Page 21 of Sun, Sea and Spotted Squid

“You said I had to drag you out because you haven’t exercised since we arrived.”

I’m an idiot.

Sam turned to Maria. “Coming?”

“You sure?” she asked.

Astrid appeared behind Wolfgang and pushed into the kitchen.

“Sorry, Wolfie, we can’t. We’re going to the beach, remember? Pablo said he’d get us free sunbeds.”

Disappointment flashed briefly across Maria’s face.

“Oh yes, of course. Maybe next time,” Wolfgang said politely. His expression cooled as he stared at Astrid. “Please don’t call me Wolfie again.”

When Sam finally stumbled downstairs, Wolfgang was already warming up on the pavement. He looked incredible in his Lycra running outfit and appeared completely oblivious to the admiring glances he received from passers-by of every gender.

“Aren’t you going to stretch too?” Wolfgang asked.

He smirked when he noticed Sam staring, though he didn’t seem bothered by it. Sam quickly attempted a few half-hearted stretches.

“This is cruelty, you know,” Sam grumbled. “If I can’t make it to the flea market later, I’m blaming you.”

Wolfgang clapped him on the shoulder. “If you survive a run to the aquarium, I’ll come with you to the market in case you collapse.”

The prospect of following Wolfgang’s toned backside around Valencia—and later convincing him to carry the shopping bags—immediately improved Sam’s mood.

“You’re on. Lead the way.”

They set off towards the park. Sam had been right: the view alone almost made the run worthwhile. Wolfgang’s body was annoyingly perfect, making Sam painfully aware of his own lack of definition.

Must lay off the booze and pastries.

As they ran through the park, the shade from the trees brought some relief from the heat. Once Sam settled into the rhythm, he realised he was actually enjoying himself. Before long, they reached the underpass.

“Let’s take five,” Wolfgang panted.

Sam collapsed onto the grass verge, desperately trying to recover his breath. Wolfgang, meanwhile, appeared as if he had merely taken a gentle stroll. He stretched his legs beside Sam with the seriousness of a man who considered stretching a sacred ritual.

“I bet you already feel better,” Wolfgang said. “I’m surprised you didn’t go to the beach with the girls.”

Sam had been wondering the same thing. Ice creams and people-watching certainly sounded preferable to near death by cardio.

“I keep meaning to go,” he admitted, “I got the impression today was girls only. Maria would have come with us if she’d had the choice.”

“She is an adult. She can make her own decisions.”

Sam made a face. “Astrid doesn’t really accept no for an answer.”

“She has barely spoken to me. I think she sees me as a waste of time.”

Sitting up and taking a sip of water, Sam caught Wolfgang staring at him. As usual, Wolfgang’s expression gave nothing away.

“She definitely sees me as a waste of time,” Sam said. “And honestly, she’s probably right.”

Wolfgang shrugged. “She flirted with me during the first week. Nothing serious. She isn’t my type.”

That caught Sam’s attention.