Home

Chapter 61

*C H A R L O T T E*

"God I am exhausted," Hero says on the way back to his hotel.

"Typical posterboy," Tiago teases.

It makes us all laugh.

"Why don't you get some rest and meet us at nine outside the hotel," Tiago suggests. "Kat will be home by then and we can all have some food together."

"But Fabio won't be able to make it," I protest. "The bar will be open by then." It doesn't feel right to exclude Fabio, especially since he's my backup.

"Fab won't mind."

Hero gives me a funny look before answering Tiago.

"Sounds great man! I'll get some sleep first and I'll meet you outside."

We say goodbye to Hero and go home.

"I really wish you hadn't done this," I tell Tiago.

"Oh come one, it's just a meal. Didn't we have a great day?"

"Yes, but-"

"No but. There is absolutely no reason not to invite him tonight after the day we had."

I feel like a child who's just been told off by a parent.

Later, in bed, I realize Tiago was right. It was a great day and there was no reason to invite Hero. We were all kind of tired so we had a short meal which went smoothly. It actually was nice to spend some time with Hero without any drama. This gives me hope for the future. Maybe it won't be so bad after all! Because I didn't get much sleep the night before, I sleep like a baby now and wake up very refreshed. Today Kat and Tiago have a day off. Because Fabio doesn't have to be at the bar until tonight we made plans to go to the natural pools of Porto Moniz. It's a must-see when you're on the island and I think Hero will love it. I take a quick shower and put my bikini on under my dress because I don't like to change there. I pack my bag and send a quick message to Lizzie to ask how she's doing. She's probably freaking out a bit because the babies might arrive soon. Jack texted me yesterday saying she's on bedrest because the twins might arrive early. Luckily, both mum and the babies are doing okay under the circumstances. In the kitchen I find Tiago and Fabio.

"Hello sunshine," Fabio greets me. I walk over and give him a hug. I genuinely missed the guy last night.

"You're in a better mood today," Tiago teases.

"Oh, shut up!"

We take our time to have some breakfast because Hero had an online meeting first. Probably not a bad thing since Kat hates waking up early on her day off. By the time she's up, Hero has texted us that he has finished his meeting and we all had breakfast so we're basically ready to go.

"Come on, Kat!" I yell from downstairs.

"Jesus, can a girl enjoy her day off?"

"May I remind you this was your idea?" I roll my eyes. "I am pretty sure you only suggested this to see Hero take off his clothes."

That sparks her interest and within a minute she's ready to go. Classic Kat. I know she'll tell her friends all about today later.

Hero is standing in front of the hotel when we arrive. I hate to admit it so myself but he does look hot. He's gotten a slight tan and he looks very yummy. The tan makes his eyes even brighter. Even after all that has happened, seeing him takes my breath away the first few seconds. It still happens every time and it's an indication that totally getting over him might never happen. He takes his spot in the backseat next to Kat, who is very excited about this. Fabio is driving and I claimed the front seat. The windows are open and it's another hot, bright day in paradise. Porto Moniz is located on the north side of the island and we're on the south side so it's a bit of a drive. Fabio puts on some music and off we go. By the time we arrive we're all in a good mood and again I wonder about this. How come things are different between Hero and me now? How can we be around each other so easily without any drama? I can't help but wonder if it's the magic of the island. Maybe this was exactly what we needed to get closure and to start our friendship for real this time. Fabio parks his car and we pick a good spot. Hero is amazed by the natural pools and I can't blame him. It's a very beautiful spot.

"I've never seen anything like this," he happily says. "Wow!"

"I'm glad you like it," I laugh.

"Like it? I love this place!"

The boys go to the bar to get some drinks first while Kat and I undress and lay down. They bring us some bottles of water and start undressing too. I look up and see Hero take off his shirt. I'm glad I'm wearing sunglasses and a hat so he can't see the look on my face. I suddenly feel the urge to trace his abs with my fingers. I want to feel his smooth skin and the goosebumps my fingers leave where I have touched him. My heart starts beating faster and I feel the familiar ache in my lower stomach. I look away and I'm shocked. I didn't realize how much he still affects me. Am I really ready to give this up? Will I be able to move away from this forever? When I think about another girl touching him I get jealous. It also makes me wonder if someone else will ever make me feel like this and the answer is quite scary and frightening. I'm afraid no one ever will.