only just talking about what they wanted to do for dinner, so they were more than happy to join us. We agree to give it an hour or so, giving us all time to spruce up, then meet at the beachside bar for a leisurely dinner.
It’s not until I emerge from the shower that it occurs to me that Jake is probably still in the resort somewhere, I voice my concerns to Carlos, “if you like I can call and get security to chuck him out?” he offers.
“I don’t think that’s necessary, I’m not afraid of him, I just don’t want him to cause a scene”
“I don’t think, after this morning, he’d be stupid enough to try and approach you, at least while you’re with me?” he states, curling his arm up in front of him and flexing his biceps at me. Smiling I shake my head at him in mock disapproval, “put it away” I say whipping his thigh with the corner of the towel, he yelps playfully and skips into the bathroom for a quick shower while I get dressed.
We arrive at the bar by twenty past seven, finding Blair and John already seated on a table at the back, with a large jug of cocktails at the ready.
As we sit down John starts pouring the colourful mixture into my glass, earning me an amused nudge from Carlos to remind me of my shameful behaviour last time I partook in these lethal concoctions.
I flush red and give him a disapproving look, silently warning him not to re-tell that story in public.
Looking away from him, I catch Blair watching us intently, she gives me a huge smile and a knowing wink, then declares we should order on account of her being starving.
Out of ease we go for a Moroccan themed tapas option and are quickly served up numerous plates, containing various exotic treats, from hummus, to vine leaves, to sausages, a feast fit for a king.
We dig in, chatting between mouthfuls, everyone getting on marvellously, despite Blair’s frank questioning of Carlos’s intentions, “So things are getting serious between the two of you?” she aims at him, I shoot her a glare for asking a question I have been too afraid to breach.
“It’s early days yet, but it’s going brilliantly so far” he answers unflustered. She is suitably impressed.
After a few glasses of cocktails I excuse myself to ‘powder my nose’ and Blair willingly accompanies me; once in the safety of the bathroom she gives me an excited squeeze, equaling my own delight about my blossoming relationship. I fill her in on the Jake situation, as she gasps in shock and then jumps for joy squealing as I relay the part Carlos played and the consequent talk with him after.
“That’s so romantic!” she croons, “You’re so lucky!”
“I know!” I giggle, holding her hands in mine as we jump up and down together, “Come on, let’s get back before they start wondering where we are”
We return to the table thick as thieves and continue to down far too many cocktails.
The evening flies by in a hazy, tipsy blur. A local band starts up later in the evening and no sooner have they strummed out the first note has Blair dragged my up to dance; if I was more sober I would have been mortified, but in my half cut state I’m tricked into believing we look good throwing down shapes on the dance floor.
After a couple of songs people slowly start to filter in and join us and eventually John and Carlos follow. Blair and I split up and link with our respective partners for a spin; Carlos places one hand on the small of my back and offers his other for me to hold, he guides me round the dance floor, skimming past the other couples with ease, yet somehow never taking his eyes from mine. He steps back from me and with a whip of his wrist sends me twirling under his arm, then drags me back against his body, before continuing another circuit of the floor; I feel dizzy and uncoordinated, not one step I take is controlled by me, it’s all Carlos, his strong arms carry me from step to step, dipping me majestically when the music calls for it.
I feel so light, if I close my eyes it’s like I’m flying; all I am aware of is the warm breeze against my skin and Carlos’s body close to mine.
I allow myself a rare opportunity, to give