Chapter 4
Mia
The waiter arrives with the main course, and my mouth instantly waters. I used to eat more seafood back in Texas than I do now in North Carolina.
Rain and Ruin—my friends from town—keep telling me we need to drive out to the coast to get the real thing, but a five-hour trip usually kills any craving I might have.
We fall into an easy rhythm, chatting as we eat, and before long, I’m learning everything about Diego Grosso: businessman, entrepreneur, and apparently, great conversationalist.
“My family’s originally from Colombia,” he shares, pride threading through his tone. “My grandfather moved to the US with a small capital and big dreams. Because of him, my family now owns one of the largest resort chains on this side of the globe.”
“Impressive,” I say, scooping up a bite of coconut rice.
“My family’s from Texas—we’ve been there since back when Texas was still part of Mexico.”
He nods, elbows resting on the table, chin balanced on his hands—completely focused on me.
I don’t think anyone has paid this much attention to what I have to say. And it’s not because he wants to get laid. He could have anyone he wanted—that much is obvious. But for whatever reason, right now, he wants to know me.
“I grew up visiting my grandma all the time,” I say, smiling at the memory. “She taught my sister and me how to cook, how to sew, how to pray.”
Diego chuckles, and something in my chest untangles. He doesn’t look at me like what I’m sharing is silly—he looks interested.
“I’m proud of my Mexican roots,” I continue, a little shyly, “and I try to keep those traditions alive as much as I can.”
He doesn’t flinch, doesn’t glance away. His gaze stays steady and warm.
Most people don’t know what to do with that part of me. I’ve had guys roll their eyes when I talked about my family—how we can start in English, throw in some Spanish, and then circle right back again. Total deal breaker. If you can’t appreciate where I come from, you’ll never really get who I am.
But Diego’s face lights up like I’ve just said poetry.
“I was born in Massachusetts,” he says, leaning back. “But as I mentioned, my grandfather on my dad’s side was Colombian. I also grew up visiting his house all the time, not just for the big celebrations.”
I grin, the similarities making my heart flutter. Different worlds, same roots.
It’s strange—like meeting a mythical creature I only thought existed in my dreams.
The food keeps coming, and conversation flows as easily as the wine. By the time the waiter returns with a tray full of desserts, I’m so full I can barely breathe.
“I wish I had a bigger stomach,” I groan, patting my belly. “That looks delicious, but if I eat one more bite, they’ll have to roll me out of here.”
Diego laughs as he stands and offers me his hand. “Would you like to take a walk with me? Maybe it’ll open up some room for dessert.”
I close my eyes for a second, torn. I don’t want the night to end, but I’m exhausted.
“I’d love to spend more time with you,” I say, taking his hand. “But I think the weight of the day has finally caught up to me. Between the fall, the spa, and all this food, I’m ready for bed.”
He winces, instantly apologetic. “I’m so sorry. I wasn’t thinking about how tired you must be after everything.”
He turns to the waiter. “Would you please prepare a tray of assorted desserts and have it delivered to Ms. Martinez’s bungalow?”
The man nods and slips away.
“I’d love to walk you back, if that’s okay?” Diego’s voice is so tender my heart skips a beat.
“I’d be delighted,” I say, with a playful curtsy.
He chuckles and offers his arm again, guiding my hand to rest in the crook of his elbow.
We walk slowly, the sound of the waves filling the silence. The palm trees sway gently in the ocean breeze, and the moonlight casts a soft glow on the path ahead.
Every time our arms brush, I can feel the heat radiating from his body. He carries this quiet confidence—imposing, strong—but there’s something calming about it too.
“I like this,” he blurts suddenly.
I glance up at him, curious.
“This,” he says, gesturing between us with his free hand. “I don’t feel the need to fill the silence. I could walk with you for miles and never get tired of your company.”
A slow smile curls my lips. “Do you always work so hard to impress a woman?”
Apparently, my mouth didn’t get the memo about thinking first. Too late—damage done.
Diego closes his eyes for a brief moment, and a dozen scenarios flash through my mind—all the ways to redeem myself from that silly question.
But he’s actually not trying hard at all.
If he were, he‘d be throwing money around or name-dropping his hotels. Instead, he’s walking me back to my bungalow.
“I’m sorry,” I say, the ocean nearly swallowing my words. “That came out wrong. I just meant… I’ve enjoyed tonight more than I thought I would.”
“I won’t pretend I’m a saint,” he says with a low chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. “But with you…” He looks up at the sky as if searching for words. “With you, everything comes naturally. I don’t think I’ve ever shared so much about myself on a first date before.”
That gets my attention. When I glance up, his eyes are already on me.
“We’ve known each other less than twelve hours,” I remind him, a little terrified about what that means.
He stops walking and gently turns me to face him. “I only had to see your pale face when I pulled you out of that pool to know I wanted to get to know you.”
“I truly want to believe you,” I admit. “But that sounds more like guilt than anything else.”
