The Cornish Hotel by the Sea

by Karen King

  “I bet!” she was, doubled-up with laughter. He loved the way she laughed, almost guffawing without any inhibitions, her eyes crinkled at the corners, her body shaking with mirth. She seemed so natural, so unaffected, so unlike the sophisticated, calculated women he usually came into contact with.

  God, she’s gorgeous.

  He could sit here all evening, talking to her, listening to her. He wondered what it was like to feel his hands run over her soft skin, to kiss those cherry red lips.

  Don’t get personally involved. This is business.

  They chatted away over a couple more drinks then Ellie glanced at the clock. “Oh gosh, it’s almost midnight!” She stood up. “Thank you for a lovely evening,” she smiled. “But I must go now. I’ve got an early start tomorrow.”

  Reece stood up to. “At least let me escort you to your room.”

  She shook her head. “There’s no need, really. Goodbye, Reece. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  He watched her walk out of the bar, the dress sashaying around her hips and felt an almost overpowering urge to run after her, ask her to stay a little longer.

  He was attracted to her. Not surprising, she was gorgeous. Well there was no need for that to make things awkward. He’d never been one to let his feelings come before business and he wasn’t going to start now.

  The persistent rings of the telephone woke Ellie from her sleep. She reached out and felt for it, knocking the receiver off and mumbled, “Hello.”

  “Miss Truman. I’m so sorry to disturb you but it’s almost ten o’clock and the reception is unattended.” It was Harry.

  10 o’clock. Crap, she’d overslept. She sat bolt upright and tried to haul her brain out of the fog of sleep that still enclosed it. She’d had far too much to drink last night. What was she thinking of, getting tipsy with a guest and oversleeping like this when she should be helping her mum?

  “I’m so sorry, Harry. I’ll be down in ten minutes, I promise. Thank you for calling me.”

  “I’ll look after the desk until then,” he told her.

  She thanked him again, grabbed her glasses off the bedside cabinet, flung back the duvet and sprinted to the bathroom. Why hadn’t she put her alarm on? What if one the guests had needed help, or new guests wanted to book in?

  Her stomach growled hungrily reminding her that she’d hardly eaten yesterday. Well she didn’t have time for breakfast now, she’d grab something later.

  She showered, pulled a long white, cotton skirt and sleeveless red cropped top that finished just above her navel out of the wardrobe, put on a touch of powder and lip gloss then went into the ensuite to get her contact lenses. As she slipped one lens into her left eye her mobile rang. She grabbed it, saw Kate’s picture flash up and left it. She’d call her back later, she was late enough.

  Ellie had a struggle with the other lens and it was still irritating her as she made her way downstairs. She blinked furiously hoping it would settle down and hurried over to the reception desk where Harry was standing, looking very out of place in his blue overalls.

  “Thank you so much Harry. I’m so sorry I was late. Have there been any calls?” She asked.

  “Someone wants to book a double room for a week next month – I’ve written their names and telephone number on the notepad - I told them we had one free and you’d phone back to confirm. And the guests for Room 24 phoned to say they’d be a bit late,” he told her.

  Another booking, things were picking up. “That’s great.” She smiled at him as she stepped behind the desk. She thanked him again, knowing how he hated answering the phone and dealing with customers, it was out of his comfort zone. Harry was only at ease when he was working with his hands, doing odd jobs such as painting or repairing things.

  Ellie glanced at the address Harry had written down. It looked a bit fuzzy. Her left eye was itching like mad and the right one seemed out of focus. It was as if she wasn’t wearing a contact at all in her right eye.

  Then it dawned on her what had happened. She’d put the two contacts in her left eye - she must have got distracted by Kate’s phone call!

  She reached for her bag and searched for her contact solution. Damn she’d left it upstairs. There was only one thing for it. She slipped the contact out of her left eye – she was right there were two of them! With no liquid on her there was only one way she could moisten them, she popped them in her mouth and ran her tongue over them.

