Chapter 18 Rosa
ROSA
Iget out of the water and wrap myself in a robe, waiting for his arrival. I get another glass and pour both of us some wine. I sit on the counter and start swirling the liquid, passing time.
I think about scrolling on my phone, but I don’t want to see endless posts about people and so-called ‘fans’ dissing Mateo. Everyone today seems to know the truth about the news. Like they were there when he hooked up with that journalist, if that even happened.
I hear a knock, and I make my way to the door.
“Who is it?”
“Rosalia.” Heat floods through me at the warning tone of his voice, making me want to tease him even further, but I have a feeling it’s not the right time.
I slowly open the door, smiling, inviting him in, and I see a different Mateo standing on the doorstep. His left hand rests on the door frame, head hanging down, his whole body tired.
Something about this version of Mateo tugs on my heartstrings. I’ve only known him for a little while, but he’s different now. It seems like not only his body, but his soul is also tired, and I don’t deny that it makes me worried.
He looks up after a second, and with a swift motion, he scoops me up into his arms, closing the door behind him with his leg. He walks toward the bathroom, losing his shoes on the way.
He puts me down in front of the tub, and I sit down to enjoy the show when he starts undressing.
I bet this might be the fastest he has ever undressed, so to my disappointment, I can’t enjoy it for too long.
He pulls me up to my feet after he’s lost all his clothing, and I untangle the robe’s belt; he watches as the piece of clothing falls to the ground.
He lifts me again, pulling me into a deep kiss as we settle into the tub. Now that’s why I like bathrooms with big tubs, no discomfort when I’m sitting in someone’s lap, and plenty of space for other fun activities as well.
I check the temperature of the water. It probably got a little cold while I was waiting for the man.
“Hi,” he murmurs as he finally breaks the kiss, his hands still holding my face. I start caressing his neck, which is rewarded with a long groan from him.
“Hi,” I reply, trying to ignore his growing erection. I want him to relax now, not get him even more worked up.
“Can I just…hold you now?”
I nod with a smile, turning my back against him, relishing the feeling as he closes me into his arms. I let my head fall back onto his shoulder, peppering small kisses into the crook of his neck, caressing his arms as he holds me close.
“Do you want to talk about it?” I speak up a couple of minutes later. He shrugs, so I’ll take that as a yes. “Did you two…really hook up?” I ask quietly, ignoring the bitter feeling in my stomach. It’s not like we’re together. Why do I feel this way then?
“We did. That night… Before I first met you, actually.” He holds a short pause before he asks the question. “Do you believe her?”
“No. Her story doesn’t make sense. You’re known as a loyal guy. I doubt you’d want to destroy your career now, when you’re in favor of winning your first championship.” I lift my head from his shoulder, looking into his eyes, indicating my sincerity.
“Thank you.” He kisses the top of my head, then buries his face into my neck. “I just wish I knew why she’s doing this. They could file a lawsuit against me.”
The despair in his voice is evident, so I move my hands to hold his face, lifting it, so I can look into his eyes.
“Hey. You’ve been through a lot. This woman won’t be able to bring you down, okay?
You’re stronger than that. She’ll slip up eventually, and you’ll be there to prove your innocence.
” His features relax, then pulls me into another kiss.
He grabs my hips and turns me over so that I’m lying on him, both of us lost in the moment.
“You’re too sweet for me.” He pinches my cheek as I lay my head into the crook of his neck.
“No, I’m just good at giving pep talks.” I pepper small kisses on his skin, trying to ease his nerves. He lets out a soft groan, so I continue my actions.
“Damn right you are.” He starts rubbing my side while his other hand traces lazy patterns on my back, the feeling making me shiver.
“So… What happens now? What does your manager say?” I ask after a while.
“Well… He’s trying his best to save what can be saved. He already got a lawyer for me who’s gonna help us with this process. I think… We’re doing good. But I’m still scared to death.” His hand dropped from my body to put them behind his head, nervousness filling his tone.
“You had other scandals before, no? He got you out of them. He’ll do it again. He’s a good one.”
“I know. I’m lucky to have him as my manager, and I’m blessed that he still helps me after all these years, but… Things have never gone this far before. This could end up in court.” He sighs and his head falls against the tile as his eyes close.
“Just… Keep your head up, okay? You’re innocent. You’ll overcome this too.” My hand snakes up into his hair, caressing the nape of his neck, trying to make the tension in his body disappear.
