Page 15 of Twin Flames

Finally, the noise ceased, and she saw there were two texts: an earlier one from Daniel and a recent one from George.

Two minutes later George called again. He was insistent; she would give him that. She felt unkind, not answering. And the pull was too intense. She pressed the button and just like that he was back in her world.

‘Hello? Cara. It’s George.’

‘Yes, I know,’ she said with a smile in her voice. ‘This is starting to become a habit. . .so I added your number.’

‘Oh, I like that. It seems only wise.’

She heard his deep, melodic laugh, and despite her intention to pull away, she knew she was powerless to resist him. She was swept away on the giant wave of loveliness that was George. She couldn’t get back to shore even if she wanted. She didn’t.

‘You won’t believe it,’ he said.

‘Try me,’ she said in a low, seductive voice which took her by surprise.

‘I will be in Seville soon. This evening, in fact.’

‘Really? You’re right; I don’t believe it! How come?’

‘I’m as amazed as you, but sometimes these things just fall into place. There’s some urgent business come up which I must attend to tomorrow. I told you I spend quite a bit of time there.’ He paused and then said, ‘Are you free for dinner this evening by any chance?’

Her heart performed a sharp salsa move.

Here was another opportunity to make a sensible choice.

I should say I already have dinner plans.

She gulped. ‘Yes, I am.’

‘Do you fancy joining me for a bite to eat in the old town and then we could take a walk to the Cathedral. It’s quite marvellous.’

‘Yes, I’d love to.’

‘Great. I’ll pick you up at your hotel at eight o’clock. Will that work?’

Cara nodded in a happy daze.

‘Yes,’ she whispered, remembering he couldn’t see her. ‘Yes, perfect,’ she said.

They chatted a while longer, their spirits bolstered by the thought of seeing each other again so soon. George made her laugh like no one else. He had a wicked sense of fun. Daniel was a good man, but he took himself so seriously. George made her giggle like a schoolgirl. Being with him was no effort at all, but being without him was becoming increasingly difficult.

Sitting on the roof terrace of the bustling restaurant, Cara couldn’t quite believe her luck. Here they were together in the romantic city of Seville.

‘Paella,’ announced the waiter as he ceremoniously placed the hot dishes in the centre of the table.

‘Gracias,’ said Cara, smiling up at him.

Her naturally healthy appetite would usually take care of the paella, but with George’s dark eyes resting upon her from across the table, she was too nervous to eat. She toyed with the rice, moving her fork around the colourful dish and managing only a few mouthfuls. She sipped her wine. It tasted good and hit the spot to dull her nerves.

Their hands brushed as Cara passed George the salt, and a shiver ran through her body. He ate heartily, in-between pausing to regale her with amusing stories of his Sevillian adventures. Cara watched him quickly dispose of the paella and marvelled at how he was so at ease.

They shared a bottle of white wine and Cara was lightheaded after a couple of glasses and not much food.

‘Let’s go for a walk,’ he suggested when their table had been cleared. His hand touched her bare arm as he steered her out of the restaurant. Goose pimples coated her skin. His fingers seared her flesh, and she shivered. She found everything about him alluring.

They admired the majestic Gothic Cathedral and wandered around the old town, chatting and laughing about their travels. Cara stumbled on one of the uneven cobbles.

‘Here,’ George offered her his arm and smiled.