by Anna Samuels
‘I’m so glad, honey. So, tell me about Danny! I don’t know much about him aside from what Seren’s mentioned. I know he’s off to Uni in September…’
‘Yeah! And at Plymouth, which is my second choice, Mum! I might be changing my mind about my first if this carries on!’
I chuckled. ‘Just take your time on that one,’ I laughed. ‘Wait and see what happens.’
‘I will, Mum.’
‘Is he single; I take it?’
‘Yeah! And I can’t imagine why!’ she exclaimed, ‘I mean, have you seen him? I’ve never set eyes on a more gorgeous man in my life!’
‘I know. I did think that. Seren’s gorgeous so I knew he would be.’
‘Oh, he’s stunning,’ she gushed. ‘And you should see him in his swim shorts. Oh my God!’ she exclaimed. ‘Muscles like you wouldn’t believe!’ she laughed.
I chuckled to myself. ‘So, it was a good idea to come here, right?’
‘The best, Mum! You’re the best for making this happen!’
I grinned at her. ‘I’m just glad you’ve had the chance to get away from everything.’
‘Me too, Mum. Did everything go well with Seren?’ she asked then, curiously.
‘Yeah, fantastic. It’s so nice to be back here with her again.’
Ella nodded slowly. ‘She seems really nice…’ she commented. ‘Even if I haven’t spent much time with her. She seems to be much more like the kind of woman I’d want you to end up with,’ she told me.
‘Oh yeah? Why’s that?’ I wondered, interested in her viewpoint.
‘Well, because she clearly is besotted with you, Mum. She looks at you with such…I don’t know…adoration, I guess. It’s pretty cool to see,’ she smiled.
‘That didn’t happen before?’ I asked.
‘What with Kate? No way. She was only around for what she could get out of you. She never once looked at you the way I saw Seren look at you today, Mum.’
I considered that for a moment before speaking. ‘I think she’s someone very special, Ella,’ I said, slowly. ‘I guess deep down I’m just scared to trust again…after everything which happened.’
‘I get that Mum,’ she replied. ‘I’d just take one day at a time,’ she said softly. ‘That’s all it takes…’
‘When did you become so wise, honey?’ I asked, smiling over at her gently.
‘I get it from my Mama,’ she smiled.
I smiled back at her, warmly. ‘I love you, honey.’
‘I love you too, Mum…but I’m going back next door now! I seriously need to get dressed up for dinner!’
I laughed. ‘Looking to impress someone, sweetheart?’
‘Too right!’ she grinned, and headed off through the door.
I sat back against the chair I was in, and smiled to myself.
Chapter 13
As Ella was making an effort, I decided to do the same myself. After taking a shower, I put on a dress and then added make up and jewellery for the occasion. As I looked in the mirror after I was ready, I was pleased with how I looked. The tired, gaunt image I had seen before the holiday was becoming replaced with a healthy, sun kissed woman who radiated with happiness. I now liked looking at my reflection-and that was saying something.
‘Mum? Are you ready?’ Ella called, coming through the door.
I stepped out of the bathroom. ‘Yes, I’m ready,’ I told her.
‘Oh wow, Mum! You look great!’ she enthused.
‘Thanks,’ I said, scanning her skirt and top which accentuated her petite, gorgeous figure. ‘Honey! You look amazing!’
‘You think?’ she asked, running her hands down her sides. ‘Do you think Danny will like it?’
I smiled at her. ‘He’ll love it,’ I replied. ‘Come on…let’s go.’
Ella and I walked down the corridor to the restaurant and stepped into the room. The waiter took us to our table and we were seated comfortably by the window. Ella sighed, looking at the menu. ‘This is all amazing!’ she commented. ‘What a place this must be to own!’
‘I know,’ I said, looking around. ‘It’s such a lovely hotel…’
‘So; obviously you’re only staying here for the week, Mum,’ she said then. ‘How do you plan on continuing to see Seren if you’re in Bournemouth and she’s living here?’
It was my turn to sigh. ‘Well, that’s just it,’ I murmured, ‘I don’t know. What I do know is that I don’t want to give up on what we have between us…but I also know that a long distance relationship would be a nightmare.’
