“Okay. So, tell me about the guys I am going to have access to here?” she says with a mischievous smile.
We’ve grabbed enough luggage to keep Cara well dressed for months, and then we start to head toward the area with awaiting cabs.
“Well, the three guys that I see every day—besides Andres and Nolan, of course—are Carlos, Hugo, and Julio. Carlos is Nadia’s twin brother. I live with him, too. He is cute in a lanky sort of way. He is extremely sarcastic and low drama. He says it like it is.”
We throw her luggage into the trunk of a cab and slide in the backseat.
“Julio is adorable. He is short, so I know you won’t be all about him.”
Cara nods her head in agreement.
“But he is so sweet. He is, like, the kind soul of the group. He has always made me feel so comfortable. Then, there is Hugo. He is very attractive with his sandy-blond hair and deep brown eyes. He is definitely charismatic, but he is quite the player.”
“Hmm…” Cara contemplates my descriptions. “I guess we will see. You can’t force chemistry, but if I had to wager based on your assessment, I would go with Hugo.”
“The player? Why?”
“Oh, sweet Livi. Let me tell you a secret. If someone has the reputation of being a player, it usually means two very important things. Number one, he is hot and desirable. If women flock to him, there must be a reason. Number two, he is fantastic in bed. How could he not be with all that practice?” She notices my expression that I am sure is communicating my confusion to her logic. “Livi, I’m here for two weeks. I don’t expect to find the love of my life. I just want to have fun. Why wouldn’t I go for the one who is a guaranteed good time?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Um…wait a minute. Didn’t you tell me that Andres was quite the player? Is he not gorgeous and good in bed?”
“Fine. Go with your logic!” I grin, feeling my cheeks flush.
Cara smirks with satisfaction.
Cara and I are getting ready for the evening. We’ve spent every second since leaving the airport talking about my last two weeks here. Cara has met Nadia, and of course, they seem to get along well. Carlos is out with the guys, and they should all be back shortly.
“I can’t believe you come to Spain and fall completely in love in a matter of weeks. That is crazy!” Cara giggles.
“Believe me, I know!” I grin as I pack my money, lipstick, and ID into my purse. “I can’t explain it. I know it sounds crazy, but I love him, Cara. I know I do. I mean, it might be the fact that he’s hotter than all hell. I am drinking mojitos like they’re a necessary food group, which makes my inhibition disappear when I’m around him. But it happened fast.” I sigh happily. “He is so much more than just a pretty face though. He is a really great person, and I don’t even think he knows it. He acts like he isn’t worthy of happiness, and I don’t understand it. Despite all his attributes, what I love about him most is the way he makes me feel. I am so happy when we are together, and I feel whole, loved. I can’t describe it. I can’t wait for you to meet him.”
Cara listens to me with a warm expression. “I can’t wait to meet him either. Maybe it’s because you’re in a romantic country.” She gives me a thoughtful glance.
“Yeah, it must be the geography.” I laugh. “I don’t know. He could live in a box in the slums of Detroit, and I think I’d still wet my panties over him. He’s so freaking awesome. Just wait.” I can’t wipe the huge grin off my face.
Cara turns to the mirror and applies her lipstick before looking back at me. “What do you think?” She is stunning in a strapless navy jumper shorts with a chunky gold belt. She’s wearing very high strappy gold heels, and her long brown hair is shining as it falls down her bare back.
“You are gorgeous—as always,” I say. I’ve opted for a short silver sequined dress. It is strapless and fitted, except for where it poufs out some from my waist. I’m borrowing Cara’s silver heels. I dress up my makeup a little more today, using shades of gray to brighten my blue eyes. My hair hangs in messy waves. Despite it appearing very natural, it took me an hour to complete.
“You are seriously hot, Livi. I like how Spain is bringing out this little sex-kitten in you.”
I laugh.
“Your makeup is amazing. It’s so sultry. The smoky eyes are great on you.”
“Thanks,” I respond, feeling seriously flattered. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’m having the time of my life, and I’m so happy that you get to experience it, too.”
“Me, too. And I can’t wait to meet your hot sex god!”
