Chapter 5
5
STELLA
‘Ready to go?’ Mum asked as I zipped up my suitcase.
‘Think so. I’ve got my passport, ticket, phone…’
‘I almost forgot!’ Mum rushed into her workshop, then returned to the hallway clutching a gift bag. ‘I got you a few extras …’
‘Thanks!’ I smiled. I’d almost made my peace with Mum about forcing me on this trip. It clearly meant a lot to her, so I’d agreed to go. Reluctantly.
I’d changed my perspective about the whole thing. Whilst Mum thought I was going to find the love of my life, I’d decided to see it as a holiday. After all, it wasn’t like I was being shipped off to hell for two weeks. I was going to an all-inclusive luxury resort near sunny Marbella. I’d always wanted to visit Spain and now I had the chance.
The hotel was right by the beach and there was a gorgeous pool, so I’d be able to sit in the sun and relax. My Kindle was stacked with a load of eBooks and I’d bought a couple of new paperbacks, so I could finally make a dent in my Tbr list. Maybe the trip wouldn’t be so bad after all .
‘Oh my God!’ I gasped as I unwrapped the tissue paper from the first gift in the bag. Mum had given me a whole set of thongs with different messages including: ‘Touch Me’, ‘Kiss Me’ and ‘Call Me Baby’.
‘What?’ she smirked. ‘If this was one of your steamy romance novels, it’d have something racier like “Spank Me!”’
She wasn’t wrong.
‘Thank you,’ I said, deciding it was easier to accept the gesture.
‘I got you some condoms as well!’ she beamed as I groaned inwardly. Reason number two hundred and one not to move back home with your mum as an adult . ‘There’s so much variety these days so I wasn’t sure what to choose. I got some fruity ones, ribbed ones and a jumbo-sized three pack too. Just in case he’s hung like a horse. Or is it a donkey? I forget the saying now!’
I shook my head, speechless. Did I really say I didn’t want to go on this holiday? The sooner I got out of here, the better.
Thankfully the flight went smoothly and I was now in a fancy chauffeur-driven car the hotel had arranged, minutes away from arriving at the resort.
My heart raced and a million questions flooded my brain as the reality of what was happening hit me.
In just a few hours I’d be meeting a man. Going on a date, for the first time in what felt like thirteen years rather than just thirteen months.
Once it was clear that I couldn’t back out of the holiday, I’d decided that if I had to go, I’d be more comfortable if I was prepared.
So I’d gone to the salon and been waxed within an inch of my life, had a new haircut and even had a mani-pedi. Something I hadn’t done since, well, probably never.
And I’d got a gorgeous new bikini and a few summery dresses. If I was going to meet the supposed love of my life, I had to be prepared.
I’ll admit. I was a teeny bit excited. I’d spent the last two weeks reading every review and case study for The Love Hotel that I could find online and they had a fantastic reputation.
The magazine articles had featured the impossibly good-looking couples that had found success there. But there were also more average-looking people like me who’d found partners too.
It was weird to think that after years of wondering if I’d ever find love again, now I had a real chance of discovering that needle in a haystack: a man that I wouldn’t otherwise have found if I hadn’t been put in touch with a team of dating and relationship experts.
Plus, my match would’ve been vetted. So there wouldn’t be any horrible surprises like the last guy I dated who conveniently ‘forgot’ to tell me he was married until our fourth date. Apparently his wife was aware he was on the apps and they’d both agreed bringing a third person into their marriage would help to ‘spice it up’. I politely declined.
There was no guarantee that The Lovel Hotel’s professional matchmaking skills could prevent me from meeting a man who would break my heart beyond repair like my first love did years ago. But if I was going to try this whole relationship thing again, maybe this was a good way to dip my toe back in the dating waters.
Mum was right. This was a big opportunity. So many people dreamed of securing a place at this hotel and here I was on my way to spend two weeks there. I was basically Charlie Bucket with a golden ticket to enter Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.
As the driver pulled up outside the resort, my jaw dropped.
Wow.
The photos didn’t do it justice. This place was stunning.
The two-storey building had whitewashed walls, bright terracotta roof tiles and lush manicured gardens including pretty palm trees of all shapes and sizes.
