'Til I Kissed You

by Pam Howes

  ‘No!’ Jess was shocked. ‘She can’t possibly. Why on earth would they suggest we go away to Spain on our own if Mum thought that? Roy and Sammy were at the graveyard earlier when Mum and I took a plant for Nick. Then Roy was here with Dad when we arrived home with the brochures. No one said a word to me that would suggest they’d any suspicions along those lines. Whatever Roy told Sean, it can’t have been that.’

  Jon shrugged. ‘Well, whatever, we have to be very careful from now on.’

  Jess smiled. ‘I know.’

  ‘Listen, Jess, we can’t go on this holiday. It’s not that I don’t want to, because believe me, there’s nothing I’d like better than to spend a whole week just loving you. But it wouldn’t be right, Dad paying for it and everything.’

  She nodded. ‘Now all we have to do is convince Mum and Dad,’ she said as Mum called upstairs to tell them dinner was ready.

  ***

  Over dinner, Eddie had his own suggestion to help relieve Sean’s staffing problems when Jon told him he couldn’t be spared at work.

  ‘I could do your job for a week. I’ve done it before and it would be a nice change,’ he enthused.

  ‘Ed, you can’t,’ Jane protested. ‘Who’d collect the kids from school? No, if Jon can’t take time off, then they can’t go and that’s that.’

  ‘I need a few days off in November to visit Grandma,’ Jon reminded them. ‘Jess will be coming with me so it will be a nice little break for us.’

  Jess nodded. ‘I wouldn’t be able to swim or anything if we were abroad and my wrist and ankle would miss out on physiotherapy for a week. Better if we leave it until next year.’

  Her dad smiled and patted her hand. ‘It’s okay, I don’t mind. I just thought it would do you both good. Actually, you could do me a favour while you’re down in Hastings.’

  ‘What’s that?’ Jon asked, tucking into his lasagne.

  ‘Drive over to Brighton and check on Celia’s place. Make sure the agent’s doing his job properly. I’ll treat you to a night or two in a hotel. The Ship Inn’s nice. It’s right on the front opposite the pier. The band always stayed there when we played The Pavilion.’

  ‘Brilliant, Dad,’ Jon said. ‘We’ll spend a couple of days with Grandma and then a day or two in Brighton. Is that okay with you, Jess?’

  ‘Perfect,’ she replied.

  ‘When are you going to take the house off the market, Dad?’ Jon asked. ‘All you’ve had are silly offers.’

  ‘I don’t know. I signed a contract on a no sale, no fee basis. But the property had to be on for a full six months. I’ll get the paperwork out later and have a look what date I signed it. You can go and see the agent, ask how the property market’s doing. If it doesn’t sell soon I’ll keep it, have some work done and let it for the holiday season.’

  Katie and Dominic, who had been having tea with their grandparents, arrived back at that moment, with Lennon on their heels, creating a noisy diversion.

  ‘Right, you kids, bath and bed,’ Jane ordered, getting up from the table. ‘Will you clear up, Ed and load the dishwasher, please?’

  ‘Yeah, sure. Do you two fancy a bit of a jam session?’ he asked Jon and Jess. ‘Give your wrist a bit of exercise, Jess.’

  They nodded enthusiastically.

  ‘Right then, give me a hand with the dishes and we’ll go and rock!’

  ***

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  Lying in the bubbles, Livvy reflected on Roy’s visit to the shop. Initially upset, as the day wore on her feelings were replaced by anger, and his refusal to allow her a contact number really hurt.

  What the heck did he think she’d do? If she wanted to make a nuisance of herself she could call his home. Anyway, until he moved into his flat he’d be easy enough to track down if the hotel he was staying in was local. The more she tossed the idea around, the more she liked it. Now she’d had all afternoon to mull things over there were things she wished she’d said to him. Clambering out of the bath she wrapped a towel around her middle and made for the lounge.

  She grabbed the Yellow Pages from under the coffee table and turned to hotels. Ruling out the larger establishments near the airport she concentrated on smaller, but exclusive, hotels where Roy might seek more privacy. She tried two without success, but when the receptionist at The Grand in Westlow offered to put her through to Mr Cantello’s room, she hung up, smiling.

