Playa de Valdegrana was a refreshing sight. The stretch of white sands looked infinite as Isra walked past couple of bars along the neatly manicured promenade as she inhaled the onshore breeze. The smell of the sea, the music played by the waves, the commotion and distant sound of strangers, would be a good divergence.

She was planning to go for a swim but the autumn weather was a harbinger of cold breeze and the air started getting chilly. She decided to stay in the hotel for the night to cool off her mind and as she strolled, she decided to stop by a Spanish fusion restobar and sank into a chair to enjoy the view as she ordered a cup of cajarillo. The smell of colombian coffee flavored with brandy soothed her mind as the breeze.

“Look, who’s here! Isra? What a lovely sight you are!”

Isra jolted to the voice by the mention of her name and before she could turn her head to see who it was, the guy already picked a seat beside her. He flashed her his flirtiest smile as he extended a hand. Isra hesitantly took it and left him a courteous smile as she was still trying to figure who he was.

I was really hoping we could bump into each other again, y’know. I called the number you gave us but it’s your secretary who picks up.” Franco said, as he took his sunglasses off and propped an elbow on the table, his eyes squinted coquetishly.

Ahh. The guys in the airplane. She remembered. That sexy Italian accent. But she couldn’t recall his name.

“Ahh, yes. All phone calls go straight to Lori, our production head. She takes care of business inquiries.”

“You are cheeky!" He smirked. "Andrew is communicating with her…so, how are you?”

 Franco. Instantly his name snapped into her memory. “I’m great. Enjoying a bit of sun. And you?”

Franco let out a very sexy laugh, “We are having amazing time, here, too.” he said "But I missed you. And I am very happy I saw you today, I swear. I kept asking Lori to schedule a meeting with you but she said you are busy right now.”

“True. Well, you can talk with her. All inquiries go through her, anyway.”

“I got it…Hey, let’s have some beer?” Franco suggested as he waved to the waiter.

 “No, thanks. I'm having coffee. You can have yourself, please.”

“It’s alright. I’ll have one, though.” Franco smiled, coquettishly scanning her with intense gaze. He crossed his hairy arms around his chest and the muscles on his biceps popped like solid rocks. His eyebrows were in perfect shape as his beard trimmed neatly to frame his sculpted face. His mouth was full but masculine. The more she looked at him, the handsome and sultry he became. The waiter came and took his order, and even the way he spoke to the guy, Franco was just an alluring sight. He got that mix of gentleman and macho at the same time. Isra wondered if there was anything unsexy about this man.

“I rarely drink too. But today is an exception.” He winked “When it’s your birthday, right? It’s a good excuse to get drunk.”

Isra beamed trying not to sound awkward. “Oh, really. Happy birthday then.” 

A sudden thought crossed her mind. What if she let Franco entertain her? The guy seemed to display a great interest on her. But would it wash away what she started feeling for Lucas? Would that solve her issues with him? 

Franco’s eyes squinted at her, studying here like a chess board looking for a chance to checkmate. What if, for once, she'd give herself for a one-night stand? By chose Franco? 

After she finished the coffee in an hour and half chatting with Franco, she excused herself to rest her headache, leaving him disappointed behind. He pleaded her not to leave but she was determined. Although, she wouldn't deny that she started enjoying their talk, his flirtations didn’t feel right. Franco was a smart- talker, true His opinions about politics and socio- economy was impressive and his sexy accent made him even more exciting to listen to. She could have stayed longer and enjoy talking to his mind but the way he made her feel awkward made her thought otherwise. His touch made her skin burn and shiver with weird sensations. Sensations that brought haunting memories.

On the way to the hotel, as she fumbled into her sling bag for the electronic key, her body slammed into someone’s chest. Someone whose scent was very familiar. That luxurious oud musk.

“Oh, hey, Isra. Oh sorry, are you alright? I was looking into my phone, I didn’t see you.” Lucas beamed and almost wrapped his arms around her when she almost tripped at the impact bu his hands caught her hips instead.

Isra stood frozen. The feel of Lucas’ warm hand on her hips sent her shivering with delight as his fingers gripped her flesh. She straightened, smiling wryly, “Oh, don’t worry. I’m fine.”

