Law #2: Don't Play with a Player: A Sweet Office Romance Story (Laws of Love) by Agnes Canestri (web ebook reader .txt) 📕

Since I can’t act on my jealousy, I shake his hand. “Thank you for the reminder, but I know Laia is a gem.”

My comment earns me a smile from Laia, and her cheeks darken a shade more.

“So, Brian,” I clear my throat, “are these your children?”

“Yes, they are. This one”—he pats the cheek of the girl in his arms—“is Sandy and that other trouble maker is Mila.”

“They’re adorable,” I say politely. Truth be told, the two little monkeys look extremely cute, but the fact that their father is seeing the same woman I desire makes it impossible for me to engage with them.

“What are you doing here, Devon?” Laia asks.

Her voice has a suspicious edge, which makes me shift my weight and square my shoulders.

I point at my sneakers. “I decided to jog. You know, to keep in shape. This park is amazing for a run.”

“Ah, really?” Brian chimes in. “I thought the trails were better at Encanto.”

“Are you an expert on running locations?” My timbre comes out slightly harsh, but Brian doesn’t seem to make much of it. Maybe because little Sandy distracts him by pulling on his ear.

“I’m sorry it took so long, guys!” A soprano interrupts us.

It belongs to a short woman who has Laia’s dark hair color and a similar shade of skin. She trudges towards us with both of her arms stretched out and goes straight to the child sitting on the blanket. She picks her up and starts planting kisses on the kid’s neck.

“Did you miss mommy, Mila baby? Huh, did you?” Then, as if she’s just realized I’m here, she turns to me. “Oh, hi, I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Alicia Flores. And you are?”

Brian throws a warning glance at the woman. “Ali love, this is Devon Griffin. Laia’s boss.”

I stare at them, dumbfounded. “Flores? You’re Laia’s sister? And Brian is…”

Alicia smiles at me. “Yes, my husband.”

My chest expands with relief, and I’m finally able to hold my shoulders without feeling like an elephant is crushing my trapezius muscles.

So Laia’s mystery date isn’t really a date…it’s her brother-in-law.

Best. News. Ever.

I exercise superb self-control and stop myself from pumping my fist in the air and screaming a triumphant “yes.”

I beam at Alicia. “It’s lovely to meet you.”

Laia holds out her arms to Alicia. “Want to give Mila to me? You and Brian will never get your list done if you don’t leave now.”

Alicia and Brian exchange a glance.

“Are you sure you are up to it, sis? I mean, your boss has just arrived here so…” Alicia gives Laia a questioning glance.

Laia shakes her head. “Don’t worry, I said I’d watch them, and I will. I suppose Devon needs to get on with his workout anyway, don’t you?”

She turns to me, and there’s an almost challenging glint in her eyes, as if she’s daring me to either commit to my lie or drop my pretense altogether.

Before I react, Alicia shoves Mila into Laia’s arms with a relieved smile. “Ah, good. I really must get a haircut, and Brian is in desperate need of some new shirts, but I don’t trust his taste enough to let him go alone.”

Brian rolls his eyes at his wife’s comment while he sets Sandy on the blanket.

“I’m glad I can help, sis.” Laia smiles at Alicia.

Alicia plants a kiss on Laia’s cheek and strokes her daughter’s hair. “We should be back in two or three hours. I’m sorry I couldn’t bring the twin strollers. Otherwise, you could have gone walking. There’s a small doughnut festival further down in the park. I saw it when I came in.”

A genial idea comes to me.

“Wait,” I exclaim. “I can accompany Laia to the festival. I can carry little Sandy, so we can taste those treats.”

“What?” Laia squeaks.

At the same time, her sister yells, “Excellent idea! I’m always worried about leaving poor Laia alone with our two daredevils. I sometimes can’t handle them alone, and I’m their mother.”

“But aren’t you here to jog?” Laia asks.

“I can jog later. Or tomorrow.” I kneel down to Sandy. Now that I know her father isn’t my rival, I’m more than happy to make friends with the chubby munchkin.

I hold out my hand to the little girl. Sandy smiles at me and pulls on my wrist as if to show that I should lift her up. I follow her orders and straighten with her in my arms.

“You see? I don’t think I’ll have a problem with your daughters.” I wink at Alicia and Brian.

Brian chuckles. “Don’t be fooled by their pink cheeks and large Bambi eyes. These two ladies know what they want, and they’ll make you lose your head in a second. All Flores women have this capacity.”

Especially one.

I blink at Laia, who stands with her brows furrowed, while Mila is doing acrobatic movements in her arms.

Alicia and Brian wave good-bye and walk away.

“Are you sure you made the right trade for your spontaneous workout?” Laia asks with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“Oh, yes. Absolutely. I just hope the doughnut stand has some sweets with mean vanilla cream. Those are my favorites.”

Laia gives out a bemused snort that could also be a giggle covered up, then nods. “Fine. Then let’s pack up and head over there.”

Chapter 34

(Laia)

“Here you go, sweetheart, two regular doughnuts with chocolate and vanilla dip and two plain, baby-sized ones.” The vendor hands me the scrumptious treats on a tray and tops my order with a friendly smile.

I get out of the queue and saunter toward the small playground where I left Devon with the twins. It’s nestled in the shade of four giant Indian Rosewoods, and the place is cool enough to safely allow my nieces to explore the play area.

The sweet fragrance of fried pastry, mixed with the mouthwatering scent of dark chocolate, tickles my nostrils, but despite their typical allure, my stomach doesn’t growl. It sits frozen into a tiny ball that shrinks further with each step I take.

What is Devon really doing here?

I know he didn’t forget that I told him I