by Heather Beck
“Hey, girls,” the American with brown eyes said.
“Girls?” Tessa repeated, raising a questioning eyebrow. “Do we look like just girls to you?”
“Women – my mistake.”
The guy’s voice was deep – a little sleazy even – and Ava didn’t like the way he and his friends were looking at her and Tessa. Her mind flashed back to her encounter with Miguel and Carlos, and even though she didn’t feel in any sort of danger, she really wanted them to leave.
“You women on vacation?” the Mexican asked, his accent strong and his English not very good. He was a handsome-looking guy, but he’d used too much gel on his dark brown hair and his cologne was a little too strong.
“Maybe we are, maybe we aren’t,” Tessa answered, tossing her hair back and smiling a little. “Who wants to know?”
“Juan Pablo.” He pointed his thumb to his chest, grinning as he looked Tessa up and down.
“Sexy name,” Tessa spoke simply, confidently, like she was used to flirting with older guys.
Ava shot her sister a warning look, not happy with her encouraging them, but Tessa didn’t notice since she was too busy smiling at all the guys.
“You have to be on vacation,” the American, who hadn’t spoken yet, said. “We haven’t seen you around the beach before, and we’d definitely remember your beautiful faces. So, how long are you here for?”
“That depends,” Tessa said.
“On what?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” She lowered her sunglasses, giving him a teasing look.
Growing increasingly uneasy with the situation, Ava finally spoke up. “Sorry, guys, but I really think you should leave,” she said in a sweet voice, as if she was actually concerned for them. “Our parents will be here any minute, and since we’re so much younger than you, they’ll probably freak out if they see us talking. Dad has an anger problem, and it’d be so embarrassing if he makes a big scene – again.”
“I don’t see no parents,” Juan Pablo said, the smile never fading from his face.
“Consider yourself lucky then, because trust me, they’re coming.”
“Don’t worry, pretty things, we’re going,” the American with brown eyes said, “but we’ll be seeing you around.” He winked at them before leaving, his friends at his side.
Tessa leaned back down on her towel and sighed. “Gosh, Ava,” she said once the guys were out of earshot, “I’m starting to think you’re seriously antisocial.”
“I’m not the one you should be worried about. What the hell was that, Tess?”
“What?”
“You know what. You were totally flirting with those guys.”
“So? I was having fun.”
“They might not see it that way. Remember, we don’t have a bodyguard here.”
“Thanks, Captain Obvious.”
“Tess, I’m serious. You don’t want to be hanging around with these types of guys. They’re bad news.” Ava was about to say more when her phone beeped. She reached into her bag to see who was texting her, even though she already knew who it would be.
“Let me guess – Javier?” Tessa said, not bothering to look up.
“Yeah,” Ava answered, distracted as she read his text and then replied.
“You know, you’re a little bit of a hypocrite. Telling me I shouldn’t flirt with guys when you’ve already snagged a Mexican hottie for yourself.”
Ava put her phone down, giving Tessa her full attention. “If you want a boyfriend, that’s fine. Goodness knows you can get any guy you want. All I’m saying is make sure he’s worth it, okay? Because you deserve the best.”
“I know I do,” Tessa said smugly. “But it’s still nice to hear you say it.”
“Only because I mean it.” She paused. “And just so we’re clear, Javier is nothing like those guys.”
“Yeah, I know. He practically walks on water, right?”
Ava laughed. “I wouldn’t go that far, but he’s definitely a one-of-a-kind guy. He’s so caring, considerate, chivalrous…”
“You forgot cute.”
“No, I didn’t. That one was totally coming next.”
Tessa smiled, clearly getting ready to dig for details as she gestured toward Ava’s phone. “So, what was lover boy saying? And don’t try to give me the PG version, either.”
“Gawd, Tess, it’s nothing like that. He was saying he’ll be finished work by seven, and he wanted to know if I’d go out with him tonight.”
“A little last minute, don’t you think?”
“Usually, yes, but he works a lot of jobs that don’t have regular hours. I can’t hold that against him.”
“I guess not. So, where’s he taking you?”
“Some lounge called La Rosa y Espina. It’s meant to be the best in town.”
“La Rosa y Espina?” Tessa repeated, sitting up, interested. “Sounds like fun. You don’t mind if I come, right, sis?”
“Um, yeah, I mind. You’re only sixteen.”
“Oh, come on. I’ve been to a ton of lounges.”
“That was for work – it’s completely different,” Ava pointed out. “Besides, I’d never be able to get you in.”
“A little extra cash to the bouncer will solve that problem. And it’s not like I have to hang out with you and Javier. I’m sure I’ll meet lots of people there, including hot boys.”
“That’s what worries me.”
“You’re being so unfair. Just let me come.”
Ava shook her head, resolute. “I’m sorry, Tess, but we’re not taking you there.”
“Okay, fine, whatever,” Tessa said with a little pout as she laid back down on her towel. “It’s your loss. It’s not like you’ll have any fun without me.”
Ava repressed a sigh. She hated saying no to her sister, but she wouldn’t give in this time. There was no telling what kind of trouble Tessa would get herself into at La Rosa y Espina, and Ava didn’t want to be the one responsible for that.
