by Heather Beck
“You told me what time your flight was coming in,” Rowan answered Isabelle, “so I thought I would drive by and see if I could offer you and your girls a lift.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“It’s no big deal.” Rowan got out of the SUV and opened the trunk, moving his own stuff to the back, so they would be able to put their luggage inside. “Besides, some of the taxi drivers around here charge a small fortune.”
“Well, thank you, then. That’s very sweet of you.” Isabelle let Rowan lift her luggage and then Ava and Tessa’s into the trunk. “Girls, this is Rowan. We traveled with the same non-profit organization to build schools in Africa. He’s now running Corazón de Artista. That’s how I learned about this wonderful cause.”
“Hi,” Ava said, offering Rowan her hand. “I’m…”
“Ava, right?” Rowan said, shaking her hand. When she nodded, he turned to her sister. “And you must be Tessa. It’s so nice to meet the both of you.” He was about to say more when two taxis started honking impatiently at him. “Yeah, we’re going!” he called out good-naturedly, waving at the drivers.
Ava and Tessa got into the back seat while their mom rode up front. As they drove off, Ava rolled down the window and looked out to see the colorful shops, restaurants, and attractions that lined the streets of downtown Cancún. Some of the markets, especially the ones selling produce, were already busy, and as people shopped, music played, a mix of Mexican songs and American hits that were popular a couple of years ago.
“You’re staying at Villas Sol Dorado, right?” Rowan asked.
“Yes,” Isabelle said, “and I can’t thank you enough for suggesting it. The villas and grounds looked absolutely beautiful in the brochure.”
“The pictures don’t do them justice,” Rowan said as he made a right-hand turn. “Just wait until you see it in person.”
“Rowan’s been working at Corazón de Artista for the last six months, so he knows the area very well,” Isabelle explained to Ava and Tessa.
“Yeah, so if you have any questions about this place, don’t be afraid to ask,” he added.
“How far is our villa from downtown Cancún?” Tessa asked.
Rowan laughed at her eagerness. “Like the scene, huh? Well, don’t worry, it’s only a twenty-minute drive away.” He cast a glance at Isabelle. “I was thinking you guys might want to grab a bite to eat before heading to your villa. I know this place that serves the best breakfast.”
“That sounds lovely. Girls, would you like that?”
“Sure,” Ava and Tessa said.
They parked at the side of the road and went into a restaurant called La Cocina de la Madre about fifteen minutes later. It was small inside and very busy with hardly any tables available and a long line-up at the front counter for those getting their food to go. No one seemed bothered by this, though, the ambiance happy and upbeat as everyone chatted to each other like they were all close friends.
“Over here,” Rowan said, leading them to an empty table. They’d hardly sat down when a waitress came to give them a menu, surprisingly efficient for such a busy place. “Gracias,” he said.
The woman nodded and smiled at him. “Veo que tienen muy hermosa compañía hoy,” she said before hurrying away to deliver a menu to another table.
“What did she say?” Isabelle asked.
“She said I have very beautiful company today.”
“That’s sweet of her, but I bet she says that about all the ladies you bring in here.”
“It’s usually just me,” Rowan admitted. “Work keeps me on a pretty tight schedule.”
“Then we really shouldn’t be taking up any more of your time,” Isabelle said, starting to get up.
“Please, sit down. You need to eat, after all.” When Isabelle had settled back into her seat, he continued. “The menu’s in Spanish, but I can translate it if your Spanish isn’t too good. Or I can recommend the huevos rancheros. It’s a tortilla filled with rice, beans, and eggs, smothered in a spicy sauce. It’s one heck of a good breakfast, if I’m to be honest.”
“Sounds delicious,” Ava said, eager to try some real Mexican cuisine. “Count me in.”
“Me, too,” Isabelle said. “Tessa?”
Tessa nodded as she stifled a yawn. It was clear that missing a night’s sleep was really catching up to her.
Rowan raised his hand, signaling the waitress over. “Tres huevos rancheros por favor,” he ordered once she’d reached their side.
