Chapter 17
“That chocolate éclair is to die for. Thanks for sharing it.” I savor the rich, velvety taste on my tongue.
“I wasn’t aware that sharing was your uninvited fork invading my plate,” he teases. “How’s the crème br?lée?”
“So good.” I scoop out a spoonful. “Try some.” I hold the spoon filled with its caramelized top out to him.
Leaning in, he parts his lips, then playfully bites down on the spoon. He closes his eyes, savoring the dollop of silky perfection.
“You like?” I ask.
He smiles coyly. “Almost as much as that dress.”
Biting the inside of my cheek, I resist the urge to leap across the table and hug him. It’s been a long, long, long time since a man made me feel… like a girl.
“Are you done with your dessert?” he asks.
“Yup.” I swallow the last creamy spoonful.
“Are you done with mine?”
I peek at his plate. A lone bite-sized portion of the éclair remains, its glossy chocolate glaze beckoning me.
“You’re not going to finish that?” I ask.
“No. I had enough.”
“That last piece is going to feel rejected.”
“Or maybe relieved that it’s the last bite standing.”
I reach across the table, pinch it off his plate with my thumb and index finger, and pop it in my mouth. “Not anymore.”
“You’re brutal.” He shakes his head, his laughter filling the air. “There’s a band playing at the outdoor plaza tonight. Would you like to join me?”
Spend more time with Daniel?
Yes, please.
“Sure,” I say coolly.
We walk toward the plaza together. Our arms occasionally brush up against each other, stirring something inside me.
I hope it’s not that buttery bug taking its revenge and working its way out.
“Did you enjoy your dinner?” I ask, breaking the silence.
“I did. Did you enjoy my dinner?” he asks with a smile.
Chuckling, I nod. “I did. Well, except for the slug.”
“Snail.”
“Whatever it was, it had no business being in my mouth.”
He laughs. “There’s so much I’d like to say with that comment, but I think it’s best I keep it to myself.”
“If you are filtering your thoughts, it must be bad.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. Depends on your viewpoint.”
“Stick with your first instinct. It’s probably right.”
“Probably.”
A buzzing sound coming from inside my handbag abruptly interrupts our conversation.
“What was that?” Daniel asks.
I give an exasperated look and sigh. “It’s my mother. Just ignore it.”
My bag buzzes again.
“How do you know it’s her?”
“It’s always her.”
“Maybe it’s an emergency.”
The buzzing continues.
“It’s not,” I assure him, a hint of frustration in my voice.
“If she’s trying to reach you, it may be important.”
“Fine. I’ll look. But we’re encouraging her insane behavior by doing this.” I reach into my bag, retrieve my phone, and swipe it awake.
Mom
Hello?
Mom
Are you there?
Mom
Is everything okay?
I roll my eyes and turn to Daniel. “Can you give me a minute to stop the crazy?”
“Sure.”
“Thanks,” I tell him as I type out my response.
Everything is fine.
Mom
Did you know that stomach acid is strong enough to burn through metal?
Thanks for the info. There’s a golf cart on the property that looks delicious.
Mom
That’s not funny.
Is there something you need? I’m on my way to a bar.
Mom
That’s wonderful! I’m glad you’re out. Are you with anyone?
Am I going to tell my mother that I’m with a male acquaintance? Absolutely not.
About a hundred people.
Mom
Don’t be shy. Introduce yourself and make some new friends.
Aaaaand I’m back in kindergarten.
Goodnight, Mom.
Mom
Keep your eyes on your drink at all times!
Glancing apologetically at Daniel, I slide my phone back into my handbag. “Sorry about that.”
“Is everything okay?”
“Yeah. When my mother does something that isn’t borderline insane is when I’ll worry.”
Clusters of wrought iron cocktail tables and chairs are arranged in a semi-circle around the perimeter of a large open space patio dancefloor. Above us, a dozen long strings of multicolored lights illuminate the night, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere reminiscent of Christmas. The melodic sound of the only female member in a four-person band fills the air as she passionately belts out popular radio tunes from a modest stage in front of the plaza. The dancefloor is alive with groups of partiers and cheek-to-cheek couples, moving to the rhythm of the music.
