“I’m supposed to head home today,” Ramon said.
Those words made Colleen stop stirring her coffee. She picked up two cups and took them over to where Ramon sat on a sheet on the floor, a blanket draped over his lower half. Her inadequate cot had been stripped of its bedding and a makeshift double bed had been hastily constructed after their prolonged shower. The floor hadn’t bothered either one of them in the slightest.
She squatted down in just her sweatshirt, handed him a cup of coffee. The space heater whirred. The warm air felt good on her bare backside.
“Back to El Salvador?” she said, sipping the rich coffee. It should have tasted perfect after a night of frenzied lovemaking, but the reality of Ramon leaving so soon brought her back down to earth. “Of course. Your job is finished.”
“We’re done with the painting.” He drank, looked up at her. She saw a hint of hopefulness in his dark eyes. Was he thinking what she thought he was thinking?
Stay on a little longer? Didn’t she want another taste of what they had consumed last night?
But last night was a reprieve, nothing more. They had both just grabbed something that felt good. Ramon had a wife and three kids. He didn’t need an entanglement. And God knows she didn’t either. Half of last night was a reaction to Alex. Colleen was still trying to figure that out.
Colleen hadn’t slept with a man in ten years. There had been a woman, last year, and that was tender, but there was nothing like being with a man. Especially one who looked like Ramon, hardened with labor and desire.
“El Salvador is a long way,” she said.
“Three thousand miles.”
“Well,” she said. “I wish you a safe trip.”
His face fell. “I could stay a while longer. Fix that fence for you …” She shook her head. “Not a good idea, Ramon.”
“Why not?”
“Apart from the fact that you’ve got a family?” She gave a wry smile. “Because I’ve got my hands full and I don’t need your tush in the way.”
“Hands full how?” He narrowed his eyes. “Problems … with the people who started that fire?”
“No,” she lied, looking away.
“I’m not sure I believe you.”
“Well, it doesn’t matter. I can’t have you here anymore.”
“You might need my help again.”
She shook her head again, drank coffee. She couldn’t have Ramon risking his neck for what might happen. Frank Madrid. And whoever else was involved with this unraveling mess.
Ramon sipped coffee. “Was I that bad last night?” He grinned. “In the shower?”
“You were that good,” she said, winking, setting down her cup. “That’s why we’re going to do it one more time.” She got on her knees, pulled back the blanket covering him. “Then you’re on your way.”