Page 48 of My Spanish Love Affair

“What, you don’t find exposed pipes and dusty corridors romantic?”

I roll my eyes, though I can’t help but laugh. “Not quite the glamorous world of professional sports I imagined.”

“Yeah, sorry to disappoint,” he says, slowing his pace so we’re walking side by side. “It’s not all fancy cars and champagne, you know.”

“No kidding,” I say, gesturing to the plain brick walls. “This place has the charm of a hospital basement.”

He chuckles, nudging me lightly with his broad shoulder.

“Careful, Olivia. You’ll hurt its feelings. Thisbasementhas seen some incredible moments.”

“Right. Like you forgetting your gym bag?”

He laughs, shaking his head.

“Alright,miss perfect. Point taken. Not one of my finer moments.”

As we round a corner, a security guard steps out of a shadowed alcove near one of the doors.

His posture straightens the moment he sees us, his eyes narrowing slightly as they dart between Santi and I. His uniform is crisp, and the faint clink of keys at his belt breaks the otherwise heavy silence of the corridor.

“Buenas noches,” Santi says casually, nodding at him, his voice carrying an effortless confidence.

The guard nods back, but his gaze lingers on me for longer than I’d consider polite. His expression is hard to read, a clear mixture of curiosity and something sharper. Something that makes my stomach tighten.

I glance down, suddenly hyper-aware of every sound we make in the quiet space and wishing I hadn’t chosen to wear heels tonight. My skin prickles under the weight of his stare, and for a brief, uncomfortable moment, I feel completely out of place.

Santi must notice, because he shifts subtly, his broad frame moving just enough to block part of the guard’s view of me. He reaches for my hand, his strong fingers wrapping around mine with an easy familiarity.

“Come on, Olivia” he says, his tone steady as he gives my hand a gentle squeeze.

I let him guide me forward, my eyes fixed on the floor as we pass the guard. Even when we’re a few steps beyond him, I can still feel his eyes burning into my back.

I lean in closer to Santi, my voice low and a little shaky.

“What was that all about?”

“Don’t mind the security,” he murmurs, amusement lacing his tone. “They’re quiet by nature. I don’t think talking is in their job description. Besides, he was probably just trying to figure out who you are, that’s all.”

I glance up at him, my brow furrowing. “Why would anyone care who I am?”

“Because you’re walking with me,” he says, flashing a small, knowing smile.

I roll my eyes, though his answer doesn’t exactly ease my discomfort.

“Great. So now I’m a mystery woman in a creepy stadium.”

Santi chuckles, his thumb brushing lightly over the back of my hand as we continue down the corridor.

“I don’t think that’s the conclusion he’s come to.”

“Oh? So what conclusion do you think he’s drawn, then?”

He grins, the kind of grin that always makes my pulse quicken.

“That you’re the most beautiful woman who has ever walked through these dusty halls.”

I roll my eyes, though I can feel my cheeks warming. “Oh, please.”

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