  She hurried to her bedroom, carefully applied her makeup and pinned her hair up on top, leaving a few curly tendrils round her face. She pulled on black lacy knickers and a matching bra, then, having second thoughts, took the bra off. She slipped into a black, below the knee dress with a seductive side slit. Silky hold up stockings and black high-heels finished the look.

  She checked her appearance in the full-length mirror. Another week or two and she’d be unable to wear this dress. It clung to every curve, accentuating her baby bump, and the low cut neckline showed off her new cleavage to perfection. Picturing Roy’s face when he set eyes on her, she grabbed her car keys and handbag and before her nerve deserted her, dashed out to the car and drove the few miles to Westlow.

  She could see Roy’s car halfway down the car park. A quick glance round told her Sammy’s Porsche wasn’t here. She parked her Mini at the bottom behind a van. If by any chance Sammy arrived later, the car would be out of sight. Sammy would have no forewarning of her presence and may even find her and Roy together at the bar. On the other hand, what if Sammy was already here? Roy might have picked her up. She may even have arrived by taxi. They could be having dinner together right now in the hotel restaurant. ‘Stop being a wimp, Liv,’ she muttered as she climbed out of the car. She smoothed her dress over her bump and went inside. A round-faced redhead on reception eyed her up and down.

  ‘Good evening. Can I help you?’

  ‘Yes, I’m looking for Roy Cantello.’

  ‘Mr Cantello’s in the bar.’ The girl pointed to double glass doors opposite the desk.

  ‘Thank you.’ Livvy turned and walked towards the doors, feeling the girl’s eyes burning into her. Dare she go in? She hesitated momentarily. Sod it! Why shouldn’t she? As far as she was concerned, there was unfinished business between her and Roy. She pushed open the doors and strolled boldly through.

  ***

  She spotted Roy immediately. He was sitting alone on a small sofa reading a newspaper. He had his back to her, giving her an advantage. She saw him reach out to the table in front and pick up a glass. She waited until he’d taken a sip and returned the glass before she approached him.

  She tapped him lightly on the shoulder and he spun round, frowning.

  His eyes widened with shock. ‘How the hell did you find me?’

  ‘I let my fingers do the walking!’

  ‘Huh?’

  ‘Yellow pages –’

  ‘Oh. Right. But why? I thought I covered everything this morning.’

  ‘You might have had your say, but I didn’t. Do you mind if I sit down?’

  ‘Feel free.’ He moved over and made room.

  Heart pounding, she sat beside him, crossing her legs. Her slit skirt revealed a lacy stocking top, which, she observed, didn’t go unnoticed.

  ‘Would you like a drink?’ He knocked back the remainder of his brandy. ‘I could do with another of these.’

  ‘Orange juice, please.’

  He frowned. ‘Oh, of course, no alcohol. Well at least you’re looking after the baby.’

  Her eyes followed him as he walked to the bar. He looked good in smart black trousers and a cream shirt. Her palms were sweating and she wiped them on the plush velvet pile of the sofa. She smiled as he came back, placed the drinks on the table and sat down besides her, draping his arm across the back of the sofa.

  He touched the loose tendrils of hair on the nape of her neck.

  ‘It’s a bloody good job Sammy’s not here tonight!’

  ‘If her car had been outside I would have gone straight home,’ she said.

 
He nodded and stared at her cleavage. ‘You look nice, all round and womanly. So - have your drink, tell me what you want to say and then you’d better go, just in case Sam does decide to turn up.’

  She leant forward to pick up her drink. Her breasts jiggled with the movement and she could feel her nipples stiffening as they rubbed against the fabric of her dress.

  ‘Is that likely?’

  He shrugged. ‘Probably not, but you never know.’

  ‘I’ll take my chance.’

  ‘Suit yourself.’ He peeled his eyes away from her, picked up his drink and knocked it back. ‘Should have got a double. I’ll get another.’

  As he went back to the bar she took a sip of her drink. He was nervous, she could tell, but she was feeling braver by the minute.

  ‘Come on then,’ he said as he sat back down. ‘What is it you want to say?’

  ‘You upset me today,’ she began, forcing a tear. ‘I can’t believe you don’t want to see me again after everything we’ve been to one another.’ She took a tissue from her bag and dabbed her eyes. ‘I’m carrying your child, Roy. Doesn’t it count for anything?’ She watched as he gulped down a mouthful of brandy and twiddled the stem of his glass.

