Page 21 of Yours, For Now

"I'm sure a telenovela has used that trope before," she said. Humor hid in her words.

The offices for her family's company were glass, and a few people were visible working inside. Lina had her back to them, her eyes on me. The distance between us wasn't much, but I got closer anyway.

I leaned in. "I'm sorry if this is awkward. PDAs okay?"

Her nod rubbed gently against my clean shaven face.

I wrapped an arm around her waist and pressed my cheek against hers. "Anyone looking doesn't have to know touching you like this is highly unusual."

"I'll survive it if you do."

I chuckled, unsure of what else to do. Holding her didn't feel as unfamiliar as I expected, and that was the most confusing part.

"See you soon. We'll text." I kissed her cheek. "How about this? This is how we do it in Chile. A single kiss like this."

My intention had been to let her go, but she held me in place with a surprise hug. Her arms wrapped around me tight, keeping me close for several heartbeats.

"Thank you, Gabe."

She squeezed me in her arms; with both of mine around her now, I did the same.

Chapter 8

Monday

Gabriel: Hey. Any news from

Edgardo or Miguel?

Lina: Hey. No, not yet. They said

a week, so they still have a few days

Gabriel: Ok, let me know. I'm already

working on the due diligence and

documentation, so we can merge

everything into the contract prep

and send it to legal. Also, we should

go out on a date before then

Lina: Good idea. My family has

been asking about you

Gabriel: Tomorrow night? I can

pick you up after my game. It will

be late if that's okay with you

Lina: What about Wednesday?

Gabriel: I can't. Meeting