This is the highlight/teaser reel of what you can expect if you download Making You Mine from one of the online retailers!

"Oh hey, almost forgot. I talked to Spence the other day,"Jason said turning back to face Sal. "He's thinking Vegas for the bachelor party."

"Really Vegas? I thought you didn't want anything big."

"Eh, Spence can be persuasive. It won't be anything crazy, just a little gambling, drinking, and hanging out with the guys. You better be there."

"When is this?"

"In a few weeks. I'll let you know."

"I'll be there."

***

"Say it, Sal," Alex said after passing out beers. "I hit a home run, hiring Grace."

The way he said it, Sal got the double meaning loud and clear.

"It'sone dish," Sal said. "And Sundays are slow  for specialty stuff off the menu. We still have to see what's she's like under pressure."

"Dude, I saw her today. Things picked up after brunch, and she handled it beautifully. That jerk-off you hired could barely keep up with her."

"Sofia said she's real good," Eric added taking a sip of his beer. "Not just at bartending but cooking too. But that's a hell of a commute she's got," Eric added. "Sofia said all the way to Chula Vista and on the bus."

Sal stopped before taking another swig. "She gets picked up though."

"No. Well, not today, Sof said she almost took the bus until one of the guys offered her a ride."

***

"Actually, Grace is pretty hot in a reserved kind of way. They say those chicks are usually freaks in bed. They act all innocent and sweet, but get a finger or two in—"

"Whoa, what the fuck, Oscar?" Sal stopped rocking and sat up.

"What?"

"Can you have a little respect? I told you about this kind of shit already. You better not even think about messing with her like that."

Oscar lifted his hands in the air. "Dude, this is how I always talk. What's wrong with you?" He stopped and peered at Sal. "Wait. Are you who she's talking to? She mentioned she's talking to someone, and nowhere you're getting all crazy on me." Oscar grinned. "You son of a bitch, you aretalking to her. You should've told me."

***

"Yeah, really. Alex and Sofie were completely impressed by your cooking. You'll be spending a lot more time in the kitchen. I think I've been overruled."

"Why? You're still not impressed?"

Sal leaned over and spoke closer than he everhad. "Oh, I'm impressed, Grace." There was no denying the undertone of hiswords. She didn't know how to respond, especially since he held her gaze, and hissmiling expression faded into a smoldering stare.

***

"Actually," Grace said as she got in and put on her seatbelt, "I meant to apologize for that.I remember you saying something about first impressions, and I know I made sucha horrible one. I don't blame you at all for not calling me back."

Sal drove out of the parking lot, taking in what she just said.  "What do you say we start over? I've already forgotten about that day, and I understand why you lied now. If you can forget what an ass I've been, we can start fresh."

He was beginning to really love that sweet smile of hers. "Deal."

***

 "Frankis in town," her mother said. "He wants to get together tonight. Nothing fancy like last time. Hesaid just a stroll on the pier."

"A romantic stroll on the pier? No way!"

"How romantic is it going to be, Graciela, with me and Ruben there?"

***

"How do you feel about working the kitchen tonight?"

She looked up at him, her eyes suddenly huge. "Really?"

Jesus, what her bright eyes did to him. "Yeah, really. C'mon." Sal motioned with his head.

***

"Is that your ride?" These moments of complete inability to keep his thoughts to himself were happening a little too often now.

She nodded but didn't turn to face him and pushed the door open.

"Is he gay too?"

She turned around and met his eyes. "No, he's not."

Unable to take his eyes off her, he watched her walk into the guys arms, trying to understand how someone he'd onlybegun to get to know could affect him so profoundly.

***

Grace threw the tissue in the small wastebasket by her bed and sniffled. "The problem is he probably will ask about him, but not for the reasons I'm thinking, and I have to stop making more of it. It does me no good."

"Then maybe honest and straight forward is the best way to go—enough of the wondering. If he asks, you ask him why he wants to know, and while you're at it, ask him why he told your co-worker you're off limits."

***

Justbefore Sal walked out, Alex got his attention. "Hey, Sal." Sal turned back to avery serious-looking Alex. "Remember what you told me when I thought it was toolate for me and Valerie? Doesn't mean anything, Bro." He shrugged. "Just 'causeshe's on a date doesn't mean it's hopeless. But you gotta make a move, dude,before it's too late."

***

"So I was asking Gracie about the guy last night," Alex said to Sal then turned back to Grace. "Is he your boyfriend?"

Damn it. It was supposed to be Sal asking her, not Alex. How was she supposed to turn this around now? "No, he's not. He's just a friend."

