Spanish Nights

by Anna Vaughn

  “I missed it,” Emma said softly. She was surprised when Laura pulled away that she missed the contact between them.

  “Do you mind if we sit for a few minutes?”

  “No, not at all,” Emma said as she sat down in the sand. She leaned back, putting her weight on her hands and gazed up at the sky.

  After just a few seconds she saw one whiz past out of the corner of her eye, the ball of fire briefly lighting up the night sky.

  Emma continued watching, seeing meteors shoot across the sky every few seconds. She noticed Laura pushing her bottle of beer into the sand, burying the bottom half to keep it upright, and she did the same.

  “This is amazing,” Emma said, turning to meet Laura’s golden brown eyes. “Thank you for suggesting this. I thought I’d done everything there was to do around here.”

  “I’m sure there’s still a few things you haven’t done yet.”

  “Oh yeah?” Emma turned her body to face her fully.

  “Have you ever kissed a woman on this beach?”

  Emma knew she was a terrible liar and her cheeks were already burning. She met Laura’s eyes and noted her surprised expression. Laura tried again.

  “Have you ever kissed an American woman on this beach during a meteor shower?” Laura asked with a hint of mischief in her eyes.

  “That I have not done… But it does sound appealing.”

  Emma swallowed as she leaned in, her lips just inches away from Laura’s. She felt Laura’s hand cup her neck and gently pull her in, closing the gap between them.

  Emma’s eyes flickered to Laura’s one last time before her own fluttered shut and her lips met Laura’s.

  Her lips brushed lightly against Laura’s sending a tingle through her body, all the way to her fingertips. Emma’s hand gently rested on her cheek as Laura deepened the kiss.

  Laura’s lips parted against hers and Emma stopped worrying about what might happen next.

  She surrendered to the moment and just enjoyed the instant chemistry that they seemed to have.

  Laura’s tongue lightly skimmed across Emma’s lower lip and she moaned softly as Laura’s tongue slowly danced with hers.

  She couldn’t remember the last time someone had kissed her like this, so tenderly yet with so much passion and it definitely wasn’t a first kiss.

  Chapter 12

  Laura knew she should pull away.

  What started out as a light first kiss was quickly escalating.

  She could feel Emma melting into her as Laura’s hand, still resting on Emma’s neck, pulled her in even closer.

  She thought back to when Emma walked into her pub. She’d been instantly attracted to her.

  Who wouldn’t have been?

  Emma’s slim yet curvy figure had immediately grabbed her attention. She remembered the way Emma’s dreamy sea blue eyes had met hers. She could have sworn that the spark between them was instant but she couldn’t be sure.

  Either way, she never thought they’d be here just a few days later, their lips locked into the most intense first kiss that Laura had ever experienced.

  Laura slowly pulled away so that they could catch their breath. She met Emma’s intense blue eyes looking for any sign that she’d taken this too far too fast but she didn’t see it.

  What she saw frightened her. Emma’s eyes mirrored her own. This wasn’t one sided.

  Damn it. Brian was right. I am interested in her… a little too interested.

  Laura knew she probably shouldn’t keep going. If she walked away now, after one really amazing kiss, she could get over it and look back on tonight with a smile but it wasn’t what she wanted.

  Without saying anything Laura’s hand moved to Emma’s side gently easing her down onto the sand on her back. Her fingertips lightly caressed Emma’s skin through her white top as she leaned in to find Emma’s soft lips again.

  Laura felt a chill travel down on her back as Emma’s hand became lost in her chestnut brown hair, pulling Laura down to her, their lips meeting once again in a fiery kiss.

  Emma’s tongue sought out Laura’s and she eagerly met it with her own, her fingertips digging into Emma’s top as the kiss escalated once again.

  She’d lost track of time as Emma continued to kiss her back and Laura’s hand moved underneath Emma’s top.

  Laura could no longer feel her left arm. She reluctantly broke the kiss and rolled onto her back, their arms touching as they lay side by side gazing up at the stars.

  Chapter 13

  March 15th

  By Sunday afternoon Emma was ready for a siesta. She never normally felt the need to have a nap in the middle of the day while she was here even though her parents always did but she’d had an extremely busy weekend helping them out with the pub.

  Several times today Emma’s thoughts had wandered to Laura and that kiss.

  It’s completely up to me.

  Emma stopped what she was doing and closed her laptop.

  We never exchanged phone numbers.

  Laura doesn’t know where to find me. All I have to do is walk down to The Tipsy Leprechaun to see her.

  Emma ran a hand through her long black hair. She couldn’t even wait to see what Laura would do. If she wanted anything to happen, she had to do it.

