Page 11 of The One That Got Away

The photos didn’t do it justice. This place was stunning.

The two-storey building had whitewashed walls, bright terracotta roof tiles and lush manicured gardens including pretty palm trees of all shapes and sizes.

The car door opened and as I stepped outside the intoxicating fresh sea air flooded my nostrils and the heat from the blazing sun hit my skin.

When I left London it was overcast, dark and gloomy. This was the total opposite. There wasn’t a single cloud in the picture-perfect blue sky. I’d been here for less than a minute and it already felt like I was in paradise.

‘Hello, Stella!’ A tall, smiley woman shook my hand. ‘I’m Jasmine, your Love Alchemist. Welcome to The Love Hotel!’

‘Thanks!’ I said, trying not to laugh at her job title.Love Alchemist? How did she even say that with a straight face?

Jasmine had brown skin and shiny jet-black shoulder-length hair. She reminded me of the actress Kerry Washington when she played Olivia Pope in the TV showScandal.

Even though I’d known her two seconds, Jasmine came across as organised and confident: the kind of woman who was good at getting shit done.

She was pretty and immaculately dressed in a white blouse with a fitted electric-blue skirt, which matched the colour of the plant pots decorating the walls. I assumed it was a uniform because the other staff members I saw milling around were dressed in the same colours.

‘Simón here is our Suitcase Superintendent. He will ensureyour luggage is taken to your room. Follow me and we’ll get you checked in.’

Jasmine led me through the door to the elegant reception area. The white marble floor was immaculately polished and striking white marble columns surrounded the matching check-in desk.

Once I’d given my details and the receptionist did all the usual check-in admin stuff, Jasmine said she’d show me to my room.

As we were about to leave, a lady in a colourful kaftan breezed through the automatic double doors at the back of the hotel and I caught a glimpse of the swimming pool.

‘Wow!’ I gasped. ‘The pool looks amazing!’

‘Glad you like it,’ she smiled. ‘I’ll take you on a tour of the resort once you’re settled in, but you’re welcome to take a look now if you like?’

‘I’ll just take a quick peek,’ I said. ‘I’m not dressed for the pool and if dinner’s at nine, I should really start to get ready soon.’

It was almost six now and considering it had been so long since I’d been on a date and got all dressed up, I needed all the time I could get.

‘Of course. You go ahead and I’ll join you in a moment.’

I strolled over to the window to get a closer look. The turquoise pool was surrounded by immaculate white sun loungers and a few couples were relaxing on comfy Balinese daybeds under the shade of the tall palm trees.

Although there were scheduled activities every day, I was sure they’d give us some downtime. I couldn’t wait to sit out there and read.

Just as I was about to leave, a man slowly exited the pool and as I took in the sight of him I swallowed hard.

I called him a man but ‘god’ would’ve been a more accurate description. He had his back to me and it was probably the most exquisite back I’d ever seen. Smooth, tanned skin, broad shoulders and incredible triceps. No need to ask if he worked out.

He raked his hand through his short dark damp hair, causing his bicep to bulge, like a tennis ball was lodged under his skin.

As my gaze dropped to his arse, I swear some dribble rolled down my chin. I quickly wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, just in case.

His wet swimming trunks clung to his buns and desire pulsed through me.

Please, universe, let him be my date.

I might not have been out with anyone for a while, but I still knew a hot guy when I saw one. And as shallow as it sounded, I’d love to get the chance to run my hands over a toned, muscular body like that.

The only exercise the last two guys I dated did was lifting their beer glass from the table to their mouths. Such a stark contrast to my first boyfriend.

He was a professional football player, so he was always in good shape. Not as muscular as the Pool God in front of me, but I used to worship his body. I worshipped everything about him. Until he broke my heart.

‘So, what do you think?’ Jasmine appeared beside me. ‘Gorgeous views, right?’

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