I can’t believe the flare of desire right in my gut that tells me I’m going to make this woman mine. God, I want her. And even though I know immediately that it’s wrong, I can’t deny the way my body responds when it sees her.
This is going to be a challenge.
Chapter Two
Ashley
I turn at the sound of a stranger’s voice and see a man in a black suit and tie, a crisp white shirt between them. He’s tall and takes up almost the whole of the doorway of this small store, more like a market stall in size. I see dark hair, a handsome and strong jaw, the width of his shoulders suggesting a muscular build –
And then I look closer at his face and blink, unsure of what I can possibly be seeing.
It can’t be, can it?
It can’t be Fernando?
“F-Fernando?” I ask, barely trusting myself. If it isn’t him, I’ll look like a real idiot. It’s been years since I’ve seen him, but I can’t help but think…
“Ashley?” he says, confirming my suspicions. He’s wearing a frown with a smile, puzzled but also pleased. “Is that you?”
“Wait…” I shake my head in wonder, even glancing at the store owner in case he can shed some light on this. “Wait, did my Dad tell you I’m here?”
“No, I haven’t heard from Joe in a while,” he says. “Wow – what are you doing here in Barcelona?”
“I’m on vacation,” I say. “Wait – this is just too weird. You didn’t know it was me?”
“I was just trying to tease old Jose here,” Fernando says with a laugh. “What a coincidence! It’s like we were meant to bump into each other here today.”
“That is just so weird,” I laugh, shaking my head. “I haven’t seen you in…” My voice trails off as I try to calculate how long it’s been. I can’t fix the number in my head. All I can think about, actually, is the fact that Fernando is far hotter than I remember him being when I was ten years old. That he’s extremely hot. Like, I might need a bucket of water to cool me down kind of hot. There’s just the right amount of stubble on his face, darkening his strong jawline. His eyes have something in them – I don’t know how to describe it, but it’s as though he hasn’t aged a second since I saw him last.
“Ten years?” Fernando guesses.
“Right!” I complete the math at the same time as he does. Ten years. And I’ve gone from being a ten year old girl to a twenty year old college student. If my memory really is correct, then he’s entered his prime in the same years.
“Come, we should step outside,” Fernando says, following his gesture I look around to see Jose glowering in the corner, and I realize that between the two of us, we’re monopolizing his little store. I step out into the street with Fernando, into the hustle and bustle of Barcelona’s city center.
I can’t help but notice, as we do, the pair of girls walking up the street towards us; they’re about my age, and they look Fernando over with definite appreciation in their eyes. Then they see me and shoot daggers at me. Even the older woman across the street, who must be in her late fifties at the very least, is giving Fernando a once over, and I’m sure I see her lean in a little to check out his ass.
Yes, he’s definitely a whole lot hotter than I remember. It makes me feel a little flustered, and suddenly I don’t know what to say to keep the conversation flowing.
“Do you have plans, right now?” he asks, bringing me back to something I can at least answer competently.
“No, not really,” I say, wishing I had something cooler to add. “I’m just wandering around, exploring a bit. I only landed yesterday, so I’m finding my feet.”
“Well, then, let’s go to lunch,” Fernando grins. “I was on my way to get something to eat anyway. Well? What do you think?”
“I’d love to,” I say, with absolute honesty – because right now, getting the chance to sit opposite him and stare at his handsome face sounds like a wonderful way to pass the time. If it’s combined with his sexy accent and gravelly voice, as well as some great Spanish food, then I simply can’t think of anything better. Even if I might make a fool out of myself and end up swooning at his feet.
“Come on, then,” he says, gesturing down the street as we fall into step together. “I know just the place.”
Chapter Three
Fernando
“Here it is,” I tell her, stopping outside one of my favorite cafes in this part of the city. Truth be told, I was thinking of going home to eat, but this is so much better. Getting to sit with her and talk with her is the foremost of my priorities right now. I’m sure that after an hour or so of idle chat, the attraction will wear off and I can go about my day like normal.