“Yes, please,” I squeak. “Let me grab the sunscreen bottle.”
I flee to the bathroom, practically collapsing against the wall the second I’m out of sight. I need to calm down. It’s just a man’s body. Nothing I haven’t seen before. Except... it’s not just any body. It’s a fitness-model-meets-figure-skater kind of body, and pretending otherwise is pointless. I snort softly to myself and fan my face, taking a few deep breaths before I head back out.
“Here it is. Sorry for the hold up,” I say a minute later, waving the bottle. “I forgot I’d repacked it.”
Fernando gestures to one of the dining chairs. “Sit. It’ll be easier.”
I awkwardly shimmy out of the top of my dress and settle into the chair, exposing my back. A second later, I hear the squirt of the bottle, and then his hands are on me, spreading the sunscreen with a touch that’s somehow both careful and confident. His palms are warm, and he uses just the right amount of pressure, like he actually knows what he’s doing.
“You lied to me,” I mumble, eyes fluttering shut. “You said you were lousy at massages. You’re not.”
He chuckles. “This doesn’t count. It’s not a proper massage.”
“Say what you will. Now that I know your secret, if I wake up with a bad back tomorrow, I’m putting you to work.”
“Or you could visit the spa again.”
“I don’t want to make your aunt spend more than she already has.”
“Ava, don’t worry about the money. In fact, Tía Yesenia would be offended if you didn’t take advantage of another day at the spa if you want it.Shecertainly would.” I hear the cap being replaced on the bottle. “I think she intended for these next few days to be treated like we’re on a couple’s retreat.”
“That would explain the bed situation.” My eyes widen. “We’re supposed to be a couple who’ve only known each other for a few short weeks. If you ask me, it’s pretty bold for her to assume we’re on that intimate a level.” I pull the top of the dress back over my swimsuit.
“My tía is determined to do everything in her power to speed up our relationship. She wants to see me happy and settled.”
I want those things for him too. Although, I’m not sure about the settled part. “Remember, you’ll be the first woman to meet the family since Isabel.”
My stomach muscles clench. I had forgotten about that. “Your family is going to think that we’re a hop, skip, and jump away from getting engaged.”
“I know.” He places his hands on top of his head.
“We’re going to have to ramp things up from a simmer to a boil.We’ll have to get comfortable with more hand holding, kissing, sharing inside jokes—the things actual couples do.”
Which I don’t mind in the least. We may be fake dating, but there’s nothing fake about how my feelings are growing for this man. If he needs me to be here for him, I will. I make a note to call my hotel in Barcelona to cancel my reservation. All my plans for my second week here are going to have to be placed on hold.
“I don’t know, Ava. I’m starting to think this whole idea was stupid. I should just come clean to my family.” The muscles in Fernando’s body have tensed. He carries his stress in his shoulders. He’s also chewing on his lower lip again, a nervous habit I’ve noticed he does when he’s worried about something.
“Do you want your aunts off your back or not?”
“Yes, but?—”
“No buts.” I cut him off. “We’re doing this. It’s settled. End of discussion.” I’m in my determined mode and bold enough to pat him on the pecs. They’re rock-hard. “Now, let’s go. We’re wasting time being up here.”
The resort’s private beach is massive. There’s a long stretch of pristine, fine white sand along a piece of beautiful untouched ocean. The tide is low right now. Near the shore, I spot some exposed tide pools and long, straggly strips of seaweed. A few seagulls cry overhead.
There are two rows of beach chairs shaded by umbrellas about twenty feet from the water’s edge. Since it’s early December, there’s a noticeably thin crowd. I count about ten people. It’s a welcome relief. I’ll be able to make a call to my sister and not have to worry about bothering anyone.
I remove my phone from my pocket and tap Daphne’s name. She answers the video request on the third ring. “Good morning, Daph. How goes it?” She’s dressed in her bathrobe. Her back is turned tome, her attention focused on the stove. She scoops a pancake out of the frying pan and deposits it onto a plate, turning off the burner.
“It goes.” She hides a yawn with her hand. “Where are you?” She squints at the screen. “Is that the ocean?”
“Uh-huh. I’m just outside Valencia.” I flip the camera around, panning the length of the beach.
“It looks so pretty.” Daphne sighs. “I wish I could be there with you right now.” She pulls her robe tighter around her body. “We had our first snowfall last night. I’m not looking forward to going outside and shoveling the driveway when I take the kids to school.”
“Can you talk Brian into doing it for you?”
She shakes her head as she sits down. “He’s out of town until Tuesday. Anyhow, I’ve been dying to get the four-one-one on your trip. How has everythingreally been going? I can’t believe you decided to rent a car and drive yourself around! No offense, but you’re the last person I ever expected to do something like that.”
