Anchored Hearts

by Priscilla Oliveras

  A humid breeze set her dress skirt fluttering around her knees and upper calves, and her traitorous mind recalled his soft kisses along her skin, his mischievous grin as he made his way up her legs, along her inner thigh, higher.

  She swallowed, fighting the urge to forget about tomorrow and simply take what they could have tonight. But that wasn’t enough anymore. She’d been foolish to ever think a few weeks would be enough.

  “And what if I changed my mind?” he asked.

  Her breath shuddered, then caught. He wouldn’t be so cruel as to make a joke like that. Would he?

  Alejandro’s hand slipped around her waist to the small of her back. The slight pressure of his fingertips urged her to step closer, but he didn’t push, leaving the decision up to her. Unable to resist, she leaned into him, tipping her chin to meet his gaze.

  The earnestness in his dark eyes shone in the streetlight’s glow, calling to the part of her that wasn’t ready, might never be ready, to let him go.

  Gently, he caressed her jaw, heightening her need for more of his touch. As if he read her thoughts, he cupped the juncture of her neck and shoulder, and she swore his palm seared her skin.

  She knew she should step back, stop putting off the inevitable end. But his thumb swept over the line of her collarbone and her resolve threatened to ooze out of her like guava jelly seeping from the flakey crust of a pastel de guayaba.

  “What if I don’t want us to go our separate ways?” he asked. “What if I don’t want ‘closure’ like we talked about?”

  “You’re not making any sense. We both know this isn’t where you want to be. It’s like you told Marcelo when you turned down his job offer tonight; there’s so much opportunity out there. You can’t stay here.”

  “Yes, I—Wait, you overheard us?” Guilt flashed in his eyes, confirming her original conclusion. “Let me explain—”

  “There’s no need.” Shaking her head, she stepped out of his arms and quickly moved behind her swing. As if the flimsy chains and rubber seat were a barrier suitable for keeping them apart. “Everything’s clear to me now. It’s not that you can’t stay in Key West and pursue photography. It’s that you won’t.”

  “That’s not entirely the truth.”

  “Did you turn down a job with Marcelo that would have kept you here for . . . what was it you said . . . six months?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “Right. Because you can’t ‘stick around here.’” Her fingers bent in air quotes around the hurtful reason he’d given Marcelo for turning down the gallery owner’s offer. “Because what we have isn’t enough.”

  “That’s not—”

  “Because I’m not enough!” The torturous words were ripped from her wounded soul.

  An agonized expression scrunched Alejandro’s handsome features as he stumbled forward, his CAM boot dragging through the sandy dirt. He grabbed on to the swing chains, his large hands covering hers. “You’re wrong. It’s me. I’ve always known you could do better than a man whose own father is ashamed of him.”

  His raw, gut-wrenching admission shocked her into silence. Stark pain deepened the grooves on his forehead, carving what should have been laugh not sorrow lines on the sides of his mouth.

  “I fucked up before,” he went on, the words spilling from him like a torrent that rained down on her. “We were both too young, and I was like a greedy kid needing you to pick me. Choose me over everything, hell, everyone else.”

  He flung an arm out in a wide circle as if indicating the world around them. The swing chain swayed with his jerky motion and he teetered sideways on his good leg. She grabbed on to his shirt to keep him from falling.

  “You okay?” she asked softly, once he’d grasped the chain with both hands again and had regained his balance.

  He wiped the sweat off his brow with his sleeve, then nodded, his expression solemn. “I know that my expectations of you were selfish and unfair. Worse, I blamed you for my mistakes and my papi’s harsh dismissal. If I could go back . . . if I could change things . . .”

  His throat worked as he shook his head, a visible loss for words.

  She longed to cup his cheek, comfort the young man who’d been hurt and disillusioned by a father who had probably felt the same way. Both unable to communicate with the other.

