Page 64 of What Happens in Paradise

‘Just after ten,’ I said, my stomach tensing.

‘If you set off now, you can head there for a late lunch to sample the food, then you’ll have plenty of time to observe the safety of the diving before sunset, then your driver can take you back afterwards.’

‘No problem,’ I said enthusiastically despite the fact that I was groaning inside.

I was struggling to get that electrifying kiss out of my mind. The last thing I needed was to sit on the backseat again with Alejandro beside me for a three-hour car journey.

Then she wanted us to go to have lunch? That’d mean staring into each other’s eyes and making conversation.

And if that wasn’t enough, we’d have to watch a romantic sunset together.

Sweet Jesus.

Although I knew it wasn’t her intention, it felt like Hazel was deliberately trying to drive me into Alejandro’s arms. Or more realistically, drive me to climb onto his lap.

Give. Me. Strength.

23

JASMINE

So far, our journey to Negril had been a little awkward. Alejandro and I barely spoke. We stared out the windows, taking in the sights of the lush greenery, scrolled on our phones or chatted to Bob about the different reggae tunes he was playing. At least the music kept the atmosphere upbeat because he liked to sing along to the songs and his happiness was infectious.

‘What music do you like?’ Alejandro said.

At first, I thought he was asking Bob as we hadn’t spoken for ages, but then I realised that we both knew that reggae was Bob’s favourite and when I turned to face Alejandro, his eyes were fixed on me.

‘Um…’ I paused, thinking that I kind of preferred the journey when we weren’t talking because then I wouldn’t have to look at him and be reminded just how attractive he was. ‘All sorts. Pop, reggae, hip hop, jazz, soul. Anything happy with a good beat or melody.’

‘But what is yourfavourite?’ Alejandro insisted. ‘What do you listen to the most?’

‘Probably 90s and 00s soul.’

‘Like who?’

‘Ah.’ I chuckled. ‘You probably wouldn’t know the artists.’

‘Why do you think that?’ He frowned.

‘Well, because you’re young and maybe they weren’t popular in Spain.’

‘Hmm.’ He rested his finger on his chin. ‘Have you heard of the Beatles?’

‘Of course!’ I rolled my eyes.

‘Or Bob Marley?’

‘Come on!’ I scoffed, thinking that was a stupid question. ‘Even if I hadn’t, I definitely would’ve by now!’ I laughed, thinking about how many of his songs Bob played in the car.

‘But you were not even alive when their music was popular.’ He raised his eyebrow as if to make a point about my reference to him being too young.

‘Touché.’ I held my hands up. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound patronising. I just… you’re absolutely right.’

I shouldn’t have made that assumption. Of course it was possible to like music from a different era to when you grew up, but it just seemed unlikely; that was all I was trying to say.

‘I also like 90s and 00s soul,’ Alejandro said.

‘Really?’ I replied. ‘Like who?’

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