Chapter Three
On Friday night, Amber sat out in the back garden behind her house, one of her favorite places, and listened to the people at the party talk and laugh.
She wanted to peek in the window to see if Cesar had shown up, but the thought of seeing him with her sister made her feel slightly ill for some reason. It wasn’t like he’d ever pick her over Bianca, but it still made her feel jealous.
She tried not to think about what it would be like to have him in the family as a brother-in-law, to have to watch him touch Bianca. She thought it might just drive her crazy. When they got married, she’d take the step and move out. It was one she’d thought about for years but had never had the guts to do, but she’d do it when Cesar moved in.
“Hey.”
Amber jerked around to find him standing in the shadows.
“What are you doing out here?” she asked.
“Looking for you, pequeña.”
“Why?”
“Because the only reason I came was to see you.”
“Why?”
He chuckled and pointed to the bench she sat on. “Do you mind if I sit down?”
“I … no, I don’t mind, but wouldn’t you rather be inside with Bianca?”
He snorted. “Don’t tell anyone, but I couldn’t take another minute of her giggles or her attempt at flirting. She was trying hard to be charming, but all I could see was the narcissistic bitch she is.”
Amber pressed her hands over her mouth to keep from laughing.
Cesar looked concerned. “Hey, maybe I shouldn’t have been so blunt…”
She shook her head.
He grinned when he realized she was trying to hold her laughter in. “I know she’s your sister, but hell, I’d rather spend my time with you any day.”
Her mouth dropped open. “Seriously?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
He laughed. “You like that word, don’t you?”
She could feel herself blush. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” He reached out and took her hand.
She thought she was having a heart attack. Her chest felt tight, and she couldn’t breathe, but she wouldn’t have changed it for anything. The warmth of his hand wrapped around hers made her feel things she’d only read about and never thought she’d experience.
“I like being with you because you’re beautiful.”
She shook her head. “No, my sister is beautiful.”
“So are you, honey. I find your beauty appeals to me more than your sister’s ever could. Besides that, you’re so damn sweet and genuine, and I haven’t many people like that in my life.”
“I … thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”