“Fernando . . .”
“Don’t kill me, but I also had the valet call the concierge to book you a spa appointment.”
I give him a hard look. “We just went through this?—”
He places a finger to my lips. “I know you said no a few minutes ago, but if we’re here anyway, I want you to be as comfortable as possible.”
I exhale. “Do I have a choice?”
“No. Everything’s been paid for.” He grins.
I exhale deeply. “Fine, I’ll do it, but this doesn’t mean I’m letting you off the hook.” My body is stiff, and I really could use a massage. But I’m going to find a way to split the difference with Fernando. He just doesn’t know it yet.
“Noted.”
I unbuckle my seat belt. “What are you going to do while I’m at the spa?”
“I’m joining you.”
My cheeks burn hot. “You didn’t plan on us getting a couples massage, did you?” I sputter. We’re a fake couple, but I’m not prepared for us to take itthatfar. Even with a handsome guy like him.
“No!” He quickly adds, “We’ll be in separate rooms.”
I relax. “Okay, then.”
We step out of the car and a hotel worker approaches us with a golf cart. “Mr. Alvarez?” he asks.
“Yes,” Fernando says.
“I’m glad I didn’t miss you!” The man grins. “I thought I heard the valet mention your name over the radio, but wasn’t certain. I’m Javier, your personal concierge while you’re with us at the Malvarrosa Resort and Spa. Do you have any bags you’d like me to take charge of while you visit the spa today?”
I blink and stare dumbly at Fernando. Did he book a top-of-the-line VIP package for us to get service like this?
“Uh, we’re not going to be here that long. Just a few hours,” he says.
The concierge blinks slowly. “Oh. I was informed by the hotel manager this morning that you’d be staying with us for two nights in the presidential suite. Am I mistaken?”
Presidential suite? Us staying here? He must have the wrong people. Alvarezis a common last name, after all.
I glance from the concierge to Fernando, who appears just as puzzled as I am. “I think I know what’s going on,” he says. “I need to get in touch with my aunt to clarify a few things.” He reaches for his phone. “In the meantime, would you mind taking Ava up to the spa?”
“Of course.” The concierge smiles. “It would be my pleasure. Señora, if you’ll please follow me.” He gestures to the golf cart. I take a step forward, but then look to Fernando for permission. I hate to leave him alone.
“Go on, Ava. I’ll be right behind you.”
Although I feel some guilt, the allure of having a massage to relieve the deep ache in my back is too much to resist.
“OK, I’ll see you soon.”
Chapter Eighteen
Ispend three glorious hours in the spa soaking in a mineral spring, sitting in a steam room, and receiving a massage from a woman with magical hands. She turns my body to putty, working out all the knots in my muscles. I’ve never felt better. As I emerge from the locker room, Fernando is waiting for me in the reception area.
“Somebody looks happy.” He laughs. “I take it you had a good time.”
“The best. I’m glad you forced my hand. I didn’t know how much I needed it.”
“Your back is feeling better, then?” he asks.
