“You two are acting like strangers. The other day you couldn’t take your hands off her.”
“We’ve both had a lot going on lately.” His labored breathing betrayed his struggles.
“Don’t let that crazy family get in the way,” she said with a subtle wink directed at me. “I’m sure Miranda can take it. Can’t you?”
I managed a small nod.
“You’re embarrassing her, Mom.” Lachlan grinned at me.
“I’ve got to start class. Come back later and watch these two.” She pointed at Manuel and Ava. “I have them dancing a Sevillana, and I want to eat them, they’re so cute.”
I chuckled along with her.
Belen left us, clapping to gain her students’ attention.
“I’ll have to come back in an hour,” I said, shifting from leg to leg.
“I’ve asked Sherry to pick up Mannie. Otherwise, I would’ve loved to watch the kids dancing,” he said, following me out.
Lachlan stared down at his feet then looked up slowly, and again his eyes trapped mine.
“I’ve got to go and do a sound check. I should be there now,” he said.
“Oh. You’ve got a gig?” I visualized a cluster of clawing groupies and Lachlan sitting at his drumkit, all sweaty and sexy.
“For the first time ever, I’ve had to resort to cheap gigs.” He scratched his stubbled jaw.
I nodded, lost for words. The speech-governing part of my brain had shut down.
With his cologne drifting toward me, sparking all kinds of feelings, I was lost in him.
“I’ve tried calling you over and over.”
“I’ve been busy getting the gallery up and running.”
As I fell into his eyes, I saw pain and struggle. Lachlan looked different, as though he’d aged. But instead of making him uglier, it made him seem a little untamed in a sexy, inflaming way.
“I hope you can accept my apology for the way I behaved.”
After taking a deep, steadying breath, I said, “You were awful to me.”
“I know. I acted like an ass and should never have laid that guilt trip on you. Will you ever forgive me?”
“It’s been difficult. And after what happened…”
“I know I have to do more than just apologize.” He combed his fingers through his hair. “Whatever it takes, Miranda. I need you in my life. It’s been hell without you.”
I studied his face, trying to read him. “I guess we fucked a lot.”
“It’s not just the sex.” His lips curled at one end. “I mean, of course I can’t stop wanting to devour you. And that I was your first has affected me more profoundly than I could’ve imagined.” He paused, waiting for me to say something. “But it’s more than sex. I like being around you.” He took a step closer and brushed my cheek. “I love you.”
My lips trembled, making it impossible for me to talk without bursting into tears. “And I love you. That’s why it hurt.”
He took my hand and played with my fingers. “I’m sorry. If I could rewind, I would. Honestly.”
I nodded slowly and smiled.
“How are the gallery preparations?” he asked.