We break away from each other when the heat becomes unbearable. He brushes his hair back with his fingers, flashing a naughty smile while my dress is about to melt from the warmth spreading across my skin.
“Had enough?” Alejandro tosses at him while Francisco pulls the chair out for me.
I slide into my seat, running my fingers over my lips, unable to wipe off my grin. Kai’s eyes glint briefly at me before shifting to the server.
Neither of them has had food, so we order drinks and appetizers first. Red sangria, passion fruit mojito, pineapple mojito, and Piña Colada. Tostones, shrimp ceviche, and empanadas.
Next, we order the main courses. Fried snapper, seafood, stew, and grilled salmon. Asparagus, mashed potatoes, and veggies on the side.
We share the food and order another round of drinks.
This is a much better setting than last night. I like the restaurant and the people at the tables, and I like them.
They are more relaxed and act more like themselves. Our dynamic has changed significantly, and I’m no longer left out. I don’t act as if I’m an outsider, but I’m also no longer in that position.
I have their full attention and looking from outside, we seem like four good friends. We can’t say we are more than that. And we can’t say I am paired with any of them because I’m not.
At least, that’s how it looks.
Kai doesn’t treat me any differently than them, and they don’t treat me any differently than him. We are back to being a group. The only difference is that I am now the center of attention.
The food is delicious, and the desserts––caramel flan and passion fruit mousse–conclude an amazing culinary experience.
We finish eating when Kai’s phone rings. He snatches his phone from the table and peers at the screen.
My heart races a little. Wasn’t he on the phone last night as well? Wasn’t he hesitant about that call, and then he talked to that person, and my knees turned to butter?
He takes the call without much hesitation this time.
“Hey,” he says, crashing back into his seat, smiling. “What’s up, man? I thought you left.”
Someone talks at the other end of the line.
Kai laughs.
“Seriously?”
The man speaks again.
“Uh-huh…” Kai murmurs. “What time?”
A few moments pass.
“Now?? Are you serious?” he says.
We all look at him. Alejandro and Francisco seem to know who he’s talking about.
“Four,” Kai says. “No. Myself included. Mm-hmm. Where exactly?”
He looks at the ocean.
“Okay. I’ll ask them. Sure… No problem, man. Thanks.”
He sets his phone down while we look at him.
“Roman is still here. There’s a party on his yacht, and we’re all invited.”
“What’s the occasion?” Francisco asks.