Chapter 25
Chapter Twenty-Five
Eva
Iwake slowly, my body warm and completely at ease, something rare for me. It takes me a moment to realize why.
Esteban’s hands.
One is tangled gently in my hair, the other is resting on the small of my back, moving in the softest, laziest circles that make me want to melt right into him.
His chest is firm beneath me, rising and falling steadily under my cheek.
I don’t remember crawling on top of him in the middle of the night, but somehow this feels like the most natural place to be.
His touch is featherlight, like he’s afraid to wake me, and I stay still, selfishly soaking it in. Letting myself feel.
The rhythmic beat of his heart pounds against my ear, strong and fast. Is that because of me? Is he affected, too?
I don't dare open my eyes or speak. I just stay here, breathing in the faint scent of his skin and the remnants of his cologne from last night.
Then I hear his voice, low and husky against the hush of the morning. "Mi amor, are you awake?"
My lips curve into a smile I couldn’t fight if I tried. I finally looked it up last night, just before falling asleep—mi amor. My love.
He’s called me that more than once, and every time it does something to me. Makes my heart flutter and my stomach twist. No one’s ever called me that before. No one’s ever made me feel like this before.
I stay still for another beat, pretending I haven’t heard him yet, just so I can hold onto this moment a little longer.
Because I know that once I open my eyes, everything changes.
And part of me isn’t ready to let go just yet.
“I know that you’re awake,” Esteban says, his voice low and rough from sleep.
Busted. I slowly turn my head up, meeting his beautiful green eyes, and my heart skips. How is it possible for someone to look that good first thing in the morning?
“Good morning,” I whisper. “I’m sorry for being on top of you.”
His smile is immediate—wide, warm, and just a little cocky. “I’m not complaining. Can I be honest with you?”
I nod, not trusting my breath. Not when I haven’t brushed my teeth and he’s looking at me like that.
“I think I like it. A lot. Having you in my arms feels right.”
My heart thuds louder in my chest. What is he trying to say? “Yeah? I like it too.” I say softly, hoping he hears everything I’m not saying out loud.
His expression shifts slightly, softer but more serious. “Let’s get ready for our last day in paradise. I think we’re going to the beach.”
“Okay,” I whisper, not ready to let go of the moment, but knowing I have to. I slowly lift off him, careful not to meet his gaze again or I might melt into him.
I head straight for the bathroom, needing a second to breathe, smiling like a fool.
The sun is hot on my shoulders, but I’m not complaining. I’m sitting under a striped umbrella with Violet, Josy, and Melissa, the breeze off the ocean making the heat bearable. Our feet are half-buried in the warm sand, drinks in hand, sunglasses on, and laughter flowing like waves.
Next to us, Everly is tucked into a little playpen set up on the sand, happily occupied with a pile of colorful plastic balls and soft blocks. She babbles to herself, smacking a red ball against the mesh wall like it’s the most fascinating thing in the world.
Ethan is curled up on Violet’s chest, completely knocked out. His little face is smushed against her shoulder, his back rising and falling in slow, steady breaths as he naps without a care in the world.
Out in front of us, the guys are in the middle of an intense volleyball game. Hunter surprises the hell out of me—he’s quick, coordinated, and definitely not afraid to dive for a ball.
“Dang,” Violet mutters, shading her eyes. “He’s actually good.”
Melissa grins and sips her drink. “He played in college. He’ll use any excuse to get a game going. Business retreat? Volleyball. Cookout? Volleyball. Birthday party? You guessed it—volleyball.”
We all laugh. Adrian and Cole are sitting nearby, bouncing with energy as they wait their turn to jump into the next round.