by K. L. Jessop
“You’re a gorgeous woman, Amelia. I see now why my boy won’t stop talking of you.” Mum says with honesty placing a kiss on her cheek. Amelia smiles, fisting the back of my shirt trying to gain control of her emotions. “Now, Marcus, forget the coffee and get the wine. Us ladies need to get to know each other and talk about you as a young boy. Thank god I left the family album back home.” She chuckles, walking back into the kitchen and raiding the cupboards for glasses. Five minutes of being here her tired eyes have come to life and the stress of the city has vanished as she’s make herself at home.
Amelia moves from my hold but I pull her back. “I’m sorry babe I didn’t think.”
“It’s ok, least I don’t have to worry about covering up. All I need to do now is show her my panty collection and we’re all good,” she smiles placing a kiss on my lips. “I’ll just go get dressed.”
You know that feeling of dread that runs through you when you first take your girlfriend to meet your parents, and you’re unsure if they’d like each other? I have no worries. Mum and Amelia have done nothing but talk and giggle at stupid woman stuff since the wine was opened. It’s as if they’ve known each other for years and just catching up on a reunion. It was never like this when she first met Sadie, they hardly spoke and if they did it left an awkward atmosphere. But as I watch these two from across the living room I can’t help the smile that’s currently taken over my face.
“So, Amelia, Marcus said you’re going to the Kingston Ball on Friday? Not that I’m jealous or anything. Have you got a dress yet?”
“I got it a few weeks back. I’m super nervous though. Keep having visions of falling down the stairs because I can’t see my feet.”
“You’ll be fine. I love that they’ve still kept the tradition of entry, so magical. Would you let me do your hair? I use to love doing my daughters hair.”
Amelia’s eye glisten and I know exactly who she’s thinking about at this moment. Every girl want’s their mum to be around when parading around in a big posh dress with hair pieces and jewellery, regardless of the occasion. It’s female thing. “I’d like that, Rosa, thank you.”
“Babe, if we’re meeting Megan we need to get going. She’s text me twice asking if you’ve fallen off the earth.”
Amelia looks at the phone, “Shit it’s on silent. Rosa, do you want to come to the beach with us?”
“I’d love too.”
One of the best scenes in Spring Rose was the view of the sunset down on Briston beach. Setting in the west of the coast the scorching summer sun never failed to provide a spectacular picture postcard of vivid colours as the silhouette of Briston pier ran along the skyline. The view from Amelia’s front porch was good but nothing compared to down on the beach. Most evenings were spent walking along the sands with Amelia, eating chips from paper cones and talking about our plans. This evening was no different other than the company of Megan and Mum.
“Oh look, Marcus...there’s a seagull. Shall I feed him some chips?” Amelia teased as she sat between my legs knowing of my phobia.
“Don’t even think about it. You know I don’t li-”
She did. I immediately felt my body tense. “Amelia, what the fuck?”
“Hang on a minute, you spend nearly half the year at the coast and you have a fear of seabirds?” Megan questions, lifting her shades up to look at me with the naked eye. The gull scuttled its way towards where Amelia had thrown her chip, the cold sweat begin to run through my veins and I swear it’s eyes were only focused on me.
“He use to run from them screaming as a kid. A few times he wet his pants.”
“Mum!” The three women around me fell into fits of laughter and I suddenly felt outnumbered by their torment. Where the fucks Andrew when I need him?
“Ah babe, I’m sorry, but you do look kinda cute when you’re scared.” Amelia smiles, running her finger down my cheek before getting up to dust off her ass. Pulling her hair back into a sexy messy bun she taps Megan on the ass with her foot. “Come on I want to go down to the water. Sunset isn’t for another hour so these two beauties can catch up.”
They race each other to the water squealing and shrieking as they go causing heads to turn and a smile to plaster my face. I love seeing her like this.
“You were right when you said she was pretty. I like her.” Mum says knowing her mind is running with questions. “Marcus, what happened to her?”
“She was in a violent relationship,” I sigh, thinking back to the night of her admission. “She’s restless at times, anxious and often has nightmares that scare me shitless. She looked so lost when I found her. I had this instant feeling come over me that I knew she was different, special. I just wanted to protect her.”
“What about her parents are they around?” she takes her eye from Amelia and Megan and looks back at me.
“Her mum died years ago and her dad couldn’t cope with their similarities so shut her off. That’s when she found the fucker that done that to her.”
“Grieving and looking to be loved. She must have been so alone.”
I rest my arms on my knees as I watch Amelia and Megan doing cartwheel along the shore, both in fits of laughter as the waves catch Megan unexpectedly. My hearts smiling at the pair of them together and the happiness that radiates around Amelia, wondering if she will still be this content if I left her behind. My gut twists at the thought. “I never expected this. I come back here for two things, little work and a lot of surf. Amelia’s stole that from me but in the best way. I’ve done more work than I’ve surfed because I spend work days with her. I’m at the beach with her. And I know if I go back my ability to focus on the job won’t be to the standard I’d like because there’ll be something missing.”
“So, what are you saying?”
