Page 18 of What Happens in Paradise

He was dangerously close to sounding like my dream man.

This mythical creature I occasionally allowed myself to fantasise about would also be committed, loyal and a stallion in the sheets.

Judging by how committed Alejandro seemed to be to his work, there was a chance that extended to his personal relationships too. Same with his loyalty.

Which meant the only other box that would be left to tick from that list was how good he was in bed.

Something told me he’d be committed to giving a woman pleasure. That he’d take his time and want to make sure whoever he was with was satisfied.

It was just such a shame I’d never get to find out…

8

JASMINE

We’d just turned into the hotel’s driveway and although it was dark, thanks to the pretty lamps illuminating the grounds, I could already see that it was spectacular.

Lush, tall palm trees lined the wide paths and swayed in the gentle breeze. In the distance, I could see a striking entrance with large, tall, stone pillars and a grand fountain in front of it.

Wow. I shouldn’t really be surprised that the hotel was impressive. The Love Hotel management were excellent at creating a five-star experience.

Thankfully, I didn’t have to find ingenious ways to avoid speaking to Alejandro during the journey. Within minutes of getting into the chauffeur-driven Mercedes, he’d fallen asleep. I wasn’t surprised seeing as I think he’d stayed up for most of the flight to Ocho Rios.

‘Alejandro,’ I said softly. He didn’t stir. I called his name again, but this time gave his arm a squeeze.

My cheeks heated. His muscles were even firmer than they looked.

He started to move and his eyes opened slowly.

‘Perdón,’ he apologised. His voice was even deeper than usual. ‘I did not mean to fall asleep.’

‘No worries! We’re here.’

Alejandro squinted as he began to take in the surroundings.

When we pulled up at reception, a woman was waiting for us. She had deep brown skin and a welcoming smile. Her hair was immaculately braided and hung just past her shoulders and she was wearing a tanned-coloured, branded Love Hotel dress.

‘Hi! Welcome! I’m Nadine. Jasmine and Alejandro, right?’ I noticed that she had a slight American twang to her Jamaican accent.

‘Spot on! Lovely to meet you, Nadine.’ I shook her hand.

‘Encantado.’ Alejandro leant forward and gave Nadine two cheek kisses.

An unexpected twinge of envy hit me straight in the stomach as I wished it wasmycheeks his lips had brushed against rather than hers.

‘How was your flight?’ she asked.

‘Great,’ Alejandro replied quickly.

‘Wonderful,’ I added.

‘You must be tired, so let me show you to your rooms.’ Nadine walked ahead, leading us into the hotel. ‘So this is the main reception area, which has just been finished.’

‘It’s lovely!’ I said, taking in the sight of the plush cream and mahogany sofas, tall, stone pillars, and high ceilings complete with mahogany beams going across them.

A selection of tropical flowers had been expertly arranged in a large, colourful vase which rested on top of a grand, mahogany table.

Next, Nadine led us from reception and through to the main grounds which were beautifully lit. The lush gardens were so impeccably landscaped that they didn’t look real.

---