Thank you all the love for the story!
I found Carlito at a table and he hugged me when I walked up. I ordered a cranberry and vodka as I sat down with him at a table outside. The weather was still nice out and I was glad to be out with someone different. He was in a black button up shirt and some khakis. He looked really nice. We started to talk about normal stuff and daily lives. He ordered us more drinks and I felt the alcohol start to hit the longer we sat there. I was actually having fun with Carlito.
"Thanks for meeting me tonight." He said as we clinked glasses together.
"I honestly never thought you would ask me." I said and he looked surprised.
"Why?" he asked me with a chuckle.
"I have been your sister's best friend for years, and grew up with your family. I didn't think you even knew my name." I said and he chuckled.
"I have always noticed you, Isabella... but I had to wait until you were old enough." He said and I started to chuckle. I guess that was true, and sounded a little weird when he said it out loud.
"Perv." I said and he smirked.
"Right... like I couldn't tell you had a crush on me." He said and I smirked, but felt myself blush bright red.
"I have been 18 for awhile now." I shot back and he chuckled.
"Yes, but you were also dating Damien." He said and I sighed.
"We all make mistakes." I said he started laughing at me.
"I remember you had Angelique." I said to him as he took a sip of beer and he almost spit it out. He dated her for awhile, and when it ended badly... it ended badly. He had to leave for Miami for a bit.
"Yeah mistakes." He said as the music was playing. He stood up and pulled me with him. We began to dance together as he pulled me close to him.
"Eres hermosa." He whispered to me and I smirked at him.
"Gracias, senor." I said and he chuckled. We were dancing closely together and I had noticed that while he worked out I could actually feel his muscles bunch and move when he danced with me. I actually felt safe when he wrapped his arms around me as we danced together.
He grabbed us another drink when the music ended, and I sat back down.
"You two make a cute couple." the older woman said as she passed me.
"We are just family friends." I said and she chuckled.
"Not for long the way he looks at you." she said and I gave a small smile as he walked over and handed me my drink. He toasted with me and sat down beside me.
"You know I thought you would say no when I asked." He said and I gave me a questioning look.
"Why?" I asked him.
"Because of our families. I knew that you used to have a crush on me, but I thought that you had grown up. You opened your own shop, and honestly, I'm just Melissa's brother. You didn't come to a lot of the family events anymore. I wasn't sure how you really felt about the idea of even dating someone you had known all your life." He said and I smirked as I took a sip.
"First, My father would love it if we dated. Second, Carlito, just because I have grown up knowing you it doesn't mean that I actually know you. We have never really talked other than polite conversation or around Melissa. We are both adults." I said and he chuckled as he took a sip of beer.
"Good to know you aren't against the idea." he said and I rolled my eyes, but smirked.
"I have never been opposed to the idea." I confirmed, and realized that I was really feeling a lot of liquid courage, and he put his hand over mine. We talked a little longer and finished our drinks when I realized just how late it had gotten.
I tried to pay for my drinks but Carlito wouldn't let me. He offered me his arm as we walked out. I took it and leaned on him as he smiled at me.
"Where did you park?" He asked me.
"I walked." I said and he rolled his eyes.
"I will walk you home." he said and I shook my head. I had no problem walking home. I didn't have far to go, but I secretly wanted him to walk me home.
"Your father would kill me if I let you walk home alone." He said and I chuckled as he walked with me. He walked me to my front door and I found myself not wanting him to leave. I had actually had fun with Carlito. I had grown up with him, but he was completely different than I realized. He was always quiet and reserved when we were all together as families. He was far from it when it was just us.
"Thank you for tonight." I said and he smiled at me.
"Thank you for meeting me tonight." He said and I chuckled.
"I have one more question for you." He said and I looked at him.
"Would you be against dating me?" He asked me and I was surprised at that. I had wanted it for so long that he was actually asking me now.
"I wouldn't be against trying it." I said and he leaned towards me. He softly pressed his lips to mine as his hand cupped my cheek. He pulled away and I bit my bottom lip.
"Night, Grandpa." I said and he chuckled
"Good night, hermosa. I will talk to you soon." he said as he kissed the back of my hand, before turning and walking back to get his car. I walked into the house and fell right in bed. I had to be up in a few hours for work. I knew that it might be bad tomorrow, but it was worth it tonight.