CHAPTER 19
“You’re sure you’ll be okay?”
Carmen’s grandfather gave her that look, the one he always gave her when he thought she was treating him like a child.
“We’ve had this conversation before.”
“No, we haven’t. I haven’t left you overnight before.”
Again, that steely stare, and she knew she’d pushed him too hard.
“I fend for myself just fine when you’re at work, child. I think I can handle an overnight with a friend helping me out. What? You don’t trust Theo to help me if I need it?”
“It’s not that. It’s just . . .” She should shut up. She smiled. “You’ll be just fine.”
Carmen hadn’t been separated from her grandfather since she’d moved in four years ago. So leaving him for a couple of days was going to be extremely difficult. She knew Grandpa had made great improvements with his therapy and was able to do many more things for himself, but he was continually working on that weakness on one side.
Still, he was out of the wheelchair most days now and using his walker and his cane. He made his way over and stopped in front of her, then looked down at her. “I’m more capable than you give me credit for. I never miss a therapy appointment, and I’m getting a lot stronger. So you need to stop treating me like an invalid, like I can’t do a damn thing for myself.”
There was more to this than just taking a trip, than just her questioning his ability to care for himself. She pulled a kitchen chair out and motioned for him to sit in the one next to hers. When he did, she asked, “What’s really going on?”
He lifted his chin. “Nothing’s going on that I can’t handle myself.”
“Grandpa. Talk to me.”
“It’s stupid.”
Okay, so there was something else. She just had to be patient about it, because pushing him too hard would make him resistant to talking to her. “Nothing about you or how you feel is stupid. And we’ve always been able to talk about anything.”
She waited, because she knew that sometimes he had to let things mull around in his head for a bit before he was willing to share with her. So she sipped on her ice water and scrolled through her phone.
“There was this lady.”
Her head shot up. A woman? He’d never mentioned dating anyone.
“Okay,” she said, not wanting to lead the conversation. He’d get to it when he got to it.
“We met at bingo. She thought I was too slow stamping my card, so she helped me out. We met several months ago. Her name is Felice. She’s beautiful. She’s a widow, too. Same age as me. She has one son who lives in Texas, and two grandchildren.
“So we started meeting up regular at bingo. We got along well. We’ve had dinner a few times. I’ve been to her house to play cards.”
Grandpa had been busy when she hadn’t been looking.
“We were having a good time, and then I invited her over here for dinner. She said she was going to Texas to see her son last week and we’d talk about plans when she got back. But after she got back last week, she said she didn’t think we should see each other anymore.”
Carmen frowned. “Did she give you a reason?”
He shook his head. “I didn’t ask.”
“So you just said okay and that was it? You both went your separate ways?”
“I guess so.”
Something wasn’t right about this. “Maybe it had something to do with her visit with her son. How long ago did her husband die?”
“Couple of years ago.”
Hmm. “Maybe she told her son about you, and her son was upset about her dating someone. And maybe that made her upset, which is why she pulled away from you.”
“You think so?”
Carmen shrugged. “I don’t know, Grandpa. But if you just walk away without asking her, you’ll never know, will you? You should at least ask her for a reason. And then let her know you still like her. If nothing else, you two could still be friends.”
His mood seemed to brighten. “You’re right. I shouldn’t have just left things the way they were. I’m kind of rusty at this.”
Carmen could relate to the rusty part. “We both are. But if you want someone in your life, you have to put yourself out there. You have to risk being hurt.”
“Maybe you should listen to your own advice,” he said.
She leaned back. “What? I’m dating.”
“And at the same time trying to use me as an excuse for not taking a short vacation with Rafe.”
She started to object, then thought about it for a minute. Was that what she’d been doing? Was she purposely using her grandfather as a reason for not having a life all this time? For not getting out there after her divorce? Rafe had said much the same thing to her, and she’d acted insulted. But now that her grandpa had said it, she felt terrible.
Okay, but she was dating now. She and Rafe were having fun together. They were taking a trip together.
Maybe she should take her own advice and put herself out there, stop being so afraid. It wasn’t like she was going to fall in love. She and Rafe were both just out for some fun. And oh, that man was some fun.
“Fine. I’m going. And you’re going to talk to Felice. Deal?” She held out her hand.
Her grandpa shook it. “Deal. And I’m going to be all right. Theo will be here with me. We’re adult, capable men. I have my phone with your number. Theo has your phone number. I promise if there’s a problem, we’ll call you.”
She got up and leaned over to kiss his cheek. “Thank you.”
Now she could pack and get ready to leave without worrying about him. She and Rafe were driving down to Miami today. Rafe had booked them a room at a hotel on the beach. They’d have dinner, spend the night and be back by tomorrow night.
