Page 15 of The No Falling Rule
“You look very handsome too,” she says, tugging me closer. I dip down for a kiss, keeping it gentle, mindful that her sister’s still around.
“Okay, lust-birds,” her sister calls out, voice full of mischief. “I’m starving. May I join you for breakfast—or do you two need some privacy?”
I laugh, shaking my head. “I brought enough food for all of us, I hope.” I pull out a chair for Mia before sitting beside her.
“I think I owe you an apology,” I say, glancing at Mia’s sister.
She frowns lightly, but doesn’t look upset. “An apology? I don’t follow.”
“For all the distress you had to endure yesterday,” I admit. “That was on me. I’m truly sorry.” I pause, hoping she’ll offer her name, because I’m not entirely sure we were formally introduced.
She waves off my concern. “Please, that’s water under the bridge.” Her eyes flick briefly to Mia. “I’m just gladit wasn’t anything serious.” Then she tilts her head. “I don’t think we’ve officially met. Have we?”
“To be honest, I don’t remember,” I say, standing to extend my hand. “Diego Grosso.”
“Carly Martinez,” she replies, shaking it with a grin. “Mia’s older—and hotter—sister.”
Mia bursts out laughing, and I bite back the urge to protest. I don’t want to come on to Mia stronger than I already have.
“What matters,” Carly says, taking a bite out of her Danish, “is that out of all the distress you mentioned, you and my sister seem to have hit it off.”
I beam, grateful Carly seems so understanding. I had no desire to pull out the “business side” of me out—but I would’ve if it came to that.
When I glance at Mia, she’s locked in one of those sibling exchanges I’ve seen my brothers share a hundred times but never been part of. A pang of jealousy catches me off guard, and I busy myself with opening a juice bottle before my thoughts wander somewhere I don’t want them to.
Being fifteen years younger than my oldest brother created a gap so wide we never really bridged it. To him, I’ve always been more of a kid than an equal. Fernando and I are closer—ten years apart—but he’sconstantly caught between pleasing Armando and making me feel included. That’s why I’ve been pushing to carve my own space, to prove I can build something for the family without their shadow hanging over me.
When Mia looks back at me, she smiles softly and leans in for a kiss. I meet her halfway without hesitation.
“So, what are you guys up to today?” Carly asks, wrapping her hands around her mug.
“Well,” Mia starts before I can answer, “I told Diego I couldn’t leave you alone again.”
Carly waves her off. “And I said I’ll be perfectly fine. After you left for dinner last night, I did my usual doom-scrolling and found out there’s an animal clinic visiting town this week. They still need volunteers.” Her eyes light up.
“Really, Carly? I thought we were going to rest this holiday—slow down, get some vitamin sea,” Mia says, gesturing toward the ocean like it’s backing her up. Her tone is gentle but firm.
Carly raises a brow, though her defiance doesn't last long.
“I know, I know. But you know me—I can’t sit still. I can’t fathom the thought of animals needing help and not doing something.”
Mia inhales and tips her head, defeated.
“Besides,” Carly adds with a grin, “it’s not like I’ll be stuck in a horse barn, freezing my ass off.” She claps a hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry, Diego. I’m usually more civilized after my second cup of coffee.”
I chuckle. “No offense taken.”
“Anyway,” she continues, “I called this morning. I’ll volunteer half the day, then spend the afternoon by the pool. It’s all good, sissy. I promise.”
“I’ll make sure you have a personal assistant for the day,” I offer. “They can take you wherever you need to go and make sure you have whatever you want—food, drinks, the works.”
“Thank you,” they say in unison.
“It’s not a problem. I’m just glad I can make your stay a little more enjoyable.”
Mia smiles, pushing back her chair. “Well, in that case, let me grab my bag. I’m ready to go whenever you are.”
She disappears into her room, and the air shifts.
