Page 14 of What Happens in Paradise

‘Two weeks! Fourteen days of trying not to look into his eyes or swoon when he smiles. God. Listen to me! I shouldn’t even be talking about him like that!’

‘First up, take a deep breath. You’re freaking out.’

‘Of course I’m freaking out!’

‘Is it really such a big deal?’

‘Yes! Especially after what just happened at work.’ After swearing she wouldn’t tell a soul, I filled her in on the washing-machine incident that led to Hazel wanting to reinforce the no-fraternising recommendation. Although we all knew it was less of a ‘recommendation’ and more of a ‘requirement’.

‘That’s hilarious! I’ve never tried it on a washing machine before. On a spin cycle, it must feel like sitting on a giant square vibrator. I’ll have to mention it to Max and see if he’s up for it!’

‘You’re missing the point!’ I blew out a frustrated breath. ‘Ican’tfancy Alejandro. There’s a whole power imbalance.’

‘Really? Isn’t his boss the… whatever silly term you use for head chef?’

‘Yes. His main boss is the Cuisine King, Marco, but he also reports to me.’

‘Right. But that’s at the Love Hotelin Spain. Will you also be his boss whilst you’re away? Why can’t it be a case ofwhat happens in Jamaica, stays in Jamaica?’

‘Someone will find out. They always do.’

‘Not if you’re careful.’

‘It’s too risky. And anyway, that’s not the only reason. He’s only twenty-nine. I’m forty soon! I’m eleven years older than him!’

‘And?You know what they say:age is just a number.’

‘We’re at different stages in life. He’s young and carefree. He’d want different things.’

‘You don’t know that.’

‘Anyway, I don’t even know why I’m thinking about that. It would never get to that point. Actually, what am I saying? It would never even start. I’m not going to risk my career for a quick roll in the hay. Or sand, or wherever we’d do it. Not that I’m thinking about where we’d have sex, because we absolutely won’t!’

‘Of course you won’t…’ Stella said sarcastically like she was thinking,Yeah, right.

‘Wewon’t!’ I protested.

‘I believe you… sort of. Look, I know how important your job is and how professional you are, so I’m sure you’ll find a way to handle it. What exactly will you be doing over there?’

‘They haven’t given specifics yet, but basically, I’m helping to set up the guest relations side of the operations there and he’ll be dealing with restaurant stuff.’

‘That’s fine then! It’s a hotel, so it won’t be like you need to share a room or bed together. And he’ll be busy doing restaurant stuff all day, so you probably won’t even see much of each other.’

‘True.’

‘You’re probably just overthinking. I know because that’s what I used to do. At least you’re finally getting a little taste of your own medicine!’ Stella laughed. ‘This is karma for all the scheming you did to bring me and Max together.’

‘Ihelpedyou realise you two were soul mates. The end justified the means. This is completely different!’

‘If you say so!’ She laughed again. ‘But seriously, just be your normal, confident, professional self and it’ll all work out in the end. You’ll see. You’re gonna have an amazing time. You’re going to Jamaica, baby! Don’t waste your time fretting, just enjoy the experience!’

‘I’ll try.’ I sighed. ‘Where are you and Max jetting off to next?’ I asked.

The two of them were always travelling. Stella had recently set up her own graphic design company and could work from anywhere in the world. Max ran a beauty-product company and thanks to his team, he was able to work remotely too.

‘We’re going to Madrid for a long weekend with Colton and his wife to watch Real Madrid play.’

‘Great! I love that you two are having so much fun together.’

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