The car door opened and as I stepped outside the intoxicating fresh sea air flooded my nostrils and the heat from the blazing sun hit my skin.
When I left London it was overcast, dark and gloomy. This was the total opposite. There wasn’t a single cloud in the picture-perfect blue sky. I’d been here for less than a minute and it already felt like I was in paradise.
‘Hello, Stella!’ A tall, smiley woman shook my hand. ‘I’m Jasmine, your Love Alchemist. Welcome to The Love Hotel!’
‘Thanks!’ I said, trying not to laugh at her job title. Love Alchemist ? How did she even say that with a straight face?
Jasmine had brown skin and shiny jet-black shoulder-length hair. She reminded me of the actress Kerry Washington when she played Olivia Pope in the TV show Scandal .
Even though I’d known her two seconds, Jasmine came across as organised and confident: the kind of woman who was good at getting shit done.
She was pretty and immaculately dressed in a white blouse with a fitted electric-blue skirt, which matched the colour of the plant pots decorating the walls. I assumed it was a uniform because the other staff members I saw milling around were dressed in the same colours.
‘Simón here is our Suitcase Superintendent. He will ensure your luggage is taken to your room. Follow me and we’ll get you checked in.’
Jasmine led me through the door to the elegant reception area. The white marble floor was immaculately polished and striking white marble columns surrounded the matching check-in desk.
Once I’d given my details and the receptionist did all the usual check-in admin stuff, Jasmine said she’d show me to my room.
As we were about to leave, a lady in a colourful kaftan breezed through the automatic double doors at the back of the hotel and I caught a glimpse of the swimming pool.
‘Wow!’ I gasped. ‘The pool looks amazing!’
‘Glad you like it,’ she smiled. ‘I’ll take you on a tour of the resort once you’re settled in, but you’re welcome to take a look now if you like?’
‘I’ll just take a quick peek,’ I said. ‘I’m not dressed for the pool and if dinner’s at nine, I should really start to get ready soon.’
It was almost six now and considering it had been so long since I’d been on a date and got all dressed up, I needed all the time I could get.
‘Of course. You go ahead and I’ll join you in a moment.’
I strolled over to the window to get a closer look. The turquoise pool was surrounded by immaculate white sun loungers and a few couples were relaxing on comfy Balinese daybeds under the shade of the tall palm trees.
Although there were scheduled activities every day, I was sure they’d give us some downtime. I couldn’t wait to sit out there and read.
Just as I was about to leave, a man slowly exited the pool and as I took in the sight of him I swallowed hard .
I called him a man but ‘god’ would’ve been a more accurate description. He had his back to me and it was probably the most exquisite back I’d ever seen. Smooth, tanned skin, broad shoulders and incredible triceps. No need to ask if he worked out.
He raked his hand through his short dark damp hair, causing his bicep to bulge, like a tennis ball was lodged under his skin.
As my gaze dropped to his arse, I swear some dribble rolled down my chin. I quickly wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, just in case.
His wet swimming trunks clung to his buns and desire pulsed through me.
Please, universe, let him be my date.
I might not have been out with anyone for a while, but I still knew a hot guy when I saw one. And as shallow as it sounded, I’d love to get the chance to run my hands over a toned, muscular body like that.
The only exercise the last two guys I dated did was lifting their beer glass from the table to their mouths. Such a stark contrast to my first boyfriend.
He was a professional football player, so he was always in good shape. Not as muscular as the Pool God in front of me, but I used to worship his body. I worshipped everything about him. Until he broke my heart.
‘So, what do you think?’ Jasmine appeared beside me. ‘Gorgeous views, right?’
‘Ye-yeah! Definitely!’ I stuttered. ‘Very impressive,’ I said, before realising she was referring to the views of the hotel’s surroundings, not Hot Pool Guy who was now strutting over to the beach bar.
‘The pool’s great, but I definitely recommend heading down to the sea too. The water is amazing.’
Sea ?
I snapped myself out of my thoughts. What the hell was wrong with me? I was standing here, ogling a complete stranger as he got out of the pool. Rather than acting like a pervert, I should be appreciating the beauty of the hotel grounds.
