Page 15 of All at Once

“I didn’t mean what village in this country are we going to,” I say, pissed off at his attempt to make me sound stupid. “Are we going to a grocery store, the beach, a zoo?”

“Yeah. How did you know we were going to the famous zoo of Spain?” he deadpans.

“Fine. Don’t tell me. I’m taking your ice cream then.” I realize how weak this comeback sounds after the fact, considering how almost all of his cup is already empty.

Luca also mocks, “I’m shaking in my boots.”

“You’re not wearing boots,” I snap back thoughtlessly.

The next few streets we walk along are narrower and have a quaint cobblestone design to them that temporarily makes me forget about our conversation and how for a second it didn’t seem as frustrating.

When we reach a busy shopping center shortly after, Luca leads us toward what appears to be a small and charming art supply store.

“So what are we doing here?” I ask.

He’s looking at me like I should know the answer to his question already. “Isn’t it obvious? We’re buying shoes. I heard they have some great ones here.”

I’m done with this shit. But Ialsobite back a smile.

Once Luca finds everything he needs, we head to a mall that’s so busy I almost lose him before he thankfully leaves to browse another store, while I purchase three weeks’ worth of underwear.

I’m surprised how I missed all the red carnations scattered along the pavement earlier as we make our way back to the resort. It’s probably because of Luca’s welcoming attitude.

With every two feet we pass of charming Spanish architecture and vibrant shops, my smile grows with excitement and curiosity. Yet with each passing minute, I notice Luca’s face twist more condescendingly.

Every grin I give, his brows crease even deeper somehow.

But I ignore him. The scenery is just too pretty to let his reactions to my expressions faze me.

As if I’m not gushing enough, I then spot a couple near a tiered fountain set against an overgrown olive tree. The way they’re looking at each other like no one around them exists. Their proximity that seems consuming. Their lips so close to each other’s that even I feel the butterflies by just witnessing the moment that they’re actually experiencing. Temporarily forgetting about Luca’s blank glares, I turn toward him.

“Just look how cute that couple is, and the way he’s touching her arm!” I almost squeal, “Look at how their hands just intertwined. Ugh, the way she just smiled at him.”

Luca glances at the couple as quickly as he looks away. “You can see that shit everywhere you go.”

I’m slightly taken aback by his negative and almost harsh response, but it still doesn’t faze me. “I don’t know whereyougo, but Ineversee things like that,” I say.

“Go on, take a picture then,” he challenges with an arrogant flicker in his eyes.

My brows furrow. “What?”

“With the way you’re staring at them. I didn’t think you’d take the zoo thingliterally.” He scoffs.

I roll my eyes, his cynicism ticking at my veins. “It’s a shame someone as attractive as you is this annoying.”

I typically wouldn’t be this forthright about letting a guy know I find him attractive, but it feels almost unimportant with Luca. He’s so obnoxious and, from what I learned just now, pessimistic and cynical. Who cares if he knows I think he’s good looking? There’s nothing beyond a physical attraction.

Luca tilts his head to the side, making a point to meet my frustrated eyes, and replies, “I could say the same about you.”

Luckily, he walks past me before he can see my lips part in surprise.

Suddenly my throat feels dry.

It could be because he basically just told me he’salsoattracted to me.

CHAPTER 3

“Enchanted (Taylor’s Version)” – Taylor Swift

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