Page 33 of What Happens in Paradise

‘Naturally.’

‘And as we experienced ourselves, there are many opportunities to hold hands with each other and that is also romantic.’

Jasmine’s eyes flicked away again.

‘Well, that’s the human chain that you mentioned. Part of it is holding hands with strangers. For safety purposes.’

‘That is true, but there is something special about holding the hand of somebody you are attracted to, no? When you hold the hand of a stranger, as part of the train, for safety, you feel nothing. But when it is someone that you like, the sensation is different. Feeling their palm in yours generates a different kind of… energy. There is electricity. Fireworks. The connection is not just romantic. It can also spark… desire.Hypothetically speaking.’ I fixed my gaze on her, interested to see her response.

‘I-I wouldn’t really know, but if I used my imagination, I could see how thatmightbe possible.’

Her eyes drifted upwards and this time, they locked on mine. We sat there for a few moments in silence.

And there it was. That electricity. It pulsed through me. Just like it had when I had held her hand. I did not understand how she could not feel it.

‘So, it’s a yes, from you for this couples’ activity then?’ Jasmine finally spoke.

‘Definitely,’ I said.

‘Good.’ She unlocked her phone and started typing. ‘I’ll include your comments in my report. Thanks again for your help.’

‘My pleasure,’ I said, thinking how enjoyable it had been to spend time with Jasmine, even if she did not feel the same.

12

JASMINE

I switched off the computer and exhaled. I’d just finished writing up my report on Dunn’s River Falls, recommending it as one of the activities for our guests.

I’d noted that Alejandro had given it the thumbs up and as much as I hated to admit it, I agreed with what he’d said about the necessity for hand-holding helping to spark romance.

That was why I spent far too much time replaying those moments of his hand wrapped in mine, when I should’ve been focused on work.

The way that Alejandro described the connection was spot on. I’d felt those same sparks. The electricity. Thedesire. Thankfully, I’d pushed them away.

Obviously, I hadn’t mentioned in my report how good it felt having my fingers intertwined with Alejandro’s. I’d kept it more neutral and spoken about the human chain instead. But the point was, if climbing the waterfall stirred up those sensations when I was only holding hands with a colleague, imagine how magnetic it’d be for a couple who’d actually been expertly matched.

Anyway, the activity was over now and I had the whole evening to myself. Maybe I’d read on the beach or go for a swim. Alejandro was sure to be busy catching up with the tasks he’d planned before he’d been forced to come out with me, so at least I wouldn’t see him.

I headed back to my room and pulled a fresh swimming costume out of my suitcase. I’d bought three which were identical to the one I’d worn earlier. Once I found something I liked, it was easier to buy multiple items. That way if one was in the wash, I still had one to wear and another as a contingency.

After changing, I headed to the beach with a towel and my Kindle.

This place really was idyllic. I still couldn’t get over the sand and the sea. I put my stuff on the sun lounger then ran into the crystal-clear water.

It felt even better than it looked: warm and beautifully refreshing.

After having a swim, I dried myself off then laid on the lounger.

My stomach rumbled. I needed to think about what to do for dinner. Luckily, when we’d come back from the trip, Nadine had got some Jamaican patties for us.

Patties were similar to a Cornish pasty. Except the Jamaican patty could be filled with different varieties of meat or veg and spices baked inside a flaky pastry shell, which was usually a golden-yellow shade, thanks to being brushed with turmeric.

I opted for the jerk chicken one which was deliciously spicy and devoured it so quickly, you’d think I hadn’t eaten for days.

Once I’d returned to my room and showered, I headed out to find Nadine to get a recommendation on where was best to go for dinner. But instead of seeing Nadine, I saw Alejandro heading towards me.

‘Hi.’ I swallowed hard.

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