by Karen King
For a moment Reece seemed stunned then he gave her a wry grin. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to do that. You looked so damn sexy standing in the moonlight that I just couldn’t resist you.”
Nor me you. She didn’t voice the words. She didn’t need to. She’d already made it crystal clear that she desired him as much as he desired her. She might as well have written ‘I want to go to bed with you’ in ten foot tall letters.
They looked at each awkwardly for a moment, then Ellie mumbled “I’d better be going back.” She forced herself to turn away, paddle over to the shore, stoop down and pick up her sandals without looking back at him, although every nerve in her body ached to.
“I’ll see you in the morning.”
She ran off like Cinderella at the Ball at midnight, leaving Reece on the beach, staring after her. He probably thought she was nuts. Well he’d be right. She was. She was nuts about him and she didn’t like it one little bit.
She hadn’t felt this way since Lee.
She’d been smitten as soon as Lee walked into the classroom when she was in year ten at Smireton High, all big blue eyes and tousled sandy hair. She’d followed him about doe-eyed for months, treasuring every word or scrap of a smile he’d cared to throw her way, cried herself to sleep for weeks when he’d started dating Lily Graham instead and then walked on air when he finally asked her out. They’d been inseparable for the next few years. Lee was the love of her life and she’d been sure she was the love of his too. She’d imagined them getting married, having kids someday, growing old together. Then she’d found out that the love of Lee’s life was Ellie’s best friend Zoe and they’d both been cheating on her for ages.
Although she’d never been short of a date if she wanted one, Ellie hadn’t given her heart to anyone since Lee and she didn’t intend to. That way she got all the fun and none of the heartache. Love was overrated.
That’s why she’d agreed to date Reece. He fancied her and she fancied him so it made sense to hang out together, have a few laughs. He was only here for another week so therse was no way they would get too involved.
But now she wondered if it had been a wise decision. She had a feeling that if she spent too much time with Reece she was going to find it very difficult to walk away.
Reece was on Ellie’s mind so much that night she found it difficult to sleep. Images of the way he’d kissed her filled her dreams. It was as if her body had been expecting it, waiting for it, and she’d returned the kiss with passion. She wanted him, she acknowledged, more than she’d ever wanted anyone in her life. Even Lee. And that scared her.
Ellie finally gave up trying to sleep at 6 am and decided to get up. There was so much to do. The first thing on her list was to spruce up the foyer. First impressions were important so she wanted to make it look clean, bright and welcoming as soon as guests stepped into the hotel. She had a shower, dressed in a pair of distressed denims and a yellow tee shirt and went into the kitchen to make herself a cup of coffee. She’d have breakfast later. She sat at the kitchen table, slowly sipping her coffee and thinking about Reece. Part of her – a big part – was eager to see him, but another part of her wanted to avoid it. She felt embarrassed at how she’d ran off yesterday. Anyone would think she’d never made out with a guy before.
Finishing her coffee, she went downstairs, collected the cleaning material she needed, popped them into a carry basket and walked through into the foyer, wanting to get as much done as she could before any of the guests came down. She started by taking down the curtains and putting them in the washing machine then took out a spray cleaner and cloth to do the inside of the windows. The outside didn’t look too bad so it seemed as if Mum hadn’t got rid of the window cleaner completely. She sprayed on the glass cleaner then started to wipe it off with the cloth.
“Need a hand with that?”
Reece. Already her skin was tinglingly aware of the nearness of him and she tried to shut out the image of their almost-arrestable embrace last night.
Keep calm.
She glanced over her shoulder. “Thank you but it won’t take me long.”
“You’re up and about early. Didn’t you sleep well?”
No I was thinking of you all night.
Ellie carefully finished wiping the window then turned around. Reece looked enticingly fit in black shorts and a tight white vest. “Not really. There’s so much to do here before Mum comes home. I thought if I got up early I could make a start.”
