15. Beatriz
Beatriz
A month has passed since the scrimmage, and life has settled into a comfortable rhythm. Alejandro is at my place at least twice a week, and I spend nearly every weekend at his. We’ve become inseparable, our connection deepening with each passing day.
Our time together is a blend of lust and tenderness.
We can’t keep our hands off each other, but there are also quiet moments—cuddling on the couch, sharing laughter over silly jokes, and talking about everything and nothing.
With him, I feel safe, cherished, and almost like myself again.
The walls I’ve built around my heart are slowly crumbling, and I’m allowing myself to feel vulnerable.
Tonight is no different. As I get ready for the grill-out at Diego’s house, I can’t help but smile. The thought of spending time with Alejandro and the team fills me with warmth.
As I get ready, I slip into a red dress that feels just right.
It’s simple, but flattering—soft fabric that hugs my curves in all the right places, but still lets me move freely.
The straps are thin and the back is exposed, showing off my skin.
I leave my hair down in soft waves, letting it cascade over my shoulders, the gentle waves just enough to cover the bare skin on my back.
It feels effortless, but I know it looks good.
I give myself a final look in the mirror and smile.
Tonight, I’m going to enjoy every moment.
Arriving at Diego’s, the familiar sounds of laughter and music greet me.
"Gata Only" by FloyyMenor & Cris MJ plays over the speakers in the backyard. As I open the gate, I am greeted by the activity—kids running around, adults chatting animatedly, and the unmistakable aroma of grilled meat wafts through the air. It’s a typical cookout—loud, lively, and full of life.
The grill is surrounded by a crowd, with Diego flipping steaks and corn, while others prepare side dishes and set up tables. The atmosphere is relaxed, yet there’s an undercurrent of excitement. This is more than just a gathering of friends—it feels like family.
I spot Alejandro near the grill, laughing with a group of teammates. His smile lights up his face when he sees me, and he excuses himself to come over. As he approaches, I feel a flutter in my chest. There’s something about him that makes everything else fade into the background.
"Hola, hermosa," he greets, his voice warm and inviting.
"Hey," I reply, my voice soft. "Everything smells amazing."
He chuckles. "Diego’s got the magic touch. That man loves food."
We stand there for a moment, just enjoying each other’s company amid the chaos of the party. I can feel the eyes of some of the women lingering on Alejandro, and a surge of possessiveness washes over me. But I quell it, reminding myself to enjoy this and not worry.
As the evening wears on, the food is served—tender carne asada, juicy chorizo, and grilled vegetables, all accompanied by warm tortillas, spicy salsas, and agua frescas. The table is a feast for the senses, my mouth salivating as I stare at it all.
The music shifts to a livelier beat, and soon, people are dancing, their movements fluid and carefree. Alejandro takes my hand, leading me to the makeshift dance floor. We sway together, our bodies in sync, laughter bubbling between us. In this moment, everything feels perfect.
After a few songs, when “Dame un Grr” by Fantomel & Kate Linn comes on, Alejandro leans in and murmurs against my ear, “How about a drink?” His voice is low, a tempting pull, and I nod. We make our way to the makeshift bar area where a few of the guys are lounging, cool drinks in hand.
The air is warm, filled with laughter, food, and beer.
The night feels easy, but I can tell Alejandro’s in his element, comfortable with his team, and I’m still adjusting.
They’re all a bit like brothers to him, teasing one another and joking around in that natural way men do when they’ve known each other for years.
Their camaraderie feels effortless, but it also reminds me how much I’m still on the outside looking in.
“Beatriz, you good?” Niko asks as he hands me a cold beer, his smile wide and friendly.
“Yeah, just taking it all in,” I reply with a soft laugh, the buzz of the party surrounding us.
I glance at Alejandro, who’s already in the middle of a conversation with Diego and some of the others. Their banter fills the air, and I find myself smiling at their easygoing way of interacting.
Just then, I feel a sudden push on my arm as someone squeezes in beside me and Niko.
“Is he annoying you guys yet?” Valentina’s voice cuts through the laughter as she hooks her arm around her brother’s neck, flashing them a teasing smile.
She’s definitely got that annoying-younger-sister energy, her gaze flitting between me and Alejandro like she’s assessing us and our relationship.
Niko, grinning and pretending to be exasperated, rolls his eyes. “Can’t you let me have one peaceful conversation?”
