MIA HAD FINISHED STACKING PLATES near the sink, giving Aracely a knowing smile. "I think I'm going to let you two handle the dishes. I uh... gotta make a call."

Aracely glanced over her shoulder, narrowing her eyes playfully, "Oh, sure, leave me alone with blue-eyes."

Mia shrugged, already backing out of the kitchen, "Play nice, Cely."

Brian reached for a sponge, glancing at Aracely as she turned on the faucet. The girl spoke before he could've let a word out, "You're lucky that this is the most of your hazing."

He simply laughed, "Nah, where I'm from, the cook doesn't clean."

She handed him a wet plate with a smirk, "Good to know."

He wiped the plate dry, his grin easy. Brian continued their sarcastic tone, "But you could've warned me... I mean, I would've brought gloves."

Aracely laughed softly, her voice lilting in a way that made his chest tighten, "What kind of mechanic are you? A little dish soap's nothing compared to engine grease."

Brian shot her a look, amused, "Oh, so now you're doubting my skills under the hood?"

She shrugged, her lips twitching as she tried to hide her smile, "Soft hands, Spilner. Not sure if they've ever gotten dirty."

He leaned against the counter, "Tell you what... how about you pop the hood on your car tomorrow, and I'll show you exactly what I can do?"

Her lips quirked, and she tilted her head, pretending to consider it, "Hmm, sounds tempting, but I don't let just anyone under my hood."

Brian's eyes sparkled with mischief, setting tne towel down to step a little closer, "Good thing I'm not just anyone."

She laughed, "Really confident, aren't you?"

"Just calling it like I see it," He shot back, holding her stare.

Aracely tapped her fingers against the counter, leaning in slightly, "And what happens if you can't handle it?"

Brian didn't flinch, "Then I guess I'll just have to keep coming back until I get it right."

Her eyes flicked over his face, the air between them buzzing with tension. She shook her head, trying to hide her grin as she turned back to the sink, "You still talking about my car, blue-eyes?"

"Just know I don't give up easily," he replied smoothly, grabbing the next plate.

Aracely glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, her smirk softening but her heart racing. For all his charm, there was something genuine in his smile that caught her off guard. And for a moment, she almost forgot why she didn't trust him.

Almost.

Before either could say another word, Vince walked in with a laugh. He motioned for the microwave with some popcorn, his aggression targeted to Brian, "Wash my car when you get done."

"Excuse you?" Aracely spun around, Vince dying with a smirk, "Nah, I'm talking to the punk. A-and wear your favorite dress, 'cus when you're done I'm putting ya on the street where you belong, cutie."

"He is, isn't he?" Aracely rolled her eyes, not moving away from Brian, "Relax, Vince. It's called helping out. You should try it sometime."

Vince scoffed, "Helping out or sucking up? Can't really tell the difference with him."

Brian sighed, "Just trying to do the right thing."

Aracely turned off the faucet and grabbed a towel to dry her hands. Her tone was light, but her eyes flashed with warning, "Careful, Spilner. He's not great at jokes."

Vince coughed, glaring at Brian, "Just don't forget who brought you here, alright? You screw up, it's on Dom."

Brian met Vince's glare evenly, his tone steady, "Not planning on screwing up."

Vince crossed his arms, his smirk sharp and condescending, "Pretty boy won't last a week."

"Vince," Aracely stepped in smoothly, her voice laced with an easy confidence, "What was the name of that Cuban restaurant we went to on our first date? You know, the one with the picadillo?"

Her question caught him off guard, and the scowl on his face softened, lThe one with the little red candles and the wooden tables?"

His grin slowly returned as he answered, "Cha, Cha, Cha."

"That's the one, "Aracely's smile was sweet as sugar as she turned toward Brian, the teasing glint in her eyes undeniable, "We can't go there for our first date... Seems weird. Got it, blondie? Pick me up at eight on Friday."

Brian blinked, momentarily stunned by her boldness before his grin widened with a nod.

Vince's grin disappeared as fast as it had come, his jaw tightening as he stared at Aracely, then Brian.

"You gotta be kidding me," he muttered under his breath, the words barely audible but dripping with disbelief.

Aracely ignored him, grabbing the dish towel and tossing it lightly at Brian's chest, "Don't keep me waiting."

Brian caught the towel effortlessly, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer, "Wouldn't dare to."