Their relationship ever since she’d reached out to be a part of his life consisted of one or two monthly visits like today. But Eric kept them short. Even when she’d invited him to come stay with her for a few weeks in the summer or to take a trip with her, he’d always politely declined.

Romero stood up, downing the last of his soda. He tossed the bag of chips on the coffee table. For some reason, Eric felt the need to avoid eye contact with Romero. His knotted up stomach churned. It was out there. Someone knew now, and it was just a matter of time before he had to deal with her brothers.

“Listen, Romero. About Sofie—”

“Don’t worry. I’m not gonna say anything,” he scoffed. “Are you f**king kidding me? You really think I wanna be the one to tell those guys?” He shook his head. “Nope. No thanks, but I’m telling you, Eric, you better watch yourself. This shit has bad news written all over it.”

Eric eyeballed him as he finished putting on his watch. He didn’t need Romero to point that thunderous fact out.

He called Sofia before leaving to assure her Romero wasn’t going to say anything. He only prayed Romero wouldn’t say something when he was drunk.

*

Things were going fine. Sofia and Eric had slipped into a comfortable enough routine. Angel had become so distracted with Sarah, he appreciated the fact th Kd trip witat Eric was so willing to help him out driving Sofia around. Then suddenly, and very dramatically, Angel broke things off with Sarah. She was supposed to have gone back to Arizona after the New Year anyway, but just before Christmas, Angel found out about the guy waiting for her back home and it was over.

He’d been in a completely black mood ever since. Sofia felt bad for him. Even though Sarah was no longer around, his distraction continued. Never once did he question why Eric was over so much.

Their parents were gone the week after Christmas. Every year they took off to Mexico after Christmas and didn’t come back until after the New Year. At the last minute, Alex put together a party for New Year’s Eve. Sofia didn’t even know about it until she got home that night after closing up the restaurant with Sal, who’d come home for the holidays.

Excited about a party, Sofia ran to her room to change. She’d borrowed the cutest blouse from Sarah months earlier and hadn’t had a chance to wear it. All done up, she went downstairs, excited about Eric seeing her in it. He wasn’t there yet, but Alex took one look at her and made her go change. As usual, Sofia was so mad she was close to tears. Just because it was a backless top, and he was having some of his college friends over. He was ridiculous.

After changing into one of her boring tops, because she owned nothing sexy, she went back downstairs. As it turned out, even her boring top was enough to drive Eric crazy. No sooner than she leaned against him behind the bar in the garage where the guys were playing pool, did he pull away.

“Stop,” he whispered.

She giggled. All three of her brothers were engrossed in the game. The girls Alex talked to were so silly, Sofia could barely believe they were in college. Their obvious attempts of turning her brothers on were almost funny. Angel, of course, was oblivious to them. She was surprised he hadn’t just called it a night and went upstairs, in the mood he was in.

Alex clicked the channel on the television that hung in the corner of the garage. They were getting ready for the countdown to the New Year. Romero said he wanted to watch it on the big screen inside. Sofia pulled Eric’s arm. “C’mon, lets go with him. I have to see this in there. It’s way bigger.”

None of her brothers even flinched when they heard her tell Romero to wait up for her and Eric. Once inside, they’d barely closed the kitchen door behind them and Sofia was all over Eric.

Eric didn’t disappoint, with a hunger that matched her own. But he was always being cautious. They didn’t even follow Romero into the front room. They heard the countdown, then cheering and the music started. Eric took a few steps backward, finally stopping when he had no choice and leaned against the sink.

She could feel him now through his pants, but he kept stopping to check if anyone was watching. Finally, he gave in and took her mouth in his, devouring her tongue completely. Her insides went wild.

The back door opened. “What the f**k!”

Sofia spun around, shielding Eric from a very enraged Alex. He charged at Eric, “You’re kissing my little sister?”

Sofia put her hand up in an attempt to hold him back. “It was just a New Year’s kiss.”

S>

“I don’t give a shit.” Alex’s voice got louder with every word. “You don’t kiss my sister like that. What the f**k’s wrong with you?”

Angel had walked in right after Alex, but hadn’t seen them kissing. He tried jumping in front of Alex. “Hold on, Alex. Like how?

“It was just for New Year’s, Alex. Relax,” Eric insisted.

Even more enraged by that, Alex reached over Sofia and grabbed Eric by the shirt. “I know what I saw, f**ker. Sofia move!”

Sofia didn’t budge. Instead she pushed Alex back with both hands. Sal had rushed in from outside and between him, Angel and Sofia they managed to hold Alex back. Eric slipped away from behind Sofia and headed to the door.

“What the hell, Alex?” Angel asked. “Wait, Eric.”

Eric didn’t even slow down.

“No. I want him out!” Alex roared.

After Alex swore to beat Eric’s ass if he ever saw him around Sofia again, Angel turned to Sofia. “How was he kissing you?”