  “Morning!”

  Reece! She didn’t dare answer him or she’d swallow her contacts. She turned around and nodded at him, pointing to her mouth, then turned back.

  “Are you all right, Ellie?” He sounded concerned.

  Oh please go away! She nodded, keeping her back to him as she took the contacts out of her mouth, placing them on the back of her hands, then slipping one into each eye. That was better.

  “Well that’s the first time I’ve seen anyone do that!” Reece’s voice was laced with amusement. “Dare I ask why you had your contact lenses in your mouth?”

  Because I’m a twat.

  Ellie quickly explained, trying to make it sound like perfectly normal behaviour.

  Reece roared with laughter. “That’s priceless. And very innovative of you to come up with that solution. But is it safe?”

  “Not on a regular basis, but it was an emergency. I was late up this morning and was in too much of a rush to remember put the contact lens case and solution in my bag.”

  “Then let me look after the reception while you go and sort them out properly,” he said. “I’d hate you to get an eye infection.”

  She hesitated. She knew her mum wouldn’t approve of her leaving a guest in charge of the reception desk. But her eyes were so irritated, and she’d be real quick. Besides, Reece seemed completely trustworthy. “If you’re sure? I’ll only be a few minutes.”

  “No problem.”

  She dashed back upstairs to sort her eyes out, popping both her lenses case with solution and prescription sunglasses in her bag, just in case. When she returned Reece was finishing a phone call. “Thank you for your enquiry,” he was saying. “Someone will get back to you shortly.”

  “Thanks,” she said, stepping behind the desk. “What did they want?”

  “It was a lady enquiring about staying for a week in August. She has a few questions about the rooms. I’ve jotted them down on the pad for you.”

  “Great. I’ll get straight back to her.”

  “Are your eyes okay now?”

  “They’re fine. Thank you for stepping in. I appreciate it.”

  “Don’t mention it. As it was my fault you went to bed so late it’s the least I can do.” He paused. “Fancy joining me for lunch later? Your receptionist will take over then, won’t she?”

  Well he was keen, first a drink last night then a lunch invite. She was tempted, she’d enjoyed his company last night but she really shouldn’t get too involved with a guest. It was only lunch, she told herself, what harm could it do?

  “I’d love to,” she smiled. “I’m on duty until two though so it’ll be a late lunch.”

  “That’s perfect. I’ve got some business to attend to myself. I’ll meet you here at five past two then,” he said. He picked up a black briefcase from under the counter and she realised for the first time that he was wearing a suit again. Another business meeting then.

  He’s nice, Ellie thought as she watched him walk out. Friendly, considerate – and so hot he was scorching. Talk about the full package. Not that she was interested, her life was too busy for complications, and anyway, he’d be checking out as soon as his business here was finished.

  Chapter Six

  Ellie dialled the number Reece had left on the notepad to arrange the booking for the week and was delighted to hear that the couple wanted breakfast and an evening meal, as well as a room with a sea view. All extra cost. She allocated a pretty room at the back and turned her attention to the computer. The reason she’d overslept this morning wasn’t really Reece’s fault, s
he hadn’t gone straight to bed when she’d returned to her room last night. Instead she’d started thinking of ways she could boost the hotel’s profile and attract more guests. She needed to increase business fast, it was already June so only two more months of summer were left. She’d created a webpage for the hotel a couple of years ago, and showed her mother how to use it. So first thing on the list was to check that out and see when it was last updated.

  She clicked onto the website and frowned when she saw that it hadn’t been attended to for over two years. Just before Dad had died. She guessed her mum hadn’t even thought of it. A lump formed in her throat.

  She’d take some new pictures later and upload them onto the Home Page to make it look more appealing. It would be good if she could get some reviews up from former guests too. She ticked ‘check website’ at the top of her list, wrote UPDATE beside it then moved onto the next item. Create a Facebook page.

