<div class="floatleft">(http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/41000000/Stephen-James-stephen-james-hendry-41092498-640-640.jpg)</div><strong>Name:</strong>Jasper (JJ) (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=308599.msg15018215#msg15018215)<br/><strong>Age:</strong>28<br/><strong>Sexuality:</strong>Heterosexual<br/><strong>Hometown:</strong>New York<br/><strong>Date/Time:</strong>2 July | Morning<br/><strong>Location:</strong>On the beach<br/><strong>Wearing:</strong>Casual Beach Sexy (http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/41000000/Stephen-James-stephen-james-hendry-41092498-640-640.jpg)<br/><strong>Coupled with:</strong>None<br/><strong>Tagging:</strong>Grace<br/><br/><hr/><br/><br/>JJ wasn't sure whether he believed the platinum-haired beauty, but whatever her reasons for being on the show it wouldn't serve him well to challenge her.  He needed friends among the Islanders.  Allies.  Lovers.  Cultivating enemies needlessly ran directly counter to that, so he made a show of accepting what she said at face value.  He kept eye contact whenever she was speaking... nodded at the right parts of conversation... made positive noises to show engagement in the conversation.  When she gave him an apologetic look at the mention of bad boys he nodded inwardly, understanding immediately that her past experiences would be his greatest obstacle.  She'd have a baked-in resistance to whatever attraction she felt for him that he would need to dissolve.  Or at least mitigate.  When he spoke his voice was a warm baritone, soothing and welcoming of confidences.<br/><br/><strong>"See, that surprises me, Grace.  The idea that you've had such trouble finding someone who would treat you right."</strong><br/><br/>He took another bite of croissant, chewed thoroughly and swallowed.  The next time he spoke with his mouth full would be the first.  For all his myriad personality quirks that ran counter-social, he'd been raised with excellent table manners.<br/><strong><br/>"I mean, you seem like a lovely girl.  Genuine.  If you haven't drawn guys to you that value that, I can understand why you'd be wary.  Particularly if they looked like me."</strong><br/><br/>He gave her a wry grin.<br/><br/><strong>"I can only suggest to you that everyone should be judged on their own words and actions.  Maybe I look like them... maybe there's even a little swagger in me that reminds you of them... but I'm not them."</strong><br/><br/>He reached over and gave her hand a chaste, but familiar squeeze.  A smile.  A mildly heated glance.  Then he sat back in his chair and crossed his arms comfortably, considering her question.<br/><br/><strong>"As to why I'm here... in some ways it's the same as you.  I devour life.  I crave new experiences.  Look for new adventures.  Welcome new relationships.  Love Island has all of that in one tight little package."</strong><br/><br/>Was that a hooded glance to her?  Perhaps.  But if so, it was subtle.<br/><br/>He shrugged and chuckled.<br/><br/><strong>"In some ways it's different, too.  I'm not really expecting to find love here.  I mean, you're putting over a dozen sexy young people in a pressure cooker and turning the heat on.  Figuratively and literally.  People make... odd choices when they're under a lot of stress.  They impart deep meaning into innocent gestures.  They make assumptions... make mistakes.  They rely on intuition and overreact to perceived threats.  They prejudge."</strong><br/><br/>He gave her an amused wink.<br/><br/><strong>"I don't think that's the best environment to decide whether you're in love with someone.  Is it possible?  Sure.  Anything's possible.  And I'd welcome a real romance if I found it... but until and unless that happens I'm here to have fun on someone else's dime.  Make friends...maybe even find a lover.  How often will I have a chance to do something like this?  With charming people like you?"</strong><br/><br/>He took a drink of orange juice.  Finished his croissant.<br/><br/><strong>"You know, I think we might actually have something in common, by the way.  I did some work for Dior in last fall's collection.  Didn't you do some video reviews for that line?  I'd be a little surprised... and sad, honestly... if you hadn't seen the work I've done with Chris Gelinas.  Or maybe Tim Coppens.  They both deserve more attention on your platform."</strong><br/><br/>