Page 138 of My Spanish Love Affair

I laugh, shaking my head in amusement before closing the space between us. Wrapping my arms around his waist from behind, I press my cheek against his back, feeling the warmth of his body beneath the soft fabric of his shirt.

He smells like soap and something distinctlyhim, and I sigh contentedly.

His free hand finds mine where it rests against his stomach, his fingers brushing over my knuckles before giving them a gentle squeeze.

I press a kiss between his shoulder blades before finally stepping back, watching as he plates up whatever masterpiece he’s managed to create. He moves with surprising ease in the kitchen, pouring sauce over the dish with an almost arrogant precision, like he’s done this a hundred times before.

“Alright, chef,” I say, sliding into my seat at the small dining table, my curiosity piqued. “Let’s see if this is actually edible.”

Santi chuckles, setting a plate in front of me before taking his own seat across the table.

He watches expectantly as I take my first bite, and to my utter surprise, it’s... good. Like,reallygood.

I chew slowly, narrowing my eyes at him.

“Alright,” I say, pointing my fork at him. “What’s this about?”

His smirk falters slightly, and a more serious expression settles over his features. There’s something unreadable in his eyes - something weighty that wasn’t there before.

He twirls his fork between his fingers for a moment before finally speaking.

“I might have the opportunity to train with a top international team over the summer.”

I freeze, my fork hovering just above my plate as my brain scrambles to process what he just said.

“Wait - what?” I blink at him. “Santi, that’shuge!”

He exhales a small laugh, but there’s something restrained about it. “Yeah, it is.”

I set my fork down, leaning forward. “Why are you saying it like that?! You’re making it sound like this isn’t a good thing? This isincredible, Santi! You’ve worked so hard for something like this.”

His gaze flickers to me, and he hesitates before speaking. “The training - it’s in Madrid.”

Ah.

The words land like a small stone dropping into the pit of my stomach.

Madrid. Hours away. A different city entirely. And I have my summer programme,here…

I straighten slightly, trying to keep my expression neutral. “Oh.”

Santi watches me carefully, his fingers tapping lightly against the edge of his plate.

“It’s just for a trial period at first,” he explains, his voice calm,measured. “Nothing set in stone. Just training, meetings… seeing if it’s the right fit.”

I nod slowly, processing. “That’s… that’s amazing, Santi. Truly.” I mean it - really, I do.

But I can’t ignore the knot tightening in my chest at the thought of him being so far away.

He studies me, his green eyes searching my face. “I didn’t want to bring it up until I knew more. And I don’t even know if I’ll take it. But I had to tell you.”

I manage a small smile. “Of course you did. And I’m really proud of you.” I reach across the table, covering his hand with mine. “You deserve this.”

His fingers squeeze mine, his expression softening. “I don’t want this to change things between us, Liv.”

I inhale deeply, pushing down the uncertainty creeping in. “It won’t,” I say, more determinedly than I feel. “We’ll figure it out.Together.”

He studies me for a long moment, then nods, as if making a silent agreement with himself.

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