Page 84 of Fool Me Twice

I took a slow breath and read between the lines. She understood that if I yelled at Sebastián it would only serve to push him away again.

“Yes,” I agreed. “Let’s go home, son.”

CHAPTER25

RODRIGO

As dawn broke across the city, I sat in the backyard with a cup of coffee in hand. The night had been long, and I had the throbbing headache to prove it.

Still, I hadn’t slept a wink.

It had taken twice as long to return to the car with Sebastián in tow, and once we’d gotten home I had put him to bed right away. I had still wanted to lecture him, but on Georgia’s advice I held back.

She was wise. Wiser than I would ever be. It was no wonder that we were falling apart in this house.

I had meant my promise on the mountain, though. I would do better. I would be the man the both of them needed.

My phone rang, and I glanced at the screen to see Lucas was calling.

“Hello?” I answered.

“How is he?”

Running my hands across my tired eyes, I studied the house. “Sleeping.”

Word had spread fast about Sebastián’s running away. It had taken a while to get everyone caught up on his return, and I was still getting messages about it.

“That’s good,” Lucas said. “Did he say anything about why he ran away?”

I blew out a heavy breath. “He didn’t have to. It was because of me.”

Lucas didn’t respond, which, in its own way, was a punch to the gut. Obviously, he required no sort of explanation.

“I made a mistake.” Leaning forward, I rubbed my forehead. “All Sebastián ever wanted from me was the truth.”

“All anyone ever wanted from you was the truth,” Lucas said. “And yet you wouldn’t provide that. The only reason you didn’t lie to me was because you couldn’t.”

I cringed. “And yet you stuck around. I don’t know why. I have been an awful friend.”

“I wouldn’t go that far. You’ve made some mistakes, but you have a good heart. You’re always there when people need you.”

“I don’t know how I’ll fix this, Lucas. Georgia isn’t saying much, but I’m not an idiot. It is only a matter of time before she walks out the door and I never see her again.”

“You’re serious about her?” Lucas asked.

“Yes,” I said with zero hesitation. “She is the only woman in the world for me.”

“What would you do to keep her?”

“Anything.”

“I’m not a mind reader, Rodrigo, but I am pretty sure all you need is to be honest.”

I chewed my bottom lip. “That’s what I’m doing now. I worry it won’t be enough, though.”

“You can’t know until you try it.”

“Yes.” Sighing, I pinched the bridge of my nose.