It would be a short trip, but since Carmen didn’t get away much—or ever, for that matter—she was so looking forward to it. She packed a small bag with the things she needed and took a shower, put on a pair of red shorts and a cream sleeveless shirt and slid into her sandals. She grabbed her sunglasses, and by the time she came out of her room, Rafe had arrived and was sitting in the kitchen talking to her grandfather.
She took a moment to admire his darkly tanned legs. He wore navy blue board shorts and a gray sleeveless shirt that showed off his muscled arms. His sunglasses were propped on his head, pushing back his thick, dark hair.
Just looking at him made her body tingle all over. Maybe it was the anticipation of all that alone time they were going to have together. Until now, it had been in short supply. They were going to have almost two days. She couldn’t wait.
She walked into the kitchen. “Hey.”
Rafe looked up and laid a dazzling smile on her. He stood. “Hi. You look nice.”
“So do you.”
He took the bag from her hand. “Are you ready to go?”
She nodded, then leaned over to give her grandfather a hug. “Call me if you need anything?”
“I won’t need anything. Go and have some fun.”
“I will. Te amo, Abuelo.”
“Te amo, bebita.”
Rafe took her hand in his, and she saw the warm smile spread across her grandfather’s lips. They headed outside, and Rafe tucked her bag into the back seat of his truck. Then he grasped her around the waist and brushed his lips across hers.
“I’m looking forward to having you to myself for a couple of days,” he said.
Her body flushed with heat. She pressed her hands to his chest. “Me, too.”
She climbed into the truck and buckled her seat belt, unable to quell the burst of excitement.
She was going on an adventure with a very hot man at her side.
Rafe hadn’t been to Miami since he and his brothers had taken a weekend trip several years ago. Not that much had changed. It was livelier and a lot more crowded than Ft. Lauderdale. He liked the beaches here, and the nightlife. Plus, down here he could be totally alone with Carmen. And hopefully, she could take some time to relax.
She seemed to have unwound some on the drive down. He could tell from her body language, the way she leaned back, rolled into the tunes on the radio and grooved in her seat. They’d talked some, Carmen had sung a little, and it had actually been a pretty mellow drive. Just the way he’d wanted it to go. He needed her to de-stress so she could get into the time off.
“Ready for some fun?” he asked as he exited the highway.
She turned to him and smiled. “More than you know.”
He wasn’t yet convinced she was all-in on this excursion, but he planned to make it relaxing and entertaining for her.
“Or we could just check in to the hotel and you can nap for twenty-four hours or so.”
She laughed. “I’m sorry I was so quiet. I’ve been in my head.”
“Second thoughts about this trip?”
“No. My grandpa got dumped by his girlfriend, so I’m worried about him.”
Rafe took a right-hand turn, then frowned at her. “I didn’t even know he had a girlfriend.”
“Neither did I. But I guess they met at bingo and have been hanging out for a few months. She’s only been a widow for a couple of years, and she went to visit her son in Texas recently. I get the feeling her son doesn’t approve of her dating.”
“Huh. I imagine that can be tough on kids who lose a parent.”
“I’m sure it is. I just hate to see Grandpa so upset about it. It’s clear he really likes this woman.”
“Did you discuss it with him?”
“Yes. I told him to talk to her, to let her know how he feels about her.”
He nodded. “Good advice.”
He pulled up in front of the hotel and turned off the engine.
Carmen turned to him. “Seriously? This is right on the ocean. And fancy.” Carmen had expected they’d stay a couple of blocks off the beach. Not a place like this. She could hear the sound of the ocean, and all that tension she’d held inside started to melt.
He crooked a smile. “You deserve fancy.”
“But—”
Before she could argue further, he got out of the car and came around to her side to let her out.
“Fancy and expensive, Rafe.”
He held out his hand, and she slid out. “You deserve fancy and expensive. And I hardly ever spend my money on anything fancy and expensive. Besides, it’s only one night.”
She sighed and looked up at the COMO Metropolitan. “Art deco. Gorgeous.”
“Yeah, I thought you might like this one.” He gave his keys to the valet and grabbed their bags.
The interior was white and bright with some old-world charm. It was lovely, with modern touches that made her curious about this place and the entire area.
He gave his name and his credit card at the front desk, then they headed up to their room.
The room was bright and open—and it was a suite, with a living room and a separate bedroom. The walls were a calming seafoam green, and she couldn’t get over the incredible oceanfront views. She wandered into the bathroom, gaping at the deep soaker tub and separate huge shower.
She walked back out and looked at Rafe. “That’s it. I’m never leaving.”
