Paradise Found

11

ALISTAIR

After my encounter with Elle, I head back to the guys to see if they’re still playing soccer, but the only one there is Jasper.

“The others had to go,” he says, packing up the last of his stuff into his backpack. “You wanna grab some lunch?”

“Yeah, I’m starved,” I reply, rubbing my taut stomach with my hand.

Jasper grins, and we head on over across the road and into a luxury hotel for lunch.

“You know what you did today was incredibly stupid,” Jasper warns as he takes a sip of his beer.

“Don’t know what you’re talking about,” I tell him.

“Don’t play stupid with me. That girl was from the club,” Jasper states angrily. “Do you have any idea how much trouble she and you will get into if anyone saw? Lucky Alex wasn’t here today. You don’t know who is in and who isn’t,” he warns me.

“There’s something about her …”

“Jesus, Ali, don’t tell me you like the woman whose job it is to bring all your fantasies to life?”

“Of course not, but you can’t tell me after all the years you’ve been a member that a girl hasn’t turned your damn head?” I question him.

“This isn’t about me,” he argues, taking a large gulp of his beer.

“Knew it! Here you are lecturing me, and you’re probably doing the same with someone from the club. You are, aren’t you?” I glare at him.

“Fuck you! No! I’m not stupid. No woman is worth giving up that fantasyland for.”

“You’re content with going to the club to get your fix?” I ask.

Does he not want more eventually?

“Hell, yeah, I am. You’ve seen the shit Alex has been through with women. And now you being fucked over by Miranda. Who the fuck wants to go through that?” He quirks a brow at me.

“You need to get over your ex, she’s moved on, married someone else, and is popping out blue-bloodied babies,” I tell him.

This was notat allhow I thought lunch would go—I don’t want to argue with Jasper.

“I couldn’t give a shit about her. I wish her well!” He huffs while glaring at me.

“I’m not looking for a relationship. I’m happy to be single after the dumpster fire that is my love life,” I tell him.

“Sounds like there’s a but missing at the end of that statement,” Jasper adds.

“Fine!Butthere is something about her that I like, and I don’t know what it is,” I tell him honestly.

“These women are experts at what they do. Do not misplace lust for something it’s not, and don’t think you’re someone special to them,” Jasper tells me coolly.

We sit in a silent standoff, neither one of us wanting to give in. We are both stubborn fuckers.

“Look … I get it. There is one girl there that …does it for me. And I catch myself wondering what the hell she’s doing outside of the club now and then. But then I think is she like that withall the other guyswho frequent the club? Or is it only that good with me? The thing is, I’ll never know. It will drive you crazy thinking about it, so you need to put a wall up between the two of you. Enjoy everything you do in that moment but know that you can’t recreate that again outside the club,” Jasper warns.

“You’re right,” I say, sadly agreeing with him.

“I know!” He chuckles. “Look, at least you’re getting back out there after a really shit time. How about I organize a double date for Friday night? You can enjoy the company of another woman and see if it’s the magic of the club clouding your judgment?”

“Fine!” I huff the word out hoping it will shut him the hell up about Elle.