Page 53 of Love Off Course

I hit another pothole filled with water and it sprays inside the Jeep. She wasn’t thrilled when she saw my vehicle didn’t have doors.

“Maybe you need a better job,” she grumbles, flicking off a clump of mud from her bare thigh. “One that will allow you to buy doors for your Jeep.”

“And miss seeing my girl with mud on her sexy ass legs? Not a chance.”

“I’m not your girl.”

“For today you are.”

Her lips twitch like she might smile, but I don’t get to see. The road is a mess from all the rain. At least the debris has already been cleared from whenever Ramona and her brother took Araceli and Rodrigo to the hospital to make sure they receive proper medical treatment now that the hurricane is gone.

“Where are we going?”

“An early lunch. A little place that has the best view. Thought we could swim a little after.”

She seems okay with this, so we continue our journey. There’s a restaurant that’s up the coast a bit between the hotel and where Marco lives. It makes me wonder if Araceli told him yet that the baby was born. He’s a deadbeat, so I’d be surprised if he actually made good on a promise and came to see them.

Getting toCasa en la Cuevatakes longer than usual, but eventually, we pull up. Because the bulk of the restaurant is nestled in the side of the cliff, it usually remains unscathed by storms. We hop out and I take Sheridan’s hand. She stiffens, shoots me a wary look, but doesn’t remove her hand. Progress. I walk her to the cliff’s edge and we stare out at the beautiful Pacific Ocean. It’s extra windy today and the waves are out of control. Still gorgeous, though we won’t be swimming out in it. Luckily,Casa en la Cuevahas a small lagoon that is usually safe from waves and storms.

“The stairs are over here.” I guide her to the steep stairs carved into the rock and we make our descent. There are several hut-like structures in each cave. The scent of something salty and decadent fills the air.

“Smells good,” she says. “How do we get to it?”

“This way.”

We pass the kitchen part and head down another level to where there are some tables and chairs set up. I pull out a chair and motion for her to sit. The sea smells like rain still. At least the breeze is warm and the sun is out.

A waiter comes by and hands us some menus. It’s all in Spanish. She squints, trying to figure it out. I simply smile at her.

“Give up yet?”

“I get the gist.” She huffs. “I’ll have that.”

I arch a brow at where she’s pointing. “You like frog leg stuffed sea urchins?”

“What? No!”

“I’m kidding. But, may I suggest my favorite?”

She relaxes and smiles. “Yeah. I want what’s good.”

“Tlayudas. Oaxacan pizza. Enough for two people. It’s seriously the best thing they make and what they’re known for.”

“Pizza? In Mexico?”

I smirk. “Not like you’re used to, City Girl. This is a huge tortilla glazed withasientoand then layered with refried beans, tomatoes, avocadoes, and in this casetasajo. They serve it open face and cook it on the charcoal grill. That is what you smelled coming in.”

“Sounds so good.”

The server returns and I order our meal, including a couple of local beers so they’ll bring us beer snacks for free. She lifts her brow in question.

“Don’t worry,” I say with a grin once he walks off. “I’ll take good care of you.”

“You better.”

A smile tugs at her pretty plump lips as she watches the ocean waves crash against the shore. I take the time to admire her profile. Cute little upturned nose. Creamy skin. Straightened hair that’s starting to frizz slightly from the humidity. She puton a short summer dress over her swimsuit and the orange looks good on her. I like looking at her.

“I’m sorry about yesterday. I was a dick and that was unfair.”

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