‘Maybe you should just move down here,’ Ella quipped lightly. ‘It’d be a hell of a lot easier!’
‘Honey, my whole life is based down in Bournemouth. The house…my work…friends…family…’
She shrugged. ‘Yes and no. I’m about to leave to go to Uni so it’s just you on your own-no family. Ethan’s becoming settled in London-so he’s not going to be home either. You need to make a change in relation to work, so why not make a drastic one? Also, you don’t ever see your friends! You work all the time instead.’
I felt my heart hammering as she finished speaking to me. I didn’t know what to say. She had just summed up very quickly how and why I could change my life and although she had made it sound very simple, I knew in reality it couldn’t be quite so straightforward.
‘Hello you two!’ Seren said, arriving at the table. ‘You both look gorgeous tonight,’ she said, bending to kiss my cheek.
I smiled up at her, warmly, remembering being with her earlier. ‘Hey,’ I grinned. ‘Are you working tonight?’ I asked, noting her smart clothing and the way her white shirt billowed at the neck.
‘Yeah-sorry, Abby. Duty calls. I’ll be free later on though…just not to share dinner, I’m afraid.’
‘Never mind,’ I smiled. ‘I guess that’s life for you here! Dropping plans at a moment’s notice to fill in where needed.’
‘Isn’t it just?’ she laughed. ‘Here’s Danny though. He was hoping to join you.’
‘Ah, that’d be nice,’ I commented as he arrived alongside us.
‘Hey, Ella,’ he smiled. ‘Hi Mrs…uh, Abby.’
‘Hi Danny,’ I replied, smiling back at the handsome young man. He really was a dream to look at, and I couldn’t stop myself staring a little. He was so like Seren it was uncanny-just in a male version.
‘Can I join you two for dinner?’ he asked, politely.
‘Please do!’ I welcomed, ‘Ella’s been telling me all about your lovely afternoon you spent together.’
‘Oh really?’ he grinned. ‘Well, there’s plenty more of that to come if you’re keen,’ he said to Ella.
‘Definitely!’ she smiled. ‘I had a great time.’
As the two of them began chatting, Seren disappeared to run the dinner service and I focused on the meal and listening to the conversation between Danny and Ella. It was lovely to hear them getting on so well, but I was missing being around Seren already. I found myself watching her as she worked the dining room, dealing with customers, taking orders and chatting with guests like old friends. She was a pleasure to watch work, and I couldn’t help but be awed by her in every, single way.
Once dinner was over, we stayed until we were the last table present. Danny and Ella excused themselves for a moonlight walk along the sand and after promising to knock for me when she returned, they left.
Alone in the dining room, with only a few waiters clearing up, I waited for Seren to reappear. When she did, it brought an immediate smile to my face.
‘Hey!’ she grinned. ‘Where are the kids?’
‘They’ve gone for a walk on the beach,’ I told her, looking up and taking in her tired but bright appearance.
‘Ah, okay…so it’s just us then?’ she asked, smiling down at me with a wicked look on her face.
‘Yes…but not for long. Ella’s going to knock for me when she gets back. It’s going to be harder to spend time with you alone now we’ve got them around, I’m afraid.’
‘Don’t worry,’ she smiled. �
�We can just take the opportunity when the chance arises,’ she told me, happily. ‘Like now…’
‘Now?’ I questioned, my eyes swiftly scanning the room and wondering what she had in mind.
‘Yeah…they’ve gone for a walk, right? How long does a walk take?’
‘I have no idea!’ I laughed, ‘but I’d say we have a little time…’
‘So, come on then! Take the chance when it arises!’ she said, offering me her hand.
I took it and she pulled me out of my seat. Tugging me gently behind her, she pulled me down and through the restaurant and out the other side. We headed down the corridor lined with photos and paintings and didn’t stop until we reached reception.
‘What are we doing?’ I asked, confused.
‘We’re manning reception,’ she told me, taking me through the door, her hand still laced through mine.
‘We are? Why?’
‘Because someone has to be here until ten…and it’s only half nine.’
‘Oh, I see…I thought you had something else in mind!’ I laughed, smiling up at her.