The waitress nodded, scribbling down his order in her notepad before leaving.
“I have to admit,” Isabelle began, looking at Rowan, “I’m impressed by how well you speak Spanish. I hope I’ll be able to learn some of the language.”
“I’m sure you will, and it does come in handy,” Rowan said, “but I wouldn’t worry too much – a lot of people here speak at least some English.”
“Well, the first thing I need to learn is the Spanish word for restroom,” Ava said. “I want to wash up before I eat. Do you know where they are?”
“Yeah, just past the take-out line, on your right…” Rowan’s voice trailed off as something – or someone – caught his attention. “Javier!” he called, waving to a boy whose back was to Ava.
As Javier turned around, smiled at Rowan, and began to walk toward them, Ava felt her pulse quicken. He was tall – at least six feet – and very well-built with broad shoulders and toned arms. He had caramel-colored skin, unruly dark hair, hazel eyes, and a chiseled jawline covered in second-day stubble. He looked a little older than her, maybe in his late teens or early twenties, and he was hot – the sexiest, most exotic guy she’d ever laid eyes on.
“Hey, Rowan,” Javier said as he stopped at their table. He had an accent and his voice was low and husky, which made him all the more sexy. He turned to Isabelle and Tessa and gave them a friendly smile, too, but when his eyes fell on Ava, his expression changed, turning slightly more serious. His gaze lingered on her, like he was savoring everything about her – her face, her eyes, her lips. Then finally, almost as if it was difficult, he turned his gaze away from Ava, causing a wave of disappointment to wash over her. “Who are your friends?” he asked Rowan.
“This is Isabelle Riley,” Rowan began to introduce them. “She’s going to be volunteering at Artista.”
“Oh, really?” Javier said as he shook her hand.
Isabelle nodded. “I’m Rowan’s new right-hand man, well, woman,” she said, a friendly smile on her face.
“Goodness knows I can use all the help I can get.” Rowan cast Isabelle a grateful smile before gesturing to Tessa and Ava and continuing. “And these are Isabelle’s daughters, Tessa and Ava.”
“Pleasure to meet you.” Tessa’s tone was a little flirtatious as she discreetly looked him up and down.
“You, too,” Javier said, smirking. He’d clearly picked up on Tessa’s interest in him, but as he turned from her and cast his eyes upon Ava, it was clear who he was interested in. “Hey,” he said in that low, husky voice, his smile sexy as he offered his hand to her.
“Hey,” Ava repeated, her voice soft, her heart starting to beat a little faster as she took his hand in hers. As their touch lingered, she felt a blush rise on her cheeks. His hand was strong and not completely smooth, telltale signs that he was a hard worker, a real manly type of guy.
“Javier de la Cruz is one of our clients at Artista,” Rowan said, causing Ava and Javier’s hands to finally part.
“Oh, really?” Isabelle said, looking pleasantly surprised that she’d run into a client already. “How long have you been going to Artista?”
“Pretty much since it opened.”
“You have to see Javier’s work,” Rowan said, not only to Isabelle but Ava and Tessa, too. “It’s really something else.”
Javier laughed. “I hope that’s a compliment.”
“It definitely is,” Rowan said.
“So, you’re an artist?” Ava asked Javier, intrigued that he had a creativ
e side and probably a sensitive one, too.
“I love to draw and paint, so if that makes me an artist, then I guess I am.”
“Humble, especially after what Rowan said about your work,” Ava commented, smiling. “What kind of things do you like to draw and paint?”
“Landscapes, animals, beaches…basically anything natural and beautiful that I can find in Mexico.”
“I can see how that would inspire you. I haven’t seen much of Mexico, but what I have is stunningly beautiful.”
“You’re right about that,” Javier said, looking so intently at Ava that she wondered if he was still talking about Mexico.
“I’ll have to stop by Artista sometime and check out your work,” Ava said flirtatiously, the words hardly out of her mouth when she saw a pretty girl with medium-length blonde hair and brown eyes approaching their table, a very annoyed expression on her face.
