Page 34 of Embriagado

“Of course. You both share the same eyes.”

My cheeks heated up because… did it mean he’d noticed my eyes?

“Now I see why you love this place,” Nacio muttered from beside me, a shit-eating grin on his face.

“You—”

“Mr. Rivas,” Ariyan cut in. “If you don’t mind, could I talk to you for a minute?”

Forgetting all about my brother’s comment, I quickly nodded. “Sure.” I swallowed hard, then followed him aside. “What’s up?”

Ariyan glanced at my brother, who now stood by the edge of the pool, before looking at me.

“I thought about you last night,” he said, and my heart nearly burst out of my chest.

“You did?”

“I did.” He hugged his arms as a soft smile pulled on his lips. “I was very worried after leaving you in that place… but I’m glad to see you’re fine.”

Even though I hoped he’d thought about me in a more sexy way, let’s say, like I thought of him, this was even better.

“Didn’t they tell you I worked the night shift?”

His brows rose. “Oh, I had no idea.” He covered his mouth and looked aside. “How embarrassing. There I was, worrying sick while you were here?”

Heat rushed to my face, and feeling my neck burning, I quickly rubbed it. “I mean, I’d tell you myself if I knew you cared?”

“Of course I care.”

My eyes shot to his, and I swear to God, my heart was going a hundred.

“I care about all my employees.”

Ugh.

He took one step closer. “But perhaps about you a bit more?”

Once again, my stomach filled with this unknown anticipation. Eager to get closer to him, I also took a step forward.

“Ariyan—”

“I hate asking this, especially after telling you I believe in second chances, but… are you involved with illegal activity?”

His question cut off my excitement, and I stepped back.

“No, I’m not.”

“Are you sure?” His eyes searched mine for an answer.

“Yeah.”

He pressed his lips together and nodded. “Good.”

Shoving my hands in my pockets, I looked down between us. “You regret hiring me or something?”

“Quite the opposite, Mr. Rivas.”

Warmth flushed through my body at his words, and I bit my lip, trying to hold back the cocky smile. Daring to peek up, I found him looking at me. I’m so lost for him⁠—