I don’t know why, but I have the tiniest twinge of nervousness about Andres meeting Cara. I know I shouldn’t, but I guess old habits die hard. As secure as I am about Andres and his feelings, I can’t silence the voice in my head that tells me he’ll eventually tire and leave me for greener pastures. God, I hope that Little Miss Negativity in my head is wrong.
The three of us girls are having a glass of wine in the living room as we wait for the guys to get back. Andres is the first to enter the house, and his eyes immediately lock on me. He smiles and walks straight over to where I’m sitting. I stand and he wraps his arms tightly around me and pulls me into a fiery kiss. I’m breathless when I pull away.
“You are stunning, baby,” he whispers in my ear.
“Babe, I want you to meet my best friend, Cara.”
Andres turns to Cara without releasing his strong grip around my waist.
He shakes her hand. Thanks to the fact that he studied English in school nonstop since he was four, he speaks to her in perfect English, “Hi, Cara. Livi has told me so much about you. It is nice to meet you.”
I watch his eyes as they focus on hers. He’s wearing a sincere smile as he regards her. His gaze never wanders, and his expression doesn’t emit any emotion other than sincerity. I exhale, realizing that I’ve been holding my breath. He lets go of her hand and wraps it back around me, pulling me into him.
“So nice to meet you!” Cara beams. “And Livi was right—you are hot!”
My eyes practically burst out of their sockets, and my face burns. I bite my bottom lip and manage to turn to Andres, who is grinning widely.
“Did she now? Well, I’m glad she thinks so. Otherwise, I wouldn’t stand a chance with someone as beautiful as her.” He kisses my cheek. “You ready to go dance with your hot boyfriend?”
Boyfriend?
I guess we established our relationship status on Monday when we told each other we didn’t want anyone else, but this is the first time I’ve heard him say it aloud. I’m bursting with glee. “Yes.”
The rest of the guys loudly enter the house. Their conversation halts when they see Cara.
“Well, what do we have here?” Hugo asks as he throws one of his flirty stares toward Cara.
I answer him in English, “Hey, guys, this is my best friend and roommate from home, Cara. She doesn’t speak Spanish, so if you could put your education to use and practice our language around her, that would be awesome.” I scan the room, catching each of their attention before continuing. “And, do know that if you say anything dirty around her, I will translate.” I turn to Hugo and point. “That especially goes for you,” I say with a smirk.
“Hey!” Hugo pretends to be hurt, and I laugh.
I introduce everyone. “Cara, this is Julio and Carlos, and this obnoxious one is Hugo.”
Carlos and Julio chuckle at my introduction while it doesn’t seem to faze Hugo.
Hugo advances toward Cara and grabs her hand before bringing it to his lips. “Nice to meet you,
hermosa
.”
I can see the wheels turning in Cara’s head. I watch Nadia to see if she is having any sort of reaction to Hugo flirting with my friend, but she doesn’t seem to notice or care as she chats with Andres.
Julio and Carlos introduce themselves to Cara. It’s somewhat awkward as Hugo dominates the space around her.
“Geez, Hugo, give her room,” I say.
Cara half giggles at his attentiveness. She apparently likes the admiration.
Oh, whatever.
I can see where this night is going to go. It’s not like she doesn’t know what she is getting herself into.
Carlos, Nadia, Cara, Andres, and I squeeze into one car while Hugo and Julio drive Julio’s car behind us. We head to the same club that we went to on my first night here. Due to Abby’s late arrival, Nolan and Abby are going to meet us there.
Cara finds the club, El Q, as amazing as I did. We get a large table by the main floor dance area. It’s close to the stage and the vast windows overlooking the city. Nolan and Abby arrive shortly after we do. He introduces Abby to everyone. She comes off, in appearance, as the quintessential girl next door, which matches Nolan’s charm perfectly. She’s quiet, but I don’t blame her. She’s met a lot of people, and she is sitting in an expansive, loud club. I’m sure it’s overwhelming. Nolan’s normal exuberant charm is minimized. He sits in the booth with his arm around Abby as he talks politely with everyone. I’m not used to seeing him so subdued, especially in a social situation.
I want to leave a better impression on Abby than I have in the past. I have always felt that she doesn’t particularly like me. “So, Abby, how was your flight?”
Lame opener, I admit.
“Fine, thanks.”
“Are you excited to spend a couple of weeks in Spain?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Nolan talks about you all the time. I’m so happy you could come.”