“There you are,” the girl snapped at Javier, coming to a stop beside him. “I was looking for you, you know.”
“I was just saying hi to my friends,” Javier explained.
The girl turned to Rowan, Isabelle, Ava, and Tessa, casting them a quick, fake smile. “Hi,” she said, not giving them a chance to say hi back as she faced Javier again, shoving the drink she held in her hand toward his chest. “They put too much ice in my cola. Get me another one.”
“Of course, Britney,” Javier said as he took the drink from her.
Even though Javier’s tone was polite, Ava could see in his eyes that he didn’t like the way Britney was talking to him – not that it surprised her. What did surprise her, though, was that he was willing to put up with it.
“I have to go, but it was nice meeting you all,” Javier said.
“Nice meeting you, too,” Isabelle said, Ava and Tessa echoing her.
Javier cast them one last smile, his eyes once again lingering on Ava for a few seconds longer. Then, almost as if he didn’t want to, he turned around and made his way toward the front counter with Britney at his side.
“Javier seems like a nice young man,” Isabelle said to Rowan. “I’ll have an easy time at Artista if they’re all like him.”
“We have a lot of great clients,” Rowan reassured her. “Very passionate. Very motivated.”
“Very hot,” Tessa added.
“Tessa, please,” Isabelle scolded lightly.
“Excuse me,” Ava said, starting to get up, “I’ll go wash up now.” She headed toward the restroom, avoiding the front counter so, as silly as it seemed, she wouldn’t have to see Javier and Britney together. When she was inside the restroom, she turned on the tap, letting the water run over her forearms and hands, cooling down her hot skin. It was a lot warmer in Mexico than it was in California, but it wasn’t the weather that was making her flush. It was the thought of Javier.
Get real, Ava, she thought to herself. You’ve known him for what…two seconds? Besides, he clearly has a girlfriend. Though what he sees in her – other than a pretty face, of course – is beyond me.
With a sigh, Ava dried her hands on a paper towel and threw it in the trash. She pulled open the door and stepped out, letting out a small, startled gasp as she crashed into Javier, who’d been passing by at the same time. He stumbled and knocked into Britney, spilling the drink he was carrying for her all over her white shirt.
“Javier!” Britney shrieked so loudly that everyone in the restaurant fell silent and turned to stare at them.
“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry,” Ava hurried to say, her cheeks turning red with embarrassment.
“It’s not your fault,” Javier reassured her, getting paper napkins from the counter and handing them to Britney.
“No, it’s yours, Javier.” Britney snatched the napkins and tried to blot her top, but it didn’t help much, the cola having already stained her top. “I swear, sometimes you can be so careless.”
“How was he to know I was going to come out that door?” Ava said, suddenly more angry than embarrassed. She tried to keep her tone neutral, but she couldn’t get over the way Britney talked to her boyfriend and, especially, how she got away with it.
“Whatever,” Britney said with an irritated sigh, throwing the napkins on the floor, having given up on blotting her top. “Javier, I want to go back to my place and change now.” She didn’t wait for him to respond as she turned on her heel and marched toward the exit, clearly expecting him to follow her.
“How can you stand to let her treat you like that?” Ava asked before she could stop herself.
“Trust me, it’s not easy,” Javier said, picking up the napkins and then throwing them in the trash. He let out a deep sigh. “Listen, I’m really sorry about all of this.”
“You have absolutely nothing to apologize for.”
Javier looked at her silently for a moment and then gave her a small smile. “If only everyone thought that.”
Ava furrowed her brow. “What do you mean?”
“Javier!” Britney called out sharply as she waited by the door, growing more impatient by the second.
“I’ll see you around, Ava,” Javier said, not answering her question as he turned and walked out of the restaurant.
Thinking about Javier’s words, Ava headed back to the table, the food having just been served. Thankfully, the atmosphere in the restaurant had returned to normal, with people chatting like nothing had happened. But Ava had a feeling that she wouldn’t be able to forget quite so quickly.
“Way to frisk, Javier,” Tessa said as Ava sat down. “Why didn’t I think of that?”
