Always You || Simon Minter (miniminter)

Chapter 36

"Why do women always take so long?" Tobi pokes his head through my bedroom door, peeking at how much makeup I have left. His grin widens as he realises I'm done — just finishing the final touches. Tonight, we're hitting Ibiza's biggest club, Ocean Beach. I'm in a black-and-white checked bikini, black lace-up sandals, and a sheer black kimono.

"You ready?" Tobi steps fully into the room, sliding closer to my desk. I glance in the mirror, nod, swipe the last bit of mascara, and face him. Shirtless. Tall. Gorgeous. Typical Tobi. He holds out his arm.

Downstairs, the boys are waiting — hungry, restless, chaotic. Simon's eyes lock on mine, dark and gleaming, drinking me in like he's memorising every detail.

"Let's get outta here," Vik announces. "Three hired cars, pick your ride."

Outside, the white BMWs gleam in the sun. Cameras appear instantly.

"Right, boys," Ethan calls, "Me, Harry, Vik in one car. JJ, Tobi, Josh in another. And Simon and Millie? You two in the last."

Simon looks at me, a sly smile tugging at his lips. I follow him into the car, watching him place the camera on the dashboard.

"What?" I ask.

"I have a little detour for you. Hope that's okay."

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued.

The car hugs the coast, cliffside views stretching endlessly. The turquoise ocean sparkles in the sunlight, the wind teasing through my hair. We finally stop at a cliff, a tiny village of white-and-red buildings nestled below.

Simon opens my door with a flourish. "After you."

I step out, smiling at him, and he guides me to the hood of the car. We settle side by side, a comfortable silence stretching between us. His hand drifts to my thigh, warm, familiar.

"I thought we could just sit here for a bit," Simon murmurs. "We'll be with the boys most of the holiday anyway."

I smirk. "Don't worry. Sharing a room? You'll be sick of me by Friday."

He frowns, squeezes my thigh, and I squeal. "Don't do that!"

But it's like a switch flips. Simon grins, lunges at me, tickling. I scream, run across the grass. He chases me, tackling me playfully, squishing my ribs until I squeal again. I flip the situation, straddling him, holding his hands down.

"I surrender!" he shouts, laughter rumbling from his chest.

I lean down, foreheads almost touching. He cups my face and kisses me — slow, deliberate, a spark of fire in the sunlight. His hands wander to my hips, then he pulls back, leaving me craving more.

"That can wait till tonight," he whispers, breath hot against my lips.

I finally stand, holding out a hand. "Should've been me helping you up. That was weird."

He laughs. "Get used to it. I wear the trousers in this relationship."

I raise an eyebrow. "We'll see about that."

⸻

Ocean Beach Ibiza explodes before us. Sun, techno, free drinks, and crowds moving like waves. Simon and I weave through hand-in-hand to our booth. People snap photos — mostly of Simon — but I don't mind. I'm happy just being with him.

"Finally!" JJ sprints over, champagne in hand. He nudges Tobi out of the way. "About time you two showed up. We were starting without you!"

"Starting without us?" Simon asks, mock-offended.