Armando Returns (Barboza Brothers)

by Reeni Austin

  “When are you going back to L.A.?”

  “No idea.”

  “Okay, then. Come out to the ranch tomorrow. You can finally meet the woman who’ll hopefully be my fiancee after tonight.” Victor chuckled. “And you can explain to me why you’re so worked up about this Katie girl.”

  Armando gritted his teeth and hit the steering wheel with his palm. “Shit! See, that’s why I didn’t wanna tell you about it. I knew you wouldn’t understand.”

  Victor softened his voice. “Sorry, man. Didn’t mean to upset you. Did you come here to talk to her? You want her back?”

  Armando groaned. “Haven’t spoken to her yet.”

  “Want me to talk to her for you? Tell her you’re here?” Victor watched as thoughts quietly passed across Armando’s face. He had never seen him like this before. “Maybe she wants to talk to you, too.”

  “No. I need to do this myself.” Armando faced Victor. “I really wish you hadn’t seen me out here. I don’t want your help. I’ll be just fine. Go on back to the restaurant and propose to your girlfriend. Please.”

  “Okay. But promise me you’ll come out to the ranch tomorrow, for lunch.”

  “I don’t know...”

  “Come on. I want you to meet Cara and Isaac.” Victor narrowed his eyes at Armando and gave his arm a playful slap. “Don’t make me track you down and drag you out there myself.”

  “All right.” With a light shrug, Armando added, “I’ll be there tomorrow.”

  “Good. Where’ve you been staying?”

  With reluctance, Armando casually gestured toward the hotel across the street.

  Victor nodded. “I hope you’ll think about staying at the ranch instead. It’s been too long since I had my two brothers with me under one roof.”

  Armando nearly grinned. “I know. I’ll think about it.”

  “Good.” Victor peered thoughtfully in his brother’s eyes. “Let me know if I can do anything to help. But I should leave now before Cara thinks I forgot about her.”

  “Okay. Good luck tonight.”

  Victor gave Armando one last slap on the shoulder, then exited the car and headed across the street.

  * * * * *

  Cara sat in the hotel lobby, her eyes fixed on the entrance. What in the world was taking Victor so long? He had been acting a little strange for days, but she chalked it up to being back on his home turf for the first time in a while. San Antonio had more of a city feel, but the small town of Turnbrook—where the ranch was located—felt much slower and more laid back. Cara had lived in urban areas like Chicago and Newark for most of her life, and if she felt like a fish out of water, she imagined Victor might feel the same way.

  But there was something different in the air tonight. Victor had presented her with a brand new diamond necklace and helped her pick out the dress she was wearing. He was always full of surprises, never telling her where they were going until they got there. Maybe it would all make sense once they entered the restaurant.

  Cara was just about to go outside and look for him when finally, he appeared outside the glass door and pushed his way in. She instantly grabbed her purse and stood. Oh, he’s so gorgeous in that suit. Heck, he’s gorgeous in anything, or nothing at all. How did I get so lucky?

  Victor rushed to her, taking her hand and kissing it. “I’m so sorry, amor. I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.”

  “It’s okay.” Smiling, Cara tucked a lock of her blond hair behind her ear. “I’m glad you’re here now. I already missed you.”

  He slid his arms around her. “I missed you too.” Softly, he kissed her lips then pulled back, smiling. “I was afraid you’d grow impatient and ask for our table without me. But I’m so glad you didn’t. I love to make an entrance with you.”

  Cara felt a warmth rush to her cheeks as she took his hand. No matter how often he complimented her, there were times when his sweet words made her feel like she was blushing from head to toe.

  Victor escorted her to the hostess, who led them through a crowded room to a small set of wooden stairs. When they reached the top, Cara gasped at the beautiful room.

  “Wow.” She brought her hand to her chest. “What’s this?”

  The hostess smiled and quickly exited the room as Cara took inventory of her surroundings. The room was dimly lit, with candles placed strategically amidst large, bright bouquets of flowers. To their right the room opened to a patio, where there was a cozy table for two.

