Page 98 of Craving Paradise

Who needs men when I have cupcakes?

28

JASPER

Lauren:Thanks for the flowers.

It’s the least I could do after Lauren stumbled upon my morning after with Vicky. Seeing the hurt on her face ripped my heart out. Never in my life have I ever felt worse than in that moment. I could see she was trying to hide the hurt and disappointment in me, but I know her, and I could tell I fucked up.

It wasn’t even like that night with Vicky was even worth it. I wanted to forget about Lauren because she was all I could think about during the date. I hate that I now watch stupid unboxing videos by her favorite YouTuber. I also hate that I secretly want to buy the bag that has been unboxed and send it to her like I did on our charity date. But I don’t because that’s something a boyfriend would do, and I’m not boyfriend material, which I proved over the weekend.

It was stupid sleeping with Vicky. She was the first woman I’ve slept with outside of Lauren in a month. I’d stopped fooling around with other women at The Paradise Club because all I’ve wanted to do is spend my time with her. I know she is fucking other people. I know it’s her job, and I understand it, but I don’t like it anymore. Guess I thought if I fucked Vicky, it would make me feel like my old self again—the one who didn’t care about having a relationship with a woman. The one-and-done man.

But all I can think about is her. I want to know what she’s doing every moment of the day. Is that stalkerish? Kind of sounds like it. I want to know I’m the only person pulling orgasms from her pussy. I don’t want to share her anymore. She’s mine. But how can I say that to her? What happens if she doesn’t want the same things? Why would she think I want something more when she’s walked in on my one-night stand, standing at the door in nothing but my shirt.

I’ve fucked it all up.

Jasper:I’m glad you like them. Is there a chance we can catch up and chat?

Lauren:Sorry, flat out at the moment.

Jasper:Oh okay, let me know when you’re free.

She doesn’t respond.

Yeah, I’ve fucked up.

29

LAUREN

I’ve decided to put some distance between Jasper and me. It’s for the best, especially since Elle and I will soon move halfway across the world. Elle suggested I get out of the house to shake my dark mood, which is how I’ve found myself saying yes to my mother’s invitation to a charity event. I know I was her last choice because Dad has the flu, everyone else is busy, and my mother didn’t want to go by herself. I’m not turning down free food and drinks.

The control freak that she is, sent over an evening dress for me her friend designed and asked me to wear it for the red-carpet exposure. It really is a beautiful dress. It’s strapless, and the top is white and tied in a bow at the back which trails down the bottom half of the dress. There’s a high thigh split. My black hair is pulled into an elegant bun, and my mother has allowed me to borrow her diamonds for the event. I look like an elegant present—such a shame I have no one to unwrap me.

“My sweetheart, you look amazing,” my mother coos as I come down the grand staircase at her home. She makes me do a little spin and films it for her socials. It’s nice dressing up again. I’ve been living in sweats for the past week and eating enough cupcakes to sink a battleship. So, getting out of my comfort zone, even if it is to hang out with my mother, is better than staying at home and thinking about whatever his name is and what’s her face together.

I step out of the limousine and straight onto the red carpet beside my mother. The flashing cameras as we walk along the red carpet are blinding. I smile and wave and do my red-carpet dance until we get into the ballroom.

“Thank you, sweetheart, for doing this for me. I appreciate it.”

Is that a compliment from my mother?

“We are on table forty-five. I see some friends I want to catch up with over there.” She waves across the room. “I’ll see you at dinner,” she says before striding across the ballroom, leaving me to my own devices.

Great, my mother’s already ditched me. How lame am I?

I head over to the bar and order a shot of tequila and a glass of champagne.

“Party for one, it seems,” the deeply accented voice says behind me.

I turn around and see Jasper’s friend, Daniel DuPont, behind me with a smirk on his face.

“My date found more interesting people to chat with,” I answer huskily.Why are you flirting with him, Lauren?I didn’t mean to.

“Have we met before?” he asks before his eyes widen, and he remembers exactly who I am.

“It’s nice to see you again.” I grin, remembering the last time I saw him. He was naked in the middle of an orgy.

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