PaintedPassion by Tamara Hunter Page B

eat.” Jackson Reed, dark and
handsome, flashed a smile.
    “Welcome back, man.” Jose clapped Carlos on the shoulder.
    Her girlfriends were unusually quiet. Trella looked to find
Selina and Melissa staring toward the door. Following their line of sight,
Trella realized they were both enraptured by Jose. She chuckled. “Fine” was an
understatement when applied to Jose. He bore a resemblance to Dwayne Johnson,
and she’d witnessed people mistake him for the action star several times.
    Trella rose from her seat. “I’m sure I have Carlos to thank
for this surprise. It’s a pleasure seeing you all again.”
    Melissa grinned. “Aren’t you going to introduce us?”
    After the laughter died down, Trella introduced Louis’
former squad members. “Guys, these are my closest friends, Melissa Garrett and
Selina Muniz.” She didn’t miss the flare of interest on Jose’s face as he
appraised Melissa.
    Donovan grasped Trella’s hands in a firm shake. “Happy
birthday. Thanks for allowing us to be here.”
    “Glad to see you smiling again.” Jackson patted her lightly
on the back.
    Jose took her hands and held them a moment before pulling
her into an embrace. “I hope we’re not ruining your evening with unwanted
memories,” he whispered against her ear.
    “As if.” She pulled away. “Thank you.”
    Carlos sidled up next to her. He indicated the children
standing in front of him. “Our two young guests are Maria and Adam, Alfonso’s
grandchildren.”
    She pasted a bright smile on her face for their benefit.
“I’m happy you both came to celebrate with me.”
    Maria moved behind Carlos, burying her face in his slacks.
    Adam grinned, displaying his teeth. “I’m four.”
    Trella couldn’t help smiling at the friendly boy. “Wow. I
wish I were four again.”
    Maria tugged on Carlos’ hand. He immediately scooped her up
in his arms and planted a big kiss on her cheek, earning the child’s laughter
as her chubby arms wrapped around his neck.
    As everyone laughed and enjoyed each other’s company Trella
slipped from the room, retreating to the restaurant’s terrace.
    The children obviously adored Carlos and he them. She
swallowed down a pang of sadness. How had Louis behaved around children? It
pained her she didn’t know the answer. They’d discussed having children, and
when she mentioned she didn’t want them, he had assured her it was fine, and
he’d be happy as long as they had each other.
    She wasn’t surprised to hear the swoosh of the door
opening nor was she surprised to feel hands lifting her hair before settling on
her shoulders. His woodsy scent wafted over her as he stood close enough for
her to feel the heat of his body.
    He kneaded her muscles. “What’s wrong?”
    Her skin tingled at his touch. She shook her head.
    “What’s wrong?” he repeated.
    He eased her around to face him. He stroked her back. She
forced herself to relax, taking deep breaths to ease the clogging of her
windpipe.
    “After Louis, I didn’t think I’d feel happy again,” she
squeaked out.
    His lips flirted with her hairline. “I thought my inviting
the children upset you.”
    She cleared her throat as she eased from his embrace. “Why
would you think I’d be upset about that?”
    “Louis mentioned you didn’t have the best relationship with
your parents.”
    She nodded. “True…but I like children.”
    “Then I’m surprised you two didn’t have any.”
    There it was—the comment designed to invite her to expound
on the subject. Avoiding the unspoken offer to share, she slid a hand down to
clasp one of his. “You’re full of surprises.”
    “Makes life interesting.” He squeezed her arms. “Ready to go
back inside?”
    * * * * *
    The room vibrated with raucous laughter as the women,
sitting at one table, challenged the men to an impromptu game of entertainment
trivia.
    “Name the name of the actress who starred with C. Thomas
Howell in Soul Man ,” Melissa asked.
    Miguel groaned. “Is this