“I can’t leave her mum, not now that I’ve found her. I’ve not felt like this before, not even with Sadie. I can’t stand not being around her and I can never get her out my mind. I’m too far in to let her go.”
She places her hand on my arm, a soft smile graces her lips. “Then you know what you need to do. Only you can make that decision, Marcus, and whatever you decided I’ll be with you every step of the way.” I knew mum would be with me on whatever I decide. However Amelia only gives away so much and I’m still breaking down her walls. It’s a risk but my only hope is that the red headed beauty that’s stole my heart would consider handing me hers.
Chapter Twenty-One
Amelia
“No, Marcus, we can’t.” I whisper high-pitched as I slap his hand.
“Why not?”
“Because your mother is in the next room.”
“But I’m hard.”
“Well go have a shower and rub down or something.” His low laugh tickles my skin as he kissed his way further down my body, trying to make me give into my weakness for his firm body so his morning glory could be petted.
“You look incredibly sexy this morning, Amelia, did I tell you that?” he questions with a kiss.
“You did.”
“And did I tell you do crazy things to me when you’re within my presence and I think about fucking you every minute.”
“You did.” I say on a sigh as he reaches my navel. My pussy is aching for him right now but I’m not giving in. I place my hands around his biceps to pull him back so I can see his eyes, taking his cheeks in one hand so his mouth is squashed. “And did I tell you that your mother is next door and sex is off limits till we’re back at mine?”
“Not even just a little bit?” he said through his crushed cheeks, a disappointed look on his face.
“Nope, not even a little bit.”
“Ugh.” He collapsed on the other side of the bed giving me the opportunity to escape from the covers. Today was the day of the ball and I was super excited as well as having the odd wave of nervous grant my belly, it would be the first big event were Megan wouldn’t be at arm’s reach if I needed her.
“Morning, sweetie, can you believe people go to the extreme
of making themselves look younger but end up like this?” Rosa was sat at the breakfast bar looking over the morning paper, turning it she shows a person that appears to be a woman with her lips fuller than a rugby player with a gum shield.
“Eww nasty. You want coffee?”
“I’m good thanks honey.” I make my drink and sit on the bar stools beside her. “So what are we doing with these pretty locks today?” she says, running her hand through my hair. It’s surreal how well we’re getting on when she’s only been here two days. It’s like I’ve known her a lifetime.
“Well I was thinking of having it up, I bought a silver pin with beads and pearls to hold it with.”
“Sounds lovely, when shall we get started?”
“Well I’m of for a run shortly so once I’m back. And as soon as Marcus gets up.”
“Great, I’ll just go get sorted. We’ll do your nails too.” She finishes her coffee and places her cup in the sink. As she goes down the hall towards the bedrooms I hear her shout. “Marcus, you’re no longer a teenager, get your lazy ass out of bed. I need to get preparation under way to make your girl look glamorous.” Leaving me chuckling to myself in the kitchen.
Marcus hit the gym before heading to The Grand for a few hours and left us ladies in making me look the part for the activities ahead. Megan’s painting my nails a soft pink as Rosa curls my hair before placing it up in the hairpiece. All I need now is for someone to give me a foot massage and do my make-up and I’ll feel like a celebrity.
“I wish I could go with you. Why is it always management that goes to these things? A receptionist is just as important.”
“I’m sure Marcus would happily let you come with us babe but sadly you can’t dance on their tables.” I tease.
“I danced on tables once in my younger days. That was the first and last time.” Rosa chuckled.
“What happened?”
“I was trying to gain attention off this guy with my provocative dances moves when I misplaced my footing falling into a group below, not only was that bad enough, as I got up I stumbled forward and grabbed the legs of another guy to stop myself,” she paused and reached for a hair pin. “I fell so hard I pulled his trousers down and we both stumbled to the ground, I fell face down onto his cock…He was commando underneath.” Our giggles play out in the room as she relived the memory. “I was mortified and hide myself away for weeks.”
“Well I’ve never managed to do that when out, even with half of Rubies bar inside me.” Megan chuckled.
“Oh there’s time yet, Megan.” Rosa chuckled.
***
Kingston Hotel was like the inside of a history theatre. The height of each room was endless as thick archways held the carved cream and gold ceiling, flowing down to the wide marble staircase. The tradition of these events usually meant the women followed the men separately after their arrival and then reunited with each other at the top of the stairs before the evening started to take place. I couldn’t do that and I knew that Marcus knew I couldn’t do that as I’m freaking out already. He booked a double room with two en suites so we could dress separately without seeing each other but I’d know he was close.
“Just breathe and relax. I’ll see you soon.” He cupped my cheeks and kissed me before disappearing to the far end of the suite to change and leave ahead of me.
I applied my light grey eye shadow to each eye and blended it together with a silver shimmer, black eyeliner along the upper lids and a couple sweeps of mascara over my lashes. Finishing it off with a touch of blusher and a smack of the lips once applying my soft pink lip-gloss. Slipping into my lingerie I leave the bathroom chanting to myself I could do this, while my belly churned. Once I entered the bedroom my eyes caught sight a gorgeous wrist corsage of red roses and pearls laid on the table with a note.
