A Passionate Love Affair: Mediterranean Lovers

By Kate Hofman

Alyssa Farrar goes to Spain and begins a friendship with a young Spaniard, which soon blossoms out into love on her part.  Luís does not believe in love, only in passion.  Since she will have to go home after the trip to Spain, she decides she might as well enjoy Luís’s passion whle they are together.   Surprisingly, he stays in touch with her, an occasional e-mail, brief phone calls. 

Two years later, Luís arrives in Alyssa’s hometown, in charge of a huge hotel being built there.  They pick up where they left off, Alyssa as much in love as ever and Luís as passionate as before.

Will Alyssa’s love finally win Luís’s heart?  Or will old secrets rip them apart forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kate Hofman
• Release date: Aug 20, 2015
• ISBN: 9781513058276

Book preview

Prologue

"I don’t know why you bothered to sweat over that Spanish course, sis. We are going to Marbella, a major tourist town, and everybody will speak some English."  Bill Farrar frowned at his twin sister.

She frowned back at him. I want to see something of Spain outside the well-trodden tourist areas. See how Spanish people live, eat where they eat, see the flamenco dancing they see, rather than those in the big hotels, designed to please the tourists.

Bill shrugged. Whatever. Anyway, I intend to have heavy dates with the prettiest chicks...  That’s why I decided to get us a 2-bedroom suite. The chicks will be impressed and be more inclined to fall into my arms. And the clothes I bought at that new haberdasher’s in West Palm are guaranteed chick-magnets, the salesman told me.

Alyssa could barely keep a straight face. And where will I be, while you seduce one girl after another?

Bill had the good grace to get a bit red in the face. Well, I thought maybe you could take a walk or something while I’m with a chick...

In that case, I insist on you seducing no more than one girl per day. I want to be able to enjoy the suite too, Bill.

Of course, said Bill hurriedly, hoping Lyssa would be more willing to stay away from the suite once she realized how important these chick-seductions were to him. Uneasily, he began to think that she might not be too keen on being locked out of their suite for hours on end. He shook his head, determined to take a more optimistic view, and hoping Lyssa would go along. He’d somehow persuade her that he needed a lot of privacy. He frowned, then his face cleared. He had remembered what he was determined to tell Lyssa.

By the way, sis, you’ll have to get some new clothes too. Everything you own is so boring, khaki, putti, pale-pale-pale. Get something that makes people look at you!

Alyssa shook her head. You do all the attracting you can, Bill. I’m happy not being noticed. I want to look at Spain, not having Spanish people look at me!

Bill shrugged. Have it your way, but don’t be surprised if no dashing Spaniard comes up to you, keen to get acquainted. I’ll do whatever I have to in order to make chicks fall into my arms. Hence the new clothes.

Alyssa looked at him curiously. Why are you so all-fired keen on finding girls to seduce, Bill? You’re leading a quite normal life here, occasionally dating...  In fact, I’ve always found you a bit tongue-tied when meeting any of my friends. You’ve never been a womanizer, why try to be one on our vacation? 

Bill frowned again. Why is Lyssa so stuffy? I thought it would be fun going to Spain with her, and that she’d understand that I needed the suite when I had a chick all ready and willing...  No way could I afford to go on my own, I need Lyssa’s financial half of the trip...  Um...uh...  Well, of course I’ve got to be circumspect when I date someone in Palm Beach, where I work, or West Palm more likely. But that’s what vacations are for, living it up, letting it all hang out...

I certainly hope you mean that figuratively and not literally, Bill, said Alyssa, sounding apprehensive. You are showing me a side of your character that I am totally unfamiliar with, and to tell you the truth, I don’t much care for this side of you.

"Hell, sis, this is my vacation!"

Mine too, Bill, in case you’ve forgotten that. I don’t intend spending my days asking you if it is convenient for me to come in and hastily change clothes, have a lightning-quick shower, whatever. I am willing to go for this suite idea, but only if I have equal rights to be in it. You seem keen to usurp the suite for your exclusive use whenever some luckless girl crosses your path. I hate seeing you turn into a creep constantly looking for sex.

Hastily, Bill regrouped. Lyssa is totally uncooperative, dammit...  Better calm her down. I’ll make her fall in with my wishes once we’re there. Aw, come on, sis, don’t be like that. You’ll see, once we’re there things will fall into place just fine.

As long as you realize I have equal rights as you where being in the suite is concerned.

Of course you have, sis. Don’t be such an uptight prude. You like sightseeing, and while you’re doing that, I’ll play with my chicks.

All right, then.  Alyssa had the liveliest misgivings about sharing a suite with her girl-hunting brother, but the vacation was now an accomplished fact; Bill had made all the bookings, and she’d already paid him her half. She’d better try to make the best of it.

Chapter 1.

Early May

Hotel Borbón, Marbella, Spain.

Aren’t you glad I persuaded you to stay in this 5-star hotel, rather than in some backwater, where the only view is the locals’ laundry hanging out to dry...  In our suite we have the beach and the Mediterranean spread out for us to glance at from the balcony.  Bill Farrar gazed at Alyssa, who smiled at him.

