by Dani Lovell
"Crikey, that was some game of tonsil tennis you had going on there, Bea, are you sure you don't want to see him again?"
I clasp my hands together over my heart and briefly close my eyes. "Oh Tils, you have no idea how much I want to see that man again, he was... unbelievable. But I can't do it to myself. This was fun, but if I see him again, I know I'll like him even more and I'll have to leave the states in nine days feeling miserable. Holiday romances always make me feel like crap when I return home. That is the last thing I want right now. I want a fun, fabulous holiday with my old chum knowing that I had the most exciting flight of my entire life on the way."
"Good for you, love. I totally understand." Tilly gives me a reassuring smile and we continue to passport control.
Walking through arrivals a while later, we find Gemmas husband, Jay, waiting for us. We head straight for the car and arrive at the house in no time. Gemma is hopping up and down on the doorstep as we arrive and Tilly practically falls out of the car to get to her. I help Jay get the suitcases out of the boot and make my way over to the reunited sisters.
Gemma releases Tilly and offers me a warm hug. I've always gotten on well with Tilly's older sister, they're so alike, if you love one, you'll find it hard not to love the other. They even look the same, only Gemma has blonde hair, where Tilly's is golden brown with a cute, heavy fringe. They both have identical hazel eyes and dainty, elfin features. Tilly is tiny at 5'3" with a very petite frame, and Gemma is much the same, maybe a touch taller. She moved to LA about eight years ago, but the pair have remained just as close as they always were.
"Where's Jack?" Tilly asks her sister.
"He's sleeping now, I tried to keep him up but he was too tired. He'll be up bright and early to pester you tomorrow though."
"Good! I can't wait!"
Hmm. I picture a three year old bursting into my bedroom at some god forsaken hour, jumping on my bed and screaming at the top of his lungs. Oh dear god, is that what I've signed up for? I seriously hope not. I try to push that thought to the back of my mind and hope for the best.
We walk through the huge, beautiful lounge towards the sliding double doors that lead out onto the deck. The outside lights glisten in the water of the pool in front of us and the warm breeze makes a wonderful change to what we're used to at home. To the right of the pool, a couple of wide steps lead up to another sun deck, belonging to the pretty pool-house.
"This is stunning, Gemma, I love it!"
"Thank you Bea, I'm glad you think so. We built the pool-house for friends and relatives coming over from the UK and wanted it to feel like a holiday haven, so I hope you like it inside, too."
"I'm sure I'll love it, thank you so much for having me at such short notice."
"Nonsense, Bea, we're happy to have you. It's about time you came to visit!" she replies, warmly.
"I'm actually starting to feel exhausted now, so I think I'll probably head in to unpack before hitting the hay, that ok with everyone?"
"Of course, love," Tilly replies, "you go and make a start and I'll be in in a bit."
Jay has left my suitcase in the pool-house for me so I head up the steps towards the french doors. I take a look at the pretty little house, it's a white, wooden house with a tiled roof. Very quaint. The front has double french doors with full length windows on either side.
I open the doors and walk into a stunning, nautical themed lounge room, the slatted wood walls and floor have been lightly white washed and a giant hessian rug covers most of the floor. The two plush sofas with washed-navy and white stripes, are crying out for me to kick back and take a seat. The curtains at the windows and doors match the fabric of the sofa and a pale blue chenille throw sits on the arm of each sofa.
The stylish, white, antique furniture, housing a selection of navy and white vases, pots and candle holders, compliments the room perfectly. The table in front of the sofas has a pale blue vase filled with beautiful, short stemmed white roses. My favourites.
To the left of the french doors is a round white dining table and four chairs. The table is already set, with a vase of white roses in the centre. It's just like a mini show home. It's all very much my taste, I love it!
Beyond the table is a small kitchen which I'll explore later, and to the right of the living area is a small but ever-so-pretty bedroom. The walls are again white washed, and the double bed is the fluffiest, cosiest bed I've ever seen. A door leads to the small bathroom which has another door, giving access the lounge too. This really is a haven, I feel so lucky to be here.
