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  “You’re asking me because I’m a loser with no plans on a Friday night.”

  The ridiculous comment has a laugh barreling from my chest. “You’re too hot to be a loser, Blondie.”

  “Aw, you say the sweetest things,” she says, amusement thick in her voice.

  “Look, I’m asking you because I want you to come. I want you to meet my family.”

  The line goes silent but I can practically hear the wheels spinning in her pretty head.

  “It’s my grandma’s ninety-fifth birthday. There’s going to be a ton of people there with lots of food and drinking. It’s chaotic but a good time, I promise. Please come with me?”

  “Shouldn’t you ask your mom first?”

  I smile, knowing I have her. “I’ll let her know, but trust me, she will be thrilled to feed another person.”

  “All right.” She sighs. “If you’re sure.”

  “I am.”

  “Promise it’s not because you feel sorry for me?”

  I grunt. “I feel a lot of things when it comes to you, Bella, but pity isn’t one of them.”

  I feel her smile through the phone and it makes me wish I was in front of her right now so I could see it, experience it—kiss it.

  I’ve lost my fucking mind.

  “When should I expect you?” she asks.

  “I’ll be there at five. I need to get some sleep first.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “Oh and, Blondie?” I call out before she can hang up.

  “Yeah?”

  “Pack an overnight bag. We’re going to my place after.”

  There’s a moment of silence before she answers, her voice breathless. “Okay.”

  I hang up with anticipation hammering through my blood. I plan to follow through on the promise I left her with the other day, and once she’s in my arms again, I’m not letting go.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CeCe

  My stomach is tangled into a giant knot as I wait for Gabe to show up, my knee bouncing incessantly. I don’t think I have ever been this nervous in my life. I’ve changed my outfit at least a dozen times; unsure of what one would wear to a grandma’s birthday. All the functions I’ve ever been to have been black tie affairs. I have a feeling showing up in an evening gown would be a little much.

  In the end, I settled on a soft yellow romper with pale purple daisies as the pattern. It’s from a hot new designer that has just hit the fashion world. The spaghetti straps and chiffon material make it light and airy. Vintage lace edges the shorts, resting at the tops of my thighs, and cinched at my waist is a satin tie that ends in a cute bow. The outfit is sweet and perfect for a family function…I think.

  Oh man, what have I gotten myself into?

  I’m still certain this was a pity invite, but I was unable to resist the request, because well, I’ve missed Gabe—a lot. I’ve missed his cocky smirk and dark chocolate eyes that see far more than I wish they did.

  Turns out I actually like dark chocolate. A lot.

  But most of all, I miss his company, miss the way I feel when I’m with him.

  Three loud knocks rap against my door, startling me out of my thoughts. Standing, I smooth my hands down my outfit, do a little fluff to my hair, then straighten my shoulders before answering the door. The man on the other side has my breath catching in my throat.

  Gabe wears a pair of well-worn tattered jeans and a simple white T-shirt that does so many wonderful things for his magnificent body. Pair that with his famous lopsided grin and he has me melting into a puddle of need.

  “Hi,” I greet him, sounding ridiculously breathless because the man has a direct line to my brain, making it fail to function properly any time he’s around.

  His eyes sweep over me from head to toe, making every cell in my body tingle with life.

  The magical bastard. How does one possess such control over another’s body without even touching them? It isn’t right.

  Reaching out, he slips his fingers in the satin tie at my waist and reels me in for a knee-weakening kiss. His potent male taste floods my senses and draws me into his world. One I love being a part of.

  “You look fucking incredible,” he delivers the compliment as his lips find the base of my throat.

  My head tilts to the side, allowing him more access. “Thanks. I’m going for the virgin look. I don’t want your mom to know I fucked her son like a greedy porn star.”

  Laughter rumbles from his chest but it trails into a groan, his large hands cupping my bottom. “That was a good night, Blondie.”

  “The best,” I agree.

  He stares down at me, his handsome face hovering before mine. “You ready for this?”