“Yeah, me, too, I guess. Although, he really never talks about you.”
Um…okay?
“Do you have anything fun planned for your summer in Miami when you get back?” I ask, a smile plastered on my face.
“No.” Her voice is tainted with annoyance.
Okay, maybe she is shy, but I think I’m done trying to make conversation.
The awkwardness in the air could be cut with a knife.
“Okay, then…well, I hope you have a good time tonight. This place is one of my favorites,” I say.
I turn my attention to Andres, and I’m met with his striking stare. I melt, forgetting the mousy bitch across from me. My hand is already in his grasp under the table, and Andres pulls me up and out a few feet onto the dance floor. I forget about my uncomfortable conversation with Abby and get lost in the music with Andres.
It doesn’t take long before Hugo has Cara behaving like a giggly schoolgirl. His flirt meter is off the charts tonight. I’m momentarily nervous for her again, but she knows what she’s doing. I gave her a rundown of everyone, giving her extra details on him, so she was forewarned. She said she only wants something fun, so I need to trust that she knows what she wants.
My feet hurt from dancing, but my heart is happy. I love having Cara here to experience this with me. I spot her a few feet away while she’s dancing with Hugo. They’re sucking face, and they are sharing more than their fair share of spit tonight. I laugh. I wonder if Andres and I come off like that every time we make out in public, and I admit, that is often.
Nadia is dancing with some guy she met at school. Nolan and Abby have danced to a few songs, but they are currently sitting in the corner of the booth. His arm is around her as they both stare off toward the dance floor. Julio and Carlos are sitting at our table, talking with a group of their friends.
Andres leans his face down to mine. “You seem deep in thought. What’s on that pretty mind of yours?”
“I was just thinking about how much fun I’m having and how happy I am that Cara gets to experience some of this with me. She and Hugo seem to be getting along.”
Andres laughs. “Yes, they certainly are.” He gives me a delicious kiss. “You’re coming to my house tonight, right? I want you to stay with me.”
I hesitate. “I can’t leave Cara, Andres. I’m sorry.”
“She can come, too. I have plenty of extra rooms.”
His mouth finds mine again, and I’m lost to the world. I can only focus on the sensations of my body. Andres’s tongue runs against the inside of my mouth in the most seductive rhythm, and I have to focus on standing. He can completely disarm me with his kisses. I don’t know how long we’ve been kissing when I hear Cara.
“Earth to Olivia!” she says, laughing. “You think you guys can take a quick break from”—she points between our faces—“that. Everyone is leaving.”
Andres, Cara, Hugo, and I make our way back to Andres’s house. Hugo and Cara quickly disappear once we arrive. I’m sure Hugo is familiar with the house, and he has found a perfect spot for Cara and him to hang out. I hope she doesn’t sleep with him already.
Then again, who am I to judge?
Everything moves so fast here. If I had to bet, I would say that she won’t give in tonight. She isn’t one to throw all of her cards on the table the first night. She is going to make him work a little for her.
I lie naked in Andres’s bed, blissfully well fucked and sated. We are facing each other, and he’s running his finger up and down my arm.
His face is serious. “Do you remember the first night we talked, and I told you that I don’t do relationships?”
“Yes,” I say, wondering where this is going.
“I’ve never allowed myself to love anyone since my mom died. I’ve been so afraid to open my heart. I know how it feels to lose someone you love, and it’s a pain that I’d do anything to avoid feeling again.” He pauses. “The pain of losing my mom destroyed my father. I realize now that he’s never going to get over it.”
He kisses me on the forehead. “I was never planning on finding love in this lifetime. It was not anything I desired. I was content with living my life on my own, but you changed all that. With you, I didn’t even have a choice. From the moment I saw you, I knew my life would never be the same. I am destined to love you.”
He takes a deep breath. “Believe me, I’m scared shitless of losing you, but my need for you outweighs my fear. I never thought I would have that with anyone.” He kisses me softly on the lips.
Tears stream down my face, and my body instantly feels lighter with the knowledge that Andres reciprocates my feelings. “I’ve never loved anyone like this either. You are my first love, the love of my life.” I know it seems soon to make such a proclamation, but it’s how I feel. I don’t have the capacity to love anyone else as much as I already love Andres.