Page 89 of Dream Chaser

“Will do. Talk to you soon.”

I rushed back into the restaurant. Kaia nodded at the pan with steaming paella. “It smells delicious. I’m sure it tastes even better.”

I forced a smile, sliding into my chair. “Sure does. Sorry I took so long.”

She gave me a sympathetic smile. “Bad news?”

Something in my expression must’ve betrayed me. “You could say so,” I said as she put some rice on my plate. “My soon-to-be ex-husband is set on complicating my existence.”

Kaia’s eyes widened. “Oh. I didn’t realize you were married.”

“Separated,” I corrected. “I’m trying to get a divorce, but he’s not making it easy.”

“That sucks. I’m sorry.”

“Me too.” Losing the election must’ve been a massive hit to Preston’s ego. He blamed me, and since he thought I owed him, it wasn’t surprising that he’d want financial compensation for renovating the house.

The other accusation burned. I’d always been faithful. Even though I’d been unhappy and my feelings hadn’t mattered, I’d never considered cheating on him.

A platonic sleepover with Alejandro was the only intimacy I’d had with another man since I started dating Preston.

Kaia gushed about the paella, but I barely registered the taste.

When the food was gone and the server brought coffee, she leaned back in her chair. “What would you like to do now? We could go for a walk or go back to the hotel if you’re tired.”

Not tired—just not good company after Edward’s call. Despite the ridiculousness of Preston’s claims, I failed to shake them off. Kaia deserved better than my sulking.

“Hotel, if you don’t mind,” I said. “Thank you.”

She smiled at me, warm. “Not at all. Hope what you’re going through gets better.”

“So do I,” I muttered, then flagged the server.

***

My hotel room faced the sea and was an example of quiet luxury—the softest king-sized bed covered with white linen. Beige walls with framed seascapes.

Alejandro was behind the wall to my left. My heart clenched with longing. Talking to him always helped, but I couldn’t seek him out and risk overstepping, not even after our hug on the flight here.

I still wasn’t sure what it’d been for him—a moment of weakness, worry about me, or something entirely different.

Not in the mood to stew over that or my divorce, I slipped into a black one-piece swimsuit, pulled on a robe, and headed for the pool.

A minute later, I advanced down the corridor leading to the spa. Through the arched doorway, I glimpsed the indoor pool. Water churned softly while steam drifted upward in pale ribbons, catching the magenta light.

I stepped into the pool area and froze.

Alejandro. Cutting a straight line from one end of the pool to the other, each movement sharp, sculpted shoulders breaking the surface in a precise rhythm. Deliberate. Almost aggressive, as though wound tight, trying to get rid of whatever plagued him.

Tension shrouded the space around him. I felt like an intruder, but it was too late—he reached the edge, turned smoothly, and his eyes locked on mine.

My heart stumbled, then resumed its beat. Shivers ran up and down my spine.

“Nova,” he said with the smallest hint of surprise. “I didn’t know you were back.”

What would’ve changed if he’d known? Would he have sought me out? Offered to spend time together?

“Kaia and I got back a while ago.” I moved toward the row of black loungers. Maybe I should leave, but I didn’t want to. His presence was comforting. He soothed me, steadied me without realizing.