‘Oh, I do…you see, if someone wants me, they can ring the bell,’ she said, pointing over at the little hatch where there was a bell for attention. ‘If no-one rings it, we’re good…’
‘What have you got in mind?’ I questioned, looking at her mischievous expression.
‘I never showed you my office, did I?’ she smiled, leading me around the back of the computer station and opening a door to a tiny, box office with a desk, a chair and little else.
‘No! You didn’t!’ I exclaimed, glancing inside the room. ‘Why’s that?’
‘Because it’s extremely private,’ she grinned.
I laughed and then looked inside once more. ‘There’s not enough room to swing a cat in here!’ I exclaimed.
‘I’m not planning on swinging any cats,’ she murmured, easing me into the room by putting her hands to my waist. ‘However, I do have plans for you, Mrs…’
‘Oh yeah?’ I asked, as she closed the door behind us.
‘Yeah,’ she murmured, easing her hands under my dress to cup my buttocks. She reached for my thong panties and gently eased them down and away so I was naked underneath the dress. ‘Sit on the desk,’ she instructed.
I sat down, wondering what her intentions were. The room was miniscule. I had no idea what she planned to accomplish in such a small space.
‘It’s tiny here…don’t you want to wait until we’re back in a room?’ I asked, baffled.
‘No way…I’m aching for you like you would believe,’ she murmured. ‘Sit on the desk and spread your legs. I’ll make you come so fast,’ she promised.
I felt my mouth grow dry listening to her words. I sat down and she moved to sit on the swivel chair before me. Just as she had said, it put me in a position where she could lean forwards and pleasure me. As she parted my legs, I felt a delicious sense of anticipation filling me as I waited for her mouth.
I didn’t have to wait long. Seren was clearly desperate for intimacy as she parted me, leant forwards and began licking me immediately.
I low groan of approval emerged from my throat involuntarily as she trailed her soft tongue along my soft folds. When she reached my clitoris, I cried out with pleasure and reached for my breasts to squeeze and cup my nipples.
Seren’s tongue began insistently licking, suckling and kissing my aching clitoris. I put my hands on the desk behind me to steady myself and then lifted my head skywards as the increasing pressure on my sex drove me to breaking point.
My orgasm hit me hard as her working tongue pushed me higher and higher. Her fingers eased inside me and fucked me rapidly as her mouth worked it’s magic. I cried out, stifling the sound as much as possible, and then gasped repeatedly as the waves of bliss rolled over me. My hips undulated under the pleasure and my nipples were solid peaks after the incredible climax.
‘Oh my God, Seren,’ I murmured, easing down to sit on her lap.
Her mouth found mine and we kissed languidly, her tongue playing with mine erotically. I reached down between us and eased my hand into her trousers and inside her panties. When I reached her silky folds, I rubbed in rhythm, bending to kiss her as I touched her.
As our kiss deepened rapidly, I rubbed her hard and fast, pushing her upwards quickly towards climax. She came with a gasp and a stifled cry of pleasure. As she came down from the heights of orgasm, she pulled me into her arms and we held each other closely. I sank into her embrace thinking only of Seren. As we rested, holding each other tightly, I wondered how I was ever going to be able to walk away from her.
When ten o clock arrived, Seren walked me back to my hotel room. Lingering at the door, she looked down at me with fondness.
‘I better say goodnight then,’ she murmured, stroking my cheek gently with one hand. ‘It wouldn’t be right to stay with Ella right next door-and on the first night she’s here…’
‘No, I agree…but it’s so nice to be back, Seren. I just don’t know how…I mean…’ I trailed off, unable to finish telling her what I was thinking.
‘What, Abby?’
‘I was just thinking…it’s going to be…hard,’ I finally said, glancing up at her while I leant backwards against the wall.
‘What is?’ she asked gently.
‘Leaving,’ I told her, softly. ‘This is just a holiday for me, Seren. What happens when I go back to normal life?’ I questioned, voicing the worries in my head.
