“Nice.” Alba smiled, and Miki couldn’t help but smile too, because it was so infectious. “I take it you like animals?”
“Yeah, I love animals and I always wanted to be a vet.”
Alba stared at her for what seemed like an eternity. “Beautiful and smart. Do you have a boyfriend back in…” She paused. “Where was it you lived again?”
“Wichita, Kansas.” Miki shifted nervously, taken aback by yet another compliment. No woman had ever called her beautiful before. “And no, I don’t have a boyfriend.”
“And you don’t have a girlfriend either, so that makes you single,” Alba concluded with a smug look.
“That’s right. I’ve been single for two years after breaking up with my high school sweetheart. He wanted to get married, I wasn’t ready.”
“Poor boy, he must have been devastated,” Alba said with mock empathy. “So… have you ever kissed a woman?”
“No.” Miki concentrated on her drink as she tried to sound casual.
“Ever wanted to try it? Because I can assure you that it’s really, really nice.”
“Oh my God, you’re the worst.” Miki chuckled and lifted her chin to face her. She could tell by the twinkle in Alba’s eyes that she was messing with her and enjoying her startled reaction. “I believe you. It’s just not for me, but whatever floats your boat.” To her surprise, she felt a flash of arousal when Alba licked her lips.
“Okay, okay, I give up.” Alba held up a hand. “Next question. Have you met any cute guys while you’ve been traveling?”
“Not really. Have you met any cute girls?”
Alba flicked her tongue over her lips again, and it made Miki feel weird inside. “I have now.” She laughed as she slammed a hand on her thigh. “I’m so sorry; I can’t seem to help myself flirting with you today and I’m honesty not trying to make you feel uncomfortable. I keep forgetting we’re sharing a bed together tonight and I don’t want you to be scared of me.”
“It’s okay. I’m not scared of you,” Miki said, knowing that was a lie. She was a little scared of Alba, especially since her body had started to react to her in the strangest of ways—a frisson of excitement twisting and skittering in her stomach—a sensation she had never felt with any man. Holding up her empty glass, she parked it for later. It didn’t matter what she felt because she was straight, and she wasn’t going to go there. “Do you want another one?”
“Please.” Alba finished her drink and handed her the glass.
Miki rolled her eyes as Alba whistled while she walked to the bar. She just wouldn’t give up and Miki knew she was in for a long night of relentless flirtation. But she couldn’t deny that is was nice to feel desired again, and so she decided to take it as a compliment.
Prem looked from Miki to Alba and back, raising a brow as he poured them a refill. “See?” He said with a chuckle. “Best friends already.”
Chapter 3
Miki was grateful for the food, because the two cocktails had already gone to her head. She didn’t drink much in general, but tonight, she was enjoying the buzz it had given her. The yellow crab curry and papaya salad were delicious, and as they sat around the low table together, drinking and grazing at the leftovers, she smiled at the unexpected sense of community she felt. No one seemed to mind being stranded anymore, and even Cathy, who had been desperate to get back to their luxury hotel earlier, was now resigned to her fate after a nap and was in a great mood, singing along to a song Prem was playing on his guitar. The red Christmas lights and the flickering candles gave the bar a cozy and intimate feel now that it was dark, and she couldn’t remember when she’d last had such a good time.
Alba was still on the couch next to her, Cathy and Richard were on the other couch, and Rita, James and Niran were sitting in the car tires opposite them. The wind picked up and the bottles rattled louder, but the bar held together.
“Are you cold?” Alba asked when she noticed her shivering.
“Just a little, I’ll go get my hoodie.”
“Wait.” Alba put a hand on her knee, stopping her. Although it meant nothing, the touch sent a spark through Miki that made her feel weak in all her limbs. “I’ll grab one of these.” She stood up and reached for a fleece blanket on top of a nearby stool, then draped it over them as she sat down. “Better?”
