Page 103 of Another Lucky Number

‘I’ll be home before you know it. Then maybe we can move things up a level and go exclusive? Unless it’s too soon for you?’ He searches my face, probably to check I’m not freaked out by this suggestion.

‘Hold on, mister… are you suggesting that for your returnso you can “enjoy” your remaining days here?’ I put a hand on my hip, feigning suspicion.

‘Not for a moment. Why would I want to hook up with anyone else when I already have the most incredible woman waiting for me back home?’

‘Nice save. And also…aww.’ I pounce on him once more.

‘So now I’m confused,’ says James, as we half-cuddle, half-wrestle on the bed. ‘I feel like you’re sending me mixed signals. I’ve been trying to keep the pace slow out of respect for youand your recent circumstances. Does that mean you already want to go exclusive?’

‘I’d say so, wouldn’t you?’

‘What the lady wants, the lady gets.’ James kisses my nose and I beam back at him, delighted at this upgrade in our relationship status. ‘Right, let’s get your stuff along to reception.’

‘Do we have to?’

‘Do you want to shell out two grand for a flight home three days after I’ve left?’

‘No.’

‘Then we have to.’

I trail along behind James to the atrium, where Cat and Amber are already waiting for us.

‘Aww, honey.’ Cat puts her arm around me when she spots my pouty lip and subdued demeanour. ‘It feels too soon to leave, doesn’t it? Especially with everything that’s gone on.’

‘It really does.’ I lean my head against her shoulder.

‘You could always treat us to another holiday to make up for ruining this one?’ suggests Amber.

‘Amber!’ Cat scolds her. ‘That’s so inappropriate.’

‘I was joking.Obviously.’

‘With you, it’s hard to know.’ I try to pull her into a group hug but she ducks away from me.

‘Mesdames, ça va?’ Sébastien appears out of nowhere, greeting us with double kisses as he always does. This includes James, who looks mighty uncomfortable, as he has done each time it’s happened since I introduced him and Sébastien properly the other day. ‘It is time for you to return home. That is sad.’

‘It’s very sad,’ I say. ‘I could go another week at least.’

‘Such is life, huh? Félicité and I wanted to come and wish you well for your journey home.’ He beckons to his wife, who’s chatting to one of staff at the receptiondesk.

Despite having already met and had drinks with Sébastien’s wife (my plan to avoid them didn’t work out so well), I’m still cowed by her presence every time I see her. She’s like a vision from an oil painting: a mane of golden-blonde tresses, skin as perfect as porcelain, curves in all the right places. Possibly the hottest woman I’ve ever clapped eyes on, which makes me feelverystupid indeed for ever thinking Sébastien was interested in me. A god and a goddess – us mere mortals would never get a look in.

‘Ça va, ladies and gentleman James?’ She smiles at us, her huge sapphire blue doe eyes glittering, while Sébastien looks on adoringly. ‘I wanted to wish you all a safe journey.’

We respond to her with a variety of appreciative acknowledgements and I swear we all sigh a little in wonder.

‘Well, I guess we’d better go,’ I say.

‘Before you do, may I speak with you for one moment in confidence, Emma?’ Sébastien asks.

‘Sure.’

We move out of earshot of the group, leaving the others to make small talk.

‘I will make this very quick,’ he says. ‘Over the last two days, I have had discussions with Eloise and some other colleagues, and we have come to an agreement. We would like to offer you a role within Paradis Resorts – at a more junior level than the job you interviewed for, but in the same department.’

This comes as such a shock that my brain falters like a buffering video. ‘Oh… I… um…’

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