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“I’m a little scared to not have you here, but you’re not my nursemaid, and you have such a rich life ahead of you. It’s time to do something special and being a little anxious is normal.”

“I hope so.”

“Trust me.”

Gabi did. She excused herself after her second drink and went to the bedroom. She undressed, got into the bed, and spooned around Aisha. She murmured, and Gabi held her tightly. It wasn’t the way she’d planned for them to spend their first night together, but it was even more special and intimate for the sadness and suffering Aisha had endured. Gabi couldn’t love her enough, and she fell asleep, not wanting to let her go.

30.

GABI LED AISHA INTO the hotel room, pulled her into her arms, and kissed her. “Are you okay?” she asked for what felt like the hundredth time in the two hours it had taken them to get to Màlaga.

Aisha ran her fingers through Gabi’s hair. “I’m fine.” Her smile broadened. “Thank you for making me stay until Mama was discharged.”

“I’m glad we waited.” Gabi had enjoyed spending a few extra days with Nana too. It had made leaving a fraction easier, though they’d all shed a tear as Matías drove them away. She wrapped her arms around Aisha’s waist and tugged her closer. “As long as you’re good. That’s all that matters to me.”

Aisha kissed Gabi on the nose. She eased out of Gabi’s hold and walked around the room. She gazed out the window that overlooked the golf course. “This is amazing.”

Gabi picked up the mobile phone she’d bought just before leaving Granada and called Nana. Aisha came to her and kissed her.

“Gabriela,” Nana said.

Gabi eased out of the kiss. “How did you know it was me?”

“No one else has my number.”

Gabi laughed. “We arrived safely.” She took Aisha’s hand and squeezed it.

“Is Matías on his way back?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Tell him to drive safely.”

“He’s already left.”

“Ah, yes. Of course.”

Gabi tugged Aisha to her, and they listened together. “So, what are you up to?”

“Juan and I are going for lunch with Pablo.”

“Sounds fun.”

“It will be. His pomegranates are huge this season, and you should see his mangos.”

“I think I’ll stick to peaches,” Gabi said, and Aisha giggled.

“Well, they’re absolutely delicious. Make a fine punch too. We’re going to pick some this afternoon. It’s too early for peaches, Gabriela.”

Gabi was distracted by the warmth of Aisha’s kisses to her ear and down her neck. “Gotta go, Nana. I’ll call soon.”

“Well, I might not be in. I’ve got a full schedule for the next two weeks.”

Gabi cleared her throat as a surge of desire shot through to her core. “And we’ve got some exploring to do.”

“Make sure you put on sun lotion when you’re out.”

Gabi laughed. She ended the call and kissed Aisha. “What were you thinking?”