  “I was scared,” she admitted, surprising herself by sharing the truth she had never told anyone. Not even her cousin Vanessa. “Even back then, you were larger than life. Confident and daring. Doing everything you set out to do, despite your dad. But I wasn’t sure how I could fit in to all of that without losing myself. Before I could even know who or what I was meant to be. I needed to find my place and how I could do my own good in this crazy world.”

  “You have.” His hands softly squeezed hers around the swing chains. “Do you know how many people I’ve run into here, not to mention your on-line clients and followers I’ve never met, all of whom can attest to how you’ve helped them live healthier lives?”

  His compliment was a spirit-lifting gift.

  “And you’ve brought awareness to cultures, people, and causes everywhere. Educating others in a beautifully artistic way,” she told him, proud of his work, even though it inevitably took him away from her.

  Alejandro’s lips curved with the ghost of a smile, but sadness lingered in his dark eyes. “I’d say, we’ve done good.”

  “Yes, we have. Apart.” The last word stung, but she refused to lie to herself anymore.

  Alejandro’s hesitant smile disappeared.

  Across the street, a rowdy group of people emerged from Salute! On the Beach, drawing Anamaría’s attention. Their laughter and calls good night carried on the humid breeze, and she watched as they climbed behind the wheels of their cars, waving out their windows as they drove away. Unaware of the bittersweet conversation taking place in the shadowy park.

  “My father came to my show tonight.”

  Alejandro’s barely heard whisper was so unexpected, several thudding heartbeats passed before it registered in Anamaría’s shocked brain.

  “Your father didn’t have an emergency at the fire station,” Alejandro continued. “He went to Miranda’s, where he convinced Papi to, in his own words, ‘get his head out of his ass’ and come to Bellísima.”

  “No wonder he wasn’t answering his phone,” she murmured. She had called him several times during the drive to Enrique’s apartment, but their father never picked up. “I can’t imagine your dad accepting that ultimatum without a fight.”

  “Me either. But then again, your dad isn’t one to mess with. But . . . when my papi and I stood in the Mi Cuba collection together. . . God, Anamaría, I wish you could have seen him.” His face lit up with pure joy, and she nearly flung her arms around him in a congratulations hug.

  “He was so moved,” Alejandro said, his voice raspy with awe. “He actually thanked me. And he said he was . . . he was . . .”

  “Proud,” she finished, absolutely thrilled for him, and his father.

  Alejandro grinned. An endearing version of his sexy smirk that still managed to make her toes curl.

  “What did your mom say? She was pretty pissed at him when I left.”

  “Thankfully they made up tonight. I mean, I’ve been pretty worried about them. She’s barely said a word to him the past two weeks.” Alejandro gazed at her, remorse shadowing his eyes. “I should have told you, but I was ashamed. That’s why I didn’t think I should stay. Because I couldn’t be the wedge that drove my parents apart. I’d never forgive myself. But that didn’t mean I was ready to give up on us.”

  Anamaría ducked her head, afraid to consider the possibility that they could still be an “us” with him unwilling to stay and her unwilling to leave her familia for good. Dejected, she poked at a tuft of grass with her toe. “That’s wonderful about your parents, Ale. And I’m really happy for you and your dad.”

  “Yes, it was a wonderful evening. Only, it wasn’t perfect because while my parents made up, and my pa
pi and I finally found some common ground, there was something missing.”

  She glanced up at him when he stopped, leaving her to guess what he referred to.

  An expectant expression stamped his face. He tugged on the swing chains, and Anamaría shuffled a baby step closer. “Someone missing.”

  Hope flared like a July Fourth sparkler waving in her chest at the love shining in his dark eyes.

  “There’s only ever been you for me, Princesa. You’ve always owned my heart. And if you’ll forgive me for taking so damn long to make things right between us, to be the man you deserve, I’ll spend the rest of my life proving how much I love and treasure you.”

  Tears burned in her eyes. Love for him swelled within her, stealing her breath. Robbing her of the ability to form coherent words.

  Alejandro must have taken her silence as doubt, because he released his hold on her hands, then reached in between the chains to wrap her in his embrace. His woodsy, patchouli scent enveloped her, and she breathed it in like an aphrodisiac.