“Want any help?” He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her on the cheek. She forced herself not to melt against him and bury her head into his chest. Play it cool!
“I wouldn’t say no if you’re sure you’ve got time.” She pulled herself out of his arms, bent down and took another cloth out of the box. “How about you do the doors and I’ll do the windows.”
“Sure.” Reece picked up the glass cleaner spray and walked over to the double glass doors.
Ellie sneaked a glance over now and again to watch Reece stretching up to clean the top of the door, his muscles rippling. An image of his naked body walking out of the bathroom flashed across her mind. Yep, okay face it Ellie you really have the hots for him.
“Time for a break,” she said when the windows and doors were gleaming. “Fancy a coffee?”
“Sure,” he wiped his hand across his forehead. “Those doors were a bit grimy.”
“I know. Mum did have a regular window cleaner but it seems like he’s only cleaning the outside of the windows now. That must be another of her money saving cut backs.” She put the cloths and glass cleaner back in the basket. “Come through in the staff kitchen.”
She picked up the basket and led the way into the kitchen, indicating the small wooden table. “Take a seat. Do you want some toast too? I haven’t had breakfast yet.”
“Please, I haven’t eaten either.” Reece covered the kitchen in two strides, picked up the kettle and filled it up with water then switched it on. “I’ll make the coffee, you make the toast.”
Ellie took two mugs out of an overhead cupboard and handed them to him. “White, one sugar please.”
Reece had already spotted the pots containing coffee and sugar, and picked up a spoon from the draining rack. “Got it.”
“One slice of toast or two?” Ellie took a sliced loaf out of the bread bin.
“Two please, cleaning windows has given me an appetite.”
She was so acutely aware of him. It was as if every nerve in her body was screaming for him to touch her. She chatted away, trying to hide her discomfort. Make that babbling not chatting. She talked about the weather, the seagulls being so noisy, how she loved the view from her window and all the time wondering if he was going to make another move on her or if she’d put him off running away like that last night.
Reece answered back in the same light, friendly manner as they sat down at the table, ate the toast, sipped their coffees but she could feel his dark eyes on her and sensed the sexual undercurrent. Finally, he put his cup down and placed his hand on hers. “Did I step over the line last night? You left fairly quickly.” His eyes met hers. “Do you want to keep it platonic?”
“No, it’s not that.” That’s right, Ellie, let him know that you do want to go to bed with him. “I mean …” She hesitated looking for the right words. “We were on the beach.”
“So it was the location that put you off - not that you don’t fancy me?” he asked softly, his finger lightly tracing the back of her hand.
“Well, I wasn’t expecting things to move so fast.”
“Me neither. Do you want to slow it down?”
She couldn’t think straight with his finger tracing around her wrist like that, “Er…no,” she stammered.
“Good. Neither do I.” he leaned over and held her face in his hands then kissed her gently on the lips. Then deeper. And deeper.
Chapter Twelve
“I knew it! I knew there was something going on with you two!” Mandy almost squealed in delight as she
stood in the doorway.
Reece released Ellie and grinned at Mandy. “There wasn’t,” he said. “But there is now.” He kissed Ellie on the forehead. “See you later, Ellie.”
“I knew he had the hots for you. That’s why he’s been so helpful,” Mandy said as soon as Reece had left the kitchen. “Oh, you make a lovely couple.”
“Don’t get too carried away, Mandy. We’ve agreed to date, see how we get on, that’s all.” Mandy was such a romantic, she’d be ordering a hat for the wedding given half a chance.
“You’re right for each other. I can sense these things.” Mandy touched the side of her nose. “I’ve got the gift you know, lovey.”
Ellie was well aware of Mandy’s ‘gift’, the inner-sense that she believed guided her. According to Mandy, her gift had warned her to not go on a bus that subsequently crashed, that her husband was the man for her the very first time she saw him, and that she’d be happy working at Gwel Teg as soon as she walked into it. She was quite a character and both Ellie and her mother were very fond of her. Although Dad had often pooh-hooed her as airy-fairy she knew that he’d been fond of her too.