Sal took a seat at the desk. "Do all your friends bring you roses?" he asked.

Finally, Grace turned to face him then glanced at Alex, who was still smiling. "Do you two always ask your employees about their personal lives, or am I just special?"

"No and yes," Sal responded.

***

"Maybe we can spend some time after work this weekend so we can share our long stories."

Grace wasn't sure she even wanted to hear about Melissa, and she certainly didn't want to tell him about her mom, but spending time with Sal sounded like heaven. "Yeah, okay. That sounds good."

Sal smiled, flashing the dimples that were beginning to own her heart. "Then it's a date."

  ***

"Oscar said you're seeing someone. Yet here you are on a date with me. So what gives?"

***

"Gracie."

"What?" She searched Sal's eyes.

"I wanna kiss you so bad."

Her eyes moved down to his lips again. "You do?"

"Yes, but I don't want you to—"

"Do it then." She brought her hand up to his face and caressed it, making his legs nearly give out on him.

***

"I can't explain what I'm feeling either. All I know is ... it scares me."

"Don't be scarec. I'm not. " Sal lifted his eyebrows. "Okay, maybe a little. But it's a good kind of scared, like I just boarded the ride of my life." He kissed her nose and whispered, "Hold on tight."

***

Grace reached the door in time to see Melissa smirking at Alex. "Oh, you could do plenty I'm sure, but I need Sal. Your brother's blowing me off, Alex. I don't get blown off. He tried throwing the 'I'm seeing someone else now' crap on me. I don't buy that."

Before Alex could respond, Grace walked up from behind him, pulling off her earrings off one by one. "He's seeing me now. Do you have a problem with that?"

Melissa seemed stunned for a second, and then she . "No way. I knew he probably did the help but to tell them he's seeing them?" She turned to Alex and scoffed. "That's just low."

***

Mellisa laughed. "I just wanted to talk to you, Sal. Her ghetto ass is the one that came at me. But what do you expect from someone who probably just came over the border. It's laughable. What can you possibly see—"

"She has the one thing you've never had, Melissa: my respect."

***

Alex came in the back to have a word with him. "So I see you made a move?"

Sal nodded, still facing the computer. He was switching Grace's days off. "Not just a move—I'm having her come to the shower this weekend. I want everyone to meet her."

***

My God, Grace," Taylor said wide eyed.  "I don't know how you ever had a doubt this guy was hot for you."

"Well, I'm not a mind reader," she said, texting her sister that they were outside, waiting for her.

"You don't have to be with this guy. He does realize I'm gay, right?  Did you not see the way his eyes nearly flamed up when I put my arm around you?"

***

"It's so beautiful out here. If I lived here ... " She stopped.

"If you lived here, what?" Sal liked where this was going.

She turned to face him. "I'm just saying hypothetically. I don't want you to think that—"

"Oh, I'm thinking it, Grace. If I have it my way, you will." He kissed her. "So go on."

***

"Only two more weeks," she said.

"For what?"

"And I get my culinary degree."

"Perfect timing. Although," he chuckled, "you don't even need it now."

She turned to look at him. "Of course I do. I know better than anyone that things can change in a blink of an eye. I'm always prepared for the worst, so if it happens, I'm ready. "

His expression went hard. "You mean with your job or with us?"

"Both."

"That's a little pessimistic, isn't it? I have faith that both will work out."

***

"Something wrong?"

Grace almost jumped. Her face must've been as white as it felt because Sal stared at her, concerned. "Uh, no, it's just my mom. She set up another date with me and my stepdad's boss. It's not like I'm even remotely interested in him."

His eyes opened wide. "So you're going?"

She turned towards the front door. "What am I supposed to do? He's already here."

Sal's head jerked toward the front of the restaurant. "You tell him you don't want to go. That's what." He started walking. "I'll fucking tell him."

***

As soon as she answered, he asked, "Is that guy from last night here?"

"Yes."

Sal pulled the keys out of the ignition and bolted out of the car. Hewasn't sure who he was more enraged with, her mom or the fucker for having thenerve to show up after he'd made it clear Grace was with him now.Heslammed the door to his own car and stalked toward her building. Maybe hehadn't been clear enough.

***

"You're the first girl he brought home to the family, you know?"Sofia said with a sweet smile. "Everyone is a little surprised, including my parents."

Grace had to ask. "Why is it so hard to believe?"

Valerie and Sofia exchanged a glance that made Grace nervous. "Honestly, I was beginning to think he'd never find a girl that he thought good enough," Sofia said, then added quickly, "not that he thinks he's all that. But my God, that guy is so picky about everything."