  ‘Of course it does. But I’m terrified of losing Sam and Jason, and everything I’ve worked for. It’s over between us. It has to be.’

  ‘But I don’t want it to be over.’ She took another sip of orange juice. She could see beads of sweat forming on his top lip.

  He was silent for a few seconds before replying. ‘Well it is. I’ve nothing more to say.’ He finished his drink and stood up. ‘Come on, I’ll walk you to your car then I’m having dinner and an early night.’

  ‘I haven’t eaten yet,’ she said, fanning herself with her hand. ‘I feel quite faint. It must be the stress of coming here.’ She forced more tears as he helped her to her feet.

  ‘You need some fresh air,’ he said, leading her towards the door, but she pulled back.

  ‘It’s food I need, not fresh air.’ She shrugged his hands away and watched his face as his jaw tightened.

  ‘Go home then and get something to eat. You shouldn’t have come here. Like I told you, it’s over, there’s nothing more to say.’

  She glanced around. The bar was fairly crowded and people were watching them. Perfect, he wouldn’t want a scene in public.

  ‘How can you treat me this way?’ she wailed. ‘The least you can do is buy me dinner.’

  Roy eyes darkened and he pushed his hands in his pockets. ‘No - I can’t. Please go home.’

  ‘I’m hungry,’ she said, raising her voice. ‘One meal - I’m not asking for much.’ She lowered her voice slightly. ‘After all, thanks to you I’m feeding two!’ She patted her bump.

  Roy steered her out to reception. ‘What the hell are you playing at?’ he said, shaking her arm. ‘Everybody’s looking at us.’

  ‘I’m not playing at anything,’ she cried. ‘Nobody heard me. Anyway, they’ll probably all think you’re my dad!’

  ‘Hardly,’ he replied. ‘People know who I am and that I don’t have a daughter. It’ll be all round bloody Westlow tomorrow. That’s not going to do much for Sammy and Jason, is it?’

  ‘Sorry. But I’m hungry.’ She could see the redheaded receptionist staring at them as Roy ran his hands through his hair. ‘Would it kill you to eat with me? If anyone asks you can say I’m the daughter of a friend.’

  ‘Okay,’ he said. ‘Just calm down. We’ll eat and then you go. Right?’

  She smiled through her tears. ‘I’ll pop to the ladies and tidy my face. Will you wait here for me?’

  ‘No. I’ll be in the restaurant. Join me when you’re ready.’

  She nodded as he went through the swing doors. She turned to the redhead. ‘Ladies room?’

  The girl pointed towards a corridor. ‘Two doors down on the right.’

  ‘Thank you.’ Livvy said and hurried away.

  ***

  Livvy looked around and smiled. The ladies was plush with marble sinks, soft pink towels and fresh flowers. She could get used this. She dabbed her cheeks to remove the mascara smudges and touched up her lipstick. She pulled down a few more curly tendrils and adjusted her cleavage, pleased that she’d chosen to wear her best dress. A quick spray of perfume, a deep breath and she was ready to join him.

  ***

  Roy ordered their food while Livvy gazed at her surroundings, taking in the elegantly dressed windows and rich patterned carpet. The restaurant was fairly quiet and they were seated in a private alcove. She turned to Roy, who was staring at her. There was something in his eyes. She wasn’t sure what, but he seemed more relaxed now than he’d been in the bar.

  ‘You okay?’ he asked.

  She nodded. ‘I’ve never been anywhere this posh before. Have you?’

  ‘Frequently,’ he replied. ‘When the band was at the height of its fame we stayed in some of the best hotels in the world. It’s boring after the first half dozen or so. Hotel living can be very lonely.’

  ‘Poor Roy,’ she said, reaching for his hand. ‘It’s my fault you’re here.’

  He jerked his hand away as the waiter brought over a bottle of wine.

  ‘Madam?’

  ‘A drop, please,’ she replied. The waiter half filled her glass and turned to Roy who nodded.

  ‘Fill it up. Don’t worry about me,’ he said to her as the waiter walked away. ‘I’m a big boy now; I can look after myself. How’s work been today? Are Sean and Jon still being supportive?’

  She nodded as another waiter placed a prawn and melon starter in front of her.