I put some of my clothes in the chest of drawers in the lounge, making sure I leave room for Tilly's clothes, and hang most of my other bits in the large wardrobe in the bedroom. It took much less time than I thought, so I wander out onto the deck to soak in the lovely LA evening, before bed.
Tilly strolls out of the main house with two cups of tea and a packet of chocolate chip cookies, and joins me on the deck. Handing me a cup she says, "Thought you might like this, I know I need one after that long, hellish journey." She winks.
"Ya sweetie, I don't think I'll ever be able to travel in upper class again! Yes, thanks Til, a cuppa is exactly what I need." We sit on the pool-house deck at the companion seat and look up at the clear, California night sky. My mind floats back to my magical flight with hot stuff.
"Thinking about him?" Tilly asks, a moment later.
"You can tell?"
"I just know you. I'd like some of the juicy goss now, if you don't mind. Gem's leaving us to it for the night, I've told her I'm having this and then going to bed, so... dish!"
Sitting out here, under the stars with a cup of tea, discussing my encounter with the 'hot slice', I feel warm and fuzzy, and although I do wish I could see him again, I'm happy to have had the chance to meet him. This is so relaxing, and I love my darling friends so much for making me come here.
We decide that Tilly can take the bedroom and I'll sleep on the sofa bed, which - buy the looks of it - is just as comfortable as the bed. Tilly says that it's been made clear, by Gemma, that these are our quarters while we're here, we can come and go as we please and leave it as messy as we like. Neither Gemma, nor Jay will be coming in here, so we should treat it like home. Jack has been told that the pool-house is out of bounds and under no circumstance is he allowed to bring toys, musical instruments or 'loud behaviour' anywhere near our decking area before ten a.m. Music to my ears. Hallelujah!
When we've finished setting up the sofa-bed, I give Tilly a big, grateful hug. "Thank you so much for making me come here, I just know I'm going to have an amazing time. You're so sweet to let me share your holiday. Love you."
"Love you too. You are welcome and I am so excited that you're here with me, I can't wait to take you to fabulous shops and out for yummy food!"
"Squee!" I cry, clapping my hands excitedly, like a child.
"Night Bea, see you in the morning."
"Night night, doll."
Tilly smiles before she closes the door to the bedroom and I get snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug in the most comfortable sofa-bed I've ever slept it. I close my eyes and let my mind wander to Daniel Berkeley and his beautiful mouth. Mmm...
CHAPTER THREE
SATURDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER
A sharp slap on my backside rudely awakens me from my heavenly dream about 'you-know-who'.
"Wakey wakey, sleepy head." Tilly is sitting on the side of the sofa-bed with a huge grin on her face. I realise that my night dress has risen up to my ribs, and where I've kicked the duvet off in my sleep, my bottom is hanging right out there for all to see. Thank god the curtains are still shut.
Covering myself, I smile over at Tilly. "Good morning, sunshine! Apologies for that, at such an early hour too," I laugh, referring to my thong-clad behind.
"No worries, it's not like I've never seen it before. Sleep well?"
"Mmm, like a dream." A big, stupid grin spreads across my face.
"Yes, I bet you did dream, about Sexy McHottie, no doubt. What d
o you fancy doing today? The sun is shining and it's a glorious morning, we can either stay by the pool and catch some rays or head out for some retail therapy."
"I really need to buy some Hanky Panky knickers while I'm here, but I don't need to do that today. Shall we laze by the pool so you can catch up with your sister?"
"Sounds perfect, and then we can head out to The Grove tomorrow. I know Nordstrom sell Hanky Pankys, that's where I got them last time."
"Great. I'll go and get my bikini on then!"
I'm looking forward to getting out and about, exploring and soaking in all things 'California', but I know Tilly is desperate to spend time with her sister and nephew, and a day by the pool will be fabulous. A far cry from life at home! I'd like to catch some sun too, I'm feeling a bit pasty sat here in the glamour of Hollywood.
We make breakfast in the little kitchen - Gemma has stocked it with everything imaginable - and head out to eat on our deck. The weather is fantastic and there is a lovely smell in the air - fresh - different to home. Gemma comes out with Jack, the cutest little boy with gorgeous blonde curly locks, and they sit on the steps chatting to us while we eat.
