Page 88 of Craving Paradise
“You love it?” he asks.
“I love it. It’s gorgeous, thank you. I don’t know how you found it. It’s sold out everywhere.”
“I have my ways.” He grins. “Now this one.” He hands me the iconic orange box. My stomach twists in knots. I know nothing is cheap that comes from this place. I open the box, pull the contents from the dust bag, and gasp. “No. Oh my god, Jasper, this is too much,” I say as tears well in my eyes. This time I let them fall.
“Are tears good?” he asks.
“Very good. Jasper, this is a Kelly. It’s too expensive. So fricken expensive.” Ten thousand pounds expensive.
“You told me the story about your mother’s bag and all the memories you had attached to it, then it was stolen, and you were devastated over the loss. You mentioned you longed to replace it but couldn’t get one because of the waitlist.”
This is all true.
He found one and bought it for me. How can I ever repay him for that?
“I don’t understand … how you did it?” I ask, staring at the gorgeous bag in awe.
“I know people, who know people, who know people,” he replies with a grin.
“This is too expensive. I’ll take the other two bags, but Jasper, I don’t deserve this. This is something you buy a girlfriend or fiancée, not a fuck buddy.”
“Hey, you’re a friend, not a fuck buddy. A fuck buddy is someone you don’t care about, whereas, a friend you do. And I care for you. And I spoil the people I care about. Ask any of my friends. I bought Alex this old Land Rover Defender in British green, just like the Queen has because he’s always dreamed of owning one but thought he’d look stupid driving around the city in one.”
“You’ve known Alex your entire life and me for only five seconds.”
“Please don’t read into it other than it’s what friends do. We have had an awesome friend date, some friend sex, and gave each other friend gifts.”
“But I didn’t give you anything?”
“Letting me come down that gorgeous throat was thanks enough.” He leans over, placing a kiss on my lips. “Now, I’m getting in this bed, ordering room service burgers and beer, and then you and I are going to Netflix and chill a couple more times and maybe again in the morning. Are you okay with that?”
I nod because it sounds amazing.
25
LAUREN
“Hey, Elle, you’re needed up in Room 57 for Mr. King. He’s a new member, first night, and is very good friends with Mr. Lewis,” Sara informs my friend. She then hands Elle a tablet that contains all the details about Mr. King.
“Lucky bitch. I love getting the new members, and he’s hot too,” I say, looking over her shoulder. Elle seems distracted by the photo of her new client, though I don’t blame her, he’s gorgeous.
“You’re drooling, Elle. Pick up your jaw,” I tease.
Elle shakes her head as if Mr. King put a spell on her already.
“Lauren, Eloise. Ruby would like to see you before your sessions quickly,” Sara adds.
“Are we in trouble?” Elle asks me.
My heart is racing a million miles a minute. Are we about to get fired because of my secret fling with Mr. Fox?
Shit.
“Hell, no, you and I are the best. Probably a raise,” I say, wiggling my brows at her, hoping to ease her nerves as we head down toward Ruby’s office. I knock on her office door.
Ruby calls out, “Come. Take a seat, ladies.” She points to the two chairs in front of her desk.This is it, I’m fired. Then why are you on the roster?
“I’ll be quick as I know you’re both scheduled upstairs,” Ruby says seriously. “I had a meeting with Mr. Lewis earlier, and he asked for a couple more girls to join him on his new project at the resort in the Caribbean. He wanted me to suggest two girls I thought would be best for the job. And that brings me to you two …” she says while smiling at us.