  “Are you?”

  “I’m more than ready to show you off, Bella.”

  His words settle some of my frazzled nerves. “Hopefully your family likes me.”

  “What’s not to like?”

  “This is true. I am a very likable person.”

  His mouth splits into another smirk. “Let’s get this over with so I can get you alone and do dirty things to you.”

  Heat flashes through my body, his promise from the other day rippling through me. “Sounds like a plan to me. Just let me get my things.”

  Walking into the kitchen, I grab my overnight bag off the counter along with the birthday gift I bought for his grandma.

  Gabe takes my bag from me then gestures to the gift in my hand. “You didn’t have to get her a present. You’re coming there as my guest.”

  “It’s nothing big. Just a little something from the boutique.”

  “Little as in three thousand dollars little?” he asks, disapproval heavy in his tone.

  My hand cuts through the air. “Oh heck no. I spent far beyond that. After all, I want to make a good impression.”

  The lack of amusement on his face has me rolling my eyes.

  “Calm down, big spender. I’m kidding. It’s just a scarf. Old ladies love scarves.” I might not know much about grandma birthday parties but when it comes to presents, I got that shit covered.

  “Get your sweet ass out the door before I change my mind about the party and show you what happens to mouthy girls.”

  “Ohh, I love it when you talk dirty to me,” I mock. Puckering my lips, I blow him a kiss then grab my favorite oversized Chanel handbag hanging on the hook and walk out the door, locking up behind us.

  “You got that rat dog of yours in there?” he asks, pointing to my bag as we walk toward the elevator.

  “He is not a rat and no, he is not. He’s with Mrs. Bilson for the night. She loves Pep almost as much as me. Which is more than I can say for some people.” My insinuation is loud and clear.

  “I never said I didn’t like him.”

  My eyes cut to his. “Calling him a rat is a dead giveaway.”

  He chuckles. “I’m joking, Blondie. If he’s important to you then he’s important to me.”

  My chin lifts. “Good, because we’re a package deal.”

  “Then I love the shit out of him.”

  I laugh at the ridiculous statement but can’t deny the way my heart skips. He really can be so charming.

  The door at the end of the hall opens, breaking into our moment. Tweedledee and Tweedledum are about to step out of their apartment until they see us. They come to a screeching halt, their eyes widening in fear before they quickly slam the door.

  I frown over at Gabe as we walk into the elevator. “What was that about?”

  He shrugs but his expression states he knows more than he’s telling me.

  I arch a brow.

  “I may or may not have told them that if they tried peeking at you again I’d break both of their legs.”

  “You didn’t,” I say, barely containing a laugh.

  “I don’t like people looking at what’s mine and I definitely don’t like anyone making my girl upset.”

  His girl.

  My heart soars at the claim, loving the idea of being his. The elevat
or pings, announcing our arrival.

  “You are so getting laid tonight, Fireboy,” I tell him, stepping out into the lobby.

  The sound of his growl behind me tickles my spine. “I’m fucking counting on it, Bella.”

  Anticipation builds inside of me for what I am certain will be another unforgettable night.

  The drive to his mother’s house takes about forty minutes, located in a part of town I’ve never been to before. Several cars line the street and my nerves spike once again as we exit the truck.

  “You grew up here?” I ask, taking in the small, neatly kept home that does not look anywhere near big enough to raise five boys.

  “Yeah.”

  I drag my attention away from the house and find him watching me. His expression is hard to decipher.

  “I grew up poor but I grew up happy,” he says. “You can’t put a price on that.”

  His comment brings a smile to my face and only proves what I already know. Beneath that cocky exterior lies a really good man. A man that I am starting to fall head over heels for. It’s thrilling and terrifying all at once.

  “Come on,” he says, taking my hand. “Let me introduce you to the largest family you’ll ever meet.”

  “I’m ready.” The lie flows seamlessly from my lips.

  I am so not ready.

