Page 61 of Thiago
“Thiago, we’re in Rio. I want to see everything since we don’t have much time.”
He was worried about her health, and while she appreciated his concern, she knew what her body could handle and didn’t want to miss out on sightseeing since she didn’t know when she’d ever have the chance to return.
“Tomorrow. Today, we relax and enjoy the beach,” Thiago said firmly.
India sighed loudly, though she secretly liked how he was insistent on taking care of her. “Yes, sir.”
He groaned, gripping her hips and pressing his pelvis against her bottom.
Giggling, she twisted out of his arms and held his hand, leading the way inside. “Come on. You promised me a relaxing day, so let’s get started.”
The hotel provided them with loungers and an umbrella so they didn’t have to rent any from the vendors on the beach. As protection against the effects of the sun, India wore a large hat and a long-sleeve cover-up over her aqua-blue one-piece since skin flares could cause her to break out in rashes or hives.
They crossed the street to get to the beach and settled in their spot on the sand. At the same time, a young woman sped by in a string bikini, screaming as she was chased by a young man in a speedo. One thing India immediately noticed—Brazilians were not shy about showing off their bodies.
She leaned over and covered Thiago’s eyes. “Don’t look.”
He chuckled, taking her hand and kissing the palm. “I did not see anything,” he promised, reclining in the chair and slipping on a pair of dark shades.
India lay back too, placing her hat on her stomach as she observed the scenery. Slowing down and taking time to relax made her realize how long it had been since she had done this very thing.
The steady rush and retreat of the Atlantic was music to her ears. Each swell of the waves was like the ocean inhaling and then releasing a breath.
“I could get used to this,” she said, scanning the sea of bright umbrellas dotting the landscape like flowers on the sand.
Thiago folded his arms behind his head. “Coming here was my escape from São Paulo. Sometimes I would drive instead of fly.”
He wore navy-blue swim trunks that showed off his slim hips, thick thighs, and sculpted chest. He blended in perfectly with the bronzed bodies lounging nearby.
“How long is the drive?” India asked.
“A little more than five hours. One day we’ll come back and take the drive. It was not practical this time.”
The way he casually mentioned them returning meant he saw a future with her. In fact, his reaction last night when he thought she was pregnant had been eye-opening. He had clearly wanted the imaginary baby. If she read him correctly, he had been… dare she use the word…disappointedshe wasn’t pregnant?
She couldn’t see his eyes behind the sunglasses, so she guessed they were closed. Her gaze rested on him for a moment. He would be a good father—firm, but playful, with high expectations, no doubt. He would be the disciplinarian, while she would be the big softie.
The shrill laughter of children farther down the beach caught her attention. A group of boys and girls were kicking around a soccer ball in the sand, clapping and cheering for each other.
India closed her eyes and at some point drifted off to sleep. She was awakened by Thiago, who was standing above her. He had removed his sunglasses and extended a hand to her. “Let’s go in the water and then eat lunch.”
After rubbing on sunscreen, they made their way down to the cool water.
“How do you like your trip so far?” Thiago asked as they waded in.
“It’s heaven,” India replied.
He grinned at her, and her heart raced. She never stood a chance, did she? Not from the moment she left the sports bar with him last July. She had fooled herself into believing Thiago would be nothing more than a fling, but the truth was undeniable. Their Friday nights together had been her oxygen, and she had lived for every moment in his presence, looking forward to one of these rare but sexy smiles that captivated and dissolved her under its weight. Despite her best efforts, she had fallen for him.
I’m in love.
“Are you all right?” Thiago asked. “You are staring at me in an odd way.”
India laughed, her cheeks hot with embarrassment. “I… I remembered something I needed to do back at the office?—”
“You are not supposed to be thinking about work. We are taking a break, remember? Whatever you have to do can wait until Monday.”
“You’re right.” She forced a smile to her lips.
