Mi Carino (29 page)

Garrett waved it off. “I sense you, darling. You’re making excuses.”

“
Why would I make excuses?” Marcella gave a nervous chuckle.

Garrett’s eyes locked with hers. “Because you’ve been missing work more frequently and you’ve been secretive, oh yes and argumentative too. I picked up on the tension between you and Susan. I’m not blind.”

“
Not true.”

“
The man is trying to isolate you, dear, and I know that kind. I’m a man, remember? You’re changing to fit his whims and you say it’s because he’s introverted. You are indeed making excuses.”

“
I am changing. I admit it. But change is good. And it’s new for us both. I mean it’s been about six weeks so things like this take time. I understand that. I was so uptight and controlling myself. It feels good to have someone take charge.”

“
Right, give up your power and call it empowerment!” he toasted her.

Marcella rose with an eye roll. “There is nothing wrong with us that way. Don’t you worry about me,” she said before she planted a soft kiss to his cheek. “Got some calls to make and then I’m heading out. You leaving soon?”

“
After I finish this drink,” he said with a wink. She blew him a kiss then headed to the door.

“
Marcella?”

She stopped with her hand on the door.

“
Bring Mr. Roses to meet your friends. We love you. We’re sure to love him. Invite him to the Katchner showing or something, just bring the Latin lover in okay?”

“
Who says that Edward will do it?” she asked.

“
I have faith in you dear. He’ll sign on for Garrison’s. It will be to your credit. Mr. Roses should be part of the celebration. No matter how new your relationship is, supporting you should be one of his top priorities.”

“
I’ll talk to him,” Marcella said and walked out into the gallery. She checked her watch, thought of her weekend, and her night with Diego. Things were moving fast but they were moving. For once she was having fun. There was nothing wrong with that.

***

“
Morning.”

Marcella found Diego next to her, raised on his elbow, staring down at her. She closed her eyes and stretched. “Morning.” She lifted her watch to check the time. He lowered her wrist. “What time is it?”

“
Does it matter?”

Marcella chuckled. “Of course it matters. I have to get up for work.”

“
No work today.”

“
What?”

“
I have a surprise for you.”

“
Dee—”

He put a finger to her lip and silenced her. “No objections. You stay with me today. I missed you yesterday. You got in pretty late, came in and crashed. We didn’t even have a glass of wine together.”

When his finger left her mouth, she stared up at him in utter disbelief. He traced down her bottom lip, over her chin, under her neck, to the soft spot just above her collarbone. He leaned in and kissed her. She inhaled the minty smell of newly brushed teeth and the citrus masculinity of soap on his skin. She inhaled him as he rolled over on her.

“
I can’t miss work. I’m managing a lot right now.”

“
Manage it later,” he said getting situated between her thighs, lowering his face to hers and giving her the first kiss of the day.

¡Ten piedad!
But she was lovely to kiss, to caress. Her sweet enticing body yielded to him, molding to his, her thick lips slowly parting to open for him. He craved her so desperately he suffered through the night wanting more—she was going to stay and feed this fire. It was her fault, after all, that he had so little control.

“
Will you stay with me? I need you.”

Diego struggled with the confession. The word ‘need’ wasn’t in his vocabulary. But today of all days he needed so many things. He told Lance not to show his face. He didn’t want to see anyone. Too much anger and pain to manage. Today is the anniversary of this father’s murder, the catalyst in his life that caused so much suffering for his brother and sister. The day his world changed many years ago. He had shared with Marcella that his brother died, but never mentioned his sister. Even now he wanted to confide in her. Desperately he wished for the courage. However, he knew not to. The anger and rage that could surface would certainly scare her away. She had become so important to him the thought of her rejection made him cling hard, so tight he feared he’d break her spirit. But Marcella was strong, stronger than she knew. And her strength made him believe in them in ways he never thought possible.

Marcella stared up at him. Her round eyes glistened with understanding. Her lips parted to speak but nothing came. He could feel the agitation of her heart beating up against his chest. With triumph surging through him again he lowered his mouth to hers once more. “I will beg if you need me to.” He said, his lips pressed to hers, seeking a consoling kiss.

“
I guess, I can call Garrett, and—”

“
Yes. Tell Garrett.
Gracias nena, gracias
.” He said tasting the rest of her words with the swirl of his tongue.

Deep wonderful sensations built as her body adjusted to his weight and she received the first of continual thrusts. Marcella caught the rhythm and began to move with him. Their bodies locked, their hearts melding. Gently and intently, each new pleasure intensified the reckless abandonment of their passion. He was the master at this, the ultimate lover. Even now he pushed her further and further to what she felt would be the best orgasm of her life.