“Anyway, lovey.” Mandy sat down in the chair Reece had just vacated. “I’ve had a brilliant idea.” She leaned forward and patted Ellie’s hand. “You know how we need extra staff at the hotel, especially with Sue having to take things easy for a while?”
Ellie had been worrying about that. It could take Mum a few weeks to feel strong enough to work full time again and if the newly updated website and Facebook page did bring in more bookings she might struggle to cope. Perhaps she should have waited until her mother was stronger before embarking on a Social Media campaign. “We can’t afford extra staff though, Mandy,” she pointed out.
“I know, lovey. But I’ve had an idea that might help. My niece Sara is looking for somewhere to do a week’s work experience in a couple of weeks. So how about she does it here? She’s a bright girl and a hard worker. It wouldn’t cost you anything and would give her valuable experience. She wants to work in the hotel trade. She could help out on Reception perhaps, or in the dining room, serving the meals?”
“That’s a fantastic idea. It will give Mum extra help when I go back home. Thanks, Mandy.” Ellie said, relieved. She didn’t feel so bad about going back home if her mother had someone else to help her, even if it was only for a week. If Sara was good at her job and things did pick up perhaps they could even arrange for her to work a few paid shifts. That would certainly help.
“Morning, dear.” Mrs Smythe waved, stepping out of the lift, closely followed by her husband who was pulling the new suitcase Reece had provided. “We’re off now. We’ve had a lovely time.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Ellie smiled as she walked over to them. “I hope you’ve been comfortable in the Silver Room.”
“Very comfortable, dear,” said Mrs Smythe happily, “Aren’t we, Tony?” She turned to her husband who nodded in agreement. “We want to thank you for making our stay so wonderful. The meal last night was delicious and flowers and champagne were a lovely touch. I’ve had to leave the flowers behind, of course. Perhaps you can put them in another room – or in here.”
“I will. “Ellie told her. “I’m just so sorry that you had to change rooms.”
“Think nothing of it,” Mr Smythe told her. “These things happened. You couldn’t have done any more to make amends.”
Thanks to Reece.
“And how is your mother?” Mr Smythe asked.
“She’s much better, thank you. She’ll be home in a day or two.”
“That’s good. She’s lucky to have a daughter like you,” he smiled.
“Goodbye, dear.” They both gave a little wave and walked off arm in arm.
“Goodbye, safe journey,” Ellie called. What a lovely couple, yet it could have all gone so drastically wrong.
“We’re lucky that Mr Mitchell decided to stay on a bit longer, he’s saved the situation there,” Mandy remarked.
“He certainly did.” Ellie agreed. “If Mum could afford a manager I’d tell her to hire him.”
Mandy looked surprised. “Is that what you think he is? A manager?”
“Don’t you?” Ellie looked at her curiously. “He’s got good people skills and is obviously used to taking charge.”
“Sure but did you see that suit he was wearing the day he arrived? That was designer. And he drives a Mercedes.”
So he did. She’d completely forgotten, even though it was parked out in the hotel carpark.
“I reckon he’s got a much more important position than manager,” Mandy said. “More like a director.”
She could be right, Ellie realised. Reece hadn’t actually said what his work was. Not that it mattered. “I’m going to hunt out the spare curtains and cushion covers now. Are you okay to cover reception whilst I do that?”
“I’ll help you, lovey. It’s all quiet here,” Mandy told her. “Two pair of hands can get more done than one. And I’ll be able to hear the phone from here.”
“Hang on, I must phone the insurance first,” Ellie said, remembering that she’d intended to do that first thing.
Luckily the insurance advisor was very helpful and when Ellie explained about her mum being ill in hospital she agreed to accept Ellie’s authority to renew the insurance providing she paid a deposit up front and her mother phoned to confirm as soon as she was well enough. Ellie gave her debit card number and paid two months in advance. That would give her mum time to get straight, she hoped. In any case, she’d check with her that she could afford the payments and if not have them taken out of her own bank account until she could.