  Mum didn’t like Facebook, as far as she was concerned it was too time-consuming and people posted too much trivia about their lives. Which might be right but most businesses had a Facebook page now, it attracted a lot of customers and was a good way for the customers to interact, ask questions and give feedback. She’d get one up and running now; she doubted if she’d be disturbed much.

  Ellie logged onto her personal Facebook account and created a business page, adding her mother and Mandy as administrators so they could post and reply to comments. She would deal with it herself for the next couple of weeks then pass it onto Mandy once she’d returned home. Mandy wouldn’t mind, she was a Facebook addict and constantly checking her smartphone for notifications and updates.

  Ellie flicked through the photos on the computer, searching for a suitable cover picture for the opening page. Should she use a picture of the hotel itself or of the sea view from the back? A sea view was always appealing she decided. She wrote a new welcome message, uploaded a picture of the hotel and pinned it to the top of the page. That looked good. Now she needed some positive feedback comments. She searched through the visitor’s book for a few glowing ones and posted them. Then she linked the Facebook page to the Hotel website and posted a couple more comments from the visitor’s book there too.

  By the time Mandy arrived to take over she’d started a Pinterest page for the hotel too. Which showed just how bad things were. A whole morning and there had been only the one phone enquiry. Hopefully her work this morning would soon rectify that.

  “You look busy, lovey?” Mandy said. “What are you up to?”

  “Updating Gwel Teg’s social profile,” Elle told her brightly. “We’re going to get this hotel back on its feet again. I’m determined.”

  “Atta girl, you never were one to be defeated by anything. Such a stubborn child, like your mother.” She edged behind the desk and glanced at the screen. “I like Pinterest. I’ve just started a page myself to show off my cake creations. I’ve got a load of repins.” Mandy’s hobby was to make cakes for special occasions, birthdays, christenings, weddings. She made some fabulous designs and there was quite a demand locally for them. Ellie remembered the cake Mandy had made for Dad’s birthday, the year before he died. It was a replica of his garden shed, where he loved to spend his spare time, complete with an assortment of tools. Dad had been delighted.

  “I’ve done more than Pinterest.” Ellie switched screen to the Gwel Teg Facebook page she’d just created. “What do you think?”

  “It’s brilliant! Just what we need,” Mandy said in approval. “That should bring the customers in.”

  “I hope so. I’ve added you as admin for all this, Mandy, because I know Mum won’t want to be bothered with it. Is that okay? It’ll be mainly keeping an eye on the Facebook page and replying to any comments. Perhaps you could take the occasional photo too, of a special meal, a lovely sunset, new cushions, that sort of thing.”

  “Leave it to me, lovey. It’ll be no problem,” Mandy told her. She nodded towards the entrance where Reece was walking in, a smile forming on her lips. “Here comes our hot guest. Savour the view.”

  “Actually, we’re having lunch together,” Ellie told her sheepishly. No need to tell her that they had a drink together last night too, or about Reece looking after the reception for a little while this morning while Ellie sorted out her contacts.

  “Really?” Mandy said the word very slowly, giving it a lot of meaning, her eyes fixed on Reece as he strode over to them.

  “Bang on time,” Ellie said, looking at her watch.

  “I was guided by my stomach. I’m starving,” Reece conceded. “Just give me ten minutes to change out of this suit and I’ll be with you.”

  “Sure,” Ellie nodded.

  “Well, you two have got friendly,” Mandy said as soon as Reece was out of earshot. “When did this happen? Yesterday you thought he was a right grouch.”

  She guessed she’d have to ‘fess. “He apologised to me when he came in last night. Said he’s been stressed because he was late for a meeting. Then he asked me to join him for a drink . . . So I did.”

  “And enjoyed his company enough to see him again today.” Mandy whistled. “Lucky beggar!”

  “I know he’s a guest but I’m not staff. And he’s only here for a few days so what harm will it do?” Ellie told her.

  “None at all. If I wasn’t so happily married I’d be after him myself.”

