Chapter 6
6
ALEJANDRO
As we stepped onto the plane and turned left to business class, I tried to stop my eyes from popping, but it was difficult. I had never been inside an airport business lounge or travelled anything other than economy.
This was a big deal for me. When Jasmine came into the lounge after her call, she seemed completely comfortable with the large buffet of free food, snacks and drinks that were on offer.
The flight attendant had just greeted us with a glass of champagne and whilst it surprised me, Jasmine acted like she flew like this every day.
‘Here we are.’ She stopped at a seat. Looked like we would be sitting next to each other.
After loading our hand luggage in the overhead compartments, I sat down.
Everyone had their own cubicle which was like a mini suite. There was even a door to give us privacy. I attempted to close it, but could not.
‘They’re locked. You’ll be able to operate it once we’re in the air,’ Jasmine said.
‘In case it was not already obvious, this is my first time.’ I grinned.
‘I would never have guessed you were a virgin!’ Jasmine smirked.
‘I have been trying to hide it.’ I tried to keep a straight face.
‘Don’t worry.’ Jasmine rested her hand on my shoulder and the heat from her palm made my pulse quicken. ‘I’ll be gentle with you,’ she teased. I laughed then seconds later, a look of horror filled her face. ‘Oh my God, I’m so sorry!’
‘Why?’ I frowned.
‘I shouldn’t have said that. It was completely inappropriate!’
‘It was a joke, no?’
‘Of course! I hope I didn’t make you feel uncomfortable.’
‘No,’ I shook my head firmly. ‘You made me feel more relaxed. I am used to the luxuries we provide for our guests at the hotel, but not for myself. Look at all of this.’ I gestured to the set-up in front of the seat.
There was a TV, small storage compartments, a kit with skincare products, toothbrush and toothpaste and from the look of what was on one of the screens, the chair did not just recline, it folded down into a bed.
‘Oh, that’s good. Sorry again.’
‘ Tranquila ,’ I said, encouraging her to relax. ‘So, I can tell you have flown in business class before.’
‘Yes.’ She sat in the seat beside me. ‘I used to…’ Jasmine paused as if she was considering whether or not to finish her sentence. ‘I used to work at a luxury travel agency, so occasionally, I would visit different locations and it was important for me to get a feel for what the client would experience.’
That sounded interesting. I thought it was just because she was rich. Jasmine was always very elegant. The way that she dressed and carried herself suggested that she was used to having money. Not just because her job at the hotel paid well. I got the impression that she had a fancy lifestyle before then.
‘So you used to organise trips for rich and famous people?’
‘Yes. I would create personalised holidays for them based on their interests and budget, so basically organising the flight, which could be a first class seat on a commercial flight or arranging a private jet, choosing the best hotel, booking the chauffeur, helicopter or yacht, suggesting the best restaurants – basically taking care of all the logistics so that all they needed to do was just turn up and enjoy their trip.’
‘Wow.’ My eyes widened. Private jets, helicopters, yachts… that was a whole different world. ‘That is why you are so great at your job at the Love Hotel now.’
‘My experience certainly helps.’
A flight attendant came to check we were comfortable and shortly afterwards, the pilot announced that they would be preparing for take-off.
I was disappointed that our conversation had been interrupted because I was enjoying finding out more about Jasmine. But it was a long flight. There would be other opportunities to talk.
At least that was what I thought.
Soon after take-off, food was served. Of course, it was not as good as the food I liked to make, but we were on an aeroplane so that was to be expected.
After she had finished eating, Jasmine put on her headphones and watched TV, then lowered the chair into a bed, put on her sleep mask and went to sleep.
Whilst she slept, I watched multiple films. I could not sleep. Somehow, knowing she was so close to me was a distraction.
It was like there was a magnet drawing me to her. I wanted to know more about her. What made her smile. What she liked to do for fun. And whether she was single. Not that it really mattered. I was just curious, that was all.
But she was guarded. I could sense there were things she was hiding.
I knew that Jasmine had secrets.
And I had them too.