I lean closer. “I should introduce myself. Santiago Rivas. I cofounded Viñedo Hospitality Group,we oversee wine programs for properties across the U.S. and Europe. I spend more time in cellars and airports than at home.”
“Intriguing. What were you doing in Seattle” Her eyes widen. “By the way, I’m Rosa.”
I decide to toe my way in. “’I have a small condo here, though sadly work hasn’t allowed me to spend much time in the area yet. Now that I’ve met you, perhaps I’ll make more effort.”
Color blooms across her cheeks. She lowers her chin, self-consciously.
“I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, Rosa. All I meant was it’s very nice to meet you.” I shift gears.
“Uh, you didn’t, exactly. I’m a bit out of my element when I’m not working.” She glances away, gripping the blanket like I’m going to rip it off her.
God, I want to. She’s exquisite.
Desire surges through me. My cock thickens, tenting the wool of my pants as I imagine her lips wrapped around me, cheeks hollowing, tongue sliding along the sensitive vein under my crown. I imagine her pussy wet and open, my fingers buried. Her hips rocking until she gasps my name.
Jesus. I’ve got to retain some control. I grip the armrest, inhale, exhale. I’m not a man forone-night stands. They’ve always been hollow. I’m not great at relationships, either. I lost my marriage to airports, hotels, and empty beds.
It’s been so long and, admittedly, I want connection. Rosa Delgado, curling into herself beside me, makes me ache for it.
“How long will you be there?” I manage to say.
She frowns. “An entire month.”
“Me too. Should be more than enough time for you to remember how to taste.” My voice sounds gravelly. Pained.
This time, her breath falters. She catches the double edge, and I see the spark of interest before she looks down. My gut confirms she’s introverted not standoffish. Careful, but not closed.
The plates are taken away and the cabin dims. Rosa pulls the blanket tighter, trying to fold smaller. I want to tell her to stretch, to take space, to sprawl. Instead, I push the divider down all the way, lean close, and speak softly in a pitch for her alone to hear.
“If you want silence, I’m good at silence. If you want company, I’m good at conversation too.”
Her gaze snaps to mine, startled. Heat there, no denying.
Hope, maybe.
I sit back, though every muscle in me fights the distance. My cock still throbs at the images in my mind. Rosa straddling me in this wide leather seat, pussy sliding down onto me slow and wet while the cabin sleeps. I’d keep Rosa steady on my lap until her lip caught between her teeth. Her body trembling as she tries to keep her cries quiet. The man across the aisle stirring in his sleep, unaware of our paradise inches away.
My pulse hammers but I manage to calm myself down. Now isn’t the time.
Barcelona waits. Markets at dawn. Wine she didn’t pour. Meals she didn’t labor over. Mornings she hasn’t allowed herself in years.
Maybe fate put her here, beside me, to remind her she doesn’t have to do everything alone. Maybe, for once, I’m meant to be the one who looks after her.
Rosa’s eyes shift toward me, hesitation laced with curiosity.Interest. I sense the question building on her tongue, the urge to close the silence between us.
Somehow, I keep control.
Hold still. Remain steady.
Giving her the space to choose.
Chapter three
Myheart’sbeatingsofast I can barely catch my breath.
Santiago’s words linger between us:If you want silence, I’m good at silence. If you want company, I’m good at conversation too.
Something in the way he said it makes me comfortable. He isn’t pushing. He’soffering.