Yes, I’m glad I went along with the 5-star hotel. The past week here has been awesome. Mind you, I’d be enjoying this two-bedroom suite more if you ever let me be in it...

Bill interrupted somewhat hastily. Lyssa—I’ve met some terrific chicks, and you realize you can’t be here when I’m chatting one up—like later this morning. You won’t mind making yourself scarce? It’s only for a few hours...  He tried a hangdog look, certain that his twin would agree, again. And by the way, if you see me with a chick hanging on to my arm, my name isn’t Bill, but Biff—sounds sexier than Bill.  He grinned at her, his glance assessing. Is she going to help me by disappearing?

He went on, Seems to me that receptionist, Lewis-something? won’t be sorry to find you at a loose end. I’m glad you found a use for that Spanish course you insisted on taking.

Alyssa was careful not to correct Bill’s ‘Lewis-something’ into Luís. She gave her brother a smile that she hoped was casual and uninterested. No way did she want Bill to suspect how close she and Luís had become over the past week. Shaking her head, making her blonde curls dance, she said, He’s just being kind to someone who has never been to Spain before. We’re friendly, that’s all.

Whatever, said Bill insouciantly. Trust me, I’m not serious about the chicks I’ve been chatting up either. No way! But having someone wanting to be with you surely makes our time in Spain a lot more exciting, don’t you think?

Reluctant to let her brother see just how exciting she found Luís’s company, Alyssa shrugged. I guess so, Bill.

"Biff! Biff!"

Sure, Bill. I’ll remember.

* * * *

Alyssa came back from a solitary stroll along the marble beachside walk. Marbella sure was a beautiful place. She had begun by walking on the beach, but as more and more people appeared, she’d had to dodge and weave. She decided she’d put on her cover-up and slides, and walk on the Paseo instead. Good thing she had opted for a glazed cotton cover-up that came to her knees, and not one of those lacy see-through ones that barely covered the derrière.

She enjoyed the exotic vista of palm trees everywhere, and lush tropical flowers spilling from flower boxes decorating some of the elegant condominium buildings. Bougainvillea drifted in profusion over walls and parapets.

She wondered what it might be like, owning a condo in one of these impressive buildings, surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens and azure swimming pools—all against the backdrop of a blue-violet haze of snow-capped mountains on the horizon, and a cerulean sky above. Spain excelled even her high expectations of being in a beautiful country.

She glanced at her watch as she entered the hotel’s lobby. Would Bill’s date with whatever luckless girl still be going on? She frowned. It was inconsiderate of him to hog the suite to himself when she needed to change out of her bikini and cover-up, have a shower... 

She sighed, sitting down in one of the elegant chairs standing around in pairs or in groups. When they decided on this holiday, she hadn’t realized just how heavily Bill would be into chasing chicks—indoors.

A deep voice said quietly, "Buenos dias, Lyssa."  It sounded to her like honey poured on dark brown velvet.

"Buenos dias, Luís."  She glanced up into caressing dark eyes with the longest lashes she had ever seen, and thought how different her name sounded on Luís’s lips. Instinctively, her glance went to his mouth—oh, my—the upper lip carved by a master, the lower lip sexy and full, promising wicked delights—which he invariably delivered. He sure is to die for.

Feeling suddenly better, and not caring how long Bill would hog the suite, she smiled at the handsome man, who said, I am off today, and thought I would invite you to have lunch with me. I phoned the suite, but there was no reply. I’d like to take you to some small out of the way restaurant where Spanish people eat.

Thank you, Luís. I guess there was no reply because Bill is once again with some luckless girl. I’d love to have lunch with you, but I can’t get into the suite to change and have a shower. Bill locks the door when he has someone over.

Ah. Your brother is entertaining someone again? It is very early for that. Let me get my pass key-card—it overrides the lock.

Oh, would you, Luís? I’d be...  Thank you.

He held out his hand to help her out of the depths of the chair. Come.

A hand lightly at her waist, he guided her to his desk in the reception area. Opening a drawer, he took out a key-card, and gestured to the elevator bank. One was waiting, and Luís pressed ‘3’.

When they came to the suite, he opened the door with the pass-card and stood aside politely for Alyssa to enter.

In the sitting room, Bill was trying to get his arms around a very young chambermaid, who sounded terrified as she pleaded, "No, Señor, no! Por favor, plizz..."

Luís took the scene in at a glance. Bill’s arms fell away from the girl, and Alyssa heard Luís say, in Spanish, Get back to your work.  The moment she felt free of Bill’s avid, restraining hands, the girl dashed past, eyes downcast.

Furious at the disturbance, Bill flung at Luís, What the hell do you think you’re doing, barging in here...

Your sister was tired from walking, and needed to shower and change. For your information, your stay in this suite has come to an end. I will give you and your sister two bedrooms, which will ensure that she can have a rest, change clothing or shower whenever she wishes. No longer will she have to put up with your monopolizing this suite to pursue unwilling women, while she has to sit, hot and tired, in the lobby.

And who the hell do you think you are, changing our booking...