“Yeah, thanks.” Miki felt incredibly aware of Alba’s bare arm against her own under the blanket. She thought of moving away and creating some distance, but she was worried Alba would think that she was uncomfortable around her. Although that had been the case only a couple of hours ago, she was starting to have contradictory thoughts and feelings about their sleeping arrangement and couldn’t stop looking at Alba’s lips. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe Alba just had a way with straight women. She’d looked at women before, noticed they were attractive, but never in this way. Never sexually.
As if sensing the shift in her, Alba draped her arm over the backrest of the couch, resting it behind her. It was far from subtle, and it would have made Miki laugh if she wasn’t so damn nervous. Something touched her head, and she held her breath when she realized it was Alba’s hand, twirling a lock of her hair around her finger while she talked to James. Her heart started beating so violently she was afraid it would explode, because there was nothing accidental about the touch. She turned to the woman next to her who was slowly making her crazy tonight, making her doubt everything she thought to be true about herself. Alba stalled her conversation and held her gaze, gauging Miki’s reaction.
In those few seconds, Miki knew that whatever she did next, would define the course of the rest of the night. She could subtly move away from Alba and no one would know what was going on, but she didn’t want to do that. The excitement she felt was thrilling and if she was honest with herself, she felt hungry for more of whatever this was. So, she did nothing and tried to look calm while her stomach was doing summersaults.
A small smile tugged at the corners of Alba’s full lips, as if she knew she had her. The subtle look of victory was sexy as hell, and Miki realized then that ‘sexy’ was the perfect word to describe her. When Alba let go of the strand and softly raked her hand through her hair, a quiet gasp escaped Miki’s lips, and she quickly turned her attention back to the music while her heart continued to beat violently. It was just a hand in her hair, but her touch felt amazing, and it was turning her on more than any other caress ever had. Alba averted her gaze too, and started singing along, raising her glass. How could she be so blasé when Miki couldn’t even think straight? Of course, this wasn’t her first rodeo. Miki imagined her picking up girls everywhere she went and now she too, was apparently falling for her charms. Sucker.
Prem changed chords and started playing ‘Those were the days’, making Cathy squeak and jump up. Everyone laughed as she grabbed the wine bottle from the table, pretending it was a microphone, and got up on the table. If Alba hadn’t been there, Miki might have done the same, because the vibe was fantastic considering they’d only met each other this morning. Even Niran was on great form, relieved that his group was having a good time despite being stuck on an island in a thunderstorm.
Richard refilled their glasses from the large jug of margarita on the table while his wife gave the performance of her lifetime, and with everyone being distracted by Cathy, Miki took a sip for liquid courage and leaned into Alba. It was terrifying and thrilling at the same time, Alba’s warm skin sending shivers through her. The thought of sleeping in the same bed together almost paralyzed her with fear, yet she could hardly wait.
Alba shot her a quick glance and pulled her closer in return, so Miki was half buried in the crook of her arm. On first sight, it didn’t look that intimate, and they could have passed for two slightly tipsy new friends having a good time, but inside Miki was burning. Maybe tonight would be the night, she thought. The night that she would step outside the safety of her box and be open and vulnerable—experience new things she simply craved. Wasn’t that partially why she’d gone trav
eling? To explore the world as well as herself before she dove into her responsible life as a full-time working adult? She was only twenty-seven and if she didn’t act on her desire now, she might regret it in ten years’ time when she was married and living in the suburbs with her husband, two children and a dog, wondering what if…
A finger brushed lightly over her neck, leaving no doubt about Alba’s intentions. She was seducing her. Miki started singing along too, not wanting Alba to know how much her caress affected her. God, if she felt like this from only a light touch to her neck, then what would it be like if she kissed her? Or if they… She shook it off as that thought was too much right now.
Prem played the final chord of the song, got off the barstool and leaned his guitar against the couch. “Toilet break,” he said, nodding to the jug before he walked off. “I’ll be back.”
Alba took the guitar, and although Miki missed the closeness, she also felt like she could breathe again.
“Whoo-hoo! We have another musician in the house!” Rita yelled.
Alba smiled, gave them a dramatic bow and started tuning the guitar, then turned to Miki. “Now… what would the beautiful lady like to hear?” she asked, shooting her a flirty glance. This time, the tension between them did not go unnoticed, and Cathy whistled through her teeth.
