Page 10 of My Spanish Love Affair

“You looked like you were having fun,” he continues, stepping closer. “Can I get you another drink?”

I glance down at the glass in my hand, still nearly full, and then back up at him. He’s handsome enough, with his easy smile and confident stance, but I feel nothing beyond polite indifference.

“I’m good, thanks,” I say, keeping my tone light.

“Are you sure?” he presses, his voice friendly, but there’s a hint of insistence. “One more won’t hurt. My treat.”

“I’m good,” I repeat, a little firmer this time, lifting my glass as proof. “Still working on this one.”

He chuckles, tilting his head as if trying to charm me.

“Alright, fair enough. What about a dance, then? Just one song?”

Ugh. This guy will not take a hint.

I shake my head. “I don’t think so. I’m still catching my breath from karaoke.”

“Come on,” he presses, his smile unwavering. “It’s just one dance. You seem like the most fun person in this room. You can’t leave me hanging.”

Something in his tone makes me shift uncomfortably. It’s not aggressive, but there’s a persistence that feels too much.

“I appreciate it,” I say, keeping my voice steady but firm. “But I’m not really in the mood to dance.”

“Why not?” he asks, leaning in slightly. “A pretty girl like you shouldn’t be sitting on the sidelines.”

I take a step back, forcing a small smile.

“I’m just here to have fun with my friends tonight. Thanks, though.”

He hesitates for a moment, clearly not used to hearing no, but finally shrugs, his smile turning sheepish.

“Alright. If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

As he walks away, I exhale softly, my shoulders relaxing.

Camila sidles up beside me, raising an eyebrow. “Friend of yours?”

“Not exactly,” I reply, rolling my eyes. “Some guys don’t know when to quit.”

“Good for you,” she says, clinking her glass against mine. “I can tell that he wasn’t your type, anyway.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “I don’t even have a type anymore. I’ve sworn off men!”

Camila smirks knowingly. “You keep telling yourself that, Liv.”

Despite her teasing, I can’t help but smile. For all her drama and flair, she always knows how to make me feel lighter.

The night continues, the group’s energy never wavering as we laugh and joke like nothing else in the world matters.

It’s a reminder of how much I needed this.

Chapter Four

Spending the last few days soaking in the energy of Madrid has been wonderful.

But despite it, there’s been a nagging thought that I can’t shake:

I didn’t come all this way just to wander aimlessly.

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