The-Spanish-Love-Deception-www.indianpdf

“Not long enough, if you ask me.” Aaron’s face, one that usually
remained expressionless, opened up. His body seemed to loosen up as he
faced the other man. “How are you, TJ?” I could hear the warmth in his
voice. The familiarity.
“I’ve never been better,” TJ—according to what Aaron had called him—
nodded. “Happy to be back, believe it or not. Damn, I never thought I’d miss
the city.”
A chuckle left me at the exchange, as I was engrossed by this wholly new
and different Aaron in front of me. One who was relaxed—just enough to
almost smile—and joked—barely—with who I assumed was an old friend.
“But—oh, I see your lonely ass has company tonight. Hi.” TJ
straightened, a toothy grin taking over his face. He was probably around
Aaron’s age, give or take. His frame was just as wide and almost as tall. His
brown eyes took me in with an interest that caught me by surprise. I didn’t
think it was interest in me, nope. He seemed to mirror my own fascination
with Aaron having someone by his side. “Aren’t you going to introduce me,
Big A? Where are your manners?” He elbowed Aaron in the ribs.
Aaron didn’t even flinch at the friendly shove, remaining the immovable
wall that he usually was; he was Big A after all, a nickname I’d make sure to
query about later. Those lips that I had seen pouting just a few minutes ago
opened, but they did too late.
“Fine. I can introduce myself to the lady,” Aaron’s friend said, not giving
him a chance to do so himself. He stretched out his hand. “Tyrod James. A
pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
I heard a noise coming from Aaron. Something very close to his earlier
snort.
“TJ for those lucky enough to call me a friend.” His grin widened.
Taking his hand, I shook it with a light laugh. “It’s very nice to meet you.
I’m Catalina Martín, but please, call me Lina.”
TJ’s warm palm held my hand, head slanted. “And what brings you here,
Lina?”
I shot Aaron a quick glance, hesitating as to what to say. Then, my gaze
returned to TJ, who waited for an answer that should have come far more
easily than this.
Smiling awkwardly and not having any idea what to say, I gave Aaron
another sideways glance and opened my mouth. “I … erm—”
Aaron intervened. Finally. “TJ and I were teammates in Seattle.” He