Alyssa’s soft voice interrupted her brother. Thank you, Luís, I’ll be grateful if you can give us two separate rooms. This two-bedroom suite was a grave mistake, as I’ve discovered. My brother has been hogging the suite at all hours of the day and evening, and frankly I am tired of having to pay lightning visits to the shower while he is temporarily without some poor girl to pursue.

Luís smiled briefly at her and turned again to Bill, his expression proud and remote. I demand that you do not molest our chambermaids. They are respectable young women, who do not double as call-girls. The girls will be advised to report to the manager if you should ever again assault one of them. In that case your stay in this hotel will be instantly at an end.

And who do you think you are, telling me what to do?

Luís’s eyes were cold as onyx when he looked down his nose at Bill. I am Luís-Miguel Alejandro Juan de Borbón...

Alyssa hid a smile, remembering how she had asked him whether she should call him Luís-Miguel, and his caressing smile when he said, "Luís will do, querida." That had been the first time he called her ‘querida’ – but by no means the last.

She frowned at Bill when he said sneeringly, That’s the same name as this hotel. Oh, wait a minute. You’re some poor relation of the owner, and that’s why you think you can throw your weight around. 

No way was Luís going to tell this conceited creep that he was the only son of the owner of the Borbón chain, learning the business from the ground on up. Least of all was he going to tell this vulgar predator that the Borbóns were distantly related to Spain’s royal family. He was happy that Lyssa liked him for himself—not for being a rich man’s son, related to royalty—nor for the millions that were his, inherited from a doting grandmother.

Coldly, he said, Speak to the manager if you wish. His decision will be the same as mine. You know his name? Ramón Rodríguez.  He went to the telephone. I shall call him.

Furious at having been bested, and belatedly realizing that he had been very unfair to his sister—who had as much right as he to be in the suite, but too rarely got a chance—he shrugged. Do what the hell you want.

Luís ignored him. He spoke into the telephone, listened, and spoke again. When he replaced the receiver, he turned to Alyssa.

I have arranged for chambermaids to come and put your and your brother’s possessions into two bedrooms.  He smiled at Alyssa. If you will take some clothing with you, I can show you your room now, so that you can shower and change. When the chambermaid brings the rest of your possessions, she will bring a key-card for you.  Over his shoulder, he threw at Bill, Someone will show you your room when your things are being taken there.  He did not bother to say that a grizzled porter would effect the change for Bill. Let the vulgarian find out for himself.

Luís guided Alyssa out of the suite. When the door had closed behind them, Alyssa hugged herself to his arm. Thank you so much, Luís. I had no idea my brother was such a womanizer. At home he has always been quiet—tongue-tied, even—when meeting my girlfriends.

Luís grinned ruefully. Some people think that what is frowned on at home is permitted here. They would be surprised if they knew how carefully we protect our sisters and daughters. Anyway, here we are. I made sure you’d have a room facing east, getting the early sun, but it will be pleasantly cool here once the sun travels south. And when you are on your balcony, there is a view of the hotel’s gardens, the beach and the sea. Your brother’s room is at the other side of the hotel. 

Thank you, Luís. This is beautiful. And now I can enjoy my stay here much more, never again having to sit in the lobby in a bikini and cover-up, waiting for Bill to finish at last with one of his girls.

Luís bent to her and dropped a light kiss on her blonde hair. She was beautiful and charming—of medium height, with a sensational figure, long legs, elegant arms and hands. He liked it that her head came just to his shoulder. In fact, he had towered over Bill—who was probably close to six feet, and wasn’t often towered over. Luís had been quietly amused to note how it had discomfited Bill—a natural-born bully, in his opinion. In his opinion, when you bullied a bully, he soon folded. Bill had confirmed his opinion. Amazing that he and Alyssa were twins—such vastly different personalities.

Shall I wait here? The maid will soon come with the rest of your clothes and luggage.

If you don’t mind, Luís...? I won’t be long.

He smiled. "Take your time, querida." 

She disappeared into the bathroom, carrying the clothing she had taken from the suite. As she turned the shower on, she thought, I love it when he calls me querida. I might as well admit to myself that I’ve fallen for him. How could I not. Apart from his athlete’s body and his dark, stunning looks, he is the kindest, wittiest man I’ve ever met. And the most awesome lover I could wish for...  Well, as long as I don’t let him see that I’ve fallen in love with him—I’m sure he isn’t looking for anything serious. Just a delightful time while I’m here. Two more weeks...  Dear God, what’ll I do when they’re over?

* * * *

Alyssa had quickly grabbed some underwear and a pale tangerine sundress with a matching floppy hat when she left the suite, thinking that her ivory slides and her natural straw tote would do.

When she came out of the bathroom, Luís’s dark gaze intensified, as he stretched out his arms to her.

You look so good, I have to kiss you, he sighed. Just a little kiss, or we’ll never get out of here.

Alyssa laughed. What about the chambermaid coming in with my clothes and luggage?

Luís’s eyes teased. She’s been and gone. So—what kind of kiss do you want?

Alyssa pretended to think. Well... it all depends when you want to have lunch. Early or late?

She could only be pleased at the speed with which he decided, "A late lunch. Come into my arms, querida."