Free Fierce Love by Phoebe Conn

enjoyed watching me.”
    “What man wouldn’t? The bestflamenco clubsare in Madrid and the Sacromonte caves in Granada have excellent tablaos too, but the one we’re visiting tonight truly is Barcelona’s best. We can just watch, or dance. You decide.”
    She was so nervous she feared she’d trip over her own feet no matter what she chose and remained quiet as Rafael drove into Barcelona and circled the sprawling city to reach the port. He parked on a dark narrow lane, and she peered out the windshield.
    “Are you sure we’re in the right place?”
    “Yes, I’ve been here many times. It’s just up ahead, but this is the best place to park.” He helped her from the car and took her hand to lead her down the cobblestone path.
    The lane was dimly lit, and she clung to his hand even as she worried he might be leading her someplace she’d rather not go. “Are we getting close?”
    He stopped. “Listen, do you hear the music? Bailaora , that’s a dancer in Catalan, was named for the present owner’s grandmother. The café’s been here a very long time.”
    She was fluent in Spanish, not Catalan, and was grateful for his translation. “Yes, the music’s wonderful.” She was relieved they’d arrived until he ushered her through the narrow doorway and introduced her to Felipe Muñoz, the owner, as Miguel Aragon’s American daughter.
    The main room of Bailaorahad a low stage for the dancers and a dozen small tables circled by wooden chairs and benches. The café was nearly filled, and upon hearing her name, most of those present rushed forward to welcome her as though she were a celebrity.
    She supposed she was to them but certainly not to herself. She forced a smile and returned the greetings so as not to disgrace her father’s image, but it was easily one of the most awkward moments of her life. As soon as they were seated, she leaned close to whisper to Rafael. “Please don’t mention my father’s name from now on.”
    When he frowned and drew back, she wondered if her name hadn’t been the whole point of bringing her here tonight. Perhaps he was simply too proud to accept criticism, but she wanted to be clear. “I’m sorry, am I missing the point? Did you bring me here to show me off to your friends?”
    “No!” he insisted, clearly insulted. “Do you want to leave?”
    “We just got here,” she countered. She sat back and folded her arms over her chest. “I intend to see the dancers before we go.”
    He shook his head. “Of course. You expect to be entertained.” He ordered Ribeiro , a popular wine, for her, and it had a surprising bubbly fizz.
    She’d taken only a sip before a lovely young woman stepped out on the stage. Her dark eyes held a teasing sparkle, and she wore her black hair in a chignon. Her fiery red dress had white polka dots, and her black dancing shoes shone like patent leather. She raised her arms to begin a slow rhythm with her castanets, and the guitarist accompanied her with a lively tune.
    A second man stood beside the guitarist and matched the dancer’s steps with hearty claps. The three worked together beautifully, and Maggie enjoyed their performance enormously until she noted how frequently the spirited young woman’s glance rested on Rafael. It was a dark appraisal rather than a flirtatious one and gave Maggie an additional concern.
    “Is she your girlfriend?” she whispered. “You should have told her not to be jealous.”
    His warm breath brushed her ear as he replied, “No, she’s nothing to me.”
    Maggie stared at him. He was as handsome as the top male models posing dripping wet for cologne ads, and he had the same careless mocking expression. He was simply what he was and didn’t care what anyone else thought of him.
    “Well, clearly you’re something to her.” She returned her attention to the pretty dancer.
    He leaned back in his chair and studied the shadows whirling across the low ceiling. He reminded her of her father who drew women so easily he