the most beautiful woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. But it’s not just about her looks. She knows how to connect with people on a level I’ve never been able to. She knows how to make people smile and feel comfortable with her, even ifthey only just met. She’s meticulous with her planning and asks insightful questions. She thinks outside the box. She’s passionate about her job and is fiercely loyal to the people she cares about. I’ve never met anyone like her.” A small smile pulls at my lips.
“Oh my God,” Cici whispers, hand over her heart. “You’re so gone for her! Younevertalked about Janessa like that.”
“This girl seems special,Beniamino.But you say things are not serious?” Papà asks.
“No. She’s a little skittish. I think she’s been hurt before and is worried about being hurt again, so I’m taking my time. Trying to win her over.”