We spend the day sunbathing, laughing and playing in the water with Jack. When he went inside for some 'quiet time' during the afternoon, Tilly and I floated in the pool on huge armchair lilos and caught some more rays. Perfectly relaxing, just what I needed to take my mind off the teasing memories of Sexy Berkeley.
When the sun started to set, Jay and Gemma prepared a sumptuous barbecue feast for dinner on the main deck. We all sat around the table, talking about the UK, Tilly's job and the cakery, filling Gemma in on everything that's happening at home. When Gemma and Jay headed into the main house to retire for the evening, Tilly and I sat out on the pool-house deck, each with a throw from the sofas around us, drinking red wine and staring at the wonderful, clear night sky. We toasted California with one more glass of wine before heading in for a long, uninterrupted, very dreamy sleep.
CHAPTER FOUR
SUNDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER
I wake to the sounds of Tilly filling the kettle in the kitchen. Although the curtains are still closed, the french doors are open, sending a refreshing breeze through the room. My bottom is, thankfully, not making an appearance this morning. I stretch and revel in the glory of waking up in this heavenly place."Morning," I call into the kitchen from under my cosy duvet.
"Oh you're up! How did you sleep?" Tilly walks to the doorway and pokes her head out.
"Amazingly, thank you. How about you?"
"Oh me too, I always do here. It's times like this that I wish I lived here, dark circles would be a thing of the past."
"Oh wow, that would be amazing. I know Clare and I would miss you like mad, but you could easily come and live over here, Til."
"Yeah, I've thought about it, but I don't think I could. I'd miss everything at home too much and there's all the Visa stuff to think about."
"I suppose, but it would be fabulous."
At eleven thirty, Gemma drops us by a fabulous looking apartment complex opposite The Grove, on her way to a 'Mummy/toddler' class, with Jack. The sun is shining and it's a beautifully hot day. I'm glad I wore my short, white, shirt dress, it's perfect. The tan ankle boots will probably be a little warm, in hindsight, but never mind, they look good.
We look around a couple of shops, before our bellies start to rumble. Tilly told me about a place she goes to with Gemma for noodles in the Farmer's Market, a few minutes away, so we decide to go there and head back to the shops afterwards. The market is very busy, but it's so vibrant and energetic, and the aromas are delectable. Tilly points to the noodle place and we approach the queue.
The line inches forward slowly and I contemplate the options on the menu plaque, it all looks mouthwatering. Just as I'm about to ask Tilly what dish she recommends, a familiar, velvety voice takes me by complete surprise. "Well, Miss Hart, what a wonderful surprise."
I turn so quickly, I'm surprised I don't do damage to my neck. Jesus Christ, he's here, hot-pants himself. The very man who has dominated my dreams for the past two nights, stands before me looking... exquisite. I'm stunned into silence for a few moments while I gawk at this hot slice of heaven.
"Oh my god..." I just about manage, "Sexy Berkeley..."
His smile is magnificent as he raises his eyebrows. Tilly bursts out laughing and only then do I realise what I've called him. "Oh, um, I mean, Daniel!" I can't help but giggle, I'm not used to being so dumb-struck by a man's presence.
He puts his hand on the small of my back and kisses my cheek. The skin on skin contact is electric, I feel the tingle immediately and close my eyes to inhale his divine scent, melting into him. He draws away slowly and offers a cheek to Tilly. She presses her cheek against his and immediately pushes in front of me to order for the both of us. I wouldn't care if she ordered me a plate of dead rats right now, Daniel Berkeley is in front of me, looking hot to trot in navy Ralph Lauren shorts and a brilliant-white polo shirt. His face is even more beautiful than I remember. His collar is standing up against his neck in the sexiest way. Mmm...
"Bea, how are you? It's so great to see you. How unexpected!"
"I'm very well, thank you. A little shocked to see you, as I'm sure you can tell! How are you?"
"I'm good, all the better for seeing you." He smiles a shy and utterly gorgeous smile as he slides his hands in his pockets and rocks back on his heels. Tilly arrives at our sides with two plates of... something - who cares - I'm far too interested in Sexy over here.
"Oh, please join us, we're sitting right here."
