Page 12 of The One That Got Away

‘Ye-yeah! Definitely!’ I stuttered. ‘Very impressive,’ I said, before realising she was referring to the views of the hotel’s surroundings, not Hot Pool Guy who was now strutting over to the beach bar.

‘The pool’s great, but I definitely recommend heading down to the sea too. The water is amazing.’

Sea?

I snapped myself out of my thoughts. What the hell was wrong with me? I was standing here, ogling a complete stranger as he got out of the pool. Rather than acting like a pervert, I should be appreciating the beauty of the hotel grounds.

Tearing my gaze from him, I focused on what I was supposed to be looking at and gasped. Jasmine was right. The views really were stunning.

Just metres away from the pool area was a gorgeous sandy beach and the sparkling blue sea stretched as far as the eye could see.

‘I can’t wait to check it out,’ I said, turning away from the window.

‘Let me show you to your room.’

Jasmine led me along a white stone tree-lined pathway, tapped the key card on a white door, then pushed it open for me.

‘This is your room. I’ll leave you to settle in. If you need anything, press the love heart symbol on the phone and it’ll connect you straight to me. Remember, dinner with your Mr Right is at nine sharp at Aphrodisiac, our romantic restaurant, which is signposted from your room, but if you need me to escort you there, let me know.’

‘Okay, great, thanks.’

As soon as Jasmine left, I let out a loud squeal and starfished on the plush four-poster bed. I’d always wanted to do that. This room was a dream. Terracotta tiled floors, wooden beams across the ceilings and pretty paintings of Spanish scenery on the white walls. I couldn’t believe I was here and that it was even better than I’d imagined.

I should start getting ready, but there was something I had to do first. I reached in my bag and pulled out my phone.

‘Hey, Mum, I’ve arrived safely at the hotel.’

‘Hi, darling! How is it?’

‘It’s… it’sa-mazing! Thank you for arranging everything. This place is like paradise on earth. I’m so sorry I argued with you about coming. I’ll pay you back every penny.’

‘No, you won’t. Just enjoy yourself. That’s payment enough.’

‘Thanks, Mum. I better start getting ready.’

‘Okay, darling. Send me a selfie, when you’re dressed. Have you decided what to wear yet?’

‘No, but I’ve narrowed it down to the orange maxi dress or the pink mid-length dress.’

‘Good luck.’

‘Thanks!’

Once I’d been in the gorgeous walk-in shower, I unzipped my suitcase and pulled out my dress options. I still couldn’t decide, but I knew just the person who could help me.

I dialled the number of Samantha, my best friend.

‘Hey.’ Her face appeared on the screen. ‘Are you there? How is it? Have you met him yet? Is he fit?’

‘Whoa there! So many questions! Yes, it’s amazing and no, I haven’t met him yet. But I did see a fit guy at the pool, so if my date looks anything like him, I’ll be very happy.’

‘Oooh! I’m so excited for you! I haven’t heard you this enthusiastic about a man in real life since, well, ages. Normally you’re gushing about your fictional book boyfriends.’

‘Yeah, you’re right. But this guy would give a book hero a run for their money. I didn’t see his face, but I can just tell it’ll be as gorgeous as his body.’

‘Sounds like a wet dream!’ she laughed. ‘Well, if they’ve set you up with someone dull and his date doesn’t work out either, maybe you could accidentally drop your sunglasses in front of him or something and hope he picks them up.’

‘That’s so lame!’

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