Page 46 of What Happens in Paradise

‘Did you just…?’ I couldn’t believe that not only had Alejandro just admitted getting hard whilst I was dancing against him, he’d also just basically confessed that he liked me. ‘I don’t think you realise what you just said.’ I shook my head, my eyes still wide.

‘I knowexactlywhat I said.’ He lifted my chin. ‘One thing you will discover about me is that I am honest. I believe in speaking my mind and saying how I feel. My eldest sister, Lola, always taught me to do that. If telling you the truth makes you uncomfortable and you prefer not to be alone with me again, I will understand. My only intention when I came here was to give you my opinion on whether you should add this class to the itinerary.’

‘And?’ I asked, although I was pretty sure I already knew the answer.

‘And I saydefinitely. Because if a couple having their bodies pressed together whilst they gyrate and dance to reggae music does not help to bring them closer, I do not know what will, because it worked for me.’

And with that, Alejandro turned and walked out of the studio, whilst my entire body burned with desire.

16

JASMINE

It was now evening and I was on my way to the kitchen. Alejandro had texted to ask if I could come and try some of the dishes he’d been working on.

When I’d received his message, my immediate thought was to decline. Not because I didn’t want to help him, but because I hadn’t been able to stop thinking about our dance lesson this afternoon and what he’d said:

I did not intend to get hard. I have been trying to ignore my feelings, but the truth is, havingyoupressed against me felt fucking amazing.

Those words kept swirling around my brain and every time I thought about how good it was to feel Alejandro’s boner, a fresh wave of tingles erupted between my legs.

He’d confessed to liking me and the more time I spent with him, the more mutual those feelings became.

That’s why I didn’t want to sit alone with him in the kitchen sampling food that I knew would be delicious and make me like him even more.

I mean, let’s get real. The man looked like a god. He oozed confidence. He was kind and thoughtful and caring. Those qualities alone made him a catch. But when you threw the fact that he was an amazing chef into the mix, it was a lethal combination. Especially considering the fact we’d been thrown together and forced to spend two weeks in paradise.

I was starting to think that I didn’t stand a chance. Maybe I was fighting a losing battle and should just give in to my urges.

But then I remembered: I was his boss. We were here to work. I wasthisclose to securing the promotion I’d worked so hard for. I couldn’t throw my dream away over some man’s cock. Although I was sure it’d be a very, very exquisite cock.

A fresh wave of need raced through me.

This was getting ridiculous.

If I had more time, I would’ve taken another shower. I’d had one as soon as we’d got back from the dance lesson, but it was a hot one. Right now, I needed to immerse myself in cold water to extinguish the dangerous flames that were burning inside me.

It’d been ages since I’d had any real sexual desire. Going through a messy divorce saw to that. Since I’d found out that my ex had been sleeping with his secretary for months behind my back three years ago, I’d had zero interest in dating another man. I just wanted to focus on me and building a career that no man could take away from me like Kane did.

But then in walked Alejandro and my body lit up like a Christmas display. When we were working in Spain, it was easier to keep those feelings under control. If ever I felt the attraction building, I’d just remove myself from the situation. But here, it was much harder to hide.

As much as I wanted to lock myself away in my room, I had to go and help him out. After all, he’d helped with my research, so it was only fair that I did the same. That was what I was here for. We both had to do whatever it took to plan the best possible experience for our guests, so I couldn’t let a stupid crush get in the way of me doing my job.

I can do this.

After taking a deep breath and straightening my shoulders, I slid on my sandals then left my room.

When I walked into the kitchen, Alejandro was standing over a pot on the stove. A mid-tempo reggae song was playing from his phone on the counter and he was bopping his head happily.

‘Hi,’ I said softly, trying to ignore how good he looked in his chef’s jacket. His hair was ruffled and his waves looked so adorable, I was suddenly overcome with the need to run my hands through them. I quickly clasped my palms together before I embarrassed myself.

‘Hey.’ He looked up and when he saw me, a wide smile spread across his face.

‘Enjoying the music?’

‘Sí!I need your love!’

‘What?’ I frowned. I knew he said he liked to be honest, but that was a bit strong.

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