Page 15 of Another Lucky Number

No, you’re fine. Though I do have certain standards that you must meet – the wine must be drunk from the bottle, and only on a park bench. x

I spend the next hour squealing with delight and giggling like a teenager as the messages flit back and forth faster than a game of pro-tennis. By the time I finally settle down to sleep, I’m bursting with infatuated elation, all thoughts of Sébastien and his sexy ‘Frenchness’ having completely dissipated.

The next morning, I get ready to join Cat and Amber for breakfast, and on leaving my suite, I come across a white envelope that has been pushed under my door. Assuming it’s generic guest information from reception, I stuff it in my bag and make my way along the air-conditioned corridor to the breakfastbuffet.

It’s a huge, airy room with a panelled ceiling and lots of wooden beams zig-zagging above my head. While mainly enclosed, it has tall folding patio doors on either side of the main entrance, which are currently open, giving the feeling of being outdoors.

Cat and Amber are already seated, digging into plates piled high with delicious smelling cooked breakfast items, fruit and pastries.

‘Good morning.’ Cat smiles at me. ‘Did you sleep in?’

‘Yeah, didn’t get to sleep till really late.’ I pull out a chair and sit down.

‘Why was that?’ says Amber. ‘Late night visit from a sexy Frenchman?’

‘No. I was chatting to James.’

‘Oh, amazing.’ Cat claps her hands together in excitement. ‘Who messaged who first?’

‘He contacted me. On Messenger.’

‘Even better. What were you chatting about? Tell meeverything.’

I pour myself a cup of tea from the pot on the table and take a refreshing sip. ‘We chatted about ideas for our date. I filled him in on how the holiday’s going. Then… random chitchat. Just like you and Mike, really.’

‘No nude pictures again then.’ Amber assumes a dispirited expression.

‘Correct. Sorry to disappoint you.’

I excuse myself and head for the breakfast buffet, where I wander round the endless spread of enticing breakfast options, unable to decide what to eat. Eventually, I load my plate with freshly cooked pancakes, strawberries and bacon, and add a dollop of syrup, promising myself I’ll have an egg-white omelette the next morning.

Returning to the table, I dig into my food, then I remember the envelope and pull it out of my handbag.

‘Did you get one of these under your door this morning too?’ I ask Cat and Amber who shake their heads. ‘Oh. Maybe it’s something related to our booking then.’

I tear open the envelope and start reading, then clamp my hand over my mouth in astonishment.

Chapter Seven

‘What is it, honey?’ Cat asks. ‘You haven’t been hit with unexpected charges, have you? This place is supposed to be fully all-inclusive.’

‘It’s not that.’ I look up at her, perplexed. ‘It’s from Sébastien. Asking me to have dinner with him this evening.’

‘Awesome!’ Amber whoops. ‘Told you he wants in your knickers. I bet he’s amazing in bed. Must be staying in the best suite in the resort too.’

In contrast to Amber’s overinflated enthusiasm – which makes me wonder if she’d like to take my place – I have an unsettling feeling.

‘You’re conflicted, aren’t you?’ Cat has picked up on this.

‘Yeah… I am.’ I grimace. ‘I mean, Sébastien is unbelievable. He’s like the epitome of everything you’d want in a man… But it could never go anywhere, could it? It would be a holiday fling. And James, well… he’s so lovely. He’s all those amazing things too, just maybe in a slightly more real way. With him, there’s also potential for something long-term.’

‘So, have both.’ Amber shrugs. ‘What’s the problem? Haveyour holiday fling and then go home to your forever man. Sounds like the perfect scenario to me.’

‘It’s not that simple. James and I… we’ve only been on one date, but it feels like more than that, if you know what I mean?’

‘I get that,’ says Cat. ‘I felt like that with Mike too.’

‘There, so you know what I mean.’ I flash her a grateful look. ‘How can I have a passionate fling with another guy – no matter how hot – and be talking with James online? All the time getting closer to him, while I’m essentially sneaking around behind his back.’

---