“Too much?” I whispered.
She shook her head, lips molding to mine. I kissed her back, brushing the tip of her tongue with mine.
Kaia whimpered, fingers tangled in my hair.
The door banged open. She gasped, her heartbeat thundering against my chest.
“Sorry,” Dawson muttered from the doorway. “Thought this was the bathroom.”
Fuck. I hated the interruption—and hated even more that it scared her.
“Next door,” I said, forcing myself not to scowl. It wasn’t his fault. I should’ve locked the door.
As soon as he left, Kaia buried her face against my shoulder. “How embarrassing. Can I just hide here forever?”
I ran my palm down her back, chuckling. “Stop. We were just kissing. He’ll survive.”
She nuzzled into my neck. “He was weird at dinner. Didn’t say a word to me. Is it because of us?”
Great. The last thing I wanted was her worrying about Dawson.
“He’s like that sometimes, peque.” I kissed her nose. “I’m sure it’s not about us.”
“Anyway”—she slid off my lap, tugging her skirt down—“we should go back in.”
Reluctantly, I followed her to the living room, where Ale was pouring coffee into white cups.
“Just in time,” he said. “We’ve got chocolates. Grab the box, Ash.”
Javi smirked as I picked it up. What was their deal? It wasn’t likeI made out with my girlfriendwas stamped on my forehead.
Dawson returned just as I handed Kaia her coffee. I brushed my thumb over her cheek and kissed her lips. Hiding from Russell was one thing. Hiding in front of my friends? No. Kaia deserved better.
“Ale, I think I’ll head home,” Dawson said.
Ale arched a brow mid-sip. “Wait. At least have some coffee.”
“Some other time.” Dawson shook his hand. “Thanks for dinner. Best paella I’ve had.”
Ale laughed, clapping his shoulder. “I’ll tell my father his lessons paid off. I’ll walk you out.”
Dawson said goodbye, and I sat beside Kaia, wrapping my arm around her shoulders as we sipped our drinks.
“Tortolitos,” Javi teased.Lovebirds.
I flipped him off. Kaia had already dealt with enough from Dawson—I didn’t want Javi embarrassing her too.
She set her cup on the table and leaned into me. I ran my fingers along her arm, absently.
“Ready to play for your dream team?” I asked Javi. His first game with Sport Union Madrid was days away. He had to be both excited and nervous.
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” He drummed his fingers on his knee. “Hope I get enough minutes. I’d rather not spend the first match on the bench.”
“No idea about thelineup yet?”
“Not until I’m back. We’ll see what Mister says.”
“El míster no da la talla.” Ale leaned on the doorway, sliding a hand through his styled hair. “He doesn’t measure up. Surprised they haven’t replaced him.”
