Page 34 of My Spanish Love Affair

Before I can push the door to a close, his hand stops it.

I look up, surprised.

“When can I see you again?” Santi asks, his tone light but his eyes earnest.

“You don’t waste any time, do you?” I say with a teasing smirk, leaning against the doorframe.

“I’ve got training all weekend,” he says, ignoring the jab, “but - how about Monday?”

I pause, pretending to think it over. I don’t want to seemtookeen. “I’ll have to double check that I definitely don’t have plans, but I think Monday could work.”

His smile deepens, and before I can say anything else, he leans in for one more quick kiss, his lips brushing mine in a way that leaves me wanting more.

“Goodnight, Olivia,” he murmurs as he steps back, his hand lingering on the doorframe for a moment before he finally lets go.

“Goodnight, Santi,” I reply, watching as he heads back down the stairs.

I close the door, leaning against it as I let out a breath I hadn’t realised I’d been holding. My heart is still racing, my lips tingling from our kisses, and all I can do is smile.

Monday feels a long way away, but for now, I’m okay with waiting.

Chapter Thirteen

Ipromised myself a lazy weekend, and boy have I embodied that.

Work has been so busy lately, and I feel like I’ve barely had time to breathe recently, let alone process everything that’s been happening with Santi.

Our date on Friday had been incredible, but it had left me in that bittersweet haze between excitement and caution. I tell myself that it’s a good thing that I’m so busy since it means I haven’t been able to overthink.

Santi and I have been texting since our date - just short, casual exchanges for now, nothing too full-on - but it feels like there’s something simmering beneath the surface.

I don’t want to over analyse things, though.

After all, if you do what you’ve always done, then you get the same result, right?

So, I want to let things unfold naturally - even if my brain seems intent on creating scenarios worthy of a romantic drama.

After a slow breakfast, I decide to head to the beach with a book. The thought of the sea breeze and soft sand beneath my feet feels like the perfect way to recharge, and this is a luxury I don’t have back in Manchester.

I’m trying to live my life a little more presently and focus on being in the moment, and as I walk through the winding Spanish streets, I let myself take in the beauty of my surroundings - the vibrant orange trees, the chatter of locals enjoying their morning coffee and the gentle hum of life in the city.

By mid-afternoon, I’m sprawled out on a towel and practically glowing from how much sun cream I’m wearing. My fair hair sits in a loose, messy bun on top of my head, and my book - a highly recommended summer romance novel - sits forgotten beside me as I stare out at the waves, my large sunglasses hiding most of my expression from any passers by.

I just can’t seem to get my mind to stop from drifting.

No matter how hard I try to live in the moment and not think about him… I can’t help it.

I wonder about Santi. What he’s doing, what he’s up to, who he’s with, where he’s going.

He’d mentioned that he had training over the weekend, but I have no idea what his schedule actually looks like, or whattrainingeven involves. Honestly, as far as I know, it could be anything.

As if on cue, my phone buzzes, and I smile at the sight of his name on my phone screen.

How’s your lazy Sunday going?

Sitting up slightly to type a reply, I bite down on my bottom lip.

My giddiness is honestly ridiculous. After all, I shouldn’t be this happy to hear from him. Not so soon.

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