Chapter 2
The plane bounced roughly along the runway. Until the descent, the 6-hour flight had been uneventful. Jake had slept through the majority and spent the remainder watching old episodes of Supernatural and drinking overpriced mini-bottles of cheap vodka. Sean insisted on paying for everything on the flight.
“Welcome to the Bahamas!” A cinnamon-skinned woman in a bikini sauntered up to Jake, placing a flowery lei around his neck. “Shuttles to the resorts are past customs. Please form a single line.”
Another tan woman walked by with a tray of rum cocktails, passing them to the throng of people waiting in line. It was hot for September. The airport ticker said 88 degrees, but it felt more like 95. He was glad he had worn his cargo shorts. Sean had insisted he wear a light blue Italian shirt that was unbuttoned nearly halfway down his chest. Although Jake protested at the hotel, it turned out to be a perfect choice.
A hand touched his arm, startling Jake. “Easy Jakey, It’s just me. I managed to score some real cocktails, not the watered-down freebies.” He shoved a large plastic tumbler into Jake’s hands. The fruity aroma couldn’t hide the heavy pour of malibu rum. “Oh, did you see that blonde at the gate? She was smoking hot! She works for the resort, you know. Sadly, there is a no fraternizing with the guests policy, or at least that is what she says now.” Sean’s lecherous grin informed Jake he intended to test the rules once they arrived.
As they passed through customs, Jake noticed a red-headed girl surrounded by a crowd. She looked vaguely familiar. Some spoiled rich kid he saw on the internet, no doubt. He turned to ask Sean if he recognized her, but Sean was already chatting up the resort driver, a petit brunette barely out of college. Jake turned back but the redhead and her entourage had already moved on.
Thanks to Sean’s foresight in getting the VIP upgrade, it wasn’t long before they were through customs and on a small VIP bus heading down a long, winding road in dire need of repair.
By the time they arrived at the resort at 4 p.m., Jake was feeling drained from the ride. They were escorted to an open-air lobby with about a half dozen couches. Jake recognized some of the people from the plane ride. Mostly couples. “Welcome VIPs,” the driver said, her voice a bit too perky.
“As VIP’s we have already checked you in, you just need to sign the forms in the booklet in front of you and then leave a credit card number for incidentals. You all have butler and concierge service so the only expenses you will have are excursions or souvenirs which you can charge to your suite. I’m Belle, if you need anything, all you must do is text me from the number on my card. You’ll also find your butler’s number there as well. Anything you need, we will take care of you. Enjoy your stay at Temptations In Paradise resort!”
Sean practically pulled Jake out of the seat. “Come on sport! We have just enough time to shower before heading to dinner and boy do you need one!” Sean pretended to sniff the air around Jake’s right arm, then scrunched his face and wrinkled his nose. Jake just rolled his eyes and followed Sean into the resort.