“A little romance going on here, huh?” she teased.
“Of course not.” Miki rolled her eyes and blushed profusely as all eyes were on her. She could have killed Alba for being so openly flirtatious with her, but she also felt flattered and a little giddy. “Okay…” She bit her lip, trying to suppress a grin. “Play me something Spanish.”
“You got it.” Alba strummed a couple of chords, then started playing a beautiful melody using a fingerstyle technique, plucking the strings with her short fingernails as she played. For the first time that night, everyone fell silent, listening intently to the unexpected talent in the room.
Miki hadn’t seen this coming, and when Alba started singing in a low, throaty voice, pure and full of emotion, they were all left speechless. She felt the hairs on her arms rise as the sound cut right through her. It was amazing to be able to look at Alba now, to have an excuse to indulge in her her lips and the gorgeous expression of utter concentration on her attractive face as she sang. The frown between her full brows, the small beauty mark on her left cheek, her cute and messy dark hair that was sticking out on all sides, and her biceps that flexed while she played with her eyes closed. Her fingers danced effortlessly over the strings as if it came natural to her. In that moment, the feelings that had confused Miki throughout the night made complete sense, and she knew that she wanted her.
Applause broke out when Alba finished and handed the guitar back to Prem, who had been silently listening to the last part of the song in a corner. “I think you should keep the guitar for a while,” he said, looking thoroughly impressed and even a little moved.
“Yeah, we want more!” James yelled.
Alba chuckled and shook her head. “Sorry, no more, I’ve had too much to drink but maybe next time,” she joked.
“That was beautiful,” Miki said as Alba leaned back and joined her under the blanket again. She felt Alba’s leg brush against hers as she shifted and pulled it underneath her, and she longed to be closer.
“Thank you.” Alba’s eyes had a mischievous twinkle to them.
“Ever thought of playing professionally?”
“No, that’s not for me. But I did busk my way through the sports academy. It’s incredible how much money you can make from it if you go to the right places, and Barcelona is always filled with tourists.” Alba scooted closer and put her arm back on the couch’s backrest, running her fingers through Miki’s hair again. “I love your hair.”
“I can tell.” Miki looked around to make sure no one was watching them, then wondered why she cared. It wasn’t like she’d ever see these people again. They’d gone back to singing, some even dancing, and from the looks of it, she and Alba where the most sober people here right now. Even Prem and his wife, who had joined them for dinner, were dancing and downing shots. As if by some unspoken rule, Miki and Alba had both slowed down on their drinking and helped themselves to water from the fridge. Miki wanted to remember tonight, and she suspected Alba was thinking the same. It would certainly be memorable in every way; the charming little tiki bar, the company, the food, the drinks, the music, the storm, but most of all, the electrifying sexual tension between them that was growing by the minute.
“Do you mind me playing with your hair?” Alba asked, as a flash of lightning lit up her face.
“No.” Miki lowered her gaze to Alba’s mouth, imagining things that made her quiver. “I like it.” Her eyes fluttered closed for a beat, wondering how something so simple could drive her wild with desire.
“And do you mind this?” Alba moved her other hand under the blanket and rested it on Miki’s leg.
Miki swallowed hard, taking in a quick breath at Alba’s warm hand on her skin. “No,” she whispered, and moved closer. “I don’t mind that either.” Slowly, she felt the hand run up and down, stroking her while Alba’s thumb curled around to the inside of her thigh. From the way her body reacted she was pretty sure she couldn’t take any more before she’d give away how much it was turning her on. Her breath hitched at every movement and stroke over her hypersensitive skin, and she knew Alba could feel the longing in her trembling limbs.
A powerful gust of wind blew in the plastic sheet protecting the front of the bar, and Rita and Niran rushed to pull at opposite ends of it so Richard could secure the rope ties back onto the hooks. Cheering broke out when they managed, and success was celebrated with shots.
“No thank you.” Alba shook her head and patted Prem’s shoulder when he offered her a small glass of bright blue liquid. “But I’d like to have our candlelight back.” She reached for the matches on the table and lit the candles again.
