Page 115 of What Happens in Paradise

‘We’ve got our jobs back!’ Jasmine jumped up and down excitedly.

‘Qué?’ My eyebrows shot up.

‘She came to tell us we can go back to work at the hotel!’

‘That is amazing!’ I threw my arms around Jasmine and squeezed her tight. It felt so good to hold her close. I breathed in her scent and closed my eyes. I had dreamt about this moment for so long. Then I realised I had not checked she was fine with a hug, so pulled away. ‘I am sorry.’

‘No need to apologise!’ She smiled. ‘I’ve missed having your arms around me.’

‘I have too. So much. I have also missed kissing you,’ I looked into her beautiful eyes.

‘Really?’ She smiled.

‘Sí. Want me to show you how much?’

‘That would be averygood idea.’ She bit her lip.

After cupping her face, I leant down and pressed my lips onto hers.

As our mouths connected, it was like everything made sense in the world again. Our lips moved hungrily, desperate to make up for all of the time they were apart. But even if I kissed her for a week, it would never be enough.

I could feel myself getting hard and knew that if we continued, I would be carrying her to the bedroom.

‘Jasmine.’ I reluctantly removed my mouth from hers. ‘I want to make love to you, but we still have some things to discuss.’

‘You’re right.’ She slowly opened her eyes. ‘But first, I have to tell you the good news!’ She took my hand and pulled me over to sit with her on the sofa.

‘You already told me!’ That kiss must have pureed her brain like it had done to mine.

‘No! There weretwopieces of good news. Actually, no.Fourother pieces of good news.’

‘Four?’ My eyes widened. ‘Tell me!’

‘Well, extra-good news number one: they’re hiring Bob.’

‘Genial!’

‘Two: they’ve got rid of Hazel.’

‘Bien. She deserved to be fired.’

‘And three: there’s a new Cuisine King at the hotel.’

‘Oh.’ My heart sank. Under different circumstances, I would have hoped to have been considered, but I knew it was only a matter of time. I would make head chef one day. For now, I was just grateful to have my job back. ‘Have you heard anything about him?’

‘I have. He is very talented. And kind. And smart and very sexy.’

I frowned, then as the realisation of what she had said hit me, my mouth dropped open.

‘In case it isn’t obvious, the new Cuisine King is you!’

‘En serio?’ I jumped off the sofa.

‘Sí!’ Jasmine said. ‘I’m totally serious! Congratulations!’

I picked her up off the sofa and span her around, almost knocking over the vase on her coffee table.

‘I cannot believe it.’ I shook my head. My pulse raced, my heart thumped and I was not ashamed to say that I even felt a tear come to my eye. I had waited so long for this moment.

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