Page 98 of Dream Chaser

Manu reached into the cupboard above the counter and pulled out a bottle of black liquor. “Licor café,” he said, pouring it into two shot glasses. “Take one to Ale in case the conversation needs something strong. The other one’s for you.”

I took the drinks. “Thank you.”

Alejandro was still on the phone, facing the sharp jut of the snow-covered mountains when I stepped onto the wraparound deck. For a moment, I admired his tall figure in a black coat. The line of his jaw. As if sensing my presence, he said goodbye, ended the call, and turned toward me.

“Manu asked me to give you this.” I handed him a shot. “Good news?”

“Yes. It was Aeterno. They want to extend the exclusive deal with Asher for another two years, probably because of his win, but reasons don’t matter as much as the result.”

The watch manufacturer was one of Asher’s biggest sponsors. “That’s amazing,” I said.

Alejandro nodded. “It is. But now, I’m going to do this.” He powered off his phone and slipped it into his coat pocket. “No more work tonight.”

“Got better plans?” I whispered.

A smile drifted across his lips. “Right in front of me.”

Warmth traveled through me in a wave. This time, I couldn’t blame it on the alcohol.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked, oblivious to what being his priority did to me.

“Very much. Your friends are nice. Manu and Camila make a beautiful couple.”

“They fit,” Alejandro said. “And she grounds him. I’m happy he found his person.”

Did I imagine the longing in his voice? I stepped closer and raised my shot glass. “What is it that you guys say? Salud?”

His grin widened. “Another week here, and you’ll be fluent in Spanish.”

“I wish.” I licked my lips, then clinked my glass against his. “To you finding your person too.”

Alejandro downed his shot, his gaze tethered to mine. I took a small sip first. The taste of coffee and sugar filled my mouth, followed by a burn as I swallowed.

“It’s strong,” Alejandro said. “I should’ve warned you.”

“It’s fine.”

A Spanish slow song drifted from the house. Alejandro furrowed his brow, listening in, then took the shot glass from me and rested it on the wooden railing together with his.

“I like this song,” he said, extending his hand.

I stared at it, my heart beating in my throat.

“Dance with me,” he said, his voice soft.

I placed my hand in his. He gripped it firmly, pulling me to him. In a heartbeat, his warmth chased away the chill, and his arms closed around my waist.

I hugged his neck as we swayed. A tiny white snowflake landed on his shoulder, followed by another. Then one more. Soon, more drifted from the sky.

“It’s snowing.” I couldn’t keep the grin off my lips.

Alejandro skimmed his thumb over my cheek, wiping away melted snow, his expression unreadable.

“What?” I asked.

He pressed me to him tighter, then leaned his forehead against mine. “I’ve done so many things reasonably well, and yet, there’s one I can’t manage to do.”

“If you’re referring to dancing, you’re good.”