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

anyone? You should’ve come to the ranch.”
    “ No.” Armando gave him a quick glance. “I haven’t figured out what I’m gonna do yet.”
    “ When are you going back to L.A.?”
    “ No idea.”
    “ Okay, then. Come out to the ranch tomorrow. You can finally meet the woman who’ll hopefully be my fiancee after tonight.” Victor chuckled. “And you can explain to me why you’re so worked up about this Katie girl.”
    Armando gritted his teeth and hit the steering wheel with his palm. “Shit! See, that’s why I didn’t wanna tell you about it. I knew you wouldn’t understand.”
    Victor softened his voice. “Sorry, man. Didn’t mean to upset you. Did you come here to talk to her? You want her back?”
    Armando groaned. “Haven’t spoken to her yet.”
    “ Want me to talk to her for you? Tell her you’re here?” Victor watched as thoughts quietly passed across Armando’s face. He had never seen him like this before. “Maybe she wants to talk to you, too.”
    “ No. I need to do this myself.” Armando faced Victor. “I really wish you hadn’t seen me out here. I don’t want your help. I’ll be just fine. Go on back to the restaurant and propose to your girlfriend. Please.”
    “ Okay. But promise me you’ll come out to the ranch tomorrow, for lunch.”
    “ I don’t know...”
    “ Come on. I want you to meet Cara and Isaac.” Victor narrowed his eyes at Armando and gave his arm a playful slap. “Don’t make me track you down and drag you out there myself.”
    “ All right.” With a light shrug, Armando added, “I’ll be there tomorrow.”
    “ Good. Where’ve you been staying?”
    With reluctance, Armando casually gestured toward the hotel across the street.
    Victor nodded. “I hope you’ll think about staying at the ranch instead. It’s been too long since I had my two brothers with me under one roof.”
    Armando nearly grinned. “I know. I’ll think about it.”
    “ Good.” Victor peered thoughtfully in his brother’s eyes. “Let me know if I can do anything to help. But I should leave now before Cara thinks I forgot about her.”
    “ Okay. Good luck tonight.”
    Victor gave Armando one last slap on the shoulder, then exited the car and headed across the street.
     
     
     

* * * * *
    Cara sat in the hotel lobby, her eyes fixed on the entrance. What in the world was taking Victor so long? He had been acting a little strange for days, but she chalked it up to being back on his home turf for the first time in a while. San Antonio had more of a city feel, but the small town of Turnbrook—where the ranch was located—felt much slower and more laid back. Cara had lived in urban areas like Chicago and Newark for most of her li fe, and if she felt like a fish out of water, she imagined Victor might feel the same way.
    But there was something different in the air tonight. Victor had presented her with a brand new diamond necklace and helped her pick out the dress she was wearing. He was always full of surprises, never telling her where they were going until they got there. Maybe it would all make sense once they entered the restaurant.
    Cara was just about to go outside and look for him when finally, he appeared outside the glass door and pushed his way in. She instantly grabbed her purse and stood. Oh, he’s so gorgeous in that suit. Heck, he’s gorgeous in anything, or nothing at all. How did I get so lucky?
    Victor rushed to her, taking her hand and kissing it. “I’m so sorry, amor . I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.”
    “ It’s okay.” Smiling, Cara tucked a lock of her blond hair behind her ear. “I’m glad you’re here now. I already missed you.”
    He slid his arms around her. “I missed you too.” Softly, he kissed her lips then pulled back, smiling. “I was afraid you’d grow impatient and ask for our table without me. But I’m so glad you didn’t. I love to make an entrance with you.”
    Cara felt a warmth rush to her cheeks as she took his hand.