Rafe shrugged. “Okay, but we might have to get different jobs. Like something illegal that pays well so we can afford this room every day.”
She looked around the room again, then out the oversize windows that showcased the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. “Worth it.”
“Come on,” he said with a laugh. “Let’s unpack and go explore.”
She was on board for that. Though she was definitely making a plan to have a bath in that soaker tub later.
They left the hotel and walked down Collins Avenue, taking in the views of several art deco buildings.
“The architecture on these buildings is phenomenal,” she said as they strolled along. “The white guardrails and porthole windows on the hotel make it look like a ship. How cool is that?”
He grasped her hand. “I had no idea you were so interested in architecture.”
“I don’t know that I am. I’m just in love with the art deco design. I love everything about the décor from that time period. When I’m restoring old furniture and I can find an old art deco piece? I’m in heaven.”
“The buildings are nice,” he said as they walked along. “Not sure I’m all-in for pinks or peaches. They’re pretty, but they don’t seem to hold my attention as much as the black and white.”
She nodded, loving that he was engaging with her rather than just along for the walk. “I agree. I’m much more engaged by the stronger tones of black and white, or silver and cream colors. Those pull my attention more than the muted tones.”
They walked the entire route, discussing various aspects of the buildings, then stopped for lunch. They both ordered lobster rolls and had beers to wash them down.
After they ate, they walked back to their hotel and changed into their swimsuits. The day was hot, and the walk had been long, so Carmen was looking forward to lounging by the water.
When they reached the lobby, Rafe looked at her. “Pool or ocean?”
No contest. “Ocean.”
He grinned. “My thoughts exactly.”
Sure, the pool would be nice and much more private, but when you had an entire ocean in front of you to play in, why would you pass that up?
Rafe rented a cabana for them so they could have shade if they wanted it. Carmen pulled off her cover-up, then fished in her tote bag for the sunscreen. She sprayed it on Rafe’s back, happily rubbing the sunscreen onto his muscled back and shoulders. Then, even though he could obviously do it himself, she sprayed it on his smooth chest and rubbed it in.
“That feels good.” He gave her a hot look. “I like your hands on me.”
“I like my hands on you, too.”
“Too bad we’re outside and not up in our room. I’d put my hands all over you.”
She sighed. “Yeah, too bad.”
She turned and lifted her hair up so he could put the sunscreen on her back and shoulders. It definitely took him a while to get the spray rubbed in. Not that she minded in the least.
They settled in on their chairs, and Carmen pulled out the book she’d started the other night. She read for a while, then a hotel waitress came over to see if they wanted drinks.
“I’ll take a mojito,” she said.
Rafe nodded. “Same.”
She went back to her book, a romantic suspense that she was really enjoying a lot. Their server brought their drinks and set them on the table in their cabana. Carmen took a sip. It was tart and sweet and absolutely decadent.
“Feeling a little more relaxed?” Rafe asked.
“Definitely more relaxed. Thank you for suggesting this getaway. If I was at home, I’d be doing laundry and scrubbing toilets.”
“This is a little more fun than scrubbing toilets.”
She laughed and took another sip of her drink, dropped her book into her bag and settled back in her chair. Next thing she knew, she was being jolted awake by the sounds of squealing children. She had no idea how long she’d been asleep. She reached over for her drink, realizing it was empty. Had she finished it, or had Rafe done that? She glanced over and saw that he was lying back in his chair. Was he sleeping? His dark sunglasses covered his eyes, so she didn’t know.
“Rafe. Are you awake?”
“Yeah. Just chillin’.”
Sweat pooled between her breasts and down her back, so she was ready to cool down.
“How about a dip in the water?”
He sat up and straddled the chair. “Let’s go.”
She loved how easygoing he was, how he was always game for anything. He never once balked or said he didn’t want to do something. Was he always this easy, or was he just trying to please her?
Maybe she shouldn’t be so suspicious. He had never once acted like Tod. He wasn’t anything like Tod, so she should stop comparing him to her ex-husband and start treating Rafe like . . . Rafe.
And just have some fun with a hot, sexy, totally nice guy.
Watching Carmen splash around in the ocean made Rafe wish he had a camera on him. She wore a skimpy coral bikini that showed off every inch of her beautiful golden skin, including the globes of her fabulous ass.
She dove into the water and came up, sweeping her hair away from her face and laughing as the waves knocked her back. She was strong, though, and held her own against the force of the ocean. Rafe swam over to her and pulled her into his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist and locked her ankles around his back.
“This feels great,” she said. “I was getting hot.”
“You are hot.”