  “I know your business is taking off, and mine leads me all over the place. But we can make this work. Travel together when we can. Returning here, to each other.” He pulled back, his hands moving to cradle her jaw. His right thumb traced the edge of her lower lip as his gaze strayed to her mouth, then up to meet hers. “Go on your trip this week. Be your incredible self. And I’ll be here, at home, waiting for you. If you’ll have me—”

  Anamaría lifted on her toes to cover his mouth with hers.

  He groaned, tightening his arms around her and deepening their kiss. His tongue glided across her lips and she opened for him, savoring the taste of Prosecco and mint. Of him.

  Needing to be closer, she slid her arms around his waist, flinching when the swing’s rubber seat bit into her lower thigh.

  They broke apart long enough for her to shove the swing aside, then step into his open arms where she belonged. His sexy smile greeted her before he stooped to drop a kiss on her forehead, her nose, her—

  “Te quiero,” she murmured as his lips feathered over hers.

  His grin widened and her soul sang. “I love you more.”

  The loud bang of a firework sounded from several streets over. Heads pressed together, they craned their necks to stare up at the pink squiggly lines worming their way out from a tiny center point to create a poofy ball across the inky black sky.

  Another shot blasted through the quiet streets, followed by the flash of bright orange lights twinkling and crackling high above.

  Content, Anamaría snuggled against Alejandro’s chest. They’d come full circle, the two of them. One Fourth of July ages ago, they’d taken that first tentative step as adolescents bitten by young love. Tonight, they took a confident, new first step as adults, committing to each other as well as their individual and shared goals.

  “No matter where our jobs take us, as long as our hearts remain anchored together, I’d say we’re all good. Right?” She gazed up at him, no longer afraid to let her love for him blaze in her eyes.

  “More than good. I’d say, perfect.”

  She smiled with delight, and Alejandro dipped his head to seal their promise with another heady kiss.

  Acknowledgements

  A good chunk of the first draft of this manuscript, plus revisions and copyedits, were completed during a difficult yet important year—a pandemic, social distancing, separation from those we care about most, marches and movements demanding racial and social justice and reform. In the midst of it all, technology helped us stay close with loved ones and make new connections, while allowing our voices to be heard!

  More than ever, during this emotional time, I relied on many to help keep me sane and motivated. Mil gracias to all who encouraged, supported, cheered, threatened with a chancla, or in some way helped Anamaría’s and Alejandro’s book become a reality.

  Here are some key individuals who made this book possible: To the firefighters in Key West and Monroe County who put their lives on the line every shift, and especially to those who let me hang out and pick their brains while researching my Keys to Love series, especially the Sellers brothers and Daniela, who brought Anamaría to life in remarkable ways . . . any discrepancies in this book are all my own.

  To Hector, whose photography skills are divine and whose patience during a loooooong phone call with me helped form the foundation for Alejandro’s passion for his craft. ¡Gracias, mi amigo, te lo agradezco!

  To author sister-friends who via text, DM, PM, Facetime, Zoom, Google Hangout, critiques/feedback, and more helped me keep on keeping on in the midst of the insanity and doubts . . . Farrah, Kwana, Sonali, Falguni, Jamie, Barbara, Sally, Virginia, Tracy, Amy, Tracey, Tif, Michele, and Nina . . . I can’t wait until we can retreat in person and brainstorm over drinks together!

  Para mis amigas-hermanas en la comunidad de autoras Latinx-Rom, especialmente Mia, Alexis y Sabrina . . . from 4ChicasChat to a retreat house with more, I’m exceedingly blessed to know, love, and learn from you all! May our numbers continue to grow, and our stories continue to be shared and appreciated. Mil gracias for the sisterhood! Abrazos.

  To my agent and editor team—Rebecca, Esi, and Norma—thank you for being such an integral part of bringing my island home and the Navarro familia to life. I’m exceedingly thankful to work with you.