The clock had hardly struck seven, but the party at La Rosa y Espina was already in full swing. As Javier led Ava into the lounge, the first thing she noticed was the atmosphere. Everyone was in high spirits and looking gorgeous, having a great time as they chatted at the bar with friends or heated things up on the dance floor with lovers. Javier, wearing a crisp white shirt and dark jeans, and Ava, dressed in a flowy black top and skinny jeans, fit right in, looking confident, happy, and super hot.
“Do you want a drink?” Javier asked, gesturing toward a long bar filled with rows of bottles, most of them labeled tequila in bold writing.
“Trying to get me drunk?” Ava replied, casting him a flirtatious smile.
“Only if you let me.”
“Hmmm…I’ll have to think about that one.”
He smirked. “Well, in the meantime, my offer’s good for non-alcoholic drinks, too.”
“Tempting, but…” Her eyes wandered to the dance floor, watching as the couples moved suggestively to the Latin music, their bodies close and in sync.
“Would you like to dance?” he asked, following her gaze.
“I’d love to, but there’s no way I could dance like that.”
“Have you ever tried?”
“No.”
“Then you won’t know until you do.” He offered his hand to her, giving her a sexy smile that she couldn’t resist.
“Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She took his hand, which felt warm and right in hers, letting him lead her to the dance floor. They came to a stop under the pulsating lights and then stepped closer. She placed her hands behind his neck while he wrapped his arms around her waist. She tried to move to the rhythm of the upbeat Mexican music, but feeling uncertain and a little out of step, she looked at the couple beside them, wanting to see how they did it.
“The first rule of dancing is to feel the music,” Javier said, noticing her hesitance. “Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Pretend like we’re the only ones here.”
She took his advice, staring into his gorgeous hazel eyes until everyone around them became nothing more than a blur. She followed his lead, feeling the beat of the music vibrate through the dance floor and to her body, finally falling in step with Javier as they moved back and forth and side to side.
“See, you’re getting the hang of it,” he said with an impressed nod.
“I guess I am. So, what’s the second rule of dancing?”
With a devilish look in his eyes, he replied, “Have fun.”
“Javier, what are you going to…” She never had a chance to finish her sentence as he twirled her around and then caught her in his strong arms. He brought his face close to hers as if he was about to kiss her, but instead, he dipped her low and then brought her back up.
“Tease,” Ava said, running her hand up his chest and over one of his muscular shoulders.
“Not even close.” He slipped his fingers through the loops on her jeans and, in one swift movement, pulled their bodies together, holding on tight as he tilted his head down and kissed her.
It was like the world had stopped and all that mattered was being in the here and now, feeling safe and protected in Javier’s arms. She was so lost in the moment that it took someone accidentally bumping into them for her to realize that they were now standing still in the sea of dancers.
“We better be careful or we’ll get kicked out of this place,” Ava said, parting lips with Javier.
“As long as you’re with me, no one’s going to be kicking you out of anywhere. But, just to be on the safe side, we should probably go with the flow.” He wrapped an arm around her waist, letting it hang low as he started to dance with her again.
“And what flow is that?” she asked, feeling super sexy as she moved up and down, just barely brushing against his body.
“The crowd, of course. What did you think I was talking about?”
“Us,” she whispered in his ear.
For the next twenty minutes, Ava danced with Javier, copying his moves but also showing him some of her own. They were far from the best dancers there, but Javier didn’t seem to mind and she couldn’t have cared less. She was having too much fun just spending time with him, letting all her problems melt away as she focused solely on him and the beat of the music.
“Sorry, Ava, but I think I’m danced out,” Javier said sheepishly as one song came to an end and another started. “Do you want to grab a drink and sit and talk?”
“Yeah, that sounds good.” She hadn’t realized it until now, but she was a little tired, too.
They made their way through the crowd and off the dance floor, coming to a stop at the bar. Javier signaled to the closest bartender, who was almost done serving another young couple.
“They don’t speak the best English in this place, so you’ll have to tell me what you’d like to drink,” Javier said to Ava.
“Water’s fine.”
“Do you mind if I get a beer? It was a really long day at work.”
“No, I don’t care,” she answered, thinking it was sweet of him to ask. “I’m actually surprised you felt like going out tonight.”
“What? To see you? I’ll always feel like doing that.” He smiled, his gaze fixated on her until the bartender came to take their order.
“Qué estás bebiendo?” the bartender, who was middle-aged, asked.
“Agua y una cerveza, por favor,” Javier ordered, taking out his wallet.
After getting their drinks, Ava and Javier headed to the back of the lounge, where it was more quiet and private. They found a little black booth and sat close to each other, even though there was more than enough room.
“Thanks for the drink,” Ava said, opening her fruit-flavored water and taking a sip.
“I wish I could’ve gotten you something better,” Javier said after taking a slug of beer. “Do you not drink at all?”
“Besides a glass of red wine at dinner parties? No. I’ve seen enough people acting stupid because they’ve had a few too many, and I’m not interested in going there.” She thought back to the Hollywood parties she’d gone to and how the drunken antics of celebrities had made the headlines the next day. Of course, she couldn’t tell Javier that.
