Chapter 47: A Night Like No Other
Orely
After a pleasant chat with Santiago, I am relaxing in the bathtub. I let the warm water run over my back while I moisten a washcloth and apply a small amount of shower gel. I gently rub the skin in circular motions. Rinse well with clean water and leave to dry. I finally decided to get out of the tub, wrapping myself in a large towel to walk to the bedroom and get an outfit. Santiago has warned me that we will be dining on the lawn in front of the bungalow. I think it is a great idea, very nice in fact, so we can enjoy the night view and breathe in the fresh air.
I dry my hair and put on a little make-up. Then I head for the dressing room where, once again, I see beautiful new women's clothes in my size. When and at what time did he have time to do all this? But in any case, the choice and quality are a pleasure to see. Without wasting any more time because my tummy was rumbling, I dressed in a bohemian lace V-neck mini dress with flared sleeves and ruffled hem. Perfect for summer. And before going downstairs, I slip on a pretty pair of faux leather sandals, and apply a bit of perfume behind my ears and on my wrists. Now I am ready to go!
The chalet is flawlessly maintained and spotlessly clean, with not a speck of dust daring to settle. Descending the wooden staircase, I enter a warmly atmospheric living room, where rustic charm blends harmoniously with contemporary touches. The large panoramic windows, wide open, let in not only the faint rays of sunset, but also the sweet scent of wild flowers and fresh herbs.
In a corner, a carefully selected, sleek velvet sofa invites you to relax, while a boldly designed glass and metal coffee table adds a chic, urban touch. I would love to relax on the couch, but a tantalizing aroma is wafting through the house, teasing my nostrils and whetting my appetite. Looking towards the sliding door, wide open, I see the table already set outside with the stainless steel cutlery harmoniously presented. The golden glow of twilight grooves across the outside table, making the cutlery glisten on the carefully draped white tablecloth.
Suddenly, I feel a presence behind me, and when I turn around, Santiago is standing there, holding a tray with two glasses of cocktails, followed by a bottle of Prosecco and beautiful slices of whole grain bread, elegantly arranged and well garnished.
"You look gorgeous tonight" He whispers in my ear, feeling my cheeks get all hot. Come on, let's eat. I went to the kitchen to get the aperitif.
I timidly thank him, and I feel my cheeks turn all red and faster than lightning, I quickly change the subject. He is not bad either, and he has changed his clothes as well. He is wearing a cotton polo with a zipper, short sleeves, a comfortable printed short, and white sneakers.
"Did you set the table?"
"Yes, with a little help from Cecilia before she leaves." He answers, winking at me.
As we make our way outside, the view is spectacular. The landscape is enveloped in a soft orange light as the sun gradually recedes behind the hills. The sky slowly fades to a starry canvas, creating a vivid tableau of the great outdoors. A gentle warm breeze makes the leaves of the trees around us rustle. It's so soothing that I even forget I was hungry. With a light heart, I make my way to the table to join Santiago, who is enthusiastically preparing the cocktails. It is clear that he is in a good mood.
"It is so nice to enjoy this beautiful sunset, isn't it? he says.
"Yes, to have such an opportunity to take advantage of this magnificent natural view at no cost, it is really worth it. I can't get enough of it.
Santiago hands me one of the cocktail glasses and quickly introduces me to the drink. It is a Bellini, an alcoholic cocktail made from fruit juice. He seems to know what he is talking about and makes me laugh as he pretends to be a waiter presenting the dishes, one after the other, as if I were at an important dinner party in a restaurant.
He made it clear that it was not him who cooked, otherwise we would not be here eating at this hour, but much later. And from the aperitif to the desert, it is a festival of flavors. Everything is delicious and I really enjoyed it. The atmosphere is magical under the starry sky after this delicious outdoor dinner, where that light breeze gently caresses my face and our laughter echoes around us. Most surprising of all are the lanterns hanging from the branches of the trees, diffusing a muffled light. My eyes sparkle with wonder as I contemplate this night view that seems to have come straight out of a dream.
Suddenly, Santiago, carried away by the moment, moves tenderly closer to me. He gently takes my hand.
"Come with me, I'll show you something."
Surprised, I let myself be dragged upstairs to the balcony. But as Santiago opens the bedroom door, all the lights go out, leaving us under the moonlight. I slump onto the bed with a sigh, and he moves in beside me.
Under the influence of alcohol, Santiago bursts out laughing and I look at him puzzled.
“I wanted to show you the view from the top, but we are out of luck, there has been a power cut. But are you afraid of the dark, my pretty?” He asks me suddenly.
"No, why?"
"I just wanted to know." He whispers in my ear.
He leans in and I feel his chest pressing against my shoulder as he brushes my hair aside to place kisses on my neck, sending a shiver down my spine that intensifies. He rests his hand on my arm, gently starting to caress it.