Page 28 of The Forbidden Fling

What did you go and say that for? Panic licked up Faye’s spine.

“I just think…there’s no time like the present.”

Is that the best you’ve got?

“Hmm. I think your debate skills need work. Your closing argument could be more convincing.” Diana released a wicked smirk. She opened the door, the salty air feathering the fabric of her dress.

Faye stepped out of the way.

More convincing, huh?

As Diana turned to say goodbye, she cupped her face, planting a kiss on the woman’s perfect mouth. Slow and soft. Enough to turn Faye’s own legs to jelly. The sensation churned further, pulling her deeper into the kiss as Diana kissed her back, her hands firm at her waist.

Diana pulled away sooner than she’d have liked, her body protesting in response.

“That’s better,” Diana said, a little breathless—which Faye took as a win.

She watched her walk away until she disappeared over the hill, hoping she’d put that swing in her hips just for her.

Chapter Nine

Faye

Faye sat on a comfy chair in Senhor Arenoso’s hut, the material sticking to the back of her thighs. The sun blazed, pouring through the large glass windows. She let out a breath as a rare breeze slipped through, caressing her neck and fluttering the stray hairs that had escaped her bun. Today, the Portuguese weather had truly outdone itself.

Senhor Arenoso hummed a tune as he stirred the tea. How he could drink anything hot in this weather, while wearing a long, hefty kaftan, was beyond her. She couldn’t wait to get back to her room, strip off, and bathe in the beautiful breeze of the AC.

But for now, she took a sip of her cool water, admiring the course founder’s space. The dark wooden panels paired with the abundance of leafy plants crowding the floor and ceiling gave the room a rich, earthy aroma, tangling with the sharp scent of the ocean as it drifted through the open windows.

If Faye had her own place, she’d like to do something similar. Unfortunately, that hadn’t worked out. The idea of moving out again, without the safety net of her dads, packed her full of dread.

She fanned herself with her hand. It was the perfect day to cool off in the sea, but the thought of going in with her bag filled her with so much anxiety, she’d rather sweat to death. She plucked her T-shirt from her skin, wishing she’d opted for her lighter tank top. But it showed too much of herself, and Faye wasn’t ready.

Telling Diana about her ostomy had given her a boost, but sadly, not as much as she’d hoped. Diana was one person, but the rest of the world was full of actual shitbags. So Faye had chickened out, swapping her bikini for normal underwear and a baggy T-shirt which now draped her like a heavy weight. Old habits die hard.

She wished she’d said something to Diana this morning in their yoga session. A cool and casual quip, a little flirty but not overbearing. She dragged her nails over her skin, wishing her earlier confidence hadn’t disappeared during the night. She didn’t want her quietness to come across the wrong way. Maybe she was overthinking it, but overthinking was what she did best. Prepare for the worst and never be disappointed.

The clinking of a spoon brought her attention to Senhor Arenoso as he retook the seat beside the window and crossed his legs. He smoothed his thick moustache.

“Bem vinda, Faye. Are you sure I can’t offer you a hot drink?”

“No, thank you. It’s too warm for me already.” She gave him a smile as sweat beaded the back of her neck. “Water’s great.”

His gaze passed over her thoughtfully. “It looks like you’re settling in well. How are you finding things?”

She hesitated. Senhor Arenoso was already aware of her ostomy situation, and she’d hoped to be assigned to him for these sessions—his reviews were outstanding—but unease still settled in her chest. There was something so disarming yet unsettling about being in his presence, and she second-guessed what to say.

She took another swig from her glass, hoping it would ease the lump in her throat, and went for something simple. “The island is beautiful. I love being in nature.”

“I suppose your field of work gives you an appreciation for what others don’t see.”

“Definitely. It was a big sell for coming here. The number of endemic species at Sandy Springs is amazing.” The Pink Polari parakeet popped into her head. Her frightened panic as she’d tried to escape the net tangled in her wings. She needed to ask Riley for an update on how she was doing. “It’s a shame to see others disrespect that.”

He nodded, tracing the rim of his mug with a ringed finger. “Humans are often afflicted with a selfish ego. So distracted by what they think they want, as opposed to what they need. When we become distracted by these things, we neglect our inner self.”

Faye considered this. Wants and needs so easily went hand in hand. Sometimes she wasn’t sure how to separate them.

He seemed to catch her line of thought. “What do you think will make you happy, Faye?”