Page 2 of What Happens in Paradise

Dammit. I was supposed to be going to her office to confirm that everything was in place for the VIP guest who’d be arriving shortly.

‘I’ll leave you two to get dressed,’ I said calmly before stepping outside. ‘Hazel, hi. Sorry I’m late. There’s been an incident…’

An hour later, Miguel and Carolina were both being escorted from the hotel after being fired on the spot by Hazel.

I’d pulled Carolina to one side beforehand to ask if she’d felt pressured by Miguel, but she’d insisted it was consensual and that they’d just gotcaught up in the moment.

I warned her that Hazel wouldn’t be sympathetic about two employeeslosing controlon company property and I was right.

Once I’d told Hazel what had happened, I hadn’t had to do the firing like I’d feared, but I still felt bad: for Miguel’s wife and how gutted she’d be when she found out, and for Carolina, who’d only been here for three weeks.

And although I’d never do something so reckless, I could empathise a little because I knew too well what it felt like to be drawn to someone and be tempted to do something you shouldn’t.

The important difference though was that I’d never get involved with someone who wasn’t single. Zero exceptions.

In my case, the person I was drawn to was unattached, but there were still a million reasons why I had to keep my distance.

Anyway, I didn’t even know why I was thinking abouthim. I wasn’t interested in getting involved with anyone. Romance and love were something I helped our guests to find. It wasn’t for me. Not any more. I was just fine with being single.

Yep. What happened with Miguel and Carolina was a warning and I’d received the message loud and clear.

As the security guard shut the door to Hazel’s office, I blew out an exasperated breath.

‘Don’t feel bad,’ Hazel said as if reading my mind. ‘You did the right thing by telling me. Miguel was in a position of power. Carolina was his subordinate. Even if she insists it was consensual, it was an abuse of power. We can’t have bosses screwing their underlings.Andhe’s married. If this got out, it’d damage our reputation. We’re the world’s leading matchmaking destination hotel. We’re supposed to bring couples together, not tear them apart with sordid affairs.Jesus!’ She shook her head like a disappointed parent. ‘What is it with married men? Why can’t they keep it in their pants?’

Another sharp pain shot through my heart.

‘Good question.’ I sighed.

‘You did well today, Jasmine. Please continue to be vigilant. We can turn a blind eye to our guests becomingamorouson the hotel’s grounds, because their satisfaction in all areas is what we strive to achieve, but we need to ensure that all of our Romance Rockstars are operating at the highest levels of professionalism. We can’t afford any scandals. Especially with our plans for expansion.’

‘Of course.’ I nodded.

Romance Rockstars was the Love Hotel’s name for its employees. They didn’t believe in using traditional job titles. Technically, Miguel wasn’t called the head of housekeeping; he was a Comfort King. Carolina wasn’t a chambermaid; she was a Comfort Champion. And for the past two years, I’d worked here as a Love Alchemist, which was a fancy way of saying guest relations manager.

Basically, I was in charge of ensuring the guests were well looked after and doing whatever I could to bring them together as a happy couple.

‘Perhaps it’s worth adding another reminder at the next meeting.’

‘Got it,’ I said, noting to addno banging your co-workeron the itinerary.

I couldn’t exactly put a camera on everyone’s genitals to see what they got up to, but somehow, I’d find a way to keep everyone’s libidos in check at work because that was what I did: I got the job done.

‘Excellent. So is everything in place for our VIP’s visit?’

‘Yes.’ I nodded. ‘I’ve triple-checked her room is spotless, I’ve circulated her photo to everyone and will make sure I’m there to greet her personally the moment she arrives.’

A mysterious VIP was coming to visit the hotel. Apart from showing us her photo, management hadn’t revealed exactly who she was or why she was coming here, but Hazel was very clear that I had to make sure that everything went without a hitch.

‘Great. And have you checked that the restaurant has a list of her dietary requirements?’

‘Yes, Marco confirmed he’d received them yesterday.’

‘Marco’s off sick, so Alejandro will be leading tonight’s service.’

‘Oh.’ I swallowed hard, trying to ignore my racing heartbeat. ‘I… I wasn’t aware.’

‘Marco only left about two hours ago. That’s why I called you.’

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