Page 42 of Twisted Beauty

“Anyway, a lot of the street art around here is popular on social media, especially Instagram and Pinterest,” Matt said. “The right type of mural could bring some great tourist traffic to a shop like Tito’s.”

“I thought you hated tourists.”

Matt raised one brow. “Only the American ones.”

Liv rolled her eyes at him and stood to gather the empty plates and glasses. She’d had two huge helpings while they talked, and needed to stop herself from reaching for more. Best tamales she’d ever had.

“Siéntate,” Tito said. “You’re guest.”

“An uninvited one. And a grateful one.” Liv placed a hand gently on Tito’s forearm. “Let me at least help with the dishes.”

Matt took the plates from her hands and set them in the sink. “You look tired, Tito. Can I help you to the couch?”

Tito swiped a hand in the air. “No, I go myself.”

“Stubborn,” Matt muttered under his breath.

Liv had to agree. So when Tito pushed back his chair, she got up to join him. She grabbed the napkin that fell off his lap and set it on the table. “Is it okay if I come with you?”

When he nodded, she took his arm and walked with him to the couch.

After he was safely seated, she sat down next to him. “Thank you, Tito. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this. You have a lovely home.”

Tito patted her arm. “Next time, Mateo cook.”

Liv smiled but felt a small lump in her throat. She couldn’t imagine a scenario where there’d be a next time she’d be up here enjoying a meal like this. Assuming the storm had run its course, she needed to get back to Katie's.

“You might want to see this, Liv,” Matt said from a window in the living room that looked out over the street below. “There won’t be any taxis out there today.”

No taxis? Was he kidding? She jumped up and joined Matt at the window. The clouds were so dark, the sky looked like dusk even though it was early afternoon. Sheets of rain poured sideways, and water flowed along the street like a river, close to reaching the sidewalk. In a place where the curbs were at least six inches tall, that was saying something.

“Holy shit.” She had no idea storms were like this here, or what to do about it. She certainly wasn’t getting back to Katie’s anytime soon. And she couldn’t stay here. Tito had already been so generous.

“Don’t take this the wrong way,” Matt said, “because I still think you’re a huge pain in the ass. Almost as bad as Kat. But my place is a short walk from here and I have a guest room. You’re welcome to stay with me. If we hurry, we can get there before the sidewalks flood too.”

Liv looked at him, sure he was kidding. But his expression was somber, maybe even annoyed. He was inviting her to his home? There was no way that would work for her. No way in hell. They’d kill each other. Or sleep together. Possibly both, though probably not in that order.

He must have seen something in her face, because his features softened. “Are you afraid you can’t trust me? Because I promise you, you’re safe with me.”

“Um—” She couldn’t exactly admit that it wasn’t him she didn’t trust. Because what if she lost her mind again and jumped him? She’d done it once already.

When she didn’t continue, he smiled and leaned toward her to whisper in her ear. “Unless you’re afraid you can’t resist me.”

She backed away and folded her arms across her chest, glaring at him. “You’re a piece of work.” She took a breath and dropped her arms. “But thank you, yes. I’d like to come with you if you really don’t mind.”

“Good. But we’d better go soon, or we’ll be stuck sharing Tito’s couch tonight.”

Right. Because she’d totally survive a night curled up on the couch without touching him. “Okay. I’m ready when you are.”

“Wait here for a second,” Matt said, and ran downstairs.

Liv pulled out her phone to let Katie know where she was, though she had no idea what kind of response she’d get. When they’d talked after the party, Katie hadn’t exactly forgiven Matt for kicking them out of Tito’s shop, even though he’d apologized to her too. So this might not go over well.

She typed out a text. Stuck in the storm. Staying at Matt’s tonight. He has a guest room, so don’t freak out.

The little dots danced on her screen and then stopped, but no message. Was Katie still that pissed? Finally, her phone dinged with a reply.

Bow chicka bow wow.