To the side of the bustling activity, a long, rustic bar made of natural stone stands. The bar is busy with activity, as three bartenders work tirelessly, mixing drinks and pouring wine. With flair and finesse, they skillfully toss cocktail shakers in the air, effortlessly catching them behind their backs. The atmosphere is lively with the clinking of glasses and the joyful chatter of vacationers eagerly awaiting their drinks. Two servers navigate through a side exit, carrying trays filled with an array of colorful cocktails and filled shot glasses.
This place is like the town hall of the resort. It’s definitely the spot for people to let loose and party.
Even Walter.
In pants.
Thank God.
“There’s an empty table.” I point across the plaza packed with people enjoying this gorgeous night.
“Let’s get it before someone else does.” Daniel grabs my hand, pulling me behind him as we race across the patio area. I stare down at our clasped hands and my heart thumps wildly.
I don’t remember the last time someone held my hand. And I know being dragged across a courtyard isn’t exactly a romantic gesture, but my attention-starved hand will accept anything that minutely resembles affection… even if it’s innocently platonic.
We laugh together as we claim the table for two, about ten seconds before Coco and the Silver Fox racing over from the opposite side of the plaza reach it. She huffs. He looks at her and rolls his eyes. They turn and walk in the opposite direction, in search of their own. At least they haven’t killed each other yet.
“My dear Ms. Harper, you are an excellent runner,” Daniel jokes as he pulls out a chair for me.
“Thank you, Mr. Edwards. You’re pretty fast yourself.” I take my seat and bat my eyelashes.
“I’m a former Mr. Nude Olympian, remember?”
“I was afraid you having your clothes on may have hindered your athletic abilities.”
Leaning in closer, his five o’clock shadow brushes lightly against my skin, sending shivers down my spine. “I can take them off,” he murmurs seductively in my ear.
My breath quickens, and my cheeks warm. There’s an exasperating hint of arrogance about this man that, much to my dismay, melts my insides. I try my hardest to ignore the crazy chemistry between us.
“Is this the way you talk to your friends?” I ask, feigning offense.
Walking around the table toward his chair, he runs a hand through his tousled hair. My gaze lingers on the crème de la crème of derrieres, admiring its sculpted perfection.
“Depends on the friend,” he states flippantly as he takes his seat.
He’s flirting with me, right?
“Well, I… err….” Flustered, my mind goes blank.
I mean… What am I supposed to say? Yes, I’d like to see you take them off?
Because I would.
“You’re not very good at this friends thing.” With a mock scowl, I cross my arms in front of my chest.
“Maybe I don’t want to be good,” he answers bluntly.
Maybe I don’t want to be good?
What the hell is that supposed to mean? Is he sending me signals? Because so far, the only parts of me reading these signals are my sex organs.
He gestures to the cocktail server who is making her way around the table opposite ours, and then leans towards me. “What would you like to drink?”
“I’ll have a glass of white wine,” I reply, feigning composure.
Our server arrives at our table with a warm smile. Judging by the number of drinks on the surrounding tables, the poor girl must be dead tired.
“Buenas noches. Would you like a drink?” she asks in a beautiful Spanish accent.
“A white wine for my date,” he smirks in my direction. “I’ll have the same.”
“I’m not his date,” I tell her.
“Por qué, no?” She angles her head towards Daniel. “él es muy guapo.”
“What does that mean?” I ask.
“It means you have competition.” He gives our server a flirtatious brow wiggle, who giggles in response.
“I’ll be right back with your wine.” She shakes her head in amusement as she leaves for the bar.
I lean in toward him and narrow my eyes. “What did she really say?”
“She said I’m a catch.”
“Are you sure she didn’t say you’re a pain-in-the-ass?”
“It may have been implied.”
I crack a quick smile—I don’t know if it’s because I’m in this beautiful place on this warm, gorgeous night… or because of him. I suppose it doesn’t really matter. It’s been an eternity since I felt this light—so entirely content and present in the moment. I’ve never met a man who could make me giddily anxious and totally at ease at the same time until…
“Did you see Walter when we came in?” Daniel points his chin in Walter’s direction.
“I did. Looks like he’s on the prowl.” I peek toward the bar area where he’s chatting animatedly with a handful of men and women.
“Hope ol’ Wally gets lucky.”
“I’m kinda pulling for him too,” I admit. “Do you think it’s normal to be this invested in a complete stranger’s love life?”
“Before this trip I’d have said no. But recently, I’m finding myself more and more invested in someone I just met. So…” He shrugs a shoulder. The honesty in his tone moves me as his gaze holds mine.