They spent the next couple of hours hanging curtains, polishing, cutting fresh flowers and polishing the bookcases and furniture in the reception. The phone didn’t ring at all which Ellie wasn’t sure was a good thing or not. It was good to have the time to clear up but they needed more guests.
“That looks much better,” she said when they’d finished. “Let’s have a coffee break then we could do the lounge. If you don’t mind?” Mandy was employed as a receptionist, not a cleaner.
“Happy to help, lovey. But yes I could murder a cuppa first. Want me to make it?”
“No I’ll do it. Come into the kitchen and sit down for a minute. If anyone needs assistance they’ll ring the bell.”
Who’d have thought he’d spend the morning cleaning windows, Reece thought as he changed into a suit ready for his meeting with Steve. Ellie was so ‘can do’ that he found himself helping her without stopping to think about it. She didn’t seem at all suspicious about why he was willing to go so much out of his way to help a run-down family hotel. Her trust in him made him feel a little uneasy about the part he was playing.
You’re helping them out, the hotel is too much for her mother to run alone and why should Ellie give up her life and career to help her? He reminded himself. And if the repairs are done the hotel will attract more guests so be a better investment.
Even so it felt a bit deceitful knowing that he hadn’t been totally up front. That he had an ulterior motive for helping her.
There was one thing he wasn’t being deceitful about though, and that was his attraction to Ellie. She was really getting under his skin. None of the other women he’d been with before had ever had the effect on him that she did. He was glad he was going home on Saturday. That way he could enjoy Ellie’s company without worrying that she wanted to get too involved, which in his experience women often did.
Reece had no doubt that Mrs Truman would agree to the deal. She had nothing to lose and everything to gain. There was no way she could put in the necessary funds to bring the hotel up to date. He and Harry had already done a few of the outstanding repairs but to be honest the hotel needed a complete overhaul. The whole décor was dated, wallpaper in many of the rooms was faded or ripped, the plumbing was rackety, and the place needed rewiring.
It was a quaint hotel though, centuries old, and the location was ideal. Ov
erlooking one of the smaller, more private beaches it offered a hint of seclusion and privacy. He could turn it into a five star sought-after boutique hotel in six months, he was sure of that. Yes, it would cost a lot of money but he was confident that money would be recuperated within two years, maximum. It was what he was good at, rescuing ailing hotels, and this was one hotel he was determined to rescue.
Chapter Thirteen
“I’m going to tackle the lounge now. What do you think of these curtains? Ellie held out a pair of pale blue jacquard curtains. “There’s cushion covers to match too.”
“Perfect,” Mandy approved. “Let me give you a hand with them.”
They gathered up two sets of the curtains and the matching covers and carried them out into foyer. A woman was standing at the reception desk about to press the bell. Although she had her back to them, Ellie recognised her instantly. There was no mistaking the sleek curtain of long dark hair and jumble of multi-coloured bracelets dangling around her slender wrists. “Abiya!” She squealed in delight.
Abiya turned, her face breaking into a wide smile, revealing the dazzling white teeth that Ellie had always envied so much.
“Ellie! I was visiting my folks and heard about your mother being taken to hospital so I came to see how she was. I thought you’d be here. I knew you’d be straight down to look after her. You and your parents were always so close.”
The two girls hugged, the five years since they’d last met melting away. “How are you?” Abiya stepped back. “You haven’t changed a bit – except you look so tired.”
“I am a bit. There’s been a lot going on here.”
“Your mother has been very ill, Ellie?” asked Abiya.
Ellie quickly filled her in. “I should have come down more often, checked on her.”
“You mustn’t blame yourself. Life is busy, days fly by.” Abiya gave her a hug. “It is so good to see you. We have so much to catch up on.”
