Page 7 of What Happens in Paradise

‘Smash?This is another British saying, right?’

‘Yep! Break a leg!’ She laughed.

‘Hasta luego.’ I ended the call, still not understanding why my sister had suggested Ismashsomething andbreak a leg, but thinking that it did not sound very pleasant. I would look up the translations later, but first, I had to prepare for tonight.

* * *

‘That was delicious!’ Clementine, the VIP guest smiled as I stood at the table.

Hazel had sent one of the waiters, or Cuisine Champions as they are called here, to get me from the kitchen so that she could introduce me.

‘Gracias.’ I smiled.

‘Alejandro is our sous-chef, or Cuisine Prince as we prefer to say, but he has a promising future here,’ Hazel said.

‘I agree! Remind me what I’ve just eaten?’

‘The starter wasSalmorejo, which is a cold tomato soup made with olive oil, garlic and bread. Normally it is also served with a garnish of ham and boiled eggs, but I removed it for you.’

‘I appreciate that.’

‘The main course wasPotaje, which is like a stew with chickpeas, spinach and cod. We would normally have this for lunch, but I remembered on your requirements that you preferred to have something filling and warm.’

‘It was perfect! And the dessert?’

‘That wasTorrijas;it is bread soaked in milk, dipped in egg then fried in olive oil.’

‘Wonderful!’ She beamed.

‘Gracias. It was a pleasure to cook for you, Clementine. Enjoy the rest of your stay at the Love Hotel.’

‘Oh my goodness!’ Clementine gushed. ‘He’s perfect!’

‘Excuse me one moment. I’m just going to escort Alejandro to the kitchen.’ Hazel got up and we walked away from the table. ‘You did well. Come and see me tomorrow afternoon at four. I have the ideal opportunity for you.’

‘Genial!’ My eyes widened. ‘Gracias.’

As Hazel left and I stepped into the kitchen, my heart raced.

Earlier, I had said to Lola that I was confident my time would come if I kept working hard and now it seemed like it was finally happening.

This was why I needed to focus on my career. I liked Jasmine, but getting involved would have been a distraction.

Lola was right. Jasmine had been the first woman that had interested me in a very long time.

She was smart, strong, confident and attractive: all the qualities I loved in a woman. And her sweet scent was intoxicating.

Whenever I saw her, my body always reacted. When we crashed into each other earlier and she was pressed against my chest, my body felt like it was on fire. I was relieved when she pulled away, because it was a battle to stay calm.

I thought she had felt the same pulse of electricity when our hands touched, but I was wrong. I should not be surprised that I misread the signs. I had not dated for years, so I was out of practice.

Although I was relieved that my sexual desire had finally returned, the timing was not good. That was why I needed to keep my distance.

It would be impossible to avoid Jasmine completely, but I could not allow myself to get close to her.

If she came to see me, I would avoid looking at her for too long. And I would make sure that I avoided all physical contact.

No cheek kisses. No hand brushes.Nada.

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