Love In Strange Places Read Free

our truce still on?” He twirled her around.
    She followed his lead flawlessly. “I didn’t know you could dance so well.”
    “There are a lot of things you don’t know about me.” He said, as he dipped her and then brought her up. “Why are you back with that Dean character?”
    “I’m not back with him. We’re just friends with benefits.” He spun her around. “I get an itch and he scratches it, plain and simple.”
    Andrew started gently scratching her back, giving her goose bumps. “What are you doing?” Sherry asked, giggling. “You’re tickling me.”
    “Scratching your itch.” He said, with a deep, naughty voice, continuing to scratch her back.
    She looked up at him, and what she saw scared her it looked like desire. “If you don’t stop, I’m going to think you’re flirting with me.”
    He slowed his tempo and leaned down to her ear. “What if I am?” he whispered, making her shiver. He pulled her as close as he could. “If I were you, I would be careful around me.”
    “Why?” She whispered.
    “Forget I said anything.” Andrew now stared straight into her eyes. “Wait, I take that back. I meant what I said.”
    Oh God, those eyes. I wonder if he can see what he’s doing to me . They continued dancing in silence.
    Someone cleared his throat and tapped Andrew’s shoulder. “May I cut in?” Dean took the opportunity to glare at Andrew.
    He scratched her back one more time and released her. “Remember what I said.” Without another word, he stepped off the dance floor.
    Dean grabbed her waist and began dancing. “What was that about?”
    She stopped watching Andrew and gave Dean her attention. “Nothing. We were just talking about the kids.” She said, placing her hands on his shoulder. She could still smell Andrew’s cologne. What the hell is wrong with me?
    “What’s the deal with that dude? He’s nothing like Matt.” He looked down at her.
    “I don’t know what you mean.”
    “Matt seems like a good guy, but he’s brother looks like he has an issue with me.”
    “Huh…Dean, he doesn’t know you.”
    “It’s just the way he shook my hand.”
    “You’re reading too much into it. He acts like that until he gets to know you.” Sherry said glancing Andrew’s way.
     
***
     
    Andrew, Matt, their father Javier, and their uncle Victor all stood together, posing for a picture. They all wore black designer tuxes and had three things in common—they were all over six feet tall, they shared the same olive skin color, and they all had piercing green eyes. But the older Johnston’s had silver-and-black hair. Matt’s was black and Andrew’s brown. Watching the photo being taken was like watching a Spanish model magazine.
    “This day is so bittersweet.” Mr. Johnston said with tears in his eyes. “Today I married this beautiful woman.” He said, taking Maria’s hand in his and kissing it. She was a Columbian in her early fifties, with black-and-gray hair and hazel eyes. She wore a long, flowing ivory dress. “But I’m also saying goodbye to my two boys, my daughter-in-law, and grandkids.” He said, looking over at his family, this time with tears running down his cheeks. He had been offered a job out of the state, and couldn’t refuse. “Sons, I’m so proud of the men you both turned out to be, and I know if your mother was alive, she would feel the same.” He took a deep breath. “Even though I will not be here, if you ever need me I’ll come running.”
    Andrew and Matt hugged their dad. “ Te amo .” Andrew said.
    His dad hugged him tighter. “ Los amo mas .”
    “Dad, I’m going to miss you.” Matt said, getting emotional. “I love you.”
    “Me too.” Their dad leaned away. “Andrew, can we have a moment?”
    Andrew and his dad walked away from the others.
    “Yes, Dad?”
    “ Hijo .” His dad said, placing his hands on his son’s shoulders. “It’s time for you to find a good woman and settle down. I want you to be happy.”
    “Dad, I