Page 127 of My Spanish Love Affair

There’s something almost magical about this, though. Something that makes me want to hold on to this feeling forever.

I lean my head against the closed window, allowing my eyes to fall shut only for a moment. I sink further back into my seat and allow myself to really, truly relax, allowing the night and the journey to take me wherever it will.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

My eyes flutter open slowly, and the unfamiliarity of the space makes me blink in confusion.

I’m lying on a large, comfortable bed, the sheets cool against my skin. There’s a window open, and the incoming draft of air smells faintly of lavender. Somewhere in the distance, I can hear the faint sound of waves crashing and gulls squawking above.

I sit up with a start, not recognising any of my surroundings. I try to recall the events of last night, but I draw a blank after falling asleep on the journey.

It dawns on me then.Santi. He must have carried me in from his car.

I look around, the room coming into sharper focus. It's warm and inviting with light streaming in from an outside balcony. It’s furnished in a way that is traditionally Spanish, with a comfortable looking armchair in one corner, a dark oak dressing table perched by the bed and a small side table with a pitcher of water and two glasses.

But no sign of Santi.

I rub my eyes, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. I didn’t mean to fall asleep for so long - it was just supposed to be a quick power-nap. It must’ve been a combination of the easy, peaceful drive, the exhaustion from the last few weeks andthe calming atmosphere of the towns we passed through. The moment I closed my eyes, it all caught up to me.

I slide out of the bed and step over to the balcony doors, pulling them open to let the morning air wash over me.

The view from outside is incredible. Blue skies stretch endlessly to the sea that doesn’t look too far. The water appears calm, reflecting the first light of day.

After spending a few minutes basking in the warmth of the rising sun, I turn to look back at the room, wondering where Santi could be. I pad back inside and am just about to sit back down on the bed when I hear the soft creak of the door behind me.

There he is, standing in the doorway with a warm, familiar smile playing at the corner of his lips.

“Good morning,” he says.

His voice is low and gentle, as though he’s trying not to disturb the calm of the moment.

“Morning,” I reply, feeling a little disoriented but mostly at peace. “How long have I been asleep?”

He shrugs casually as he walks into the room, his presence filling it completely. “It doesn’t matter. You clearly needed the rest.”

I laugh softly, a little embarrassed. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you.”

“No need to apologise. You’ve been working hard. I’m just glad you could get some sleep.”

I raise an eyebrow. “How did I get in here, though? Did you… carry me in, or something?”

He laughs, a sheepish sound as he rubs the back of his neck.

“Maybe. I mean, I had to make sure you got to bed somehow, right? And you looked far too peaceful to wake up.”

“You’re unbelievable,” I say, my voice teasing but full of affection.

“I try,” he responds with a wink, walking over to the table and pouring out two glasses of water. He hands me one before sitting down beside me. “I hope you’re comfortable. I wanted this to be a nice, relaxing weekend for us.”

“It’s perfect,” I say softly. “I don’t even know where we are, but I already can’t remember the last time I felt this relaxed.”

Santi watches me for a moment, his green eyes softening.

“Good. That’s the point. I know things have been hectic, and I just want us to have time to breathe, to enjoy each other without all the noise.”

I can’t help but smile at how considerate he is. The way he’s thought of everything and knowing that he’s planned this for me - forus…well. It’s one of the reasons I fell for him in the first place, and why my feelings for him only grow stronger by the day.

“I really appreciate this, Santi,” I say, my voice filled with sincerity. “I’ve been running at full speed for so long, I didn’t even realise how much I needed something like this.”

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