Lost in Paradise (Paradise Club #2)(17)

“I think Nate’s met someone,” I explain to Jasper.

“No fucking way,” he exclaims.

“The event organizer.”

“The sister of the chick you want?” he questions me. I turn and nod at him. “What the hell kind of girls are these two, if one can turn the head of your brother? And the other has you thinking about her at a sex resort? Their pussies must be made of gold.”

“Hey,” I say, warning him.

“Right, well, keep them far away from me. I do not want to fall under whatever voodoo those two sisters have,” he says.

Yeah, there is no way in hell you’re going anywhere near Ivy, that’s for damn sure.

“Here we are at one of the beach villas,” I tell him, pulling the golf cart up to the front and stopping. “The beach is there …” I point through the palms toward the white sand beach and turquoise ocean.

“This is exactly what I’ve been looking forward to … sun, sea, and sex,” he says with a wide grin.

“You’re at the right place then,” I tell him.

“And so are you,” he says, giving me a pointed look.

“I get it ... okay. Slow my roll, enjoy everything temptation has on offer and when I’m back in the real world, then give her a call,” I say sarcastically, heeding my friend’s advice.

“Finally, it’s sinking in. Come on, mate, show me around,” Jasper says excitedly. He grabs his bag, and I walk him to his room.

The villas are fantastic with their whitewashed walls, four-poster wooden beds, jacuzzi, and plunge pools outside with direct access to the beach. What more could you possibly want?

“This is fucking epic,” Jasper says, clapping me on the back. “We are going to have the best time, but I don’t want to see you fucking someone. I love ya, man, but not that much.”

“Only because you will see how lacking you are in the skills department compared to me,” I tease. He flips me off as he opens the glass sliding doors that step out onto the deck where the pool and jacuzzi are located.

“Well, I’ll leave you to it. Your gorgeous host will be arriving any moment, and knowing you, you’re going to want to start having fun right away.” I chuckle.

“Only because I’m not lame like you,” he throws back.

“Fuck you! Have fun, and we’ll catch up for dinner,” I say.

“Unless I’m otherwise occupied.” He chuckles.

Idiot. I leave him to it. Closing the door behind me, I jump back onto the golf cart and head into the main area to grab some lunch. I drive along the rainforest-covered pathways until I notice a certain blonde dressed in a white sundress and sandals happily walking along the path taking in the scenery. I press the golf cart’s horn which brings her attention to me, and when she notices who is behind the wheel, she gives me a bright smile and a small wave.

“Hey, what are you doing walking around here?” I ask.

“Thought I might explore this beautiful island. Get out and stretch my legs,” she replies with a grin.

“I’m more than happy to give you a tour on my trusty steed if you want. The island is deceptively big.”

“Yeah, that would be nice. This English girl is not dealing with the humidity too well.” She sighs.

“Tell me about it. Jump on in. I have a fan, so you can explore in luxury,” I say, which makes her smile. Ivy jumps into my golf cart, and I turn the fan on, which automatically starts and blows her perfume across to me. She smells berrylicious, and if I’m honest, I wouldn’t mind another taste. I watch as she pulls her blonde hair up into a messy bun and pats down the nape of her neck. “Ready?” I ask.

“Lead the way,” she says with a grin. We take off into the rainforest. “How’s your morning been?” I ask.

She sits there quietly for a little while. Then as her cheeks flush with heat, she begins biting her bottom lip, and I’m not sure I want to know.

Ivy turns to me, and those green eyes flicker with questions. “I know we hooked up last night, and I don’t want things to be weird, but …” she says hesitantly.

“Look, I had fun last night, and you owe me nothing. But I thought we got on well and, at the very least, could be friends,” I tell her.

“Friends?” she asks, arching a brow, seemingly surprised by my answer.

“Yeah,” I tell her. “Would I like to have fun again? Yes. But I’m also happy with just hanging out as well. I genuinely like talking with you.”

“You do?” she asks again, still sounding surprised.

“One night together doesn’t make us exclusive … I mean, we are at a sex resort.” I chuckle.

“Phew, ‘cause I didn’t know how you felt. Normally, as soon as I talk to someone, there is no one else, but that’s never served me well in the past, and I’m kind of taking this week to push my boundaries a little. Be someone I’m normally not in the outside world. You know what I mean?”

“I do. And that’s the entire point of this island. To leave your everyday life behind you and be someone completely different. Live a fantasy life you have always dreamed of,” I explain to her.

She reaches out and gives my leg a little squeeze. “Thank you. I’m glad I met you,” she says with a smile on her face.