  With his arm around her waist, Victor guided her to the patio. He asked, “Isn’t it lovely?”

  “Yes.” Cara gazed out at the river below. She heard the hum of mingling voices as people dined at nearby restaurants along the Riverwalk at sunset, but she felt as though she and Victor had their own private island away from everyone. “Is it just us?”

  “Yes.” Victor motioned toward the small table. “Care for some champagne?”

  “Oh.” She had been too distracted by her surroundings to notice the bottle of chilled champagne on the table. “Yes.”

  Victor poured each of them a glass as the soft sound of an acoustic guitar filled the room, emanating both from within the building and from outside. Victor informed Cara that there was live music downstairs. He left the glasses on the table and put his hands on her waist, pulling her into a rhythmic dance. Her hips instinctively matched his movements. She giggled when his hands moved down her body, and she looked shyly around the room to make sure they were still alone.

  “What is it, querida?” Victor pressed his forehead to hers.

  “I didn’t know you could move like this.”

  He smiled. “Well, now you know.” Then he bent his head down to give her a passionate kiss as they danced.

  When the song finished, he kissed her again then scanned the room behind her, his face tightening.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked. “Is something wrong?” She looked behind her at the candles and flowers, noticing they were still alone. “Shouldn’t there be a waiter by now? Do they know we’re up here?”

  “You’re so sweet. Everything’s fine. They know we’re here.”

  “Well, what’s going on?” Her eyes widened, concerned. “Are you sure they didn’t forget about us?”

  A deep, happy laugh escaped Victor’s throat but he instantly forced himself calm. He looked deep into her eyes as he stroked the side of her face. “Cara. My darling Cara. Everything’s fine.” He took a deep breath and reached down, each of his hands taking one of hers. “I just wanted you to have a lovely evening.”

  “I am.”

  “Good.” He held her gaze. “And I hope you’ll always know how sorry I am for how our relationship began. Taking advantage of you so intimately, so quickly...”

  Confused, Cara shook her head. “It’s okay. You know that by now.”

  “But I need to make sure. I want you to know I truly enjoy your company. I appreciate you for everything you are. It’s been my intention to move slower since then and show you how I really feel about you. It’s not superficial. It’s real. You’re the most wonderful woman I’ve ever known.”

  Cara blinked against tears that formed at the sound of his unexpected sincerity. And suddenly, she had an inkling about why he had brought her here tonight but she dare not let herself think it just yet.

  Victor continued. “You’ve made my life infinitely better in ways I didn’t know were possible before you. Each day is special with you. You’re the woman I imagine myself waking up to every morning. I hope to still wake up to you for years to come. I love you and I intend to spend the rest of my life with you.” He reached into his suit pocket. “If you’ll let me.”

  And suddenly, he knelt down. Cara’s hands lifted to cover her gaping mouth.

  “Cara, my darling Cara.” He pulled a tiny red box out of his pocket and opened it, exposing the ring. “Will you please be my wife?”

  With tears trickling slowly down her cheeks, she put her hands down and took a deep breath to whisper, “Yes.”

  V
ictor instantly jumped to his feet to kiss her.

  Cara threw her arms around him, her mind and body tingling with bliss.

  When he pulled away, Victor said, “I’m sorry. I planned to put the ring on your finger before I kissed you but I got excited.”

  Cara laughed and wiped tears from her cheeks as Victor took the ring from the box, then reached for her hand. “It’s okay.”

  He slowly worked the ring down her finger. “I think it’s too big. We’ll get it sized. Hell, we’ll get you another ring if you don’t like this one.”

  “No.” She held out her hand to look at it. “No, it’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen.”

  “Great.” Victor let out a big sigh. “But honestly, if you change your mind—”

  “No.” She smiled at him, shaking her head. “I love it, I promise.”

  “I’m so glad.” He took her face in his hands. “You’ve made me so happy, Cara. I swear I’m the happiest man in the world right now.

