‘Yes.’
‘And do you?’
There was a pause as he waited for her answer.
‘No,’ said Rebecca with her usual forthright honesty.
‘Well then, there’s nothing to feel guilty about.’ The relief was palpable.
‘But what if I wanted you to kiss me again?’ she asked.
Butterflies danced low in his belly at the thought of taking her face in his hands and kissing her slowly and thoroughlyin the moonlight. He turned and took her in his arms, looking down at her, the moon casting a shadow across his face. ‘Then that is entirely up to you.’
‘But I love him. I’m so confused. We’re going to take things slowly– I think that probably means I shouldn’t kiss you anymore.’
‘I can’t answer that for you. Do you want me to?’
‘Yes,’ she whispered, her face a little anguished.
He knew that perhaps he shouldn’t add to her confusion, but his longing to kiss her was sharp and sure. And he was too selfish not to succumb. Rebecca was like the other half of him, a perfect fit. Being with her was so easy and natural. She expected so little that he found himself wanting to give her more. But how could he give her more? With his family, the hotel and so many people relying on him for their livelihoods, he couldn’t take on the responsibility for making her happy, for making promises he wasn’t sure he could keep. She deserved more.
That was it. He washelpingher. Helping her learn what she deserved. What she should expect from that lightweight Will– because he was a lightweight if he couldn’t see what was right under his nose. Rebecca deserved everything, and this time when he leaned in, holding her gaze because she looked back at him with so much trust, there was no giggling, no smirking or smiling. Her eyes were strong and true, holding his without hesitation. He lowered his lips to hers, his hands cupping her waist. When she wrapped her arms around his neck, he pulled her closer and she met his mouth, kiss for kiss, her lips moving over his. The soft kiss was gentle at first then deepened with both of their mouths questing and seeking. He opened his mouth and his tongue touched hers, heat sparking. The lazy control was gone and she pressed her body against his, her mouth demanding a response, and he kissed her back. He heardhimself groan into her mouth. Blood rushed to his groin and he hardened. She ground her hips against his, rubbing at him.
He pulled back slightly. ‘Rebecca, are you sure you want this?’ he whispered.
‘Yes. No,’ she murmured back, one hand stroking the hair at the nape of his neck, the other sliding under his shirt, caressing his hip above the waistband of his trousers.
A sudden wave from the incoming tide caught them unawares, the cold lapping at their feet. Reluctantly they pulled apart.
‘Saved by the sea,’ murmured Rebecca, cradling his face with one hand. ‘I’m sorry. I probably shouldn’t. We always said this was just a fling… Maybe it’s run its course now.’
‘You have nothing to be sorry for. And nothing to feel guilty about. We’re friends… and neither of us made promises to each other or anyone else. Give yourself time to find out what you really want.’
‘You’re right. You’re always right. And Will has agreed to take things slowly.’
‘Although,’ whispered Felipe, ‘seeing how someone else appreciates you might stir him up a little. Give him a nudge.’
‘What? You want to make him jealous?’ asked Rebecca, a little incredulously.
‘Why not?’
She bent at the knees and cackled. ‘That’s hilarious.’ Felipe felt a little hollow at her dismissal of him until she added, ‘No one has ever been jealous over me.’
‘Well, they should be,’ he said, surprised by how tight his throat was. Couldn’t Will see what a treasure she was? ‘Besides making him feel jealous, I like spending time with you. We have fun. Why don’t we make a date for me to take you cycling? I’ve had some more ideas about setting up a cycling retreat. Kimberley and Alonso are interested. I spoke to themyesterday and I’d really like to run some ideas past you. I’ve also mentioned the idea to Inês, who didn’t hate it.’ He paused and pulled a face. ‘She didn’t love it either, but it wasn’t an outright no. And… she’s prepared to consider the idea of you using the hotel and equipment for a weekly evening class. Perhaps once she gets used to the idea, you can squeeze a few more in.’
She grasped his arm. ‘Oh, Felipe, you are a sweetheart.’ Rising on her toes, she kissed him on the cheek. ‘You’re so lovely.’
The words gave him a warm glow inside.
‘It’s all an act. Come on. If we want to walk, we haven’t got that much time before the tide comes in.’ He took her hand and together they wandered along the empty beach accompanied by the shush of the sea and the silver light of the moon. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so at peace.
Chapter Twenty
On Friday evening there was a lot of giggling coming from the salon that Ana shared with her sisters. Their quarters consisted of a TV room, lounge, their bedrooms and one extra for friends staying over. It had been their space since they’d moved in, shell-shocked and orphaned, all those years ago. Cristina had been little more than a toddler. Felipe closed his eyes in silent prayer, thankful that the worst was well and truly behind them.
He wished Ana might spread her wings and go elsewhere for just a little while, to see another part of the world and experience more than the Rebelo family. Her amazing pastry skills would benefit even more from time spent in other kitchens and other cuisines. He made a mental note to encourage her more. Perhaps he could speak to some contacts in Lisbon.
Felipe was loath to crash the girls’ party, but their infectious laughter was too enticing. And apart from their morning swims he’d barely seen Rebecca. Dinner in the evening didn’t count because she was monopolised by the rest of the family and after that she usually met Will for an evening drink.
