Page 85 of What Happens in Paradise

‘You are right. She was always supportive of my career and believed I would become a top chef one day. She wanted the best for me. But even knowing that, it has been hard. Lola always tells me that Freya would want me to date again, but it has always felt like I was being unfaithful to her memory. Until last night.’ I fixed my gaze on Jasmine.

‘Wait.’ She paused, her eyes widening. ‘Am I the first woman that you’ve slept with since…?’

‘Sí.’ I nodded. ‘I have come close before. Lola tried to set me up with someone about a year ago when I came to visit. But when we got to the bedroom, I could not go through with it. And since then, I had no desire to be with any other woman. Until you.’

‘That… that means a lot.’ She squeezed my hand. ‘Last night must’ve been a big deal. I wish I’d known, so that I could’ve checked on you. Made sure you were okay.’

‘I am good. No, more than good. You made me feel incredible, Jasmine.’

Our eyes locked.

What I said was true. Whenever I had tried to move on in the past, it had always seemed wrong. I was convinced it was too soon. But with Jasmine, everything felt right. It was as natural as breathing. I no longer felt that guilt.

Last night was not just incredible because of the sex. It was a breakthrough because it showed that there was life after Freya. I finally felt like I was ready to start a new chapter in my life, which for a very long time was something I feared would never be possible.

‘I’m glad to hear it. And I appreciate you telling me. I know it must be hard to talk about.’

‘Usually, I find it difficult. But you are easy to talk to. I feel like I could tell you anything.’

That was one of the many things I loved about Jasmine. She always knew how to put people at ease and genuinely cared about making others happy. I had noticed it with the hotel guests and everyone she worked with. That was why she was so popular and amazing at her job.

‘Thanks. That means a lot.’

‘So now you know that I am not the Casanova you seem to think I am. I will be honest: it has been so long for me that I was surprised I remembered what to do!’ I smiled, trying to lighten the mood. I did not want to make Jasmine sad.

‘Same here!’ Jasmine laughed and my heart instantly swelled with happiness. ‘It’s been a long time for me too. But turns out that sex is just like riding a bike.’

‘Riding a bike?’ I frowned.

‘Sorry! It’s another English saying. It means once you learn how to do something, you don’t forget. It’s not literal. Although my vagina does kind of feel like I’ve taken part in the Tour de France! It’s very sore downstairs!’ She laughed again.

‘Lo siento,’ I apologised.

‘Oh no! I’m not complaining! In case you couldn’t tell from my screams, I was very,veryhappy.’

‘Good,’ I said then laughed as I remembered what the receptionist had said about other guests hearing Jasmine calling my name.

I liked to know I was doing a great job at work, but hearing that I had satisfied Jasmine in the bedroom made me feel fantastic.

A guy came over and asked if we wanted to buy some souvenirs, but when we said no, he left.

‘Do you want to sit here for a bit longer or continue walking?’ Jasmine asked.

‘We can carry on walking.’ I stood up and held out my hand. She took it and I led her over to the sea where the water gently lapped against the shore.

And as we walked along the beach, hand in hand, staring in awe at the bright-blue, cloudless sky, watching the palm trees gently swaying and feeling the soft sand under our feet, I wondered once again whether I was dreaming.

Being here, in paradise with Jasmine, was perfection. It was everything I had wished for and more.

My only wish was that it could last for longer than just this weekend.

30

ALEJANDRO

Everyone had moments in their lives that they would never forget. For some, it could be the day they got married or when their first child was born.

But I knew from the moment that I had sex with Jasmine that my life would never be the same again.

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