Page 42 of Paradise Pride

“Yeah.” Meghan frowned as doom scenarios ran through her mind. “Wait. They’re not coming this way, are they?”

“No. they went the opposite direction.” A silence fell between them as Florence settled on the sand. “Would it be so terrible if she saw us together? She knows we’re friends, right? Or are you ashamed of being seen with me?”

“No, of course not. Do you really think that?”

“It’s hard not to.” Florence shrugged. “Your reaction was extreme. You ran like your life depended on it.”

“I’m sorry,” Meghan said again, frustrated with herself and still shaken by almost being caught. “I told her I was with Tiger.”

“Right. I forgot about that.” Florence clenched her jaw. “And where does she think you are?”

“At a restaurant. I kept it vague.” Meghan took her hand. “Do you mind if we go to your place?”

“You want to be in my stuffy room rather than outside on a beautiful night?” Florence stared at her, and Meghan was desperate to know what went on in her head. “You kissed me on the beach that night. You didn’t care what anyone thought. And we’ve been out for dinner together. We went on a date. What’s changed?”

“I wasn’t thinking when we first kissed. I acted on impulse, and I’d just started processing things when we went on the date. But I’m aware now, over aware perhaps. Because it’s real, you know? You and me, it’s happening.” Meghan paused. “I don’t care about strangers, it’s just Kim.”

Florence nodded, but Meghan wasn’t sure if she understood. The fear of someone she knew finding out she was sleeping with a woman haunted her like it could ruin her life, even though rationally, she knew that was nonsense. “I have no idea why it frightens me so much.”

“Okay, let’s go to my place, if that’s what you want.” Florence leaned close and cupped her cheek. “Manuel might still be home getting riled up for a night out. He can be a bit repetitive after a few drinks, but we can always stay in my room.”

“Thank you. And I’m sorry, I—”

“Shh…it’s okay.” Florence rested her forehead against Meghan’s. “I don’t want you to be afraid or on edge, ever.”

42

Florence

Florence remembered the idyllic scene from her childhood, and not much had changed in the small coastal town called Villajoyosa, which was only a short drive or, in her and Meghan’s case, a forty-minute bus ride from Benidorm. It was still as laid-back as ever, especially now that the high season was over, and as they followed the long promenade that stretched all the way from the harbour to the city centre, they passed dogwalkers, local families, fishermen returning from the harbour and countless old ladies with trolleys on their way to the market.

“What a pretty town.” Meghan stopped to take a few pictures. Villajoyosa’s iconic colourful three-, four-, and five-storey houses lined the promenade and the streets of the old town behind the beach. Painted in every colour under the sun from azure blue to bright pink and soft yellow, it was truly a happy sight. “I’ve never seen so many colourful buildings.”

“Yes, I love ‘La Villa’, as the locals call it,” Florence said, taking in Meghan as she zoomed in on a yellow house behind a group of palm trees. It looked picture-perfect against the bright blue sky, and Meghan was equally alluring and colourful in a yellow sundress. “My parents used to bring me here on daytrips when they were still together. We had a boat, so we’d sail here and spend the day at the beach, playing games and eating ice cream. They’re good memories.”

“That sounds dreamy.” Meghan took her hand as they continued their stroll towards the old town. “Was it hard for you when they split up?”

“It was, especially in the beginning, as my father moved back to the UK and I missed him, but eventually, I saw how much happier they both were after the divorce, so that made it easier. My mother started her own business and became more social, and my father was delighted to move into a modern apartment without crystals and incense. For me, flying back and forth two weekends a month was exciting too. It made me feel grown up.”

“You flew by yourself?”

“Yes. I was eight when my mother dropped me off at the airport for the first time. I was looked after by nice flight attendants, who gave me chocolate on the flights, and my father picked me up at the other end.”

“I bet that was fun. I’m trying to imagine you as a kid,” Meghan said. “You must have been super cute with that full head of curly hair.”

“I was.” Florence shot her a cheeky wink. “I still am.”

“Yes, you are.” Meghan bit her lip and grinned as she turned to her. “You’re the cutest.” She pulled Florence behind a tree, gently pushed her against it and kissed her. “And so, so sexy,” she continued, brushing her lips against Florence’s. “I crave you all the time. It’s constant.”

Florence closed her eyes and moaned softly. Flashes of arousal shot through her as she parted her lips and sank into the heavenly kiss. “I wish we had more privacy,” she whispered. “I’d love to take your dress off and fuck you right here, right now.”

Meghan gasped when Florence turned them around, so she was backed up against the tree. A small smile played around her lips, and Florence could tell by that look in her eyes she had fantasies running through her mind. She pushed herself into Meghan, pressing their hips together, then inched away when Meghan tried to kiss her again.

“Tease.”

“Hey, you started it.” Florence licked her lips and smiled. “But I’ll make it up to you tonight.”

“Promise?” Meghan took her hand again, and they turned onto a side street off the promenade.

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