  Loud voices pour from the house as we make our way to the front door, every step making my heart pound in my chest. “Just a warning, I may or may not puke,” I mumble.

  He gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. “Relax, Blondie. They’re gonna love you.”

  I’m not so sure about that but I fake all the confidence I can muster.

  “Tio!” A little girl comes barreling from the house, leaping right into Gabe’s arms.

  “Hey, niña hermosa. Pretty girl. What’s shakin’?”

  “Nothin’, just waitin’ for Abuela.”

  “Late to her own party, is she?” Gabe turns toward me with the little girl in his arms and I have to admit, I’ve never seen him look sexier. “CeCe, this is my favorite little girl in the whole world, Milia. Milia, this is CeCe.”

  “Hi.” She waves shyly.

  “Hi, Milia, you have a pretty name.”

  “Thank you.”

  Gabe places her on her feet. “Lead the way, short stuff.” He takes my hand again as we climb the front steps.

  “Your niece?” I ask.

  “My cousin’s daughter but she’s more like a niece to me.”

  I nod in understanding. Rosa will always be my niece, and she’s not even my blood but I love her as if she’s my own.

  The moment we enter the house the entire place erupts into loud greetings. A hoard of women bombard Gabe first, all of them wearing bright red lipstick, leaving lip smudges on his cheeks.

  He introduces them to me as his aunts. I don’t quite catch all of their names since there are so many and the house is noisy but I smile and acknowledge each one.

  “She’s pretty,” one comments, touching my hair.

  “But skinny,” another adds.

  Gabe scowls his disapproval but it doesn’t faze me in the least.

  “I told you,” the aunt I met from the other night chimes in. “But she can drink margaritas with the best of us. Isn’t that right, honey?” she says, pulling me into a brief hug.

  “You bet. Especially if they taste as good as the ones you make.”

  The compliment has her beaming with pride. “Ya see? She’s perfect.”

  I’m saved from having to say anything further when a deep voice cuts through the room. “Well if it isn’t my big brother.” A young man shoulders his way through the heavy crowd while three others follow behind him.

  “And he brought Barbie with him,” another says, eyeing me in appreciation.

  By the good looks of these boys, I have a feeling I know exactly who I’m about to meet.

  The one who called me Barbie slings an arm over Gabe’s shoulders, a smirk that I know all too well resting on his face. “I don’t think they make Mexican Ken dolls, brother.”

  Gabe sends him an elbow. “Her name is CeCe, asshole. Be nice to her and I won’t kick your ass.”

  He chuckles, holding his ribs playfully. “You kiss her with that dirty mouth?”

  Gabe ignores the comment and introduces him as the youngest Martinez brother, Luis.

  “Nice to meet you, Luis.”

  “The pleasure is all mine, bonita.”

  I don’t have a clue what bonita means but judging by the smile on his face, I’m assuming it’s not an insult.

  Gabe introduces me to his three other brothers next, Michael, Nico, and Mateo.

  I greet each of them, noting that they all resemble one another but Gabe is the tallest, broadest, and of course, the hottest.

  “Damn, brother, you’ve done good,” Mateo says, his eyes sweeping down the length of me. “What is someone like her doing with you?”

  “Because she’s smart and knows quality when she sees it. Now put your eyes back into your head.” Gabe follows up his words by putting the brother in a headlock, both of them delivering jabs to each other.

  “Not in the house!” a woman scolds, her voice rising above the noise. She emerges from the sea of people and I realize she’s not just any lady. With the same dark chocolate eyes, thick black lashes, and incredible bone structure, she cannot be mistaken for anyone other than Gabe’s mom.

  An affectionate smile curves her lips as she walks up to Gabe. “Mijo,” she whispers, pulling him into her arms.

  “Hey, Ma. Good to see you.”

  After the way he spoke about her the other night, it’s clear she means a lot to him. Maybe that’s why I am so nervous. If she hates me that will be the end of whatever this is between us.