  Para mi familia . . . Mami y Papi, my sister and main brainstormer-beta reader, Jackie, my three girls, Alexa, Gabby, and Belle . . . when I’m pulling all-nighters, needing “get off social media” reminders or a partner to bounce an idea or scenario around with, or when it’s time to pop a bottle of bubbly to celebrate good news or submitting a manuscript, one or all of you are always there. Life can be hard at times. Life definitely throws us wicked curves. Life (and a pandemic) may keep us apart. But through it all this remains true . . . my love for you all and my thanks for the blessing of our familia is boundless. ¡Los quiero mucho!

  And of course, to you, dear reader, for choosing to escape to Key West with my beloved Navarro familia for a second, or maybe the first, time, with Anchored Hearts. My hope is that you dive into the books in my Keys to Love series and feel as if you’ve traveled to Key West, made some new friends, came to appreciate island life and the Cuban-Latinx culture, and were able to forget about life’s stresses for a while. I wish you and your loved ones much joy, good health, laughter, and love.

  Abrazos/hugs,

  Priscilla

  Don’t miss the first romantic escape

  in the Keys to Love series,

  Island Affair,

  available now

  wherever books are sold.

  Photo by Michael A. Eaddy

  Priscilla Oliveras is a USA Today bestselling author and 2018 RWA® RITA® double finalist who writes contemporary romance with a Latinx flavor. Proud of her Puerto Rican-Mexican heritage, she strives to bring authenticity to her novels by sharing her Latinx culture with readers. Her work has garnered praise from O, The Oprah Magazine, Washington Post, New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist, among others. Priscilla earned her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University and now serves as adjunct faculty in the program while also teaching the online class “Romance Writing” for ed2go.

  Find out more at https://prisoliveras.com or catch up with her on www.facebook.com/prisoliveras and TwitterandIGvia@prisoliveras.

  ISLAND AFFAIR

  The Keys to Love series

  Sought-after social media influencer Sara Vance, in recovery from an eating disorder, is coming into her own, with a potential career expansion on the horizon. Despite the good news, her successful siblings (and their perfect spouses) have a way of making her feel like the odd one out. So, when her unreliable boyfriend is a no-show for a Florida family vacation, Sara recruits Luis Navarro—a firefighter paramedic and dive captain willing to play the part of her smitten fiancé . . .

  Luis’s big Cuban familia has been in Key West for generations, and his quiet strength fee
ds off the island’s laidback style.

  Though guarded after a deep betrayal, he’ll always help someone in need—especially a spunky beauty with a surprising knowledge of Spanish curse words. Soon, he and Sara have memorized their “how we met” story and are immersed in family dinners, bike tours, private snorkeling trips . . . sharing secrets, and slow, melting kisses. But when it’s time for Sara to return home, will their fake relationship fade like the stunning sunset . . . or blossom into something beautiful?

  HIS PERFECT PARTNER

  Three very different Latina sisters. Three dazzling talents with ambition—and passion—to burn. And in this warm-hearted, sexy new series, three chances to figure out if the path to success can also lead to lasting love . . .

  Ad executive Tomás Garcia shouldn’t even be thinking about his daughter’s alluring dance teacher, Yazmine Fernandez. Burned by a shattering divorce, he’s laser-focused on his career—and giving his young daughter, Maria, the secure home she deserves.

  Plus, he’s certain that with her talent, Yaz will be leaving Chicago and heading back to Broadway as soon as she can. But Yaz’s generous spirit and caring concern are sparking a desire Tomás can’t resist—and doesn’t want to let go . . .

  For Yaz, good-looking workaholics like Tomás simply can’t be part of her life ever again. She owes it to herself to get back her confidence and fulfill the dreams her papá could not. She’s glad to spend time with Maria—and taste the family life she feels she can never have. And she’s sure that she and Tomás can keep their attraction under control because there’s so much at stake. But each unexpected intimacy, each self-revelation, makes the fire between them grow hotter with every step—and every risk to their hearts . . .