Page 97 of Dream Chaser

He stepped aside, letting me enter first.

I took in the room’s stunning interior—wooden paneling on the walls, a thick rug on the floor in front of the fireplace. A bucket of logs.

A huge, linen-covered bed.

One bed.

Again.

I laughed despite myself.

Alejandro groaned, slumping against the door. “Fucking knew it. I’m sorry.”

I shrugged. “It’s bigger than the one in my apartment. I don’t mind.”

“Neither do I,” he whispered, green eyes pinned on me. “Although I definitely should.”

Courage with a sprinkle of recklessness stirred inside me. “Not tonight.”

***

Fire crackled in the stone fireplace beside a long dining table laden with every dish imaginable, including a roasted turkey Manu had made especially for me, so, in his words, I wouldn’t feel like I was missing out on Thanksgiving.

I thanked him at least three times. He made me promise to stop, then piled even more food on my plate.

“By the way, congratulations on your racer’s win, Ale,” Camila said. Pretty and blonde, she had the same warm smile as Manu. She and Raquel made me feel welcome, and both spoke English really well, though I regretted not being able to speak Spanish. It wasn’t too late to learn, though.

“We watched the race. Legendary,” Dani said.

“The merit is Asher’s.” Alejandro took a sip of his wine. “He works harder than most athletes I know.”

“Like you.” Manu speared a roasted potato with his fork and brought it to his mouth. “I’m glad you and Nova could make it. This wouldn’t be so fun without you.”

“I’m glad you invited us,” Alejandro said, raising his glass. “To you and Cami. I’m happy for you guys.”

We echoed his toast. An hour later, the food was gone, and a pleasant buzz spread through my body—from wine, but also Alejandro’s proximity. His arm rested on the back of my chair, and his scent tickled my nose each time he shifted in his seat. I loved seeing this version of him, relaxed and joking with his friends, his guard finally down.

Manu stood and started gathering the dishes.

“I’ll help,” Alejandro said.

Manu shook his head. “You’ll make coffee. Yours is still the best I’ve ever tried.”

“Okay then.” Alejandro’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, frowning. “One of Asher’s sponsors. I need to take this.” After giving us an apologetic smile, he left the room.

Manu disappeared into the kitchen. Taking advantage of Dani and the girls chatting, I grabbed the few stray forks and knives Manu hadn’t taken and went after him.

“Here, you forgot this,” I said.

He took them from me. “I would’ve come back but thank you. Problems with sponsors?”

He must’ve been referring to the call Alejandro had to take. “None that I’m aware of,” I said. “It’s just a lot to handle sometimes.”

Manu opened the dishwasher. “It is, and Ale is a perfectionist who worries about everyone but himself. At least now he has you.”

My cheeks warmed. What was I supposed to say? That we weren’t together? “I try to help at the agency as much as I can.”

The corners of his mouth lifted. “I didn’t mean work. He’s stubborn, sometimes to his own detriment. But that’s slowly changing. Because of you.”