  “It’s not like that,” Ellie said defensively.” He’s really friendly, and a good listener. I could do with a friend right now.”

  “I know, lovey. I’m jesting you.” Mandy wrapped her arm around Ellie’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze. “You have a bit of fun, you deserve it.”

  “Thank you.” Ellie thought back to how Mandy had comforted her when she’d found out about Lee and Zoe, and then again when her dad had died. She was like an older sister to her, with her soothing hugs and advice.

  “I’ve updated the website too, Mandy. Let me run through the admin with you,” she said. “I’ve altered it a little to make it easier.

  They were both huddled over the computer when Reece returned, having changed into denim cut-offs and a black vest. “Ready to go?” he asked. “I’m starving.”

  “Me too,” Ellie turned to Mandy. “I won’t be long. Call me on my mobile if you need me.”

  “I’ll manage, lovey. You go and have a break.”

  “Where were you thinking of going for lunch?” Ellie asked as they stepped outside into the basking sunshine. “Did you want a pub lunch? A sandwich?”

  “Actually, I fancy a bag of fish and chips and a stroll along the beach. How about you?”

  That surprised Ellie. She wouldn’t have put him down as a ‘fish shop man’. She guessed it was the sea air. Being by the sea always made her feel like fish and chips. “Sounds good to me. There’s an excellent fish and chip shop just around the corner.”

  As they walked along the street teeming with holiday-makers, Ellie felt ridiculously happy and carefree. She actually had to fight down the urge to reach out and hold Reece’s hand. Get a grip, Ellie. Anyone would think she was a love struck teenager.

  When they turned the corner Reece raised his nose to the air and sniffed. “What is it about fish and chips that smells so tantalising?”

  “Believe me, these taste as good as they smell,” she told him. “They’ve been voted best chip shop in Cornwall for the past three years.”

  Luckily, there wasn’t much of a queue and a few minutes later they were sitting on a bench, overlooking the beach, tucking heartily into their tasty lunch. The low wall in front of them blocked the view of the beach itself but they had a clear view of cotton wool clouds in a clear blue sky over the shimmering azure ocean - A couple of seagulls squawked overhead then soared down to perch on the wall, waiting to pounce on any scraps they dropped.

  “Don’t feed them or they’ll never leave you alone,” Ellie warned.

  “Don’t worry, I don’t intend to. It’s too delicious.” Reece muttered, biting into a chunk of ba
ttered cod. He chewed silently for a moment. “It’s been ages since I’ve eaten fish and chips out of a packet like this. Years, actually. I must do it more often!”

  “The only time I have fish and chips is when I come back to Port Medden.” Elllie picked up another chip and bit off the end. “It’s a good job I don’t live here anymore or else I’d be spotty and fat!”

  Reece’s eyes flitted over her appreciatively. “I bet you’ve never been spotty and fat. Not even as a teenager,” he said. Finished eating now, he screwed up the chip paper. “I bet you were the gorgeous one in the class everyone envied.”

  They were both silent for a moment as their eyes met awkwardly and she felt her cheeks flush at this unexpected compliment…”I wish! But thanks,” she said lightly, thinking nothing was further from the truth. She’d been the dippy, accident-prone one that everyone laughed at. Zoe was the beautiful, popular one with her long honey blonde hair, elfin face, big blue eyes and shapely legs that went right up to her waist. No wonder Lee had gone off with her.

  “Feel free to tell me how fit I am too,” he teased.

  She shook her head knowingly. “Oh no, I never bolster a man’s ego. In my experience most men have a high enough opinion of themselves without me adding to it.”

  “That’s very cynical of you.” Reece aimed the screwed-up paper ball at the litter bin hanging on the wall. “Yes!” He cried triumphantly as it landed inside.

  “See what I mean?” Ellie chuckled.

  Reece grinned back at her, then stood up and looked over the wall at the beach below. “The beach looks a bit crowded. I guess it gets really busy in the summer holidays.”