Chapter 28

Brunch service was nonstop from the time they opened the doors. I texted Robbie when I had a free second to tell him when my shift ended. He said he'd meet me around five. Halfway through the service, Miguel came in. He chatted with some of the customers and the waitstaff, then came over to the bar and sat on one of the stools. His mouth was turned down in a frown and his body was tense. I poured him a Coke and set it in front of him. "How are you doing? It looks like something's bothering you."

He blew out a shaky breath. "Isabella came to see me."

I blinked in surprise. "Really? Here at work?"

He nodded. "I don't want to get into it right now because you're busy and it's a long story, but it's bad. Really bad."

Miguel clenched his jaw and swallowed hard. He looked like he was fighting back tears. I wished I could leave and take him somewhere so we could talk. But he was right. I was busy, and it wouldn't be long before a server came up with another drink order. I put my hand over Miguel's. "I'll be done by four. Robbie isn't coming until five. We'll have time to talk then." I picked up his hand and kissed it. "Whatever it is, I'm right there with you."

A small smile graced his plush lips. "Thank you." He finished his soda and went back to his office.

One of the servers came over with a drink order. As she was waiting, she said, "You two make such a cute couple."

I felt my cheeks heat even as I smiled. "Thanks."

I spent the rest of the service wishing the clock would move faster so I could see Miguel and find out what happened with his sister. I did my best not to rush people when I was cleaning and setting up the bar for the dinner service, but some people were giving me the side eye by the time I was done.

When I knocked on Miguel's office door, it was a little bit after four. He opened the door and immediately wrapped his arms around my waist. "Thank you for coming," he murmured into my chest.

"Of course," I replied. "You needed me." I walked him over to one of his chairs. "So, tell me what happened with your sister."

By the time he finished, Miguel was in tears. I waited until he calmed down before I asked, "Did the police arrest him?"

He shook his head. "He left, and they haven't been able to find him. That's why Isabella is staying with my parents. She's afraid to go home in case he comes looking for her and she's alone."

"What a mess," I commented. I hesitated to ask, but it was a real concern. "Isabella doesn't blame you, does she?"

"No," Miguel replied. "She actually apologized for the way she treated me. She was stressed and let my mother influence her thinking. Mama's goal has always been for us to get married and make babies. And because my family is Catholic, we were to stay married, no matter what."

"But he hit your sister," I protested.

"I know. And my mother can't explain it away. She saw it happen with her own eyes. Isabella told me Mama's been very quiet these past two weeks. Even more so this past week."

"At least she's not blaming you."

"She tried, but Isabella shut her down. Apparently, Carlos has been getting more controlling lately. That's why he lost it when I didn't obey him and stop wearing makeup. And then Evan showed up in all his glory on Easter."

I chuckled. "No one is telling Evan what to do."

Miguel checked his watch. "I have to get back to work. We're planning more events in the summer this year, so Sean asked me to come up with some suggestions. I'll be done by seven and meet you in the dining room."

I stood. "Sounds good." I took Miguel's hand and pulled him to his feet. "I like that I get to kiss you goodbye."

He melted into me and looped his arms around my neck. "And you get to kiss me hello, good morning, and good night too."

I leaned down and captured his lips in a soft kiss that turned hard and dirty when he opened for me and our tongues tangled together. I backed him against his desk and slid my thigh between his legs, feeling the hard length of his cock rub against my hip. My hands moved down to cup his firm, round ass and he groaned into my mouth. My hips ground into his, starting a rhythm he took up eagerly. Heat pooled in my belly, and all I wanted to do was bend him over his desk and fuck him.

The thought brought me up short. We were at work. And we hadn't talked about anal sex at all. And even though I'd seen a lot of it in the porn I watched and read about it in the romance novels, I was worried about hurting him.

I slowed down my kiss and drew slightly away from him. He moaned in protest but finally pulled away from my mouth. I rested my forehead against his while we both panted and tried to catch our breath. "Well, that escalated quickly," he quipped.

I chuckled quietly and stepped back. "We didn't get enough time together last night. I fell asleep."

"We'll have time tonight and all day tomorrow," he said, putting his arms around my waist. "Is Robbie still meeting you here at five?"

"Yeah. We might take a walk on the boardwalk and then come back when your shift is over. Do you want to have dinner here?"

"Sure. Oh, I invited Albert to join us. I hope that's okay."

I kissed him again because I couldn't help it. "Of course it's okay. He's your best friend. I think he and Robbie will get along just fine."

"With what you've told me about Robbie, I'm sure they will. They can talk about makeup all night."

