Ricardo had a reputation for being a "ladies man," but chose to settle down with his girlfriend, Paula, by proposing to her. The night that he and Paula were supposed to elope, Ricardo was at The Deep talking to the new girl in town, Gabi, and almost slept with her later on. He wasn't too happy when he found out that "the girl at The Deep," was Gabi and she was Paula's half sister. He didn't trust Gabi as far as he could throw her.

When Paula found out from Eddie where Ricardo had been the night she was kidnapped by Ralph Meyers, and that Ricardo had walked home with Gabi, she broke off their engagement because he'd lied to her. Feeling depressed and broken-hearted by the broken engagement, and in a drunken state, Ricardo slept with Gabi. Afterwards, he regretted it and told her about his regret. Because of the blatant rejection, Gabi cried rape. Naturally, Paula stuck up for Gabi during the trial, but when the trial was coming to a close, Paula saw that Ricardo had been telling the truth. Hating herself for doubting Ricardo, Paula left town.

Since the trial, Ricardo has forgiven Gabi and they've gone out on a few dates. From those dates, Ricardo has realized that he cares for and loves Gabi. He just recently told her that he's fallen in love with her.