“Gracias,” he mutters, a small smile displayed on his lips. “So, you’re into taking baths, huh? You got the full treatment here. Bubbles, wine, candles, even a sexy partner to keep you entertained.” His hands move back to my body, wandering around, while he captures my lips in a sweet kiss.
“Mhm. Perfect way to relax.”
“I’d say so.” He smirks, and as he starts playing with my hair, I let my head fall on his chest. Well, I guess our love language is physical touch. Good to know.
A couple of minutes pass in silence, both of us resting in each other’s arms, enjoying the feeling of being skin to skin as the warm water envelopes us. I consider myself an outgoing person, or more like somewhere in between.
I love being outdoors, not hiking for hours, draining my body, but perhaps smaller walks in a beautiful landscape, just enjoying the time outside.
But I also love staying at home, resting, saving up energy for the days ahead of me.
One of the best ways to relax is taking baths, so I’m glad Mateo joined me tonight. This is the perfect way to end a day.
“Can I tell you something?” he whispers in my ear, his breath on my skin making me shiver.
“Of course. What is it?” I lift my head from his chest, looking into his eyes, smiling.
“I have to pee,” he whispers again, and I burst out laughing. I thought he’s gonna say something important, and instead, he just informs me that his prostate works well.
“Then go pee!” I smack his arms playfully, still laughing, as he peels me off his body. He gets out of the water without a towel, not caring about the puddles he’s leaving behind.
“What, like my ass?” he asks as I watch him stand in front of the toilet. Like he has a third eye. Creepy.
“I do, yes. Very much so.” I put my arm up on the side of the tub, laying my head down and closing my eyes as I wait for him to finish peeing. He drank a lot, my god.
“You want to go to bed? You seem tired,” he asks as he makes his way back to the tub.
“Yeah. Let’s wash down today’s mess, and we can go.” He smiles, then climbs back into the tub and we wash each other’s bodies down, with slow and relaxing motions. He’s touching my body, and I’m touching his, but this time it doesn’t feel that intimate. We’re just taking care of each other now.
After we’re done, he helps me out of the water, drying me with a towel, then wrapping me in my robe. I watch as he does the same, mesmerized by the very presence of him. I’m in so much trouble.
We move to the bedroom, and we change into our pajamas, getting ready to sleep.
“You usually sleep in this?” he asks as his eyes roam over my outfit. It’s a pink, silk outfit, spiced with lace, that’s a little sexy, but not too revealing.
“No. But I thought I’d try it out now that you’re here.” I smirk as I get under the blanket, pulling out my hair tie while keeping eye contact.
“Rosalia… Are you aiming for sex? Cause you can just say so.” He groans and his eyes darken as he practically jumps into bed next to me.
“No. I’m just keeping you on your toes.” I plant a small kiss on his lips as he remains in the same position, shocked at my statement. I laugh at his non-existent reaction, tugging at his arms to invite him under the blanket as well.
“You’re gonna be the death of me, bruja.” I smile at the nickname, then scoot closer, when he’s finally next to me.
I lay my head on his chest as he holds me close, warmth flooding through me at the feeling. Seems like my cuddly side won’t be cured for a while. I’m gonna need a dose of this every single day.
“Goodnight, Teo.” I turn the lamp off, giving him one last kiss before closing my eyes.
“Goodnight, carino.” He replies, and soon, I fall into a deep slumber in his arms.
The next morning, I woke to the soft sound of his snores. We’re tangled in each other, his head buried in my chest, his leg on mine, mine on his, put together like two puzzle pieces. I start playing with his hair, and I suddenly feel jealous that it always looks perfect. Spanish roots run deep.
“Morning.” He stretches, then settles back to where he was before.
“Good morning.” I plant a quick kiss on his lips, but like he didn’t have enough, grabs the nape of my neck and pulls me in for a longer kiss right after.
“Now we can make up for yesterday’s breakfast.” He grins, pulling off the covers, already heading towards the kitchen.
“Hello, won’t I get morning cuddles?” I shout after him, and I hear a chuckle from afar.
“You will, after I serve you breakfast in bed. Deal?” He shouts back, his voice occasionally stifled by the harsh sound of the clatter of the dishes.
“Deal!” I shout back, already looking forward to the delicious food.