Ava sighed. “I didn’t frisk him, Tess.”
“Are you okay, honey?” Isabelle asked Ava.
“Other than the fact that was kind of embarrassing? Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just glad the paparazzi weren’t here to photograph that.” She cast Rowan a glance, suddenly wondering if she should have made that last comment, but when he gave her an understanding nod, she knew her mom had already told him who they were and, maybe, why they were in Mexico.
“See? There’s always a silver lining,” Isabelle joked lightly. “Now, come on, get your food while it’s still hot.”
Ava picked up the huevos rancheros in front of her and took a bite, not realizing how hungry she was. But as she ate, she glanced back at the restaurant door, still thinking about Javier and wondering when she’d see him next.
* * *
Chapter Five
After one of the most delicious breakfasts Ava had eaten in a long time, she, Tessa, and her mom got back into Rowan’s SUV and continued on to Villas Sol Dorado. Rowan and Isabelle chatted about Corazón de Artista, and at first, Ava had listened, hoping Rowan would say something about Javier, but when he didn’t, she’d tuned out on their conversation, instead watching the scenery go by.
“Just look at this place – it’s gorgeous,” Ava said, gazing out the window as they drove past a long, idyllic-looking pier that was surrounded by the bluest water and the whitest sand she’d ever seen. People were already out, some fishing from the pier, while others jogged or took a stroll along the seemingly never-ending beach. There were even some paddleboarders in the water.
“If you’re referring to the hot Latin boys, then I couldn’t agree with you more,” Tessa said as she eyed up a toned, topless guy who was jogging along the side of the road.
Ava rolled her eyes. “Why am I not surprised that’s what you’re looking at?”
In response, Tessa shrugged.
The beach disappeared from Ava’s view as Rowan made a left-hand turn onto a residential street, coming upon an upscale neighborhood. A couple of minutes later, he pulled up to black iron gates that protected a community of lavish villas. “This is it,” Rowan announced. “Isabelle, do you have the access code?”
“Yeah, just give me a second,” Isabelle murmured, rummaging in her purse until she found the letter she’d received from the management company. “Here it is, and our villa number, too.”
Rowan punched in the code that Isabelle read out to h
im and then drove through the open gates, along a quiet street lined with palm trees. When they reached their villa, Rowan pulled up the driveway and came to a stop. They all got out of the SUV, Ava and Tessa taking a moment to look at their surroundings while Rowan opened the trunk.
“You were right, Rowan,” Isabelle said, going to the lockbox to get the key. “The villas and grounds are much prettier in person.”
“It’s like paradise,” Ava said, listening to tropical birds sing in the background as she gazed upon their new home, which stood two stories tall and featured textured walls painted in a light golden color. The front yard was perfectly manicured with beds of green, leafy plants, several blossoming pink and yellow hibiscus flowers, and a tiered water fountain in the center of it all.
“It’s amazing,” Tessa said, walking into the villa after Isabelle had opened the front door. “This place could even give our real home a run for its money.”
As Ava stepped inside, she couldn’t agree more. The main floor was open-concept with tan ceramic tiles throughout. There was a large kitchen with granite countertops and a fully furnished living room and dining room, tastefully decorated with a beautiful view of the front yard.
“I want you to start thinking of this as your real home,” Isabelle said to Tessa, “at least for now.”
“You know what I meant,” Tessa replied.
Before Isabelle could say anything else, Rowan came into the foyer, his hands full of luggage. “Where should I put them?” he asked.
“Oh, you didn’t have to do that,” Isabelle hurried to say, “but right here is fine.”
They all went back to the SUV, unpacking the trunk until they had brought the last of their luggage inside.
“Thanks again for everything,” Isabelle said to Rowan as he stood in the doorway. “It’s nice to know that we have a friend here.”
“It’s my pleasure, and if there’s anything else I can do, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Definitely not,” Isabelle said with a smile, causing Ava’s eyebrows to rise in surprise. She couldn’t remember the last time her mom had been so eager to accept help.
