SIGNED AND SEALED; Still falling

wide, memories floo

Monto

tered. He gave her a

not even ready," she murmured,

at indifference in his voice. "Last

d be like to have dinner with the Montoyas again. Their territor

nt to tell him about Javier.

r, poured himself a glass, leaned against the wal

her chest. But there were more pressi

ally, voice calm, almost dismissiv

red. "Am I?" she said, leaning back

"Fear rarely helps," he said quietly

, a flicker of something, and for a second

oftly. "Complications make things intere

f his mouth, barely there. "You're d

k me," she said, catching his eyes aga

m. Two people thinking differe

he murmured, breaking it, and wa

er go. Almost laugh

nking about it. Alejandro reached past her for a water bottle and for a

d me," she said, testing the air. "

to hers on the counter and she saw it again, that t

he said finally. Clipped

e. "I've survived harder things than qu

e was taking the measure of somethi

ements, no wasted motion. The silence between them wasn't uncomfortab

-

far away. Catalina leaned against the railing and looked o

," he said. Al

ng a little further over the e

t away. When he did h

It's dangerous sometimes." His jaw tightened and she noti

ad, curious, gently pr

the night air for a momen

meant to be felt that deeply

ly, like she was trying

it again, that softness she

his is just a transaction." R

she hated it, Catalina wanted to be wrapped up in his arms right t

ntract. Love was nev

aid, and leaning in, pressed