  ‘Jon’s been a bit on edge today about something. Sean kept sending me out of the way, so I couldn’t find out what was going on. Jess called Jon this morning and after that he seemed worse.’

  ‘Really?’ Roy raised an eyebrow. ‘Perhaps he and Jess had a falling out. You know what siblings are like.’

  ‘Actually, I don’t. I’m an only child.’

  ‘Of course. Sorry, I forgot. Is there no one at all you can turn to besides me?’

  ‘You know there isn’t,’ she replied. ‘You’re so bothered about losing everything, but me, well - I’ve nothing to lose.’ She toyed with her starter, poking it around the plate.

  ‘Thought you were hungry,’ he said. ‘Better get stuck in.’ He knocked back his wine and picked up the bottle. ‘Want another drop?’

  She shook her head.

  ‘All the more for me then.

  After the main course, Roy finished the last of the wine and ordered coffees and a double brandy.

  Livvy glanced at her watch. It was after ten. He’d hardly said a word during the meal, but was mellow and smiling now. He lit a cigarette and looked at her through a cloud of smoke. His eyes spoke volumes.

  ‘I suppose I’d better go,’ she said and pushed her chair back.

  Roy nodded and stood up. ‘I’ll walk you to your car.’

  She sighed as he took her arm and led her outside. He seemed distant again as he strolled beside her. Tonight wasn’t going to end the way she was hoping it would. She unlocked the car door and stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek.

  ‘Is that all I get,’ he teased as she moved away.

  ‘It’s all you deserve.’

  He sighed and pulled her into his arms. He held her close and spoke into her hair.

  ‘I’m sorry. I know I’ve hurt you. But I don’t know what else to do.’ He tilted her chin and planted a gentle kiss on her lips.

  She seized her moment and kissed him hard. She clung to him as his hands ran down her back and he grabbed her buttocks, pulling her close.

  ‘Christ,’ he said, stepping back. ‘That wasn’t supposed to happen.’

  She moved in for another kiss. She could feel him twitching against her and ran her hand over his crotch. He lifted her off her feet, kissing her again.

  ‘Now look what you’ve done,’ he grinned. ‘You’d better go.’

  She smiled into his shoulder. ‘Ar
e you sure?’ She looked into his eyes, searching his face.

  ‘No,’ he sighed, and stared at a place above her head. She held her breath.

  ‘Stay with me,’ he whispered.

  She nodded. ‘Will it be okay?’

  ‘Yeah. Sam’s collecting me in the morning around eleven, but you’ll be gone before then.’

  ‘I’ll need to leave early to go home and get ready for work,’ she said. ‘I’ve nothing with me. No clothes or shampoo. Not even a toothbrush.’

  ‘There’s shampoo in the room and you can use my toothbrush,’ he said.

  ‘It’s a deal.’

  ‘Come on, let’s go. I’ll ask for an alarm call.’ He took her hand and led her back inside.

  ‘An alarm call and two room service breakfasts for 7:30 please, Sharon,’ he said to the redheaded receptionist. ‘And no calls to my room tonight.’

  ‘Certainly, Roy,’ Sharon replied.

  ***

  ‘Oh, it’s gorgeous,’ Livvy gasped as she stepped into his suite. ‘Pink’s my favourite colour, its so - so me!’

  He nodded. ‘Yeah, it’s not bad. Bit fussy for my taste, but it serves its purpose. There’s a Jacuzzi in the bathroom. Go fill it and we’ll jump in together.’

  ‘Okay.’ She hurried into the bathroom and turned on the taps. She smiled at her refection in the mirror. One more night with him and she’d be able to persuade him there should be more. She didn’t object to being his mistress. What she did object to was no contact at all and she was sure now that that wasn’t his choice. It was Sammy laying down the rules. She strolled back into the room. He was rummaging in the mini bar and produced a small bottle of brandy. He unscrewed the top and slugged it from the bottle.

  ‘I need to call Sammy in a minute,’ he said.

  She nodded. ‘Unzip me.’ She stood with her back to him and he kissed the nape of her neck as he pulled down the zip of her dress. She stepped out of it, slipped it on a hanger and hung it in the wardrobe. She could feel his eyes burning into her, taking in her stockings and skimpy lace knickers. She turned and smiled as he knelt in front of her.