‘Jake’s not a good match for me.’
‘What?’ Sammie’s eyes widened.‘Why?’
‘I know you think that it’s cool that he’s famous and stuff, but when I completed the questionnaire, one of the things I specifically asked for wasnotto be matched with anyone high profile.’
‘Oh…’ Sammie’s face fell.‘Well, doesn’t the fact that he’s not as mega famous as he used to be help?’
‘No.It’s more about the traits that famous people have whether they’re at the top of the charts or not.The arrogance and self-absorption.The obsession with fame and maintaining their profile.Sometimes when they’re worried about losing their fame it’s even worse.’
‘Sounds like you’re speaking from experience?’
‘Unfortunately, yes.I used to date Brett Burch.’
‘Oh, wow.The guy with the reality show who’s married to that supermodel?’
‘The very one.’ My stomach tightened.
‘And I’m guessing it wasn’t a good break-up?’
‘Correct.’
‘I’m so sorry.I know Jake doesn’t exactly have the reputation of a choir boy, but people change and not all celebs are the same, right?I mean, I haven’t met many, but it wouldn’t be fair to judge Jake because of the sins your ex committed.The hotel’s procedures are very thorough, I mean, they’re not always perfect…’ Her voice trailed off.‘Sometimes people seem like a good match on paper, but when they meet it just doesn’t work out.’ Sammie paused for a few beats, like there was more she wanted to say, but for some reason she couldn’t.‘But you can’t throw in the towel without at least giving it a good try.’
‘I’m not so sure…’ I blew out a breath.
‘Let me ask you some questions,’ Sammie said.‘First up, are you attracted to Jake, physically?’
‘Well, obviously he’s an attractive man,’ I shrugged, trying to sound casual.If I told her that I’d had a crush on him since I was a teenager and still thought that he was ridiculously good-looking, that wouldn’t help my case.And the fact that I found him very attractive was irrelevant.I was looking for love, not eye candy.
‘And how was the date last night?Did he ask you questions about yourself or did he just talk about himself all night?’
‘He left the table literally minutes after we’d sat down to take a call from another woman!’
‘Okay, that’s not ideal, but maybe it was important.And just because it was a woman, it doesn’t have to mean anything.It could’ve been his sister, his aunt or a work call.’
‘Yeah,’ I sighed.I knew she was right and I hated how paranoid I sounded, but I challenge anyone to go through what I had and not have trust issues.
‘So?Did he ask you questions about yourself?’
‘He did,’ I admitted.‘He tried to, anyway, but I… I wasn’t feeling very chatty.’
Shame washed over me.If I was being honest, I probably wasn’t the best date yesterday.I should’ve made more of an effort.
But I was scared.I barely made it through hell last time.
‘I get it.’ Sammie nodded sympathetically.‘You had your defences up.You were in fight mode because you’d been hurt by a famous guy before and you’re worried about history repeating itself, right?’
‘Exactly,’ I said, relieved that she understood.
‘Well, the good news is, you’re here for two weeks, so you’ve still got plenty of time to get to know each other.Although it might not seem like it right now, you two have been matched for a reason.And if you keep your guard up, you’ll never be able to tell for sure if you have a connection.I know it won’t be easy, but try and lower your defences a little?Start fresh today.We’ve got our briefing in an hour and I reckon our first couples activity will help break the ice a bit.’
‘What is it?’
‘It’s a surprise.’ She grinned.‘Have breakfast, then meet by the Palm Pool.Jake waited for you for breakfast, but then had to leave to take some photos, but he gave me his number to pass on.’ She handed me a piece of paper.‘He said to call if you want company.Otherwise, he’ll see you at the briefing.’
‘Oh.Okay.’ I slid the paper in my handbag then glanced at my watch.He must’ve come down early.
Maybe I’d judged him too harshly about the whole taking photos thing.If he’d left breakfast to take more, perhaps it was a serious hobby and he wanted to take some professional shots of the scenery.