My heartbeat skyrockets and I blurt out the only thing that comes to my spinning mind. “Oh.”
“Is that okay?” His words echo my own thoughts, only he was the one brave enough to put it out there. “Me being invested?”
The corner of my mouth curls up to a nervous smile and I nod.
“Good.” He leans back in his chair and returns my smile.
We stare at each other across the table, mirroring each other’s cautiously happy expression. I didn’t think I had this in me anymore… this dizzying exhilaration that another person drops in your heart. But here I am—scared to death and thrilled to life to be in this moment with him.
“A white wine for you.” Our server places a glass on the coaster in front of Daniel, snapping me out of losing myself in his blue eyes.
Where the hell did she come from, anyway?
“Gracias,” he tells her.
“And this is for your date,” she teases as she places my drink on my coaster.
“You are my date,” he raises a sly brow. “Aren’t you?”
“Maybe,” I answer coyly. “Maybe not.”
“Took her a little while,” he says to our server with a conspiratorial wink, “but she’s finally figuring it out.”
Discreetly, Daniel hands her a folded tip, which she quickly takes. “At El Corazón del Sol—Love is always in the Air,” she says as she moves on to the next table.
Daniel redirects his attention to me. “So is lust,” he says brazenly, his seductive gaze feels like an intimate caress in a very public place.
His magnetism is so potent, a delicious shudder heats my body.
Lust.
That’s one powerful four-letter word.
“I… um… oh.” Yeah, I know, I know. Articulated like a pro. I grab my wineglass with both hands and gulp down a mouthful.
A trace of a smile rises from his lips. The handsome bastard is enjoying my bumbling response.
“Do you live in the New York area?” I ask, attempting to gain back some balance. “Since you flew out of Newark airport, I assume you do.”
“Manhattan.”
“Really? From the time I was a kid, I fantasized about living in Manhattan. The skyscrapers, Rockefeller Center, Little Italy. I wanted to be a part of it. When I was thirteen, I’d take the Staten Island Railway to the ferry terminal, then the ferry to lower Manhattan. I’d walk to Battery Park by myself, sit on a bench overlooking the Hudson, and stare at the Statue of Liberty. Just so I could brag to my friends that I was hanging out in the city over the weekend. Like I was a big shot.”
“Staten Island is part of the city too.”
“I know. But it’s not the same. Manhattan is the place of dreams. The Island is where my parents live.”
“Your mother, the woman who regularly texts you on your vacation, allowed you to go on these outings alone?”
“God, no. She thought I was at a friend’s house. I had a five-hour window to complete my city adventures and get my ass home.”
“If you ever want some city excitement, you’re welcome to visit me anytime. No time limit. In fact, I’d encourage you to stay.”
As I tilt my head to the side, a playful smile dances across my face. “You would?”
“Absolutely. All day.” Leisurely, he takes a sip of his wine with a half-shrug. “Or night.”
“Are you propositioning me?”
“What would you say if I were?”
Yes.
Yes.
And, oh yes.
“I’d say that’s inappropriate.” Flattered by his interest, I attempt to conceal my glee by raising my wineglass to my lips and taking another sip.
“Being appropriate is never part of my plan.” His gaze shifts to the dancefloor then back to me. “Want to take a spin?” He juts his chin, pointing towards the band.
“Will we lose our table? I mean, we worked hard to get it.” I’m not sure if my concern is more about losing my table—or losing my heart. We could always get another table if we lost this one, but I don’t think my heart could stand another loss.
“Our wineglasses are half full and the very generous tip I gave our server will ensure that there’s no way in hell she’s letting us leave. So, what do you say? Dance with me.”
“I’d like that,” I answer honestly.
We stand, and he holds out a hand to me. I place mine in his and my heart pounds wildly when he curls his hand around mine. Quickly, I look to the night sky to see if Cupid is flapping his wings in Mexico’s airspace. If there’s anything I’ve learned over the past few months, it’s to avoid that arrow at all costs.
Stop getting ahead of yourself, Tess. It’s a dance with a guy you’ll never see again in a few days.
We weave through the sea of couples and find an empty spot to let loose. The band plays Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk, and the crowd goes wild. It’s like we’re at a wedding for the best couple who ever lived and everybody in the universe is here celebrating.