Tearing my gaze from him, I focused on what I was supposed to be looking at and gasped. Jasmine was right. The views really were stunning.
Just metres away from the pool area was a gorgeous sandy beach and the sparkling blue sea stretched as far as the eye could see.
‘I can’t wait to check it out,’ I said, turning away from the window.
‘Let me show you to your room.’
Jasmine led me along a white stone tree-lined pathway, tapped the key card on a white door, then pushed it open for me.
‘This is your room. I’ll leave you to settle in. If you need anything, press the love heart symbol on the phone and it’ll connect you straight to me. Remember, dinner with your Mr Right is at nine sharp at Aphrodisiac, our romantic restaurant, which is signposted from your room, but if you need me to escort you there, let me know.’
‘Okay, great, thanks.’
As soon as Jasmine left, I let out a loud squeal and starfished on the plush four-poster bed. I’d always wanted to do that. This room was a dream. Terracotta tiled floors, wooden beams across the ceilings and pretty paintings of Spanish scenery on the white walls. I couldn’t believe I was here and that it was even better than I’d imagined.
I should start getting ready, but there was something I had to do first. I reached in my bag and pulled out my phone.
‘Hey, Mum, I’ve arrived safely at the hotel.’
‘Hi, darling! How is it? ’
‘It’s… it’s a-mazing ! Thank you for arranging everything. This place is like paradise on earth. I’m so sorry I argued with you about coming. I’ll pay you back every penny.’
‘No, you won’t. Just enjoy yourself. That’s payment enough.’
‘Thanks, Mum. I better start getting ready.’
‘Okay, darling. Send me a selfie, when you’re dressed. Have you decided what to wear yet?’
‘No, but I’ve narrowed it down to the orange maxi dress or the pink mid-length dress.’
‘Good luck.’
‘Thanks!’
Once I’d been in the gorgeous walk-in shower, I unzipped my suitcase and pulled out my dress options. I still couldn’t decide, but I knew just the person who could help me.
I dialled the number of Samantha, my best friend.
‘Hey.’ Her face appeared on the screen. ‘Are you there? How is it? Have you met him yet? Is he fit?’
‘Whoa there! So many questions! Yes, it’s amazing and no, I haven’t met him yet. But I did see a fit guy at the pool, so if my date looks anything like him, I’ll be very happy.’
‘Oooh! I’m so excited for you! I haven’t heard you this enthusiastic about a man in real life since, well, ages. Normally you’re gushing about your fictional book boyfriends.’
‘Yeah, you’re right. But this guy would give a book hero a run for their money. I didn’t see his face, but I can just tell it’ll be as gorgeous as his body.’
‘Sounds like a wet dream!’ she laughed. ‘Well, if they’ve set you up with someone dull and his date doesn’t work out either, maybe you could accidentally drop your sunglasses in front of him or something and hope he picks them up.’
‘That’s so lame!’
‘No, it’s a proper meet cute! Or you could pretend to drown in front of him and he could do a Zac Efron in Baywatch and dive in to save you!’
‘Knowing me, though, I probably would drown!’
‘Anyway, what you wearing?’
‘Can’t decide. What d’you think? This one?’ I held up the orange dress. ‘Or this?’ I put the pink one against me.
‘Which one shows the most boob and arse?’ she laughed.
‘Neither!’ I rolled my eyes. ‘I’m trying to find someone who will be interested in my mind and sparkling personality, not just the size of my tits!’
‘You do have a great rack, though. If I had your chest, I’d definitely be flaunting my assets on the first date.’
‘That settles it. I’m definitely going for the loose-fitting maxi dress. Then I can be sure he likes me for me.’
‘Spoilsport! What time’s the date?’
‘In exactly forty-nine minutes and I still need to do my hair, make-up and get dressed so I better go.’
‘Okay! And let me know how it all goes! If this all works out, maybe I’ll apply too!’
‘I’ll keep you posted. Bye.’
