Free Armando Returns (Barboza Brothers) by Reeni Austin Page A

other way and his hand covered the side of his face as if he were trying to hide himself from view. A man with a familiar silhouette. Is that...? No, it couldn’t be...
    Again, the attendant asked, “Sir?”
    Cara grabbed his arm. “Victor? You okay?”
    “ Um...” Victor let out a concerned sigh, then said, “ Querida , will you please wait for me in the lobby of the hotel? I just remembered something.” He cut her off as she opened her mouth to protest. “I promise I’ll explain later. Please, darling.” He cupped both of his hands around one of hers. “Just relax in the lobby for a moment. I’ll come get you and escort you into the restaurant. I’ll only be a few minutes.”
    “ Uh,” Cara’s eyebrows furrowed. “Sure, I guess?”
    Victor leaned forward to give her cheek a quick peck. “I can see I’m confusing you. I just want us to have a special evening tonight. It’ll make sense later.” He nodded to the attendant. “Could you please see her inside the hotel lobby for me?”
    The attendant nodded and stepped forward. “Absolutely, sir. Right this way, ma’am.”
    Victor waited until their backs were turned before rolling his eyes in frustration. This evening was carefully planned to go off without a hitch, and now it seemed to be falling apart. He turned toward the parking lot and broke into a sprint, heading toward the blue SUV on the front row. The man inside was still turned away from him, covering his face, but Victor would know him anywhere.
    Victor knocked on the window. “Armando!” Knock, knock, knock . “Armando! What are you doing here?”
    Armando grunted, then muttered, “Shit,” before turning to face his brother. When their eyes met, Armando took a deep breath, hesitantly opened his door, and stepped out.
    In momentary disbelief, Victor looked him up and down before pulling him into a quick embrace. Then he stepped back, his hands on Armando ’s shoulders. This was the first time he had seen him in nearly a year. Armando was dressed nicely in a crisp Armani suit, similar to the one Victor wore. From first glance, Armando appeared normal. But his expression was sobering. The color had drained from his face, and there were deep bags under his eyes. Victor shook him a little, staring at him with concern. “What the hell, man? Did you come here the other night after I told you I met Katie? It sounded like you ran out to your car when we were on the phone.”
    Armando ’s voice was scratchy from not speaking in several hours. “You weren’t supposed to see me.”
    “ Well, I’m glad I did. You look terrible. Tell me what’s goin’ on.” Victor gave his arm a soft smack. “Come on. You’re worrying me.”
    “ Damn it.” Armando cleared his throat. “Just go back and pretend you didn’t see me. You’re gonna propose to Cara in there, right?”
    “ Yes, but we’re a little early.” Victor turned his wrist to see the time. “I got exactly five minutes before my reservation officially starts. Seriously, talk to me. I’m worried.”
    “ I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to derail your plans. Guess I should’ve hidden myself a little better. Come on inside.” Armando opened his door and sat down.
    Victor instantly rushed around to the other side of the car and slid into the front passenger seat. He waited for Armando to continue, but instead, his brother stared straight ahead with a blank look. Victor said, “Please start talking. I’ll be distracted and worried about you the rest of the evening unless you tell me what’s wrong.”
    In a weak voice, Armando said, “It’s hard to explain.”
    “ I can see that.” Victor waited as Armando hesitated once again. “Why don’t you start with how long you’ve been here?”
    “ You mean, in the parking lot?”
    “ That too, I guess. But I meant, when did you leave L.A.?”
    In a flat tone, Armando said, “I got here yesterday morning. The day after you called.”
    Victor ’s jaw dropped. “And you didn’t tell