  “Wow.” Her voice was soft. She could barely speak. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “You already said yes.” He touched her lips. “You don’t need to say anything else.”

  Chapter 7

  Katie watched from the shadows, waiting until she saw Victor get down on one knee to propose. It was her cue to leave the room and send a waiter to take their orders in ten minutes.

  From Katie’s location in the back of the room, Victor’s words were muffled, and she was glad. It was a constant struggle to keep herself from thinking about Armando’s proposal at sunset in the park. She remembered feeling like she was glowing with euphoria, and the thought still made her heart skip a beat.

  Mitch’s proposal was nice too, I suppose, she thought with a melancholy sigh. He proposed at his birthday party in front of friends and family, and Katie had already picked out the ring a few weeks earlier. But still, it was nice.

  Katie watched Victor and Cara for another second, then inched quietly to the back stairs to find the server who was assigned to the patio tonight.

  Katie’s original plan had been to stay until after dinner was served to congratulate the happy couple, but now she just wanted to leave. And since her shift was over, that’s what she decided to do, afraid that she would become a blubbering mess in front of Victor.

  And so, careful not to get held up by idle banter with co-workers, Katie headed out the back door to find her car. She was grateful Mitch had plans with work buddies tonight that didn’t involve her. All she wanted to do was go to her apartment, slip on some comfy pajamas, and polish off the last of the wine in her fridge. Maybe now that her involvement in Victor’s proposal was over, she wouldn’t have to see him again. He’d go back to New York City, and so would the constant reminder of Armando. She exhaled with relief as she thought about it.

  My thoughts will return to normal...soon...I hope…

  As she strolled through the employee parking area, she reached into her purse for her keys. Damn it! It was the third time this week she had mindlessly tossed them inside instead of stashing them in the little pocket where they could easily be found. No wonder. She hadn’t been thinking straight for days.

  She stopped walking and opened her purse, thankful there was enough light from the street to let her see inside. She held up her purse and shook it, hoping to catch a glimmer of the shiny keys, when suddenly she heard footsteps behind her.

  Her stomach leaped to her throat. Oh no. She was petrified to turn around. The footsteps were slow, but they were steady and getting closer.

  Pepper spray! I know it’s in here somewhere…

  She rifled through the contents of the purse and found it, quickly. Her mouth formed a little smirk and her pulse quickened with newly found boldness as she prepared to turn around and pull out the little can of spray. But before she could, a man’s voice sliced through the darkness.

  “Need a ride, Katie?”

  A chill shot up her spine. She let go of the pepper spray and nearly dropped her purse. It didn’t matter that she hadn’t heard his voice since he was eighteen. She would have recognized it anywhere.

  With a thin layer of tears in her eyes, she turned around. Her whisper was almost too quiet to hear. “Armando?”

  He took one more step and emerged from the shadows, staring at her with a quiet fixation.

  Katie stared back at him, her mouth gaping. For days she had longed to see him, and now here he was right there in a form-fitting black suit. His face looked sad, but he was just as sexy and debonair as the pictures of him she had fawned over online. It was like he had stepped right out of her dreams and onto the pavement. She waited a moment and wiped her hand across her eyes to dry them. “You...scared me.”

  Armando let out a long, weary sigh. “I know. Sorry.”

  “It’s all right.”

  Their eyes met for a while, but neither spoke. Katie was unprepared for the obvious sadness in his eyes, his stance, his being. There were so many questions she wanted to ask. Why are you so sad? Did you come here for me? Do you still think about me?

  But then she saw him blink, and tears ran down his chiseled face. Without thinking, she let her purse drop to the pavement with a bang and held out her arms, rushing him tearfully. “Armando!”

  He eagerly accepted her embrace, holding her so tight she didn’t even notice her own difficulty breathing. She squeezed him back just as tight, crying against his lapel. Neither was prepared for the torrent of emotions unleashed by the other’s touch.

  As she attempted to calm down, Katie made a conscious decision to drink him in. Memorize everything. His cologne, his body, the strength of his arms around her.

