Page 60 of Broken Vows

“Nothing,” I say.

The ball thumps again.

“Theo.”

I can’t help myself. I cross to the window and peer through the curtain into their yard.

Levi’s standing near the basketball hoop wearing only dark sweatpants. He snatches the ball mid-bounce with one hand, says something I can’t hear, and points toward the house. Theo argues back.

Before I can retreat, Diane is right beside me.

“What’s so interesting?” she asks, then follows my gaze and laughs under her breath. “Oh, I see. Does that man own a shirt?”

Heat crawls up my neck. I yank the curtain closed.

We settle back onto the couch, but the easy rhythm between us has shifted. Diane takes a sip of wine, eyes bright with the kind of patience that isn’t patience at all.

“So…”

I stare at the television. “Héctor is definitely lying to Maribel.”

“Carmen.”

“What?”

She gives me a look.

I sigh, because there’s no point pretending she’ll let this go. “We kissed. Once.”

Diane’s eyes widen.

“I was confused and⁠—”

“He took advantage?”

“No. I kissed him.”

Diane breaks into a wide, delighted grin.

“But nothing happened. Nothing is going to happen,” I say, far too quickly. “It was a mistake. He’s been strange ever since. He can barely look me in the eye most days. He does helpful things, then acts all shy when I thank him.”

Diane’s grin softens. “Sounds like the man is smitten and has no idea what to do with it.”

I open my mouth. Nothing comes out.

I don’t have a better explanation, and that’s the problem. He came in all guns blazing, making it very clear he wanted something physical. But after that kiss, he has gone all shy. It’s so unexpectedly cute that it’s getting harder not to soften toward him. And I don’t think he’s faking it—you can see how frustrated he is by his own awkwardness.

We finish the bottle of wine while the telenovela reaches its usual dramatic climax.

Diane stretches and stands. “I should head home. Early start tomorrow.”

At the door, she pulls me into a quick hug. “Thanks for the wine and the drama. And for the record, I think your neighbor is in way over his head.”

I smile as I close the door behind her, then my phone buzzes on the coffee table.

Finn.

I answer, and we exchange the usual greetings before he cuts straight to the point, sounding both amused and suspicious. “You never said why you were at a kids’ store. Please tell me you’re not pregnant.”