Read Rafael (The Santiago Brothers Book One) Page 20
****
His mother, the matchmaker.
Rafa couldn’t believe his ears when his mother had asked him to invite Genie over for lunch. Dissuading his mother in her scheme proved to be an impossible task. He tried in vain to convince her that his only focus must be the case: nothing could deter him from stopping Huera and Montenegro. A woman was the last thing he needed on his mind.
But the woman across the table from him — the one with her eyes closed, her lips pursed in pleasure over his mom’s fajitas — she stirred something in him he never imagined possible. Since returning to the faith that was introduced to him by his mother when he was a boy, he spent his energy focusing not on women, but on making something of himself, to make his mother proud. He had set his goal and he'd accomplish it.
But now… Now his armor was cracking and the one responsible couldn’t stop smiling or complimenting his mother’s cooking.
His mother. The one woman who promised to support him no matter what was a determined conspirator. Since he began working on the case with Genie, his mother couldn’t stop talking about his lovely partner. The woman he loved to rile had left his ego bruised and his mind exhausted with efforts on how to better appeal to her. His mother claimed to have some inkling or woman’s intuition, but an inkling of what he refused to contemplate. Whether or not he protested the set-up, Genie would be right where she is now and so would he. He glanced at his mother’s cheerful face as she took another forkful of rice, which he considered better than any “authentic” restaurant. He shook his head in wonder. She was something else.
“Well, Rafael told me you two have some casework to discuss so if you need me, I’ll be in the living room.”
Rafa watched as she stood with her plate and glass. She winked. Rafa smirked. “Thanks, Mamá. Lunch was great as always.”
“Yes, Mrs. Santiago, everything was wonderful. I think I’ll be stuffed all week.”
His mother giggled with pleasure. “Thank you, dear. There’s plenty left, so keep eating.” Then she disappeared into the other room.
Rafa focused his attention on Genie, who was no longer smiling. In fact, she looked uncomfortable. Had she guessed this lunch had been a subtle set-up? Genie’s eyes darted to his, and then down to her plate. She forked a few pieces of rice around her plate, avoiding eye contact. Then she took a long drink of homemade sweet tea and cleared her throat. If he read her correctly, then he guessed how she felt. Ever since their first meeting in the lieutenant’s office, something electric hummed between them, and it steadily grew. And neither of them knew what to do about it.
He’d kill it, if necessary. The closer he and Genie got to solving the case, the more dangerous it would become. He thought about his prior connection to the Snakes. He left the organization behind, but if he continued to disrupt their activities, the protection afforded him would disappear. Being home with his mother also put her in danger. His whole family could end up on the coroner’s slab.
He searched Genie’s face. The image of her cold, colorless, and eyes devoid of a soul shook him to his core.
The curls she drew back slowly fell around her shoulders like a wave of dark chocolate. Her bright yellow blouse complemented her honey-toned skin. What was she to him? More than his partner? “Are we on for the surveillance tonight? The sooner, the better. I’m free, as you know.” He searched her eyes for any hint she’d be eager to join him, but what gazed back were the eyes of a seasoned detective, adept at controlling her emotions. “We can start tonight if you want.”
“Sounds like a plan. I just have to run home and pick up a few things,” she answered in a businesslike tone. Genie stood, pushing her chair underneath the table.
Rafa shot to his feet as well. “Alright. Mamá? We’re leaving.”
Mrs. Santiago bustled in from the next room, her eyes wide with surprise and — disappointment? “So soon? Did you two talk? Is everything okay?”
“Mamá…” Rafa struggled to hold in his exasperation.
“Everything is fine, Mrs. Santiago.” Genie moved to lay a reassuring hand on the older woman’s shoulder and then leaned in for a hug. “Lunch was fantastic. You make it difficult to go to a restaurant.”
Mrs. Santiago smiled and took Genie’s hands between her own. “You know you are always welcome here. Isn’t she, hijo?”
Rafa caught his mother’s knowing look and gave her a smirk. “Of course, Mamá.” He allowed Genie to step in front of him as they walked toward the front door.
When they reached the vehicle, he opened her door. He braced himself for a rebuke, but received a shy smile instead.
“Thank you,” Genie said softly. Her caramel cheeks warmed and appreciation shone from her eyes.
The words nearly stuck in his throat, but he managed to release them. “You’re welcome.”
After he secured her door, he walked around the back of the car so she couldn’t see his grin.