“Are you going all romantic on me now?” Miki joked, then bit her lip as she realized she was openly flirting too.
“I wouldn’t call myself a romantic, I’m more of an opportunist.” Alba leaned closer, bringing her face close to Miki’s. “And I see an opportunity here that could be beneficial for us both.”
Miki could feel Alba’s breath on her mouth, and her words lingered like they would never leave her memory. “I think I’m going to have a shower,” she said in a shaky voice, standing up abruptly. The world around her was spinning, but it wasn’t from the alcohol.
“Are you okay?”
“Uh-huh.” Miki smiled and noticed she wasn’t feeling cold anymore. In fact, she had to fan her face to get some air. “Just need to cool down.”
“Sure.” Alba looked her over and tilted her head, eyeing her like she was prey. “So, I’ll see you in bed?”
“Yeah.” Miki bit her lip as she backed away, returning her hungry look so there would be no ambiguity. “I won’t be long.”
Chapter 4
The room filled with tension when Alba locked the door behind her. She put her toothbrush in her toiletry bag and threw her towel in a corner, leaving her in a pair of white boy shorts and a tank top.
“Pretty interesting shower, huh?”
“Yeah.” Miki chuckled. “I was terrified of stepping on a snake earlier; it’s so dark back there. She stared up at Alba from the bed, her body trembling with anticipation as she took in her subtle curves through the mosquito net. It was warm and stuffy in the cabin, and even after a cold shower, she could feel sweat pearling on her forehead. She liked the heat because it reflected her mood; burning, sweltering, the fire inside of her raging and unstoppable. The sound of Cathy’s loud voice in the distance made them laugh as Alba joined her in bed. “I don’t think they’ll go to sleep any time soon.”
“No.” Alba smiled and turned on her side to face her. “But I don’t think you will either.”
“Oh…” Miki’s breath hitched at the comment, but she didn’t look away. After a moment’s
hesitation, she turned on her side too. “And why is that?”
“Because I intend to keep you up all night.” Alba’s smile widened as she moved closer until their bodies almost touched. Miki could feel the heat radiating between them and didn’t dare make another move. “Come on, I know you want to. I’ve seen you looking at me, and you certainly didn’t mind me touching you.” She paused. “Unless you’ve changed your mind? We’ve sobered up a little, and I know you’re not into women.” She arched a teasing brow as she reached out to trace Miki’s cheek. “You’ve told me that like a million times.”
Miki laughed; the sound drowned out by a loud clap of thunder. “No, I haven’t changed my mind.”
“Good.” Alba took Miki’s hand, brought it to her lips and kissed it softly. “I must have done something right to get so lucky, being stranded here with you.”
Miki wanted to reply, but she gasped instead as Alba ran her tongue over her middle finger, then sucked it into her mouth. “Jesus…” The touch of her tongue made her squirm, and she fought to keep her eyes open because the sight was incredibly sexy, and she wanted to remember the look on Alba’s face. She looked as turned on as Miki felt, her eyes hazy and dark, never leaving her.
“Do you like that?” Alba’s asked in a low whisper, her voice full of longing and promise. She kept Miki’s fingers pressed against her lips, then sucked them into her mouth until Miki moaned softly.
Miki knew she was teasing her, making her crave her until she couldn’t take it anymore. And she was just about there. “Please kiss me,” she said, holding her breath when Alba finally cupped her face. The first touch of her lips sent a surge of energy through Miki, and it settled between her thighs. She felt her pulse there, like a throbbing need, and when Alba parted her lips and claimed her mouth with her tongue, it awoke a passion in her she didn’t know was there. Her lips were soft and cushiony, her tongue so sensual, and Miki kissed her back with a curious slowness, exploring her delicious mouth as Alba’s heart drummed against her chest, rapidly like her own. Everything about her flooded Miki’s senses; her feminine smell and feel, the silkiness of her hair as she ran her fingers through it, their mingling breaths, her need… Heat started curling within her as Alba added more pressure to their lips, deepening the kiss.
Summer Loving Page 2