  Sensing my nervousness, Gabe wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me in close to his side, the heat of his body the soothing touch I need. “Ma, this is CeCe.”

  I extend my hand, praying she doesn’t notice the slight tremble to it. “Ms. Martinez, it’s nice to meet you. Thank you for allowing me to join the party.”

  She clasps my hand in both of hers. “It’s nice to meet you too, and please call me Marisol.”

  I nod. “All right. Marisol it is.”

  “I’m happy you could come. Anyone who is important to my Gabriel is welcome in my home.”

  Her hospitality and kindness puts me even more at ease.

  Gabe finishes the introductions, going through all the cousins and uncles. Milia’s mother, Ariadna is very friendly and even strikes up conversation with me, asking about my boutique.

  “Aren’t you going to introduce me?” a female voice asks.

  I turn around, coming face-to-face with an attractive woman who eyes me up and down. Her disapproval is very apparent before she directs a heated look at Gabe.

  “This is Catalina,” Gabe says, his tone harder than it was a moment ago. By the vibes he’s giving off I’d say there is some bad blood between them.

  “The ex,” she elaborates, extending her hand to me.

  Well that explains it.

  For the sake of pleasantries, I shake her hand. “CeCe,” I tell her. “The present girlfriend.”

  Her eyes narrow at my elaboration but I couldn’t care less. This bitch has another thing coming if she thinks she’s going to intimidate me.

  Gabe’s quiet chuckle rumbles next to me when he slings an arm around my neck and walks us in another direction. “Sorry about that. I didn’t know she’d be here. Her parents were invited, not her.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I can handle her.”

  He stares down at me, amusement dancing in his eyes. “I have no doubt, Blondie.”

  “Gabe, Tia is here with Abuela,” Ariadna calls from the front door. “Can you help?”

  Gabe drops a kiss on my mouth. “Be right back. Don’t move.”

  I remain where I am, feeling all sorts of awkward and wishing I had one of his aunt’s famous margaritas in my hands. Thankfully, Luis and
Mateo walk over to keep me company.

  “So what do you think, Barbie?” Luis asks, slinging an arm around my shoulders. “You ready to run out of here yet?”

  I quirk a brow at him. “This ‘Barbie’ is tougher than she looks.”

  My response only seems to amuse him. “You might survive this after all.”

  Before I can throw back another witty reply, my attention shifts to the front door as Gabe walks through it. He and another guy help the elderly woman in the wheelchair get situated.

  The crowd swarms her, greeting her with hugs and kisses.

  “I’ll let you in on a secret,” Luis says, dipping his mouth close to my ear. “If you want in good with this family, she’s the one you need to impress.” He gestures to the sweet old lady. “She’s the head of this family and no one is accepted into it without her approval.”

  Great, and here I thought his mother would be my biggest concern.

  “Any tips?” I ask hopefully.

  “Greet her in Spanish,” Mateo says. “She will appreciate that. Especially from a white girl.”

  “I don’t know Spanish,” I admit, sheepishly.

  Luis shakes his head, looking disappointed in me. I’m feeling pretty disappointed in myself. I really do wish I had paid more attention in Spanish class. If only I knew back then I would be dating a hot Hispanic I would have totally put forth more effort.

  “All right. I’ll help you but don’t say I never did anything for you.”

  “Never,” I say dryly, biting back a smile.

  “Here is what you’re going to say, hola, me encanta la verga de su nieto.”

  My mouth drops open as I gape back at him dumbfounded. “I’m not going to remember all that.”

  “Yes, you will. Abuela can’t speak English so you need to do this. Come on, say it with me. Hola, me encanta…”

  “Hola, me encanta,” I repeat.

  “La verga.”

  “La verga.”

  “De su nieto.”

  “De su nieto.”

  “Good, now say it all together.”

  He has me repeat the sentence a few times until he’s satisfied.

  “There you go. You got it.”

  “What exactly am I saying?” I ask.

  “Hello, it’s nice to meet you. You have a wonderful grandson.”