I nod slowly, absorbing, not startled so much as honored she’s willing to be honest with me. Now I know how important it is for me to be careful with her.
She watches me intently. “You think it’s strange.”
“No, It makes sense. You’ve been focused on other things. I was actually thinking all the better for me.” I squeeze her fingers and let go, reaching for the decanter. The wine should be ready.
I pour us each a generous glass and hand her one. Her fingers brush mine. Tentatively. We clink.
“What are we toasting to?” she asks.
“To instincts worth following.”
She holds my eyes as we drink. The wine is deep, alive. Exquisite.
Rosa swirls the liquid in her glass. “So, what about you? Any girlfriends since your divorce?”
“None. As for the rest…it’s been well over a year.” I lean back on the couch. “I filled the void with strangers for a while. It didn’t take long to realize meaningless sex was emptier than being alone.”
“And now?”
“Now I’m here, with you. I can’t explain it other than to say you’ve reawakened something dormant.”
My straightforward words hang between us. I’m shooting my shot. The ball’s in her court.
Finally, she laughs nervously. “You talk like a man who’s pretty self-aware. You seem to know what you want.”
“I do.” I take a long sip.
“What?”
“You.”
She looks away, then back. “Once again, I find it hard to believe. You don’t know me.”
“Rosa, trust me. I know enough.” I hold her gaze. “You carry the world on your shoulders and pretend it doesn’t hurt. You think control keeps you safe when it’s making you tired. You’ll do anything for the few people you allow into your life. I also think you’re lonely, hiding behind work. I know this because I’m the same.”
Her breath catches.
“You’re here for a month, right? Let’s take a chance on each other and spend it together. Neither of us has anyone relying on us. Let me show you Spain. It wouldbe my honor. Best of all, you won’t have to plan a thing. I already have a ton of ideas.”
She bites her lip. “I wasn’t looking for a tour guide.”
“I’m not offering to be your tour guide. I’d like to see if this thing between us is what I think it is. Let’s indulge. Wine. Food. Romance. Whatever you’re up for.”
The air changes. Her pulse jumps in her throat, visible in the dim light.
“You’re serious?” she whispers, as if the thought of hanging out with me is incomprehensible.
“Completely.”
Something in her breaks free. Fear or hunger, I can’t tell. She moves first, quick and impulsive, kissing me before I can finish the thought. Then suddenly she’s grabbing at my cock through my pants, her grip awkward and too tight.
I cover her hand, steady, not stopping her but also making sure she understands I don’t expect this from her. “Easy, Rosa. This isn’t about me tonight. I want it to be aboutyou.”
She looks at me almost in awe. Like she’s never heard of such a thing.
“I want to give you a chance.” Hervoice catches.
I search her eyes. “Good. Shall we head to your bedroom?”