Daniel and I join in the celebration, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of flashing lights. The music envelops us, the beat pulsating through the air, as we move in sync. My arms flail above me, the colorful lights dancing on my skin, as I bop foot to foot, back and forward, side to side.
He takes my hand, his touch giving me goosebumps, as he rolls me into his chest and then gracefully pushes me away, twirling me round and round. My dress flares out, like I practiced in the mirror, and I can’t help but laugh.
A genuine, joyful laugh.
He lifts me up, twirling me in the air, and my feet leave the ground. All my worries and insecurities dissipate with each exuberant spin. It’s been a lifetime since I’ve felt this weightless and carefree.
I forgot how exhilarating dancing is.
My gaze travels up and down his body. He moves with an effortless grace… confident, energetic, free. Damn, he’s sexy.
“You’re good at this,” I yell over the music, my voice barely audible amidst the pulsating beats.
He grabs my hand, twirls me again, and pulls me into his chest. “I have an excellent partner,” he shouts back. “Are you having a good time?”
I nod enthusiastically.
The flashing multicolored lights on the stage, change from blues to purples to yellows and greens, matching the pounding beat of the music. This is a party band and they sure as hell know how to keep the party going.
“We’re going to switch it up a little. This one’s for the lovers,” the lead singer says as the band transitions to a slow Spanish language love song.
“Shall we?” Daniel asks, holding out a hand to me.
“I… I guess so.” I place my hand in his and my body tingles from the contact.
He spreads his hand open and laces our fingers together, our hands fitting perfectly. With his other hand around my waist, he pulls me closer, and I rest my free hand on his shoulder.
We sway to the music, the slow rhythm guiding our movement…unhurried, relaxed… like this is the only place in the world we should be.
Maybe it is.
My knees nearly buckle when his cheek brushes against my hair. I inhale the intoxicating scent of his aftershave, and for a moment, it’s like I’m floating.
Closing my eyes, I rest my head against his chest, the warmth of his body pressed against mine. The soft melody of the beautiful song fills the air, its words foreign to me but still speaking to the depths of my soul. He turns his head slightly, his half-smile captivating me as I tilt my head up to meet his gaze.
All this time, I thought it was sex I missed. But it’s not.
I’ve missed this.
Intimacy.
To be seen. Held. Touched. Connected.
Hand in hand. Smile to smile. Body against body.
His hand slowly slips away from mine, and in a playful move, he dips me, his boyish grin making me giggle. He pulls me back to him, his hand returning to mine, and I can’t help but feel my heart swell with an emotion I long thought died.
I’ve missed this too.
The pleasure of someone’s company, shared laughter that needs no words. I miss the simple joys, both exciting and serene.
Complicated. Effortless. Life.
And this man. This handsome, kind, crazy man has opened me up to something I long gave up on…
Possibilities.
I rest my hand on his shoulder, and he pulls me close again. Something feels different when our eyes meet. His lighthearted expression turns serious. His gaze drops to my mouth. My stomach flutters and a knot rises in my throat.
Kiss me.
Kiss me.
He pulls me even closer, holding me a little tighter. I know he feels the electricity crackling between us too. It’s impossible to miss. His arms wrapped around me send my hormones into a tizzy. Softly, he rubs his cheek against mine.
I’m in B-I-G trouble.
The promise I made to myself not to give in to our attraction shatters. I can’t help myself.
I like him.
A lot.
And I want him.
Even more.
“Want to go back to the table?” he asks, as the song ends.
There’s so much I want to do with Daniel… mostly in a horizontal position, but I keep the fire raging inside of me contained.
“Okay.”
Never letting go of my hand, he leads me to our table. I gaze down at our fingers tangled together, resisting the overwhelming need to kiss him and taste his lips on mine.
Like a true gentleman, he holds out my chair for me. As I begin to sit, he tugs the chair slightly, pretending to pull it out from me.
“Must you always be so exasperating?” I try to keep a straight face, but my delight shines through.
“You mispronounced enchanting.” I may not be looking, but I can hear the grin in his tone.
As I situate myself again, he leans down, and his cheek brushes against my hair.
“Podría enamorarme de ti,” he whispers in my ear.
“What does that mean?” I ask.
“It means that dress should be outlawed.”
I may not know a lot of Spanish, but there’s two things I do know…
That’s not what he said.
And Cupid’s arrow found me.