  The problem was things were going really well with the pub which was great. That was her objective but it also meant that there wasn’t much need for her to stay.

  The updated website went live today. She’d just placed an order with a local printing company so the new flyers would be arriving next week.

  Emma had done all that she could do for now. She’d found a used pool table in one of the local newspapers and it was going to be delivered on Tuesday.

  There was no need for her to stay for another week or two like she’d originally planned. She was thinking of going back on Tuesday after only being here for a week.

  Laura was the only reason that she might hang on for another few days but that was crazy. They’d only known each other for a few days. They’d just kissed.

  But what a kiss…

  Emma had snuck back into her parents’ apartment at 3 a.m. on Thursday night. They spent almost three hours on the beach watching the meteor shower but mostly kissing.

  I’m going to go over there later and at least see what’s going on.

  She needed to know if Laura felt the same way, if it was worth exploring even though they lived in different countries.

  This is crazy… I’m forty years old.

  I need to start thinking about settling down not pursuing a fling.

  Chapter 14

  Laura released the tap and left the two pints of beer on the bar for one of her waiters to pick up.

  The bar was packed which wasn’t uncommon for a Sunday. Anytime there were sports on the place filled up pretty quickly.

  She went into work Friday even though she didn’t need to be there. She felt restless after the night before with Emma and she needed to get out of her apartment.

  Yes, the kiss had been amazing but she didn’t like how her mind kept replaying the scenes from that night.

  This is the last thing I need…to fall for someone else who lives in a different country.

  I need a normal relationship not a fling that’s going to leave me feeling broken again.

  Just as she tried to push any thoughts about Emma out of her mind, Laura’s eyes found her. She was walking through the door, pushing her sunglasses on top of her silky black hair.

  Laura darted her eyes away quickly. She needed to play it cool and wait for her to come over here, assuming that’s why she was here.

  She could just be here to watch the soccer…nothing at all to do with me.

  When Laura woke up on Friday morning she realized that she never got Emma’s number. She had cursed as she poured herself a coffee and she’d been playing that night over and over in her mind all weekend wondering how she’d failed to do something so simple.

  Laura thought she’d never see her
again which might have been for the best really but here she was weaving her way through her crowded pub on her way to the bar.

  Their eyes met and Laura held her gaze as Emma made it to the bar.

  “Hey,” Emma said with a warm smile. “This place is crazy. How are you?”

  “I’m good,” Laura said, smiling back at her. “You?”

  “I’m great. Thanks… I just wanted to stop by and see you… We never exchanged numbers the other night… And I wanted to say ‘goodbye.’”

  “So soon?” Laura asked, knowing that she wasn’t hiding her disappointment well.

  “Yeah. I need to get back to Dublin.”

  “When are you flying?”

  “Tuesday.”

  “Do you want to go for a few drinks tomorrow night? I promise I won’t keep you out too late. Traveling while you’re hungover is a nightmare,” Laura said as she poured another pint.

  Laura glanced up when Emma didn’t reply straight away. After a few seconds, Emma agreed. “Sure.”

  Laura made sure to get her number this time and they agreed to meet tomorrow night.

  Chapter 15

  March 16th

  Emma strolled through the familiar narrow tiled streets as she made her way to Plaza Merced in Malaga. She hadn’t been here in years but not much had changed. The same yellow buildings surrounded her as she tried to remember which way to turn next.

  Emma eventually made it to Plaza Merced. She remembered coming here when she was younger and staying out until all hours. Some of the bars were different but it was still a great spot to sit outside and do some people watching.

  It was mild and she went out without a jacket in dark skinny jeans and a black top. She crossed the square, dodging the kids that were playing football, looking for the name of the pub that Laura had mentioned and spotted it in the middle of the row of bars and restaurants.

  Emma found Laura sitting outside with her legs crossed, sipping on a glass of white wine. Her walnut coloured hair was in loose waves and her makeup brought out the golden flecks in her warm mocha eyes.

  She was dressed casually in skinny jeans and navy tank top but she looked amazing.

  “Hey,” Emma said leaning in to hug her when Laura stood up to greet her. Her perfume enveloped her and she wondered if she’d ever been so infatuated with someone this quickly.

  “Hi,” Laura said as she pulled away and met her eyes. “What are you drinking?” she asked as she motioned for the waiter to come over.

  “Uh… Sangria, I think,” Emma said as she sat down across from her. “I haven’t had any yet.”

  “Perfect.” Laura ordered their drinks in fluent Spanish and said something that made the tall Spanish waiter laugh.

