Under the Spanish Stars by Alli Sinclair

questioning about her intentions before he took her to the clan also showed he didn’t do things on a whim, not like men who picked up foreign women as sport. Clearly Mateo Vives was different to most, and, as much as she wanted to fight it, a flicker of attraction sparked within.
    Oh, Charlotte Kavanagh, where are you going with this?
    Risking a sneak peek at her companion’s long fingers on the steering wheel, she wondered what it would be like for him to run them over her body. Would he bring as much passion to lovemaking as he did when playing guitar? Would he—whoa! What? Turning to stare out the passenger window, Charlotte concentrated on the fields now covered in a blanket of darkness, a thin film of sweat breaking out on her forehead.
    Get a grip, Kavanagh .
    The music floated through the cabin and she tried to immerse herself in the notes, but her detour into what-if territory with Mateo had shaken her.
    When the song finished, she politely said, ‘I understand why you like it so much.’
    â€˜I am sorry, perhaps I bore you with my talk of flamenco.’
    â€˜Actually, I really like hearing about it.’ They fell into silence as they turned off the main road onto a smaller one. ‘Please don’t take this the wrong way—’
    â€˜Whenever anyone says this then what they have to say is likely to offend, yes?’
    She drew her lips together in a straight line.
    â€˜It is okay, Charlotte, say what you must. It is hard to upset me. Maybe I am as tough as the old boots?’
    The car filled with laughter and when it fell away, she asked, ‘The reason you’re taking me to see your friends … is part of it because of who my grandmother is?’
    â€˜I will not lie and say no. Her departure from flamenco remains a mystery and I am interested to find out if you can solve it. It is strange she does not tell you why.’
    â€˜Yes, it is, but she’s a closed book when it comes to her flamenco days.’
    â€˜The years of Franco were turbulent. People who lived through this era have a strong opinion about him—love or hate. You must always be careful when talking with older people of Spain because it is easy to upsetthem, especially if you do not know how they feel about Franco.’
    â€˜Okay.’
    â€˜And with los gitanos . Always be careful with how you speak with them. Respect and reputation are very important but I am sure you will do the right thing.’
    The list of how to behave grew longer and longer, and although she was well versed in reading people from various backgrounds and cultures as a result of the diversity of clients in her job, the gitanos were going to be her biggest challenge. Thank goodness she had Mateo on board.
    â€˜We will see how you go. The shot is long but we will try our best, yes?’
    She wanted to reach over and squeeze his hand, but hesitated, worried about how Mateo would read this action. ‘I can’t thank you enough for the help you’re giving me.’
    He waved his hand in the air. ‘It is nothing. You are a nice person, Charlotte Kavanagh, how can I say no?’
    â€˜You certainly know how to charm.’
    Mateo’s grin convinced her he knew exactly what he was doing. Were all men from Granada like this? So far, her experience with Granadian men had been limited to a handful who worked in restaurants and hotels and they’d been polite, but not charming. Not like Mateo Vives with his suave personality and devastating good looks. She glanced at him again as they drove into the night. Even the little bend in the middle of his nose appealed to her.
    â€˜Did you break it?’ she asked, pointing at the middle of his face.
    â€˜What? My nose? Sí . A little while ago. It is a long story but the short version is that my brother did not agree with what I had to say.’
    â€˜He punched you?’
    Mateo nodded, but looked anxious as he slid his hands up and down the