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had my hands full when you fell in with the wrong crowd in high school.”
    “Don’t go back to that.”
    “You stole a car.”
    “I was fifteen.”
    “You almost ruined your future.”
    “Again, young and stupid,” she reminded him.
    “Some would say you’re still young and stupid.”
    She rolled her eyes and arranged a few glasses on the top shelf of the dishwasher. Uncle Leonard started on the griddle, wiping up extra grease before soaping it down with a dishcloth.
    “I don’t make choices you agree with. That doesn’t make me stupid. I’m not going to blow school.”
    “You’ve wanted to quit many times.”
    “True. I won’t lie. Sometimes it’s so hard and so tedious I hate it. Other times, I love the law. Every now and then I question what I’m doing and if this is the path I want for myself. There’s nothing wrong with that, uncle.”
    “You’re right. There isn’t.” He stopped washing the griddle and scratched his forehead. She suppressed a laugh when he left a glob of suds there. “I get impatient and scared for you. I want to do right by you. If I fail…”
    “You won’t.”
    “I love you, Della, like you were my own. I can’t mess up.”
    “I’m grown. You didn’t mess up.”
    He grinned as she toweled his head off.
    “No, I didn’t. You’re beautiful and smart, and you’re going to be a success. I know it.”
    “We agree at last!” She raised her hands dramatically, and the two of them laughed together.
    “That’s what I like to see,” Brent chimed in from the doorway. Della threw a towel at him, but he caught it with one hand. His biceps flexed, reminding her of his excellent form, and she sighed. Why couldn’t he make her panties wet just looking at him or hearing him speak? Her life would be simpler, and hell, she could have already moved in with him to get away from Uncle Leonard. No, she wouldn’t use Brent. He deserved better. Times like this, when her uncle calmed down and tried to understand, made the delay tolerable. Things would be okay.
    “Time for class,” she announced, and she and Brent headed out, Uncle Leonard sending them off.
    For the next few days, school and work took up the entirety of Della’s time. She had few chances to dwell on her lust for Santi. Besides, he didn’t call, and the more days that passed, the more pissed she became at the fact. What had she been thinking of sleeping with a man on the first date? Sure, it had been good, but still to give up the goods so fast led to crap like this.
    Della arrived at work after almost a week of not hearing from Santi. She approached her desk and stumbled at sight of the huge bouquet of roses. The heady scent filled the office, and she glanced around to meet the knowing glances of a few coworkers.
    “Oh, who from?” Stephanie chirped, approaching at top speed.
    Della bit off a groan as she dropped into her chair. “Not sure yet. I haven’t read the card. She busied herself with booting up her computer and checking her inbox for contracts. The symbol on her phone said she had voicemail, and she snatched up the receiver.
    “You’re not even going to check?” Stephanie demanded.
    “Later. I’m busy, Steph.” Della gave her a pointed look. “Can you excuse me?”
    “Really.” The woman huffed and stomped away. As soon as she was out of sight, Della tore the card from its place nestled among the roses and ripped open the envelope.
    Cariño, I miss you and me together. Business has kept me from you, but not for long. Wait for me. – Santi.
    She sighed. Okay, so she knew he was in America to buy a company or sell it or whatever. Maybe she should give him some leeway. Her heart fluttered, and she groaned. Calm down, Della. It’s not serious. Just sex.
    She heard his voice the moment she thought of the word. “I will make love to you, not sex.”
    An unbelievable longing came over her. The flowers he had given her on their date were at home still blooming, and now he had given her more. She