The guys laugh, and Valentina gives her brother a playful shove, her laughter filling the air. "Oh please, you’re always talking. I just wanted to check and make sure you’re behaving.”
Her words are teasing, but there’s affection in her tone.
It’s clear they’ve been close their whole lives, and it’s clear she easily fits in with the guys.
They’re all so used to her, like an extension of the team.
And I feel... well, like an outsider. I try to push that feeling away, taking a long sip from my drink, but the slight unease remains.
Alejandro notices immediately. I catch his eye as he watches me, sensing the shift in my mood, and a gentle frown tugs at the corners of his mouth.
He steps closer to me, his hand finding mine, giving it a subtle squeeze as if to silently remind me that I belong with him.
It’s a simple gesture, but it makes me feel a little more grounded.
Alejandro laughs, bringing the beer bottle to his lips. “Niko never behaves, but we love him for it anyway.”
Valentina grins, her eyes narrowing as she watches Alejandro. “Like you’re any better. You don’t behave,” she says, her tone shifting from playful to a bit flirtier. “You’re dangerous, you know that?”
Alejandro raises an eyebrow, clearly not amused. “Only for the girl I love now,” he says, a confident smirk on his lips as he looks at me.
Valentina laughs, shaking her head in disbelief. “Yeah, I find it hard to believe someone like you could be in love. You don’t strike me as the ‘settling down’ type.”
Before the banter can continue, Camila suddenly jumps on Gael’s back with an excited shout. “Gael, pick me up!” she exclaims, wrapping her arms around his neck as she clings to him like a koala.
Gael huffs in his quiet, calm way but easily grabs her thighs, holding her up as she giggles. “You’re always so dramatic, Camila,” he says softly, but the affection in his voice is unmistakable.
Camila then looks over at me, her bright eyes softening into a genuine smile. “Beatriz!” she calls out warmly. “I’m so happy to see you again!” She hops off Gael’s back and steps over to join us, her energy infectious.
I return her smile, feeling my own brighten. “It’s good to see you too, Camila.”
The group continues talking, but I notice that the atmosphere has shifted slightly. I feel more included now, with the focus moving from Valentina’s teasing to the more relaxed, friendly vibe that Camila brings. But just as the mood lightens, Camila turns to Alejandro with a curious look.
“So,” she says, glancing back at me, “is Beatriz going to be traveling with the team this season or not? I mean, it’d be fun to have her along, don’t you think?”
The question hits me like a jolt, and I freeze for a moment, caught off guard. I hadn’t even thought about it yet. I glance at Alejandro, who looks just as unsure. His hand subtly tightens around mine as if sensing the pressure.
I clear my throat, trying to sound casual. “Well, I’m a teacher, so I can’t travel during the school year,” I explain, hoping it doesn’t come across as an excuse. “But, during the summer, I’d love to join you guys, if you’d have me.”
Carlos grins, his voice teasing. “Of course we’d love to have you! Just as long as we don’t hear you two through the hotel walls.” The guys immediately break into laughter.
I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks as my eyes widen in shock. The group laughs even harder, and I nervously chuckle along, my face burning with embarrassment. The thought of being the subject of their teasing isn’t as funny as it probably should be.
Before I can protest, Alejandro steps in closer, his arm wrapping around my waist as he leans down to whisper in my ear, his voice low and full of mischief. “Better start learning to muffle those screams, carino. I’m not stopping just because we’re next to my teammates.”
The heat in my body spikes again, and I feel my face flush a deeper shade of red. I try to pull away slightly, my heart racing, but Alejandro’s grip on my waist tightens, grounding me. His lips skim my neck before firmly placing a kiss just below my jaw.
The laughter from the group intensifies, but Valentina, who has been watching the exchange with a sharp eye, scoffs in mock annoyance. “Get a room, you two,” she says, her voice filled with playful sarcasm. “Not everyone wants to see that.”
The guys immediately start booing her, clearly not backing down from the teasing. “You’re just mad because you don’t have a boyfriend,” Diego teases, earning a round of laughter from the group.
“Shut up, Diego,” Valentina mutters, though she’s laughing along. “You’re all impossible.”
Despite the teasing, the group’s energy feels lighter now. The awkwardness I’d felt earlier starts to fade as everyone gets caught up in their playful banter. But Alejandro, sensing the lingering tension in me, turns his attention back to me with a soft smile.
“Let’s step away for a bit,” he murmurs, his voice low and soothing.