  Of course, she spoke Spanish like that. She’s been here for the last twelve years.

  “So, you’re heading back tomorrow?” Laura asked.

  “Yes, to the wind and rain I’m sure,” she answered with a weak smile. “I’ll be back again soon though. I hadn’t realized how much I missed spending time with my parents. They’re getting up there now. My Dad’s seventy.”

  Laura nodded. “Let me know when you’re back. In the meantime, I’ll see if I can think of a few more things that you haven’t done in Malaga yet.”

  Emma smiled as she remembered that night on the beach.

  A few moments later, the waiter left a glass of Sangria down in front of her. The large glass was full of fresh fruit and Emma couldn’t wait to try it.

  “So, do you live near here?” Emma asked.

  “It’s a short walk away. Do you know where the bull ring is?”

  “Yes.”

  “Just passed there.”

  “In Malagueta?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Do you have a view of the ocean?” Emma asked her.

  Laura nodded. “I do. It’s in a great location. The metro’s right there too and there’s a lot of nice restaurants. We can head over that way if you want later on?”

  “Sure. I haven’t been down to the port in years. Do you mind if we go that way?”

  “Not at all,” Laura said, meeting her eyes.

  Emma took a long drink of Sangria.

  If they went to Laura’s apartment she didn’t know if she’d be able to put the brakes on… assuming that Laura wanted things to progress.

  Emma remembered the way that she’d kissed her the other night.

  Of course, she does… The question is, what do I want?

  Chapter 16

  Laura turned the key and opened her apartment door, letting Emma step inside first. “So, this is my place,” she said as she shut the door behind them. “It’s just a one bedroom but it was the view that sold me.”

  Laura opened the sliding door and stepped out onto the balcony. Emma followed her outside and took in the view from the seventh floor.

  The sky was painted with pinks and purples as the sun set behind them and the ocean waves gently crashed into the shore of the deserted beach below. Laura followed her gaze to the left to the mountains in the distance.

  Laura had stayed out here, taking in the view, the first night she moved into this apartment. She didn’t think she’d ever get tired of it.

  “Can I get you a drink?” Laura asked her. “Wine? Beer?”

  “Wine, please. Whatever you have is fine. Thanks.”

  Laura went into the kitchen and found a bottle of white wine in the refrigerator. She poured them each a glass and brought them out onto the balcony.

  “Here you go,” Laura said handing her a glass.

  Their fingers briefly touched as she took the glass from her and Laura wondered if she’d felt that electric charge too.

  “Thanks,” Emma said, bringing the glass to her lips.

  Not only am I falling hard and fast but we’re probably on different pages here. She’s probably completely fine with a one-time fling on her vacation.

  What do I want?

  I know what I want but is that the smart thing to do? To just go for it and worry about my feelings later?

  We’re both adults. If she’s not interested in a one-time thing, she’ll say so.

  I don’t want to regret not saying anything.

  “So, who’s waiting for you back in Dublin?” Laura asked before she took a sip of wine.

  “No one.”

  “No girlfriend?” Laura asked, leaving her drink down on the small glass table.

  “No. Just me.”

  “I never thought to ask…”

  “Luckily Brian let me know where you stand,” Emma said with a shy smile. “I don’t think I would have found the courage to ask. Sometimes you just have to go with it… And ask questions later.”

  “I completely agree.” Laura took that as an invitation and leaned in, her hand moving to rest on Emma’s hip, bringing her closer as their lips met in a cautious kiss.

  Emma left her drink on the table and reached out to cup her cheek as she deepened the kiss, parting her lips against Laura’s.

  Laura responded, her tongue eagerly seeking out Emma’s as her hand slipped under Emma’s black top. She caressed Emma’s smooth skin along her hip and across her toned stomach.

  Laura slowly walked them backwards until Emma’s back was against the sliding doors. Her thigh was between Emma’s legs and she knew it was only a matter of seconds before Emma pushed back into her, craving more of her touch.

  Emma broke the kiss to look into Laura’s eyes. “This whole thing is crazy,” she breathed.

  “I know,” Laura said quickly before tilting her head to meet Emma’s lips again. She didn’t know if she’d ever get enough of them.

  Laura could feel Emma’s kiss sending pulses of electricity through her body. She’d never been so turned on so easily before.

  Emma’s lips crashed into hers as her hand moved to the back of Laura’s neck, bringing her lips even closer.

  Laura pulled away and met Emma’s steel blue eyes and saw the same desire that she was feeling right now.

/>   Emma took a deep breath as she ran her hand through her black hair.