I pulled him close again. "Hopefully not all night. I have plans to spend time with you. Alone. In bed."

A sexy smile curved his lips. "I like that idea very much."

I sighed and stepped back from him. "I'd better go before I get us both in trouble."

I kissed him one more time and then made myself leave his office. I decided to wait in the lobby mostly because I didn't want to get pulled into working by returning to the dining room. I sat on one of the overstuffed chairs and pulled out my phone.

Me

I finally talked to Miguel.

Allie

How did it go???????

Me

Great. Really, really great.

My phone vibrated with a call. I laughed when I answered. "Hey, Allie."

"How great?" she demanded. "Was it we-kissed great or we-disturbed-the-neighbors great?"

"Do you really want the answer to that question?" I asked. "Because I'm not sure you actually want the details of my sex life."

"Ew. No. But come on, give me something," she wheedled.

"Definitely we-disturbed-the-neighbors great," I said with a smug smile.

"Yes!" she cheered. "I'm so happy for you."

"Thanks," I replied.

"Listen, while I have you on the phone, would you be able to watch Cody tomorrow? I got called into work, and my regular sitter isn't available."

"I think so," I replied. "I don't have any plans tomorrow."

"Will Miguel be okay with it?"

"I'm sure he will be. He loves hanging out with Cody."

"Thanks, Zach. You're the best."

I'd just hung up with Allie when Robbie walked into the lobby. I felt a smile stretch across my face. It was so good to see him. It almost felt like no time had passed. I had missed his friendship more than I realized. I pulled him into a hug. "Good to see you again. Did you have a good time exploring?"

"I did," he said. "I went to a drag show last night and wandered around Asbury Park most of the day today."

"The drag show at Paradise?"

"Yes. Darlene the Jersey Shore Queen was the headliner. She was fabulous."

I laughed. "That's funny. Darlene, also known as Albert, is Miguel's best friend. He's joining us tonight for dinner."

Robbie grinned. "No way! That's great. I'm looking forward to meeting him."

"Did I hear my name?" I heard Miguel say from behind me.

I turned and said, "Hey, baby. Robbie went to see Albert's show last night."

I put my arm around Miguel and kissed his temple. "Miguel, this is Robbie, my best friend from way back. Robbie, this is Miguel."

Miguel put out his hand. "I've heard a lot about you. It's good to finally meet you."

"Same," Robbie said. He looked at me and added, "I guess things worked out the way you hoped."

I tightened my arm around my man. "They really did."

Miguel stepped away and kissed my cheek. "I have to take care of a guest complaint. I'll see you at dinner."

As he walked away, I admired how his pants clung to his tight, round ass. I imagined putting my hands on it, sliding my fingers down his crease, caressing his tight pink hole.

Robbie cleared his throat. "You're about to pop wood in your workplace."

I blinked. "Huh?" I looked at him and saw the smirk on his face. I rubbed my eyes. "Shit. I haven't been this horny since I was in high school."

Robbie just laughed. "Why don't we go for a walk on the boards? That should cool you off."

The walk was nice, and it did give me something to think about besides Miguel's very nice ass. Robbie and I walked and talked all the way into Belmar, stopped to get a coffee from the local coffee shop across the boardwalk, and talked some more. We fell into our old relationship like putting on a favorite sweater, warm and comfortable and so familiar. By the time we returned to Moonlight Inn, it was almost seven, and Miguel would be done with his shift soon.

The hotel was warm after being in the chilly April air. Miguel was just leaving his office as we walked into the lobby. His smile when he saw me took my breath away. In all my life, I couldn't remember anyone smiling at me like that when they saw me. I was drawn to him like a moth to a flame. He came right over to me and put his arms around my waist, raising his face for the kiss I gladly gave him.

"Did you solve the guest's problem?" I asked.

"Uh-huh," he murmured. "All fixed. I also got us a table for four. Albert texted that he's on his way."

My hand slid down to his ass because I couldn't help myself. "Sounds good. Should we wait here or meet him in the restaurant?"

"I told him we'd meet him in the restaurant," Miguel replied. He leaned over to look around my body. "Hey, Robbie."

Robbie snorted. "Hey, Miguel. Good to see you again."

"Same." Miguel stepped away from me and took my wandering hand in his. "Somebody's feeling frisky."

"I can't help it," I murmured. "You're so hot."

He smiled and his cheeks turned pink. Robbie rolled his eyes. "All right, you two. Let's go have dinner. You can have dessert later."

"Definitely. Lots of dessert," I said.