It blew her mind the fact he wanted nothing for himself. He loved her up from the soles of her feet to every erogenous zone. He wielded his mouth and hands so expertly over layer upon layer until her pleas, nearly incoherent with pants and grunts, became whimpers. He thrust and thrust into her again and again until together they rocketed to the height of fulfillment where only their shared planes of joy existed.

Afterwards, Marcella remained locked against him, arms and legs wrapped up tightly, pulling him closer for the warm feeling of the aftermath. She breathed in the scent of their lovemaking, clinging to the rapture that was ebbing inexorably away. He kissed her then her arms tightened around him. Something felt wrong today.

“
Let me go, beautiful. I’ll crush you.” He warned.

“
No,” she said hanging on.

Diego smiled, and turned over taking her with him. A massive yawn shook her and she arched her neck and head with sorrow, because she didn’t want to sleep.

A lethargic weighting of his lids drew them shut. Despite her body’s refusal she broke free and moved to release his cock from her channel with a mournful sigh. “Rest, I’ll cook for us today. You stay there and let me take care of you.”

Diego mumbled a complaint but she kissed him and smiled. Today would be their day.

Chapter Fifteen

“
I want to talk to you!”

“
Lower your voice.” Marcella yawned picking up her mail from her desk. Susan paced behind her. She could hear the soft muted sounds of her heels as she went back and forth across the floor. Finally, she turned and looked at her friend. “What is it?”

“
What is it? What’s going on? I don’t see you anymore. We don’t talk. You don’t call. You haven’t been home. You even took Ginger away, and I love that fucking cat! Now you aren’t coming to work. Yesterday was a madhouse, Marcella. Garrett isn’t complaining but c’mon. This isn’t like you.”

Susan’s accusations had merit. Marcella felt her face burn hot with shame. The day with Diego had been close to perfection. He taught her how to play chess over a bottle of white wine. They finished another bottle on his deck watching the ocean, wrapped in heavy blankets. The rains returned and forced them back in. They spent time in his jacuzzi. Afterwards she sat between his legs while he brushed her hair. He talked to her in Spanish, teaching her words she’d long forgotten. Because she loved the sound of his voice when he did she pretended at not understanding most of his lesson. Then he fed her from his fingers. He took a few calls in his office behind a locked door. Each time he returned more somber. But they soon reconnected. Then all was right again. She didn’t know why yesterday had been such a needy day for him but she was more than willing to make the sacrifice.

“
Marcella!”

“
I hear you, Susan.”

“
What’s wrong with you? Seriously?”

“
Nothing, nothing. I just had a day. What’s the big deal?”

Susan’s eyes widened. “This place is falling apart. Sam is coming in late. She’s bringing her girls up in here now. Did you know that? She’s not listening to me. Garrett is drinking more and more in his office and I need you. You haven’t been here.”

“
What you mean is I haven’t been here for all of you. Right? You’re the manager, manage! You and I both know you are well equipped to run this place. It’s what you get paid for.”

Susan looked wounded.

“
I’m sorry. Christ, girl I’m sorry. I’m doing something for me for a change. That’s not a bad thing. Just give me a break.”

Susan nodded, and blinked away tears of hurt. Marcella had never treated her friends or work this way. She had been so distracted that she was defensive. “Susan, listen.”

“
No you’re right, I won’t bother you. Not anymore,” she mumbled as she left.

Marcella sighed. Closing her eyes, she let it go. She reasoned that things weren’t as bad as Susan made them out to be. Hell, she’s the Acquisitions Director not their mother. They just needed to learn to accept the new her.

***

“
This place is nice,” Marcella said.

“
I thought you’d like it.”

“
I do.” She picked up her wine and sipped. The waiter arrived. Diego ordered. She let her eyes roam the restaurant as he did. Finally, she looked back at him. “I’ve got to leave next week.”

“
Leave?” he asked.

“
Yes, work, several meetings in Seattle. Actually I wanted to talk to you about something big I have in the works.”

“
I’m listening,” Diego said.

“
Watch the news lately? Hear about the discovery in southern Arizona? The fossil footprint that dates back three million years? It was found by an archaeologist named Edward Katchner. Only a few images of it have been released. The world is waiting on its revealing and guess whose gallery will be hosting the event?”

Diego sat back his brows lifted.

She nodded, grinning. “Me. I did it. I got the call on my way to meet you. We’re going to host the event. Isn’t that great?”

“
It’s fantastic. This is a celebration. I am so proud of you
nena
.”