Page 104 of The One That Got Away

The way she squeezed her eyes shut and groaned with pleasure every time she slid a spoonful of dessert into her mouth.

The way her whole face lit up when I said something funny. Everything about her made the rest of the world fade into the background. When Stella was there, it was like nothing else existed.

I really wished we didn’t have to leave tomorrow. I hated that we only had a few hours left together.

‘Hi.’ Jasmine appeared. ‘Did you enjoy your meal?’

‘Everything was fantastic, thank you both so much!’ Stella reached across the table and squeezed my hand. ‘This was the perfect last night. I really wish we didn’t have to leave tomorrow.’

‘I know.’ Jasmine nodded. ‘It’s hard to say goodbye to such a beautiful place. But this shouldn’t be a night of sadness. I’d like you to celebrate your experience at The Love Hotel and hopefully the long-lasting, loving relationship you’ve started. I know things were challenging in the beginning, but the transformation from, let’s call ituncertaintyto love, is wonderful. It’s been a joy to watch you fall in love again! I have something for you. I’ll be right back.’

As Jasmine walked over to the waiter, I wanted to call her back and tell her that it was too soon for the whole ‘love’ thing. We’d only been here for two weeks and ‘together’ for just half of that. Yeah, I had strong feelings for Stella, but it couldn’t belove.

‘I never thought I’d say this,’ Stella said, ‘but I’m really glad I came here. And I’m glad you were my match.’

‘Same.’ I leant forward and kissed her again.

Once we pulled away, we stared at each other in silence. Like neither of us knew what to say.

Really we should talk, but it didn’t seem like the right moment.

Nah. I wasn’t gonna raise it tonight. If Stella asked me, I’d tell her where I stood. But until then, I wanted to enjoy our last night together.

‘I have something for you!’ Jasmine returned, breaking the silence. She handed Stella a large red gift box as the waiter cleared the table. ‘Here’s your memory book.’

Stella lifted the lid then pulled out the photo album which had a soft red velvet cover. As she opened it, I saw the first set of photos we’d chosen.

‘Wow!’ Stella’s face broke into a smile. ‘I love it!’

‘Great. I’ll leave you to look back on your wonderful memories. See you tomorrow.’

After waving her off, I moved my chair next to Stella’s then we started going through the book.

‘Oh my God,’ Stella winced. ‘I’m still mortified about the bikini top incident!’ She covered her eyes with her hand as we looked through volleyball game photos.

‘I love this one,’ I said, pausing at the photo of us on the bridge at the Caminito del Rey.

Every page sent happy memory after happy memory flooding into my brain.

We’d been through a lot together these past two weeks.

A link to the final playlists had also been emailed to us. I couldn’t wait to listen to that.

‘Thank you.’ Stella looked up at me.

‘For what?’

‘For two amazing weeks.’

‘Right back atcha.’ I kissed her again.

This time it was hungry and frenzied like we hadn’t kissed for weeks. I dropped the memory book on the sand, freeing my hands to roam across Stella’s back then brushed against the side of her breasts.

‘Oh… Max…’ she groaned into my mouth.

Fuck. Hearing her call my name was like a match had been lit inside of me. Reluctantly, I pulled away. The chef was clearing up and the waiter was still here too. As much as I wanted to have Stella right here on the beach, this was our last night and I wanted it to be special.

‘Shall we…?’

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