Page 7 of Midnight Surrender to the Spaniard

She didn’t finish.

Even Anna couldn’t remember when.

Her last night out had been a Christmas function with the staff from the school where she worked as a part-time receptionist, and it had hardly been dressy.

And the time before that...

Rather than dwell on her lack of social life, Anna tried on the shoes her friend had chosen. They were neutral, but strappy and high—especially given Anna didn’t usually wear heels.

‘I hope I don’t trip...’

In the end, it was a day of much pampering. The hotel was elegant, with uniformed doormen and bellboys, and there was even a lift man who pulled back the ancient iron gated doors of the elevator and did the same again when you reached your floor.

Her suite overlooked the beautiful Plaza de Santiago. Anna looked down at the square and to the fountain, then across to the church where the wedding was going to be held. It looked more like a cathedral, she thought.

‘Are there are a lot of guests coming?’

‘Hundreds.’ Emily nodded. ‘And half of them are Alejandro’s exes—or at least it feels that way. Mariana’s coming...’

‘The one he was supposed to marry?’

‘According to his father and brother,’ Emily said. ‘Apparently they wanted to merge the bodegas. I think that’s why Sebastián’s so angry. He only cares about the business.’

‘Emily...’ Anna took a breath. They were finally face to face and alone and it had to be said. ‘I’m only going to say this once—’

‘Please don’t.’

They had been friends long enough that Emily had guessed what she was about to say.

‘We’re not just marrying because of the baby. Anna, I’ve seen how marvellously you’ve done on your own...’

‘Hardly marvellously!’

‘You’ve done it though—all by yourself. If Alejandro and I weren’t in love then I’d go it alone. You’ve shown me how!’

‘Okay... Well, it looks like we’ve got a wedding to get to tomorrow.’

After Emily’s reassurances, Anna wished she could simply relax and enjoy it, but even as they sat at the elegant hotel restaurant she felt unusually flustered.

She was missing Willow, Anna told herself as they ate paella. But she’d just called her daughter, and everything at home was fine. So was it just that she felt out of place in such luxurious surroundings? Especially as she so rarely went out?

No, it wasn’t that, Anna acknowledged to herself. She was by far too aware that Sebastián was staying in the same hotel.

‘Why is Sebastián staying here?’ Anna asked. ‘I thought there were residences on their property.’

‘They have places all over,’ Emily said. ‘It’s only Alejandro who lives at the bodega. Sebastián goes there just for work, thank goodness. I’d hate to be his neighbour.’

‘What about the rest of the family? Are theyallagainst the wedding? You said Alejandro’s father was coming round?’

‘José’s starting to—but only because of the baby. Carmen actively dislikes me. Incredibly, the only one who seems remotely supportive is Maria, their mother.’

‘She’s the famous flamenco dancer?’ Anna checked. ‘Why is it incredible that’s she’s supportive?’

‘Because apparently she’s the coldest fish of the lot.’

Later, as they left the restaurant, Anna found out she had been right to be on high alert—because she came face to face again with Sebastián. He was talking to the concierge, but when he caught sight of them he turned and called for them to wait.

Goodness, he was so commanding, Anna thought as he walked confidently towards him.

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