Page 195 of Law Maker
People handled loss in their own ways. Maybe Miguel’s way was cutting ties with me. I couldn’t keep chasing him, not when answers would change nothing. Now that I raced professionally, I knew how strict inspections were. Dad’s bike had likely been fine when he highsided. Just like mine had been before my accident.
“You’re probably right,” Kaia said. “Still, talking to him would’ve helped.”
“It’s okay, peque.” I kissed her temple. “I’m okay.”
Having her back in my life was reason enough for that.
***
By evening we’d returned to the hotel. I told Kaia I had something planned, and she disappeared to change while I waited on the couch.
“You know you’re beautiful no matter what you wear,” I called.
Her soft laugh drifted from the bedroom. “I walked half of Madrid in those clothes. I’m ready.”
She stepped into the doorway in a light blue, thin-strapped dress that matched her eyes and clung to her curves.
Heat punched through me.
Kaia twirled slowly. “Like it?”
I leaped to my feet, rounding the couch. “I love it. And you.”
She pressed against me in a clear invitation, arms winding around my neck, and I cursed that we had to leave instead of staying right here.
“Let’s go,” I whispered, brushing her lips with mine. “Or we won’t go anywhere. And I want to make your first night in Madrid special.”
“It already is.” She swayed out the door, silk rippling over her hips. “But I won’t say no to food.”
Neither would I. We rode the elevator to the top-floor restaurant. When the doors opened, Madrid stretched out before us, city lights glittering beyond the wraparound glass. In the open kitchen, a chef worked with practiced ease.
The maître d’ greeted us and led us to our table.
Two years ago, I’d only dreamed of bringing Kaia here—to the city that raised me. Now she stood across from me, eyes wide with wonder as I pulled out her chair.
“This place is incredible,” she said. “Careful, or I might want to move here. I mean, look at that view.”
She gestured toward the sparkling skyline. I took her hand and brushed her knuckles with my lips. “We could move wherever you want.”
“We?” She tilted her head as I skimmed another kiss across her skin.
“I’m not going anywhere without you.”
“Yes.” She laced her fingers with mine. “Now I know that.”
She believed it, but I wasn’t finished proving it. From now on, every decision—career or not—would include her.
A server arrived for our order. I asked for a bottle of Rioja and a charcuterie board. Kaia chose king prawns for her main dish; I went with slow-braised beef.
The candle between us cast a soft glow on her face. She smiled. “You’re setting the bar high for our dates, peque.”
“I’m the one who needs to reach it. You just have to enjoy.”
“I think I’ll surprise you with something for your birthday next week.”
“Actually,” I said as the server poured our wine, “I know a few things you could do.”
Like moving in with me. Maybe it sounded rushed, but in my mind, we’d already lost two years we should’ve spent together.