She laughed and tilted her head back. He let go of her, though her legs stayed wrapped around him. This way she could float in the water without being swept away. He let her drift that way for a while as he dug his feet in the sandy bottom and held on, making sure they both didn’t get dumped by a wave.
When she let go of his back and swam off, he followed. They made their way to shore and sat at the water’s edge, the waves lapping at their feet.
She tilted her head and looked at him. “Are you bored?”
“Bored? No. Why?”
“We’re doing nothing. You strike me as the kind of guy who always has to be doing something.”
“I do?” He laughed. “I’m fine with kicking back. You can’t run all the time. Eventually, you’ll crash.”
“So true.” She pulled her knees to her chest and rested her chin on her knees, staring out over the water. “I go all the time. At work, at home. I never take time to just . . . do nothing. I haven’t taken a vacation in . . . God, I don’t know when the last time was I took a trip or got away.”
Now he was even more glad he’d suggested this. She was wound up tight and needed the downtime. “Then sitting here just watching the water is exactly what you need, isn’t it?”
“I guess it is.” She leaned against him. “Thanks for bringing me here.”
“Thanks for agreeing to come. I know it wasn’t easy for you.”
She sighed. “I worry too much about my grandpa. He even said that to me.”
“He told me that while you were getting ready this morning.”
She straightened and gave him a surprised look. “He did? What did he say?”
“You really want me to tell you?” He probably shouldn’t. She was relaxed, and he wanted her to stay that way.
“Yes, I want you to tell me.”
“He said you spend too much time taking care of him and not enough time taking care of yourself. That you’ve essentially given up your personal life to look after him, so you’re spending twenty-four hours a day being a nurse, and it pisses him off. He wants you to be his granddaughter, not his caretaker.”
“Ouch. I didn’t expect that.” She grimaced.
“He seemed to have some pretty strong opinions about the matter.”
“Clearly. I guess I need to sit down with him and talk about those opinions.”
“He really is stronger than you think he is, Carmen.”
“Maybe he is. Maybe I was so devastated when he had his stroke that I’ve overlooked the strides he’s taken in his recovery. But then he’ll backslide and have some medical crisis and I’ll fall apart all over again.”
He put his arm around her and tugged her close. “I understand what he means to you.”
“He’s everything. He’s all I have left of family.”
“Yeah, but at the same time he’s an adult man who had a medical crisis. And he’s done everything he can to recover from his stroke. He’s gotten stronger, he goes to therapy, he’s even trying to date.”
She shifted to face him. “And you think I’m holding him back.”
“I didn’t say that.”
She paused, studying him. “But you think that I am.”
“It’s not my business to interfere in your relationship with your grandfather, Carmen.”
“I’m asking for your opinion based on your observations.”
He wasn’t sure this was the best conversation to get into when they were supposed to be relaxing and having fun. But he’d opened this can, so he was going to have to spoon out the contents.
“I think you hold him back. That you don’t let him do enough for himself. That you might be hindering his recovery.”
Her lips clamped tightly together, she turned and faced the water. She didn’t say anything for a long time, and he knew he’d pissed her off.
Way to go, Rafe. When would he learn to keep his thoughts to himself on delicate subjects like this?
Though, he’d told Carmen that he was always honest. Didn’t he owe it to her to be honest about this, too?
“You’re right,” she finally said, digging her toes into the wet sand, her gaze focused on the horizon. “I’m too close to my grandfather. I’m afraid he’ll have another stroke, or fall and break something, so I smother him with my attention and my medical knowledge to the point that I’m probably driving him crazy—and in doing so, I’m likely hampering his recovery.”
She finally shifted to face him. “Thank you for being honest with me.”
Okay, so she wasn’t mad. He picked up one of her hands and covered it with both of his. “I think you love your grandfather and you’d do anything to keep him safe. That’s not a bad thing. But yeah, you’re probably too close to the situation and you don’t see that maybe you’ve been keeping him a little too safe.”
“So what do you suggest?”
“Back off a little? Let him handle things on his own, like bathing and cooking and getting himself to bed. My guess is if there are some things he’s uncomfortable doing on his own, he’ll ask you to help him. But giving him some space will go a long way toward making him feel more independent and confident in his abilities.”
She nodded. “You’re right. I’ll start doing that.”
“I think you’ll notice a change in him right away, too.”
“I hope so.” She leaned forward and gave him a soft kiss. “Thank you.”
“Anytime.” He got up and hauled her up to stand. “Now, let’s go clean up and have dinner and some fun tonight.”
She hit him with a bright smile. “I’m so ready for that.”
So was he. He intended to make sure he rocked her socks off tonight.
And he wasn’t just talking about dancing.