Love Arranged (Lakefront Billionaires, #3)(36)

I fall back on my bed with an unceremonious oomph. “You’re still giving me the option? Why?”

“Because we’re a team, whether we like it or not. That means I have to trust that you’ll make the best choice for us, even if it feels like the wrong one for you right now.”

I hate him for making sense—but not nearly as much as I hate myself for the flutter in my stomach at him using the word we.




Despite my conversation with Lorenzo, I still question everything when my mom leaves the house without giving me a hug goodbye. I didn’t even find out she went to Mass until Josefina sent us a text in the Lopez-Mu?oz group chat letting us know that it went on longer than usual, so Sunday lunch is going to be pushed back an hour.

I’ve never felt more disconnected from my family, and the recent Kids’ Table texts I missed adds to the growing emotional divide between us.

RAFA

I come back home and less than 24 hours later there’s already drama?

JULIAN

If you’re referring to Lily’s secret relationship with Lorenzo, then yes, it’s true.

RAFA

Shit.

RAFA

Does that mean we’re supposed to be nice to him now?

JULIAN

Nope. Carry on like usual.

DAHLIA

Julian. We talked about this.

Okay, at least my sister is trying to help me out.

JULIAN

No. You talked about it. I only listened and decided I’m not being nice just because Lily likes him.

RAFA

It could be a good test.

JULIAN

Exactly. Let’s see if he has what it takes to fit in with us.

RAFA

I meant for you, not him.

JULIAN

And what am I being tested on exactly?

RAFA

I’m curious how long it takes before you throw the first punch.

JULIAN

I’d never lay a hand on another person.

RAFA

Wanna bet?

Dahlia responds with a face-palm emoji.

Since everyone is ragging on Lorenzo, I decide the most girlfriend thing I can do is jump to his defense.


ME

Don’t you dare punch my boyfriend. You hear me?

JULIAN

I’d only be doing you a favor since that broken nose of his could use some realignment.

And my mom thinks I’m disappointing?

Filled with instant rage, I become a keyboard warrior, rapid-fire texting without thinking twice about divulging something Laurence once told me during one of our midnight conversations.


ME

Oh, you mean the fracture he got after his uncle punched him in the face and never got him proper medical attention?

Lorenzo would kill me if he knew I told Julian, Rafa, and Dahlia about that story, but I rarely get this angry, so I don’t know how to process the feeling before acting on instinct.

My phone vibrates, so I check what else my family has to say.

RAFA

Well. I don’t know about Julian, but I feel like a dick, and I didn’t even comment on his nose.

JULIAN

Of course I feel like a dick.

JULIAN

I had no idea his uncle hit him.


ME

For the record, next time you question why I kept our entire relationship a secret, refer to this chat.

Everyone might still be upset with me for my lies, and their emotions are valid, but I’m putting my foot down. Either they can accept that this relationship is happening or they can learn to live with my absence.

I exit the Kids’ Table group chat and open up a new message from Willow.

WILLOW

Hey, hey! How do you feel about Italian food?

ME

If I ever say no to wanting some, please alert the authorities because I must’ve been kidnapped.

WILLOW

HAHA. Will do!!

WILLOW

Do you want to meet up at Lorenzo’s for a late lunch and strategize?

I never skip a Sunday lunch, in part because I have nothing better to do, but the idea of sitting at a table with my family after everything feels like too much.

ME

Sure. Tell me the time and I’ll be there.




Lorenzo’s house reminds me of Julian’s, most likely because it was built by Lopez Luxury prior to Julian restoring older homes with Dahlia. I won’t deny that the mid-century modern mansion is a work of art, full of sharp lines and glass windows that showcase design elements inspired by the 1950s.

It’s stunning, grandiose, and lacking in personality given the limited desert landscaping, but it’s still breathtaking to those who appreciate this kind of aesthetic. I’d much rather have a little bungalow like Willow’s any day of the week, with painted siding, a wraparound porch, a bee sanctuary, and a garden with unlimited access to flowers, but hey, if Lorenzo enjoys a house to match his cold heart, then it’s his money. He should do whatever he wants with it.

Speaking of the devil, Lorenzo opens the door in nothing but a black T-shirt and jeans. It’s rare to see him looking so casual, and the sight of his thick arms and the faintest hint of abs test my heart rate.

“Ran out of clean suits to wear?” I say coolly as I step inside, only to lose my footing when I glance at his entry table.

I’ve never had the nerve to ask Lorenzo what he does with the flowers he orders, and I’ve spent way too many hours wondering why he bothered if he clearly wasn’t dating anyone. Or at least that’s what I told myself to feel better about making his bouquets because there is no way I would’ve fulfilled the order any other way.