  His hand slowly wandered to the nape of her neck, weaving through her long red hair as he cradled her head against his chest. His warm lips grazed her forehead, making her breath splinter and her knees weak.

  She grabbed a fistful of the back of his jacket with each hand and let out a soft gasp as she tried to steady herself.

  “Katie,” he whispered. “I thought I’d never get to hold you again.”

  She let herself collapse fully in his arms as his words sunk in. In a weak voice she said, “Me neither. I can’t believe this is happening.”

  “Someone told me I’d forget all about you in five or ten years. I’d grow up and forget all about you.” Armando lowered his lips to her ear. “But I’ve never forgotten about you, Katie.”

  She sniffled and said, “I never forgot about you, either,” her voice cracking.

  Armando gritted his teeth and took a few shallow breaths until he could speak without crying. Finally, he whispered, “Why didn’t you try to reach me?”

  “What?” Katie pulled away enough to look up into his eyes. “You mean, contact you? Why didn’t you try to contact me? I made sure everyone in town knew what college I went to. You could’ve found me anytime you wanted.”

  His brows went up. “You’re the one who told me you didn’t want me anymore. You looked straight in my eyes and said it.” He let go of her, his tone now serious. “Do you know what that does to a guy? I thought you loved me and you broke my heart in front of Henry, your mom. Probably your whole family listening inside your house.”

  “They made me do it! Couldn’t you see that?” Katie’s wide eyes pierced Armando’s. “I didn’t mean a word of it.”

  “I figured if you didn’t mean it you would’ve let me know. Gotten word to me somehow. I had no idea how to reach you for the rest of the summer. And my mom was dying. I needed you.” He paused, shaking his head. “It was the worst time of my life. Losing you, losing Mama.”

  Tears ran down her face but she didn’t wipe them away. “I’m so sorry.” Like a reflex, her hands both went to her mouth, covering it in shame. Her vision blurred with tears, she stared into his questioning eyes, wishing she had a better reason for rejecting him than, “I was scared.” Wondering now if she could have changed the course of their future if she hadn’t been so afraid of her father. She cried for a while lon
ger as Armando waited patiently for her to speak. She pulled a tissue out of her purse to wipe her eyes, then said in an unsteady voice, “I was afraid of what Daddy would do to you. But I’ve spent all these years wishing you’d come back for me.”

  “Maybe I should’ve. But for all I knew you moved on and found someone else. You’re a beautiful girl. You could’ve had anyone.” He grimaced. “Shit, Katie. You’re the one who told me you didn’t want me anymore. Broke my heart after I’d already been through hell. Was I supposed to read your mind?”

  Their heads both turned to the back door of the restaurant where a cook and a server had both just stepped outside for a cigarette. They were laughing and talking with each other, oblivious to the emotional discussion a few feet away.

  Armando gave them a glance and quietly said to Katie, “Let’s go to my room. I’m staying here at the hotel.”

  “I don’t know if that’s appropriate.” The idea of being alone with Armando made her heart race, but it also brought her back to reality. “I’m...with...someone else,” she stammered. “I’m engaged. I can’t be alone with you in a hotel room. It’s not right. My fiance wouldn’t approve.”

  “You were engaged to me first, remember?” Armando lifted a brow. “I think that gives me rights. I’m calling dibs.”

  Katie bit her lip and looked away, ashamed of herself for wanting to go to his room. “I don’t know.”

  Armando continued his argument. “We need to hash this out. Talk about things we should’ve talked about years ago. That means you need to come upstairs.” He put his hand under her chin and tilted her face up. “You’d be married to me right now if I had my way.”

  A quiet gasp slipped past her lips. “Oh.” And her knees felt weak again, like they had when he held her. But the sound of her co-workers’ chatter snapped her out of her trance. She pushed his hand away. “No. This is how rumors start. Everyone here knows my fiance. They’ll say something.”

  Armando gave her a flat stare. “You worry too much about what people think.”