To a beautiful woman with beautiful eyes. M Xx
The same words he used when I received the first bouquet of flowers from him all those weeks ago. A smile hit my lips at his affection. Putting on my long ball gown, I slip into my heels and finish off my evening wear with the corsage. Taking a deep breath and one final look in the mirror I leave to meet my prince.
I stand behind the red curtains waiting for our names to be called. Everything about tonight was classic, crisp and sophisticated. I felt like royalty waiting on the announcement of my entry to the central staircase of the ball floor. Nerves swamped my body as my ring twisted my finger. I was desperate to see Marcus and the fact he stood on the other side of the hall waiting behind his own curtain was torturous.
“Ladies and Gentleman, from the seven star of The Grand Hotel, Mr Marcus Matthews and Miss Amelia Weston.”
This was it; I had no time to back out as our curtains pulled back in unison. My breath hitched as a man in a cream tux appeared before me. I saw his own breathing halt as desire hitting me like a rocket. With locked eyes we take our steps towards each other, stopping at the centre of the high staircase as the front of my body brushed against his. Neither of us spoke. We didn’t need to, our eyes said it all.
Taking my hand with a gentle squeeze and a deep breath we face the glistening crowd and head down the stairs, applauds welcomed our arrival. This was way too surreal. Pearls, sequins and tuxedos lined the marbled floor, eyes follow our every pace and my cheeks hurt with the smile I couldn’t hold back. Once at our table Marcus’s arm rose creating a bridge for me to twirl under before I come to stand in front of him.
“Hi,” he whispers against my lips, hazel eye full of awe and heat. “You look breathtakingly beautiful. Have we met before?”
“Hmm I’m not sure, you do seem familiar,” I place a kiss on his lips and whisper. “Do you like my dress?”
“It matches your eyes.”
“I thought you might say that.” My floor length mermaid style dress made me feel sexier now that I was stood before him than it did in Tabitha’s Trinkets. I close my eyes, breathing in the heavenly scent of him and the surroundings that engulf us, my belly now fluttering with excitement. “I feel like a princess.”
“You look like a queen.”
Once the introductions of business associates and CEO’s were done the evening was followed by an Award ceremony, drinks and a dance. The Awards were in full swing and my ass was numb with too much sitting. One of The Grand’s rivals from the next coast had just swooped two awards for the interior design of their new Restaurant and Bar Room. Not that Marcus was at all bothered; apparently even with their new interior it was still out dated to what it should be.
“And finally the Award for best overall Achievement and Accommodation goes to… The Grand Hotel of Spring Rose Bay.”
“Oh my god, Marcus!” I clasp my hands together with excitement as applause fills the room. His eyes look like they’re about to pop as the wideness of his smile brought tears to my eyes. Leaning forward and plant a kiss on his cheek. “You did it!” This was what he worked for and he’s proven all his work has paid off.
Making his way to the stage he chuckles with shock. Shaking hands with the presenters he takes the deserved award and clears his throat as the room falls silent. “Thank you so much. I’d just like to say that I couldn’t have done this without my team that work within The Grand, they deserve this more than I do.” He paused to look at the glass award in his hand before flashing his eyes to find mine. I was overwhelmed with pride for him and my smile said it all. Marcus holds out his hand for me to go to him, nerves hit my belly at the thought of being in front of the crowed but I knew with him beside me I’d be ok. Lifting my dress I take the stairs and feel instant calm wash over me when I take his hand, before he continues.
“Spring Rose Bay, holds a special place in my heart, it’s not just the surroundings, or the environment, but mostly the people. I’ve meet a lot over my time here but there’s only a few that captured me from the moment I met them. I have every confidence that The Grand provides that same feeling when entering the building and a big part of that is to the team and this beautiful woman beside
me. Without them, this wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you.” Applauses, cheers and camera flashes go off and I turn to the man that made all this possible.
“Congratulations, Mr Matthews.”
“Thank you, Miss Weston.” I kiss him on the lips as he pulls me closer. “I hated every part of that until you stood with me.”
“I never had you down as the nervous type. And here I was thinking you were all strong muscle, possession and self-assurance.” I tease.
“Yeah but-”
“Excuse me for interrupting, Mr Matthews. Peter Bradway, U.K’s Hotel and Accommodation journalist, would it be possible for a photograph and a short interview?”
“Of course, ask away.”
After the awards champagne and canapés were served and gave the opportunity for the guests to associate. Marcus proudly took his new trophy back to our room before the proceedings took place for the evening dance. Everything about this part was like Cinderella at the castle, ladies in stunning dresses swung their wide train round the floor as they rotate in circles whilst the men guided them by their hips and hand. I moulded into the closeness of Marcus as we danced, soaking up the magical atmosphere.
“Look around you, Amelia. What do you see?” he murmurs.
“People enjoying themselves, I know I am.”
He shakes his head. “Look again.”
My eyes scan the large room where people sat at tables overlooking the dance floor. It wasn’t until Marcus spun me around that I realised we were the only ones in the centre of the floor. My breath caught as eyes followed. “There watching us.” I whisper.