Remembering the way Felipa looked at Gerald during the party at the hacienda, she frowned.
Did you tell her Gerald was here?
"Not specifically, but I think she knows, why?"
Carmen sighed. "I think Gerald is the draw."
He eyed her for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Not as far as I know," he finally said, and then shrugged. "But, if you think she'll harass your guests …"
"Harass?" She parroted. It hadn't occurred to her, but Gerald might feel trapped. On the other hand, maybe he would enjoy her company - certainly Rob would and that would take his attention off Jenny. In fact, a young single girl might be exactly what they needed to inject more interest in the tour - and Felipa was an excellent rider.
She shrugged. "Well, I don't think anyone would consider her a nuisance. In any case, I wouldn't want to stand in the way of romance."
His brows lifted, but he said nothing. He copied something off the computer screen into a journal.
Carmen sighed. "Actually, I could use more help."
He glanced up at her, closing the journal.
"Do you want me to make arrangements?"
She hesitated, unsure of his intent. "Do you mean flight arrangements?"
He smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Yes. I'll let you handle the rest."
She laughed. "I think I'll let that part happen or not happen naturally."
He chuckled, turning back to his computer and shutting it down. He stood and stepped around the desk, reaching for her. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her on the lips. Then he whispered against her neck.
"I think it's bed time."
She circled her arms around his neck and released a sigh of contentment.
"Thank goodness."
He chuckled. "Are they all running you ragged?"
She drew back and looked at his face. "I think I'm allergic to you."
His brows lifted. "How's that?"
She grinned. "Every time I get close to you, my heart beats faster."
He chuckled again. "Well then, we must be delightfully allergic to each other."
Felipa arrived on Friday, which was a relief for Carmen because she was beginning to realize three weeks was a long time to entertain guests. They had planned a barbeque for entertainment, but as it turned out, Felipa provided all the entertainment they needed. Friday night the weather was warm and clear. Felipa was her usual bubbly self and everyone from the twins to the guests was enjoying her antics. Still, Carmen was surprised when Felipa, Aaron and Rob decided to go for a moonlight walk. Even more surprising was the fact that Gerald didn't seem to mind being left behind. Maybe she had imagined a relationship that night in Texas.