Page 4 of Midnight Surrender to the Spaniard

A low silver car was mere steps away, and Anna saw a valet hand Sebastián his keys before stowing her carry-on bag in the boot.

‘So,’ Sebastián said as he manoeuvred the car out on to the main road, ‘it’s about an hour to Jerez. I’m to drop you at the bridal boutique and then I’ll take your case to the hotel.’

‘I can manage my own case.’

‘You are thedama de honor. It is expected.’

Those last words told her everything she needed to know about his attitude towards his reluctant duty.

‘How was your flight?’ he enquired politely.

‘Fine, thank you.’

‘There was a wedding rehearsal last night...’

‘I know. I couldn’t get away sooner.’

Her throat went tight at the thought of Willow, so far away, and, not wanting to start crying, she hurriedly looked out of the window rather than mention her daughter.

Aside from the threat of tears, she doubted this sophisticated man would be remotely interested in her babysitting arrangements.

They drove in silence for most of the way, but as they approached Jerez he leant over, and she felt his arm brush her thigh. She was startled, but it turned out he was just opening up the glove box and taking out an envelope.

It was for her.

‘That’s your hotel card. It is close to the church.’

He explained the details and she tried not to blush, but found she was just soawareof how she had reacted to the brief contact.

‘Whatever you may have heard about me, I’m notthatbad...’

Anna frowned, and then realised he was addressing her overreaction when he’d reached over.

When it registered, she laughed. ‘Sorry, I just—’

‘It’s okay.’

He glanced over again and gave her a smile.

Definitely a half-smile this time.

Or at least more than a quarter.

‘You didn’t miss much at the rehearsal,’ he said, turning his eyes back to the road. ‘You are to stay with the bride and walk in with her.’

‘Behind her?’

‘I don’t know,’ he admitted. ‘I wasn’t taking notes.’

‘You must know what usually happens at a Spanish wedding.’

‘We don’t usually have bridesmaids.’ He shrugged. ‘You’ll be fine. Just make sure the bride and groom don’t come in contact tomorrow until the church. You and Emily are both staying in the hotel. I am too...’

‘Is that where the function’s being held?’ Anna asked.

‘No, apart from the service, everything is taking place in the bodega.’

‘Oh.’

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