Us? We? Oh please god, don't be with a girl... Please? He wouldn't invite us to join him and another woman... would he?
He gestures towards a round table with another unbelievable hottie sitting at it. Christ, do you have to be ridiculously handsome around here or something?
"We don't want to intrude, Daniel." I mumble, still in a state of shock.
"No, please, it would be our pleasure to have you join us." He walks ahead of us to the table. I look at Tilly and she shrugs, smirking, before she turns to see Daniel's gorgeous friend rise from the table. Her tongue practically rolls out into her noodles. He is stunningly attractive, remarkably well built and dons the most handsome smile. Ok, maybe not as handsome as Daniel's, but I know Tilly is peeing her knickers with excitement, looking at him.
"Luke, I'd like you to meet Beatrice, and her friend Tilly, I met them both on the flight from London on Friday."
Luke gives Daniel a knowing nod before shaking my hand. "Well, what a coincidence. It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Hart." He turns to Tilly and I grab the plates so that she has a free hand.
"Miss Burton, enchanted." He lifts her hand to his mouth and holds her gaze as he kisses her knuckles, winking sexily. Ah, so he's a smooth talking mother fucker too. We have no chance!
We all sit around the table, Daniel sits opposite Luke and scoots his chair around a bit so Tilly and I can sit together. Daniel and Luke pick up their forks and continue eating while Tilly and I poke about with ours.
"So Beatrice, what brings you here today? Are you staying nearby?" Daniel asks.
"Tilly's sister's house is about fifteen or twenty minutes away, and we decided to do a spot of shopping here. Do you live around here?"
"I live over in Hollywood and Vine, but Luke lives across the street at The Palazzo, so we come over here quite a lot."
"Oh ok, I think that's where we got dropped off, it looks lovely."
"Yeah, I used to live there with Luke, it's a great location."
"Tilly, that's an unusual name," Luke says to Tilly.
"Um, thank you, I think? Luke, that's... not a particularly unusual name." She shoots him her cheeky smile and a wink. I can feel the sexual chemistry between them already!
I look at Daniel and he's watching me, intently, with a slight smile on his face. His eyes are sublime in the natural light of day, it's almost like a creamy turquoise, the palest greeny-blue. "B
ea, I'm just so stunned to see you. I thought our 'goodbye' at the airport was the last I'd see of you, but here you are, sat at my table at the Farmer's Market. Well what d'ya know." He grins and shakes his head, raising another forkful of noodles to his mouth, reminding me that I have a plate of untouched food in front of me. I hook my fork into some noodles and pop it in my mouth. It tastes unbelievable.
"Mmm, this is amazing!" I mumble, covering my mouth with my fingertips.
"I know, right? Luke and I eat here all the time."
"So, where are you ladies headed after this?" Luke asks.
"Well, Bea wants to go to Nordstrom..." Please Tilly, please don't tell them why I want to go to Nordstrom. "...To buy some hot, kinky underwear." You little witch! She looks at me and giggles her 'I'm-gonna-get-in-trouble-for-that-later' laugh, nudging me with her elbow.
I notice Daniel look up from his plate with his mouth ajar, holding his fork mid-air. "Whoa, is that true or is she just trying to embarrass you?"
Heat rushes to my cheeks, I must be the colour of ketchup. "Um, probably a bit of both actually, although you can take out the kinky part. Thanks for that Til."
She looks thoroughly pleased with herself and continues. "And I want to get something for my little nephew. Then, I planned to take Bea for a drink somewhere. What are you two up to? Wanna come?" she directs the question to Luke and takes a long, obvious look from head to toe, checking him out. He mirrors her perfectly and they both grin salaciously at each other.
Daniel answers the question, "Well, I'm not sure about you two," gesturing towards Luke and Tilly, "I think you might need to get a room, but Luke and I were planning on heading over to the Apple store. Why don't we all go shop together? There's something I need to pick up in Nordstrom, too."
The thought of spending leisurely time with Daniel is exciting. On the plane, our time was limited, and although I'm slightly embarrassed by how forward I was, it was thrilling. Out at the shops, strolling with Tilly and Luke too, maybe I won't feel the need to tear his clothes off and jump him every five minutes. Who am I kidding?