***

If she hadn't been scared before,  now she was. Completely. She wasn't just falling in love with just him. She was falling in love with his entire family.

***

"I love you, Gracie."

Her eyes opened wide, and she pulled away from him—not the reaction he was hoping for. Then her hand went to her mouth, her eyes filling with tears. "Don't say that," she whispered.

He sat up, straightening them both up. "Why?"

"Because I might believe you."

He kissed her hand, laughing softly. "I want you to. I wouldn't be saying it if it weren't true." He cupped her face in his hands. "There is no doubt in my mind—none whatsoever. I'm crazy in love with you."

***

The thought of him in Vegas, drinking with a bunch of strippers that would probably be willing to strip for him free, scared the hell out of her. Who knew what else they'd be willing to do? But after his heartfelt admission, the only thing she was worried about was how much she was going to miss him that night.

***

"Maybe we should call it a night."

"No, man." Jason pointed a finger at Sal, smiling. "The girls are coming."

"What girls?"

"Kitty," Jason laughed. "My kitty Kat and her bridesmaids are out here too."

***

"You can deny it all you want, Salvador. But it did happen, more than once, and you loved it." She took a step forward, her tears—probably fake—gone now. "And don't say you forgot you had a little girlfriend because you texted her just before you fucked me."

***

Alex was stunned into silence for a moment, but then he finally spoke up. "Ga Damn it, Sal. Why the hell did you do that?"

"I don't even remember it happening! I was so wasted."  Sal shook his head, disgusted with himself. He'd keep the part about not having found any used condoms anywhere to himself. Alex was already worked up enough. "Should I tell Grace?"

"Are you crazy?"

"What if—"

"Sal, you'll crush her."

***

"I'll remember this entire day forever," Grace said glancing up at Sal dreamy eyed. "May there be many more."

"Oh, there will be, Gracie. I promise."

***

Sal had been in bed with a woman plenty of times, but he'd never felt this urgency.He had to take it slow with Grace. He'dnever forgive himself if he hurt her.

***

"My God, Grace. What you do to me. I can't even tell you—"

She touched his cheek with the back of her hand. "You don't have to tell me. I know. I felt it too."

Sal stared at her, feeling the icy terror creep down his spine. After today, he definitely didn't know how he'd ever live without her.

***

"You don't have to do anything with Frank," her mother insisted. "He's not expecting anything. It's strictly business."

"Nope." Grace started walking to her bedroom.

"Graciela, think of your sister." Grace slowed down, feeling the guilt grenade her mother just threw at her begin to detonate. "You're hardly ever home now. This would be a great way for you two spend more time together."

The grenade went off, sending shards of guiltthrough Grace's already frail conscience.

***

 "Did he tell you about Vegas?" Melissa asked with an evil smirk before being pulled away.

 Grace rushed to Sal. "What about Vegas?"

"Let's go inside."

"No! Was she in Vegas with you? Is that who you were with that night?" She had to fight the urge to slap him. She'd let him answer first.

"No." He spoke calmly. "She was there. She's part of the wedding party. I didn't know she was going to be there."

He reached for her hand, but she pulled it away again.  ""Why was she here today?"

"She's drunk and stupid that way." He squeezed her hand then hugged her. "Gracie, she means nothing to me. I'm sorry," he whispered.

She finally lifted her arm and hugged him back. "I hate her."

"I do too."

***

 "I'm thinking about telling Grace about Vegas."

Alex's face immediately went hard. "Are you insane?"

***

"Where you headed?" Alex opened up the cabinet.

Sal turned to face Alex. "To get Grace. We're hanging out with her friends tonight. The two guys that used to pick her up before I started taking her home."

Alex's jaw dropped. "She still hangs with them?"

***

Joey and Taylor walked them all the way out to Sal's car. "Sal, I have to say something to you," Joey declared once at his car.

"Joey, don't start," Taylor warned.

Joey lifted an eyebrow. "Taylor, she's our girl and I'm just looking out." He turned back to Sal. "I have never seen her so happy." His face fell into the same grimace it had when he'd teared up earlier. "She means everything to us, and we're so glad she's found someone that obviously makes her so happy. Please don't ever hurt my baby girl."

***

Finally, she felt a slow trickle of air enter her lungs as if it were coming in through a straw. But the pain she felt in her heart was brutal. Not even the deaths of her father and grandmother compared to this. Their losses, while devastating, weren't a betrayal. They hadn't knowingly done something that they knew would tear her heart out.

***

Alex finally spoke, "Gracie, alcohol is the devil. It fucks up so much shit. I only hope that you can forgive Sal—eventually. You really do mean everything to him."