Diego huffs, frustrated. His hands travel to my shoulders, framing me. “Fine. You’re more of an action-over-words kind of woman. I can work with that.”
Before I can reply, he leans in, completely focused on my lips. My pulse spikes, anticipation racing through my blood.
My eyes flutter closed, waiting for the kiss… but instead, his lips brush my jaw. It’s so tender, so subtle, I feel like I'm dreaming.
He trails feather-light kisses along my jawline, then my cheek. My head tilts back on its own. I’m Jell-O in his hands.
When his mouth finally reaches mine, relief and desire collide. My fingers tangle in his hair, and his hands trace down my sides, pulling me flush against him. The kiss deepens—slow, hungry—and I feel every single inch of his erection.
A moan slips free, and he catches it with his lips.
By the time we come up for air, my head is spinning.
He rests his forehead against mine, our breaths mingling. “Was that a kiss of someone who feels guilty, Mia?” His voice is rough—almost a growl.
“No,” I whisper, willing my heart to slow down.
“That’s right, bonita.”
He straightens, hair a tussled mess, lips red and shiny from my lipstick. He looks devastating.
“I do feel guilty I accidentally tossed you in that pool,” he admits, smiling faintly. “But I’ll never regret meeting you. I already feel like one lifetime won’t be enough to get to know you. To be with you.”
His words hit me right in my core. Who knew all it took was an expert kisser and smooth talker to get my libido going?
“I’ve enjoyed getting to know you too,” I say, rising on my tiptoes to kiss the tip of his nose.
He chuckles, leaning in to brush his mouth over mine. “Would you spend tomorrow with me?” he asks, eyes full of hope.
The answer I want comes instantly, but reality crashes in, and I feel like shit for what I’m about to say.
“I’d love to,” I say softly, “but remember—I’m here with my sister. I don’t want to leave her alone the entire time we’re here.”
His face falls, but he quickly recovers, pressing a kiss to my cheek.
Before I can say anything else, Carly’s voice carries through the door behind me. “Her sister will survive a day or two without her. Just let her know what time you’re picking her up.”
Laughter bursts out of me as Diego blinks, startled.
“Was she spying on us?” he asks, amusement dancing in his tone.
I shrug. “Wouldn’t put it past her. She’s a very good older sister.”
He nods, grinning. “Then it’s settled. I’ll pick you up first thing in the morning.”
He leans down for one last kiss, walking me the final few steps to the door.
“See you tomorrow. And thank you for tonight,” I say softly.
With a panty-melting smirk and a wink, he disappears in the dark of night, leaving me standing there with a racing heart and a stupid grin.
As soon as I close the door, Carly throws her arms around me, and we start jumping, both of us squealing like teenagers. I can’t contain my excitement anymore.
“I take it dinner with the hot fall guy went well?” Carly teases.
I kick off my heels and sigh in relief. “I swear these shoes were made for torturing women. I can look elegant and classy in my cowgirl boots too, thank you very much.”
Carly snaps her fingers twice, totally agreeing. That’s when I notice she’s licking a spoon. My gaze drops to the coffee table, where a huge tray of desserts is waiting.
My eyes go wide. “Carly!”
She grins, unbothered. “What? The person who brought them said it was for Ms. Martínez, and last I checked, that’s still me too.”
I narrow my eyes at her but can’t help laughing. “Whatever. We had the most amazing seafood dinner. I just didn’t have room for dessert, so Diego thought he’d send it here.”
I grab a spoon from the tray and dip it into something that looks like flan. The caramel custard melts on my tongue. “Oh my God, this is divine.”
Carly wiggles her brows. “So? Tell me everything.”
“It was incredible,” I admit, settling beside her on the couch. “We had dinner by the ocean. Just the two of us.”
She gasps and scoots to the edge of her seat like she’s watching a telenovela.
Before I forget, I pull out my phone and fire off a quick text to Diego.
Mia: Thank you so much again for tonight. I had the best time.
Diego: I’m glad that was the case. I hope I showed you how much I enjoyed my time with you.
Heat creeps up my face as that first kiss flashes through my mind. Out of this world.
“And that blush is my cue,” Carly says as she stands and stretches. She gives me one more hug before heading to her room. “I’m glad you had a great time, hermanita. Sweet dreams.”
I wave at her, still smiling.
Another text lights up my screen.
Diego: Are you heading to bed soon? I don’t think I can make my brain stop thinking about you. Sleep tight, linda princesa. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Crushing my phone to my chest, I take a deep breath and send a silent prayer to my parents. Even from heaven, I know they’re still looking after me. Otherwise, I can’t explain how I met this amazing man in the most beautiful place, under the most random circumstances.
Skipping all the way to my ensuite, I untie my dress and get ready for a long shower. It’s time to remove my makeup and try to rest for another great date with Diego.
It’s going to be great. I can feel it in my bones.
When I finally drift off, I’m already dreaming of what tomorrow will bring.