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BEN & MARIA’S
Ben set down the suitcases as Gabi wheeled Ricardo into the posh beach house. Maria directed them to the first floor guestroom. Gabi and Ricardo would stay with Ben and Maria until Ricardo was able to once again tackle the stairs at the loft. As promised, Ricardo’s progress had warranted his early release from the hospital. Michael would make home visits to him for physical therapy. Ricardo was glad to be out of the dreary hospital room he had called his home for the past two weeks. Here he felt he could keep a better eye on Gabi. "It’s beautiful, Maria," Gabi gushed as she took in her new surroundings. The guestroom housed a king-size bed with a view out the french doors onto the beach. The master bathroom was off to the left and the walk-in closet had been emptied for their clothes. Maria pushed open the doors and Gabi stepped onto the patio. Ricardo sat in his chair near the bed and watched as the two women took in the fresh ocean air. Gabi had been so attentive to Ricardo since the day they married. She spent all her time with him and never left his side without telling him that she loved him. He wondered if maybe he was blaming the wrong person for the betrayal. Antonio had always wanted what his brother had...ever since they were kids. Ricardo had always been the ladies man in school and Antonio was known for making passes at his girlfriends. A few had swooned for the handsome younger Torres. Perhaps Gabi had simply been caught up in a genuine moment of weakness. Antonio and Gabi had made love when they were trapped in the cave-in. People sometimes act impulsively in a life or death situation. No, he thought. Antonio is a priest and had taken a vow before God. He should have been able to control himself. And with his brother’s girlfriend, no less. But Gabi… Ricardo watched Gabi as the breeze blew softly through her hair. She looked so beautiful talking and laughing with Maria. Ricardo still loved her despite the pain she had caused him. She was his wife now, Mrs. Ricardo Torres. She belonged with him and she would stay with him as long as he was debilitated from his stroke. Of that he was certain. Maria and Gabi made their way back into the room. "Well, I’m going to leave you two alone." Maria closed the door softly behind her. Gabi turned to Ricardo with a smile. "So, do you like it?" she asked hopefully. Ricardo blinked. "Good. I think it’s going to work out just fine." Gabi dutifully began unpacking their bags and putting everything away. She was interrupted by a light knock on the door. "I forgot to tell you," Maria said poking her head inside. "Mama and Antonio will be here for dinner at 7." Gabi’s heart jumped and she attempted to hide her distress. Dinner with Antonio? She didn’t think she could manage it. Ricardo eyed her carefully as she put down the clothes in her hand and excused herself into the bathroom. As the door closed behind her, Ricardo knew he had almost let himself be fooled again. Carmen fawned over Ricardo’s every need, never leaving his side. Gabi sat back and let Carmen take over his care for the evening. It was a welcome break for her. Taking care of Ricardo was a challenge, at best. He wasn’t the easiest patient, but at least in the hospital the nurses had been responsible for the bulk of it. Now Ricardo would rely solely on Gabi. Maria answered the door. "Antonio!" She hugged him tightly. "I’m glad you could make it." "I’m sorry I’m late," he apologized profusely. "I got caught up with the Bishop and lost track of time." Antonio’s eyes fell to Gabi sitting on the couch with her head back and her eyes closed. It had been a week since he had seen her at the hospital and she had never looked more tired. His body longed to comfort her…to lie in bed with her and hold her in his arms so he could make sure she got some rest. "Antonio?" Maria queried her brother’s lack of attention. "Are you alright?" "Yes," he answered quickly. "Excuse me." He stepped toward Ricardo and sat on the table next to Ricardo’s chair. "Hi, Ricardo. It’s good to see you out of the hospital." Ricardo didn’t respond. "Are you glad to be out?" Stupid question, Ricardo blinked. "We’re glad to have you home. I’m sure you’ll be up and about in no time." You better believe it, Ricardo blinked. Gabi’s eyes opened when she heard Antonio’s soft, deep voice. She found him sitting with his back to her. She was grateful he wasn’t facing her and watched him as he hunched over to speak to his brother. Antonio felt a warm rush and knew instantly that Gabi’s eyes were on him. He took a deep breath and stood from his perch to walk into the kitchen. Gabi felt her heart sink a little that he hadn’t said hello to her, but she understood. She sat forward to speak to Ricardo. "Do you need anything?" Ricardo blinked once. "You’re thirsty. I’ll get you some water." Ricardo watched her make her way to the kitchen. He knew Antonio had gone in just a minute before. Gabi was already inside the kitchen before she remembered Antonio was there. He turned when he heard the door open. Their eyes met and there was silence. "Hi, Gabi," Antonio said with a gentle smile. "Hi, Antonio," she replied shyly as she stepped past him to the sink. She opened the cabinet for a glass, but found the bottom shelf empty. She sighed loudly and smacked her hand on the counter. "I can’t reach it." Antonio slid up behind her to reach the glasses. As he leaned forward to the cabinet, his chest rested gently against her back. His left hand instinctively slipped around her waist as he reached over her with his right. Gabi’s breath caught at the feel of his body against hers. She closed her eyes as she felt his warm breath against her ear. Antonio pulled out the glass as his arm slid against her shoulder. He turned his head slightly to her and closed his own eyes as he took in the sweet smell of her hair. "I miss you," he whispered softly into her ear. Gabi felt her knees weaken as he tilted his head and kissed her gently on the neck just below her ear. She raised her right hand over her shoulder and slid it around to the nape of his neck. Antonio’s pulse raced as she fingered the hair at the base of his neck. His lips caressed her neck tenderly and she was completely lost in his touch. "I’ll be right back, Benjy," Maria called from just outside the kitchen door. Antonio stepped away from Gabi as his sister walked in. Gabi’s heart pounded and she hoped her cheeks weren’t as flushed as they felt. "Oh, hey, Gabi. I think Ricardo was looking for you." Gabi was completely flustered. "I...uh...I...he wanted some water." She nearly knocked the glass off the counter as she reached for it. "Water," she repeated as she filled the glass and grabbed a straw. She turned quickly and blew past Antonio without looking at him. Antonio stood back and watched her leave. He hadn’t meant to touch her, to kiss her - but being alone with her for even a second, he couldn’t control himself. He wanted her…he needed her so badly. Maria was busy searching for Benjy’s Rugrats glass. Antonio pushed the door open slightly and saw Gabi kneeling before Ricardo helping him sip water through the straw. Gabi glanced over Ricardo’s shoulder and caught his gaze. She stared at him for an instant before she dropped her eyes away from him. Antonio strode across the room and out to the patio. He needed some fresh air to regain his composure. Gabi rested her hand on Ricardo’s knee. "Is that better?" He blinked. "Good," she said with a smile. Just then Maria called everyone to dinner. Gabi stepped behind Ricardo’s chair and wheeled him to the dining room. As they passed the patio, Ricardo saw Antonio standing alone in the darkness raking his hands through his hair. Ricardo’s mouth twitched into a smile as they went in to sit down.
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