Forty minutes later, I was picking up my key card and heading to the door. I took one final glance at myself in the full-length mirror. I hadn’t scrubbed up too badly. I’d sent a selfie to Mum and Samantha (or Sammie as I usually liked to call her) ten minutes ago and they’d both replied with lots of love heart eyes, fire and thumbs up emojis which was a good sign.
As I closed the door and set off down the path towards the restaurant, my heart thundered through my chest.
I’d barely been outside for two minutes and I could already feel sweat pooling on my hairline. I quickly reached into my handbag and dabbed my forehead, taking care not to smudge my make-up .
When I arrived at the restaurant, I took a deep breath then opened the door.
The handsome ma?tre d’ greeted me with a warm smile.
‘Stella?’ he asked.
‘That’s me!’
‘Welcome to Aphrodisiac. My name is Manuel and I will be your Dining Director this evening.’
‘Lovely to meet you, Manuel,’ I said, thinking how funny it was that everyone had weird job titles.
‘Your date has not arrived yet. Perhaps you would like a drink at the bar while you wait?’
‘Sounds lovely.’
I took a seat at the bar and went for the barman’s, oops, sorry, Chief Mixologist’s sangria recommendation which slipped down very nicely. Perhaps a little too well, because before I knew it, my glass was half empty.
I glanced at my watch. It was ten past nine. He was late. That wasn’t a good sign. So much for being my Mr Right . If the matchmakers really knew me, they’d understand that I hated being late and I hated when other people were too. Sometimes it couldn’t be avoided, but I doubted that was the case today.
Everyone had to arrive at the hotel at least three hours before their scheduled date. So he couldn’t blame his lateness on the traffic or getting lost.
Then I felt guilty for being too harsh. Maybe he was nervous. Or…
Oh, God. I hoped he hadn’t stood me up. Wouldn’t be the first time that’d happened. I downed the rest of my drink as I thought about how mortifying that would be.
I felt a tap on my shoulder and I instantly relaxed. I hadn’t been stood up. I put on my best smile then spun around ready to greet him .
But it wasn’t my date. It was Manuel.
‘I’m so sorry, Miss Stella,’ he said. My stomach instantly tightened. ‘But your date is running late. He will, however, be here shortly.’
‘Oh, okay. Thanks for letting me know. Where are the ladies’, please?’ After finishing my drink, I was sure my lipstick needed touching up and I didn’t want to do it in public. Knowing me, he’d walk in just as I was applying it and I’d get flustered and swipe it all over my teeth.
‘Just down there on the left,’ he pointed.
‘Thanks.’ I slid off the barstool. ‘I’ll be right back.’
Once I’d touched up my make-up, I headed out of the bathroom door. As I took a few steps into the main restaurant area, Manuel rushed over to greet me.
‘Good news, Se?ora . Your date has arrived. He is waiting for you at the bar. He is a very handsome man. I am sure you will be very happy.’
Delighted butterflies fluttered in my stomach and as we got closer to the bar, they went into overdrive.
The guy sitting at the bar had his back to us and was wearing a white shirt with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, which was already a big green flag. And he had a muscular back and arms like Hot Pool Guy. His hair was short and dark, just like his too.
Oh my God! My date was the man I saw earlier. I couldn’t believe my luck. This was brilliant!
I sent a silent prayer to God, the universe, my mum and everyone involved in making this wonderful miracle happen.
‘ Se?ora ,’ Manuel said to me as he tapped my dream man on his shoulder. ‘It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to your date.’
My heart fluttered and I smiled so wide I thought my face was going to crack .
That was until my date spun around and I saw his face.
Then my heart crashed through the ground.
I couldn’t believe it.
It may have been years, but I’d recognise that face anywhere.
The small scar just beneath his right eye that I used to kiss.
Those thick brows.
The square jaw.
Those sparkly, deep brown eyes I used to get lost in.
The ridiculously long eyelashes.
His full pink lips that I used to love roaming all over my body.
‘Stella?’ His eyes bulged.
‘Max,’ I spat.
‘You two know each other?’ Manuel frowned. Yeah, I recognised him all right. ‘Did you meet earlier at the hotel?’
‘No.’ I folded my arms angrily. ‘Max is my ex. The arsehole who broke my heart.’