She sighed and looked away for a moment. ‘I’m not going to lie-I’ve been thinking the same thing myself,’ she said, sadly. ‘I don’t know, is all I can say right now. I don’t think…well, I don’t can’t imagine that long-distance relationships are that easy to navigate…’
I shook my head. ‘No…definitely not easy…’
‘But…’ she sighed. ‘I just…don’t want this to end,’ she said, softly, her eyes scanning my face. ‘This isn’t just lust for me, Abby. It might have started as a purely physical reaction between us, but I’m happy to admit, it’s become way more than that for me.’
I nodded. ‘And me,’ I replied. ‘So…what do we do?’ I asked.
She shrugged a little and shook her head. ‘I honestly don’t know,’ she replied, scanning my eyes for answers I didn’t have.
I sighed. ‘Enjoy it for what it is right now, perhaps?’ I suggested.
She nodded, but her eyes looked sad. ‘I better go…’ she murmured.
‘Yeah…me too.’
‘I’ll see you in the morning?’
‘Yeah, definitely,’ I smiled. ‘I’ll dream of you,’ I told her softly.
‘You do that,’ she grinned. ‘L…’ Seren went to say something then, and stopped herself with a look of pure and utter shock and disbelief.
I gaped at her, aware of exactly what she had been about to say. I was sure by the stunned surprise in her eyes and the heart hammering in my chest that she had been about to say ‘love you’ as she parted with me.
‘I’d better…go,’ she said, still looking as confused and shocked as I was.
‘I…yeah,’ I almost-whispered.
‘Night Abby.’
‘Night Seren,’ I replied, and then she was gone.
Stepping into the room, I sank onto the nearest chair and burst into tears.
Chapter 14
When Ella returned back to her room half an hour later, I was still sat in the same position on the same chair. I had managed to calm my raging emotions and stop crying but I still felt completely and utterly confused and overwhelmed by them.
‘Hey Mum!’ Ella said, bounding in happily.
I looked over at her and forced a smile. ‘Hey honey. How was your evening?’
‘It was lovely! It’s so beautiful down there. We walked, chatted and then he accompanied me home. He didn’t even try to kiss me! Which is amazing, considering what most boys are like!’ she commented. ‘I hope he does soon though,’ she said, grinning wickedly. ‘He’s so, damn gorgeous.’
> I smiled at her, pleased she was happy-but still felt a deep sense of unhappiness inside me.
‘Mum? Are you alright?’ she asked then, noticing I was out of sorts.
‘Not really, no,’ I murmured, a single tear escaping from my eye.
‘Oh no, what’s wrong?’ she asked, coming to my side.
I looked downwards and the tears escaped in rivers down my cheeks. ‘Oh Ella, I’m just feeling sad…this wasn’t meant to happen…I thought maybe I could enjoy a holiday fling and that would be that, but…but…’
‘But you like her more than that?’ Ella asked quietly.
‘Yes! ‘ I exclaimed, tearfully. ‘But how could that have happened this quickly? And should I be getting involved with someone so soon after what Kate did?’ I questioned.
‘Mum, no-one can answer that but you,’ she said, speaking softly. ‘But I do think you shouldn’t be afraid of loving again. You’ve got years of potential happiness ahead of you. Don’t let one bad experience take that away from you…’
I nodded. ‘You’re right…it just seems so impossible right now. I’m in Bournemouth, Seren’s down here in Devon…’
‘Mum, they’re obstacles, yes-but you’re almost thinking too much about it. It’s early stages, right? Who knows what’s right around the corner?’
I nodded, looking up at her. ‘You’re right,’ I murmured, considering her words. It was all too soon to be thinking like this; it had just thrown me when Seren had almost confessed her feelings towards me.
‘Get some sleep, Mum. Things always look brighter in the morning.’
‘Yeah, okay,’ I murmured.
‘And by the way-if you want to be with Seren at night, I don’t have any problem with it,’ she told me. ‘I’m a big girl now, remember?’
I smiled at her. ‘Thanks, baby,’ I told her. ‘I’ll get some sleep and I’m sure my head will be clearer in the morning.’
‘It’ll work itself out, Mum. I just know it will,’ she said, softly.
‘Thanks, Ella. I love you.’
‘I love you too, Mum. Night,’ she said, kissing me on the cheek.
‘Night honey.’