 She wanted to avoid him at least for a day. How did he know she was here? Did Lori tell him where she was?

“Umm… what do you have to do today?” he asked squinting his eyes from the bright daylight. His face looked so majestic as the breeze caressed the locks of hair away from his face. Breathtaking! 

 “Some urgent editing to do. Kinda hectic day. So, I thought the ocean breeze would help.” She lied. Nothing was urgent. 

“Ok then.” He smiled his heartwarming smile. “Well, I’m meeting a friend. You can join us later if you want. Just text me, anytime. I’ll be around for a bit.” His boyish grin was affectionate but his eyes were hurting.

Isra felt her heart squeezed as she remembered what took place between them yesterday. “We’ll see… Enjoy, Luke.” She smiled, as she tapped his shoulder and turned to walk away.

“I’ll wait for you, Isra.” He called after her. His voice hinted of sincerity.

Isra’s lips quivered. She didn’t know how to feel right anymore. A mix of emotions swept through her as she hurried towards the elevator and slid into it.

*****

“Lucas Madiera!” a voice called him as  he walked along the promenade scanning the place to locate his friend. A guy in a white shirt and jeans at the restobar waved and started walking towards him. “Oh boy, oh boy!”

“Franco Di’Angelo! Bienvenido a España! Man, I thought you were going to Barcelona first.” He beamed as they shook hands.

“Nah, we are stuck here until we finalize the lease. Hey, we wanted to visit you this week but we got so busy.” Franco said as they walked into bar. “I have my partner Andrew here. He will meet us later.”

Lucas slacked on the chair across Franco. “Don’t worry about it. I’m just a call away. I’ll show you around, anytime. But even if I can’t, Don Emil will always be there.”

“Great.” Franco flashed his whitiest smile.

“It’s my birthday today! You should stay for the night.” Franco winked at him as he scanned the menú.

“Happy Birthday bro!” Lucas gave his friend a light tap on the shoulder “ You should’ve told me. We could’ve celebrated it in the bodega.”

It is still 3 pm but he could already smell the alcohol in him. But Franco was like a barrel of wine. He never got drunk no matter how much alcohol he consumed.

“Let’s eat bro. I’m starving.” Franco suggested. They ordered Cuban steak and mojito.

“So how’s the millionaire doing lately?” Franco teased which made Lucas shook his head. He always teased him with that slur since the day they met.

“I have someone shooting a documentary about the winery recently.”

Franco’s eyes squinted at him “Do I know the producer name? Is it a female?"

"She is."

"Don’t tell me it’s Isra Koc?” Franco mused.

“Yes, right. Did you know her?” he asked curiously.

“We met in the airplane. Oh, God! Bellisima.” Franco gestured with his hands “Such a beauty. She’s nice but she’s kinda guarded? She's too stiff. Maybe impassive.”

Lucas felt a lump in his throat. He felt jealous. Not only that Fanco was a good-looking man, his age won’t be an issue for Isra, in case, since they were about the same age. He would beat him to her easily.

“I saw her here today but she left just before you came.”

Lucas straightened in his seat as he felt tensión building on his temple. Is this why she called today off because she was seeing Franco? Is that why she rejected him yesterday?

The mojito arrived. Lucas took his in staccato without stopping.

“Slow down, boy. If you want to enjoy the party later.” Franco chuckled, shaking his head. “I didn’t know you like mojito. That's such an insult to your ancestors.”

Lucas smirked. “I know, right. Tell that to my father. I am the worst one on the line.”

Franco grimaced as he reached and squeezed Lucas on the shoulders. “Oh no. Don’t say that! I think your business prowess proved otherwise. Is everything not sinkin in yet? It’s been 8 years when you took over. I think you are doing great. The most expensive wine in the world was all your making. Actually…” Franco straightened up as he looked at Lucas in the eyes. “Actually, the Madiera’s prime came back when you took over. You should tap your own shoulders for that. You are doing just fine. You are very creative.”

Lucas shook his head as he emptied his glass. “You know what I mean. It’s not like. I mean look at you, you're doing what you're passionate about. I’m forced to excel in a field that’s not mine.” He sighed.