“You’re really mature for your age. You know that, right?”
Ava shrugged. “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”
“It’s good. Very good. And, for the record, you don’t have to worry about me getting drunk. It makes people too vulnerable, makes them give up too much control.”
“And you don’t like being vulnerable, giving up control?”
“That depends.”
“On…?”
“What exactly we’re talking about.” He took another sip of beer, his eyes never leaving hers.
“Drinking, of course. What else would I be talking about?”
“Then, no, vulnerability isn’t my thing.”
“Maybe we should talk about something that is your thing,” Ava said, running her hand flirtatiously through her hair. “Like your art, for example.”
“Been talking to Rowan again, haven’t you?”
“More like my mom. She and Rowan are pretty excited about the art show.”
Javier nodded. “It should be good.”
“So, you’re going to exhibit your paintings then?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t given it much thought, to be honest. Work has really picked up and…” he hesitated.
“And what?” she pried gently.
“And even though Rowan’s telling me I need another painting in my collection, it just isn’t working out.”
“Maybe Rowan’s wrong. Maybe your collection doesn’t need another piece.”
“No, it does, but every time I try to paint, it doesn’t come out right.”
“You’re probably putting too much pressure on yourself. Having Rowan refer to it as your masterpiece can’t help, either.”
“Oh, great. Is that what he’s calling it?”
Ava cringed. “Sorry, I thought you knew.”
“It doesn’t matter. I love painting, and I always will, but right now, it feels like I’ve already painted everything that interests me. I need something new and different.”
She reached out to touch his arm. “Sounds like you need some of that Mexican inspiration you’re always talking about.”
He smiled at her, grateful. “I’m sure you’re right. Let’s just hope it strikes in time for that art show, huh?” He didn’t wait for a response before continuing. “Here I go talking about myself again when I’d much rather talk about you. Do you have any talents I should know about?”
“Talents? No, nothing like yours, but I do have a lot of interests – exploring new places, trying new things, but mostly just being outdoors. Ever since I was really young, I’ve loved being in nature and spending time with animals, too.”
Javier looked at her, thoughtful. “You know, I’ve never met a girl who talks like you before.”
“What? With an American accent?”
“I’m serious,” he said, even though a smile played upon his sexy lips. “All the girls I know only care about one thing – money and what it can buy.”
“I’m sure that’s not true.”
“It is.”
“Well, that’s their choice, but trust me, money can’t buy happiness.” She regretted the words as soon as they’d come from her mouth, but thinking quickly, she steered the conversation in a playful direction. “What I want to know is, who are all these girls you’re talking about? Is there something you have to tell me, Javier?”
“Definitely not,” he said with a laugh, cupping her cheek in his hand and then kissing her, his lips warm against hers.
“Okay, I think you’ve convinced me,” she muttered, opening her eyes after their kiss.
“Really? Because I could always try harder. You know, make sure you’re one hundred percent convinced.”
“Hmmm, that does sound like a good idea.” She leaned in closer, about to kiss him again
when she saw someone from the corner of her eye. “Oh my gosh,” she gasped as she jerked her head away, her mouth gaping open.
“What’s wrong?” His eyebrows knitted in concern as he tried to follow her gaze.
Ava couldn’t find the right words because there, on the dance floor, was Tessa, holding a drink in one hand and laughing as she talked and danced with Juan Pablo and Carlos. It was like she didn’t have a care in the world, soaking up the attention the two guys were giving her and loving every second of it.
“What the hell does your sister think she’s doing?” Javier said, almost sounding angry as he finally saw what Ava had.
“I don’t know, but I’m putting a stop to it – now.” With Javier by her side, Ava got up from the booth and marched through the crowd, going so fast that people moved to get out of her way. She stopped abruptly in front of her sister, who was too busy flirting with Juan Pablo to even notice that she was there. “Tessa,” she said sharply, not sure if she was more concerned or angry.
“Oh, hey, sis,” Tessa said, facing Ava and giving her a wide grin. “When did you guys get here? I’ve been looking for you, but I couldn’t find you.” She took a sip of her drink, waiting for an answer, as if nothing was wrong.
“When did we get here?” Ava repeated, exasperated. “When did you get here? No, scrub that, what are you doing here…with them?” She cast a glance at Carlos and Juan Pablo, who were now leering at her like she was a piece of meat.
Tessa giggled. “The same thing as you, silly – having a good time!”
“A good time? I thought I meant more to you than that,” Carlos joked, putting an arm around Tessa’s waist and moving to the music with her.
As they danced, Tessa stumbled over Carlos’ feet, spilling her drink and then letting out another giggle, making it clear that she was a little tipsy.
“I got you, baby. Don’t worry,” Carlos muttered sleazily into her ear, slipping another arm around her waist.
“Tessa, it’s time to go – now,” Ava said.
Tessa pouted. “But I don’t want to. We haven’t been here very long, and this place is so freaking awesome. Weren’t you the one telling me to embrace Mexico, after all?”