The fact that Alex knew everything all this time was utterly humiliating. She wanted nothing more than to be away from him—all of them.

***

"Stop!" She started toward him, arms flailing, but Joey held her back. "Don't ever say you love me again! I hate you!"

Taylor came out from behind the door and helped Joey hold her back. "You should go now, Sal," he said, pulling Grace inside.

Joey cried openly now too, smoothing her hair, then turned to Sal, eyes as broken as his own heart felt. "You need to go."

***

Sofia was quiet for a moment. "Have you talked to Grace?"

"It'sover. She wants nothing to do with me anymore."

Well,you can't give up. Where there's a will there's a way, Sal. Aren't you the one always saying that?"

"I know, but—"

"No, no buts. I'm calling Romero."

***

Onceleft alone, the dread really sunk in. He leaned his face into his clasped handslike a man praying for a miracle as visions of Gracie's anguished expressionassaulted him.

***

Gracesmiled but hurried to the restroom, locking the door and turning on the showeras quickly as possible. She was only in there for a minute before she buriedher face in one of the towels, praying it would muffle her crying. How in theworld would she ever survive this?

Get over him? Move on? Impossible.

***

"Mija," her mother  said as she cheerfully helped Grace pack. "This is going to be good for you. We'll go out there, eat at nice restaurants, gamble a little, and do some swimming. Frank even said he'll take us to the river and we could rent some jet skis.  By the time we get back, you'll be ready to move on." Then she winked. "And if we play our cards right, Frank is very interested in investing in something out here in California. This is gonna be perfect. You'll see."

***

"Your mom also told me about your falling out with your boyfriend. I'm sorry you're hurt, but I can't say I'm sorry to hear it for personal reasons."

***

"All right," Romero started. "So this Melissa bitch is a real whack job and is full of shit about a couple of things."

"I knew it!" Sofia almost jumped.

***

Sal had stressed about Rose keeping her distance from his young cousin Vincent. "He'sunder strict warning, Grace, that if he screws up even once, they sendhim back home."

Grace sat up, unwilling to let Rose see just how lifeless she really felt. "So wherewould you hang out?"

***

"Romero is right. She did already get asked to that prom by an older boy." Sal smirked adding, "I dunno, you really think she was busy for days unpacking? That's kind of odd. Isn't it? You sure maybe her prom date wasn't keeping her busy?"

The second Vincent turned to him, Sal saw it. Bingo—he hit just the right nerve. "She was packing, okay? I wasn't supposed to say anything, but they're moving."

The smug feeling from having Vincent fall right into his trap was replaced with an icy panic down Sal's spine. "Moving where?"

"If I see her tonight, I'll finally get to talk to her. I can get the whole scoop for you."

***

"Sal, I feel like a jerk telling you, because she specifically asked me not to say anything to you about Grace."

He stood up, feeling his patience thinning. The thought of Grace with Frank burned him up. "You wanna be able to use that car again, outside of to and from work?"

He heard Vince sigh. "This isn't right.I guess that guy's coming out this weekend, and Grace is going out with him Friday night. "

***

 "Hey!Oh my Gosh, you look hot!" Sofia smiled, looking Grace up and down. She glanced over to Grace's table. "What about you? New man in your life already?"

Grace shrugged. "New friend."

***

"Out with it, Vin. Is she seeing this guy?"

God that pissed him off. Sure she was under the impression Sal had betrayed her, but it hadn't even been a month. He couldn't even begin to think about seeing anyone else, and she was out dancing with this fucker? And from what Sofia said, enjoying it?

***

She'd been with him all weekend? Sal could hardly stand it anymore. "I don't have time for this shit, Vince. Just spit it out."

"Well,"Vince scratched his head. "Rosestarted to say the guy wasn't there for Graceandhe was just visiting her parents, but then. . . Itseemed they were about to kiss until Grace looked up and saw us watching."

***

Sal bolted out of his chair in reaction to that news. The guy was there all fucking weekend, and he'd spent the night at her place? He ran his hand roughly through his hair.

"So whatta ya want me to do?Romero asked. "I could still look into it, but I mean this pretty much says it all."

"No, don't waste any more time on her. I don't need to know anything else. But thanks." The second he hung up, Sal picked up the coffee mug on his desk and flung it across the room. Hearing it smash into a million pieces was what he needed at that moment. But it did little to calm him.

Go grab Making You Mine which also includes a bonus Angel and Sarah short story!! Or order your signed copy of ANY of my books now!

  http://elizabethreyes.com/books/moreno-brothers/making-you-mine/