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turned my head to look at all the passing townhouses. My heartbeat picked up as we came to a stop at the end of the street. Andres’ two-story house looked back at me. The sun shone on pale gray paint and an autumn wreath hung on a single front door the color of cornflower. The house gave off a calming effect, and I immediately fell in love with it.
    Carmin and I rushed out and said our goodbyes to Lola.
    “Curfew is nine o’clock!” She called out after us, just before closing the car door. We waved and went up the cobblestone walkway.
    “Okay, girl check. How do I look?” Carmin asked, wiggling her eyebrows.
    I let out a laugh. “Hot, of course.” It was true. Carmin had wider hips than me and a nicer behind. The jeans really did look good on her. Did Andres prefer booty over boobs? I looked down at my chest where my perky breasts stayed hidden and hoped it was boobs.
    Okay, stop wondering! I scolded myself as Carmin rang the doorbell and we waited.
    It was Taco Tuesday at the Rivera home, and Andres had explained to me that they did it every time a game landed on a Tuesday. Andres’ dad made the ground beef, and all the boys from the team brought in the toppings. It was a ritual they had started since freshman year.
    When Andres opened the door, my heart went into overdrive. I held my hands together in front of me, noticing how clammy they were.
    “Finally, you’re here,” he said. His eyes raked up and down my body. I had to focus on breathing.
    He had clearly just showered. His hair was still wet with dark strands sticking up. A tight T-shirt with his High School baseball logo showcased his lean muscles, and light-washed blue jeans hung low on his hips. He was also barefoot. My eyes fell on his face and I knew I was addicted—a straight nose, thick but not bushy eyebrows, Hershey brown eyes, and full lips encased straight teeth any dentist would be jealous of.
    I cleared my throat. “My mom used to tell me it wasn’t good to walk around barefoot,” I advised him, and Andres belted out a loud laugh. The sound wrapped around my body and flowed through me like a current. He walked out and gave both of us a friendly kiss on the cheek. But when he stood in front of me he held both my hands and extended them sideways, taking in the view.
    “Pretty girl.” He winked.
    I blushed and released my hands from his grasp.
    “You think so?” Carmin blurted out. When I turned my head to face her, she had her hands in her back pockets but wouldn’t meet my eyes. She wasn’t smiling.
    Andres tilted his head to the side and glanced between the both of us. “I’m sure of it.” His eyes lingered a little on my chest.
    I had to think of something quickly. “Is Adam here?”
    Andres frowned and dropped my arms.
    “Adam? Why do you ask?” Ugh, I didn’t want to bring him up, but it was the best I could do to distract him from blatantly checking me out.
    “Andres, are you going to keep your guests out there all night?” A booming voice sounded behind him, and when I tilted my head, I saw a tall, older man, staring back at us. Immediately, I could see the resemblance and got a glance at what Andres would look like when he was in his late forties. I approved.
    We walked inside and were also introduced to Victoria, Andres’ sister. She was the only other girl there. Julio, Andres’ dad, announced dinner was ready. A mob of rowdy, testosterone-filled boys rushed to the buffet table. They clearly must not have eaten a single meal ALL day with the way they were fighting for food. I laughed as I watched their horseplay and waited my turn.
     

     
    It took about half an hour to get twelve boys—minus Dre—settled in their spots with food and drinks. Once everyone was seated, including Carmin and Victoria, I got up from the sofa and walked over to the table. I could see Andres get up as well and follow me out of the corner of my eye. He stood next to me and watched as I fixed my taco with extra hot sauce. I tried not to