Fuck. Peque was going to kill me. That short gray skirt already had me half-crazed, and now her moan would haunt my R-rated dreams.
While Ale chatted with Dawson and Javi, I slid my palm onto Kaia’s thigh under the table. She caught my hand, giving it a squeeze as she shifted in her chair. “Behave, mi niño.”
Chuckling, I took a bite of food.
“How’s the paella?” Ale asked Kaia.
“Delicious,” she said, grinning.
“I’m glad.” He stood and disappeared into the kitchen, returning with another bottle of white. Kaia had been drinking water, but when Ale began filling glasses, she held hers out. “I want to try it.”
“It’s Albariño,” Ale explained as he poured. “Typical of northwest Spain. Fresh, fruity—perfect for seafood.”
Kaia swirled the glass and took a sip. “It’s great. I like it.”
Ale winked. “Then let’s toast to Javi and his dream team.”
We clinked glasses. Javi chuckled. Everyone seemed relaxed except Dawson, who hadn’t spoken a word to me all night. He could be moody, so I let it go.
“Want more?” I asked Kaia when her plate was empty.
She eyed the paella shyly, as if worried about asking. I spooned another helping for her and downed the last of my wine.
“You should take Kaia to Spain,” Ale said. “Show her where you grew up.”
Kaia set her fork down. “I’d love that, but I doubt my father would let me. Maybe once I’m in college.”
I slung an arm around her shoulders and kissed her temple while she finished eating. When the last bite was gone, Ale gathered our dishes.
“I’ll help,” I offered.
He shook his head. “Later. I’ll make coffee first.”
As he disappeared into the kitchen and Dawson asked Javi about his first match with the new team, I caught Kaia’s hand.
“Come with me.”
She gave me a curious look but laced her fingers through mine.
I knew Ale’s apartment by heart. The guest room sat beside the bathroom, and I led her straight there.
As soon as the door clicked shut, I cupped her face, my thumbs brushing her cheeks. “Are you having fun?”
“Yeah.” A shy smile spread across her lips. “Thanks for inviting me.”
“I wanted you to spend time with my friends.” My knuckles skimmed down her neck. Goosebumps prickled her skin. She inhaled sharply and closed her eyes.
“Come here,” I whispered, backing toward the queen-sized bed. I sat on the edge and drew her into my lap. Her hair tickled my nose as she curled against me, arms looping around my neck.
My mouth found the curve of her throat, laying a trail of soft kisses as I breathed her in.
It was nice to simply exist with her—no Russell, no mother to worry about. Moments like this were rare, and I treasured every second.
Kaia released a shaky breath. Spurred on by her soft gasps, I slid my hand beneath her skirt.
She pressed her forehead to mine, eyes sparkling even in the dim glow from the streetlights outside.
I stroked her thigh, watching the way she bit her lip and shifted on my lap, as if craving more. My fingertips traced the sheer barrier of her tights, inching higher with each deliberate caress.
