She shook her head, taking a few steps back. “No, princesa. Please don’t apologize for one of the best kisses of my life. Kissing you always feels like the first time, but we shouldn’t do anything more until we can talk about things. I don’t want to be something you regret, and I know you will.”
“Vera—”
“We’re okay, I promise.” She came closer and cupped the side of my face, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. I tried not to pout when she pulled away too quickly. “I’m going to start getting ready.”
She smiled and turned away before I could say anything else. Before I could say I didn’t think I’d regret it. Before I could say Iwantedit.
The resort that housed the cooking class was similar to ours. The layout looked the same, just different vibes. The one we were in was more island vibes and this one was more health and wellness, which I absolutely loved.
“If I ever come back here, I need to stay in this resort,” I said as we walked to our class.
Since there were about ten of us, we had the class to ourselves, which was so nice. Our instructor came in and introduced herself. She’d been teaching the class for over ten years at that resort and owned her own restaurant before that.
Her voice was very calm and relaxing and I loved that. It felt like a yoga class, but with delicious food.
“Today’s menu is going to be an easy one. We’re going to start off with a Lawar Salad, which is just a green bean, fresh coconut, and chicken salad. Then we are going to move on to Tum Ikan, which is steamed fish in a banana leaf. And finally, we’re going to make Dadar Gulung, essentially a green pancake cooked with palm sugar and rolled up and filled with shredded coconut. Does anyone have any questions before we begin?”
We all shook our heads and let the class proceed. There were two of us at a table, and of course, Vera was at the table with me, which I wouldn’t have minded if she hadn’t worn that bourbon cologne she always wore that got me riled up. I didn’t know why that cologne sent a message to my brain begging for it to tell my body to strip naked, but it always did.
The class was so much fun and I never thought fish in a banana leaf would’ve tasted so amazing. The salad was to die for and I made a note to remember the recipe so I could make it at home.
Kaia and Daisy looked so adorable measuring things out together and feeding each other. They were really in love and it melted my heart to see. Fallon and Mackenzie kept looking at me and Vera and smiling, and I wasn’t sure why.
Vera kept “accidentally” brushing our hands together and kissing the top of my head. I didn’t think it was an accident when she put her hand on my thigh while the instructor was talking. Did it affect me? Absolutely. Did I tell her to stop? Absolutely not. I probably should’ve but we were putting on an act, and I actually wanted her touch.
After the class, we headed to our respective rooms to change our clothes and meet at the bonfire before the sunset. Since we’d already taken a shower, we changed our clothes and headed downstairs, hand in hand.
I’d chosen my favorite green dress that I took with me on every vacation. It was short and flowy and so comfortable. And Vera chose board shorts and a tight white t-shirt. I didn’t think it would, but I really hoped it rained.
The sun was setting just as we approached the bonfire and it was absolutely breathtaking. I stopped her before we reached everyone.
“I don’t know if I’ve thanked you yet for doing this for me. For coming along on this trip and keeping me company.”
“You haven’t. I can wait.” She smiled.
I rolled my eyes and placed a soft kiss on her lips. She pulled me closer and deepened the kiss. “Thank you,” I whispered when we parted.
“For the trip or the kiss?”
“Both,” I said.
“Okay, you two. Get a room.”
I jumped at Drea’s voice behind us. I turned around to see her and Blair walking towards us. Shit. I thought they were already down at the beach with everyone else.
“Hey, guys,” I said, taking a few steps away from Vera. I cleared my throat, not looking at her, knowing she’d be looking at me. “We were just talking.”
Blair laughed, but I did notice the way her eyes bounced from me to Vera and back again. It was almost as if she suspected something was up. Even though that kiss was real and made the lie more believable, I thought she might still be doubting us.
“Yeah, I can tell. Come on, babe let’s leave these two… love birds alone and greet everyone.” She took Drea’s hand and they walked past us.
“What was that?” Vera asked when they were out of ear shot.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know why I panicked. I know we’re supposed to be pretending, so a kiss would seem natural, but?—”
“Are we still pretending, Cara?”
I nodded. “Yes, Vera. They think we’re dating, but we’re not. I like you. It’s complicated, I?—”
