The Cornish Hotel by the Sea

by Karen King

  Ellie put her arm around her mother’s shoulder. “Of course you haven’t. This hotel is a lot for you to run by yourself. And you’ve been grieving too. Don’t be so hard on yourself.” She was repeating Reece’s words to her a few day’s previously, she realised. “I should have helped you more, and I will now. I promise. I’ll come down at least one weekend a month, more if I can. We’ll soon get this place up and running again.”

  “It’s really kind of you, dear, but you’ve got enough to do without driving up and down the motorway to take care of me.”

  “I haven’t.” She gave her mum’s shoulders a squeeze. “Besides, it’ll be nice to spend some time down here. I miss Cornwall.” She stood up. “Do you feel strong enough to take a short walk? The fresh air might do you good? We could walk to the wall overlooking the beach.”

  “I’d like that.” Her mother got rather unsteadily to her feet. “I’ve been cooped inside for too long. Let me get my cardi from the kitchen and I’ll be ready.”

  “I’ll fetch it for you.”

  Ellie dashed through to the kitchen and soon spotted the cream cardigan hung over the back of the chair. When she returned, her mother was chatting to Mandy and looked a lot sprightlier.

  “Ready Mum?” she hoped this was a good idea. It was only a short walk so hopefully it wouldn’t tire Mum out.”

  Her mother definitely had a spring in her step as they walked down the hill. When they reached the wall overlooking the beach she leant against it for a while to catch her breath.

  “You know, it was this beach that made me and your Dad buy Gwel Teg,” She told Ellie. “I’ve always wanted to live by the sea, right from when I was a young girl. Pete said it was an ambition of his too. He was working long hours, we hardly saw each other, and one day we decided to go for our dream. We knew we’d need an income though, permanent work is hard to get in seaside towns, so we thought a small hotel would be the best decision. We spent months looking around.” She looked almost wistful as she gazed down at the golden beach below. “We liked Gwel Teg as soon as we saw it but it was this beach that decided it for us.”

  Ellie listened in surprise. Her mother had never told her how they’d come to buy Gwel Teg and she’d never asked. She’d been young when they moved here and accepted their decision without question. It had been an adventure for her. And a wonderful childhood living in a small seaside town. It was only as she got older that she began to get restless and hankered after city life.

  Especially after Lee.

  Realising that her mother was still talking, she turned her attention back to the present.

  “When I saw this just a few yards away, I knew this was the place I wanted to live. And I’ve never regretted it.” Ellie heard the catch in her mother’s voice and shot her an anxious glance. Mum’s eyes were glistening with tears.

  “Oh Mum.” She said softly. She knew Mum still missed Dad terribly. She did too. It was like a deep wound that they could cover up but would never heal. She reached out and took her Mum’s hand in hers.

  “Don’t mind me, dear. I have a cry about your Dad now and again but I’m fine. I’ve got good friends here.” She took a hankie out of her pocket and dabbed her eyes. “I’ll get the hotel back on its feet again. You’ll see.”

  This is Mum’s life, Ellie thought, as they slowly headed back up the hill. It’s where she wants to be.

  On the way back one of the neighbours stopped to chat to Mum for a few minutes. Ellie noticed how her mum immediately perked up, her face sparkling as she talked. Mum liked people, always had. So had Dad. That’s why they had both wanted to buy Gwel Teg, it would allow them to work together and the opportunity to work with people too. They’d made ideal hosts. Mum would miss all this if she left. She’d wither away in a bungalow or flat somewhere with nothing to do and no one to talk to.

  She had to make Gwel Teg a success again. If Mum had to sell it would destroy here.

  When they returned, Mandy called over. “We’ve had a couple of enquires through the Facebook page. That was a brilliant idea of yours, Ellie.”

  “I’m going to contact some travel sites too,” Ellie told her. “See if they’ll add Gwel Teg to their list. That might get us even more bookings.”

  “Good idea.” Mandy picked up her bag. “See you tomorrow then.”

  “I’ll take over for a while, you go and put your feet up,” Ellie told her Mum. And for once Mum didn’t argue!

  Ellie sat on the chair and clicked on Google. She wanted to do a bit of research on some hotel sites, see if she could add Gwel Teg to a few lists that would increase their profile, and hopefully bring in more guests.

  “Can I tempt you away from the computer for a while to have dinner with me?”

  Ellie nearly jumped out of her skin. She’d been so engrossed she hadn’t heard Reece approach. She glanced at her watch. “Is it that time already?” she shut the screen down. “Have you seen Mum?”

  “She’s pottering about in the garden,” Reece told her. “She looks much brighter now.”

  “I know. We had a short walk to the beach earlier on and that really seemed to cheer her up.” Ellie brushed a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. “She’s going to be okay. She’s determined to get Gwel Teg back on its feet again and I’m going to help her. We’ve both been talking about it this afternoon.”

  A strange look came over Reece’s case, she couldn’t quite put her finger on it but then it was gone and he was kissing her. “I’m glad she’s feeling so positive. Now how about we eat out?” I noticed a seafood restaurant on the harbour front when I was walking along there today. Do you like sea food?”

  “I love it. And yes, I can recommend that restaurant. Their prawn risotto is delicious and they do a wonderful selection of seafood platters. And oysters and fresh lobster, of course.”

  “That sounds perfect. Shall we say half an hour? I’d like to freshen up first.”

  “Me too.” If they were going to the seafood restaurant she’d like to change into something dressier. A maxi dress perhaps.

  She decided on a halter neck, high split maxi dress in a burnt orange and black print. She knew the colour suited her, and showed off her golden tan. When she walked into the foyer and found Reece waiting for her, looking very handsome in pale blue chinos and a slim fit white shirt, she was pleased she’d made an effort.

  “Breath-taking,” he told her, sweeping his gaze over her in admiration. He hooked his arm. “Ready?”

  She slipped her arm through his. “Lead the way.”

  It was a warm, balmy evening and the town was bustling with holidaymakers. Ellie soon had to let go of Reece’s arm, it was impossible to walk together amongst the crowds but he held out his hand behind him so they could link hands as they weaved in and out of the mass of people.

  As they approached the restaurant, Ellie spotted a table free right at the front. She increased her pace, wanting to grab it before someone else did. They’d have a lovely view of the harbour there.

  “Don’t worry, we’ll get it.” Reece covered the distance in a couple of long strides, pulling out a chair for Ellie to sit down in before sitting down himself.

  “I presume you’d want to face the harbour,” he said.

  “Move your chair around and we can both face it.” Ellie shuffled her chair to make room. “It’s a shame for you to sit with your back to it.” The view across the bay was spectacular, the shimmering ball of the setting sun glowing in an orange and purple streaked sky, casting shadows over the silhouetted boats bobbling on what was now an almost indigo sea.

  ‘It makes you want to take a photo, doesn’t it?” she said. ‘But no matter how much I try, my photos never seem to capture the true splendour of the sunset.”

  Reece nodded. “I can see why the town has inspired so many artists. It’s stunning.”

  “Good evening.” The waiter smiled at them pleasantly, handed them a menu each and lit the candle standing in the middle of the table. “Would you like a drink or to or
der first?”

  “Probably best to decide what we’re eating first, don’t you think?” Reece looked questioningly at Ellie.

  “Oh I don’t need to look at the menu, I know what I want. A seafood patter. I’ve had one here a few times and they are really delicious.”

  Reece’s eyes twinkled in the candlelight. “In that case, I’ll have the same. And how about a light, white wine to go with them? A Sauvignon Blanc, perhaps?”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  The restaurant was quite full already but the service was fast and efficient. As they chatted easily, Ellie marvelled at how comfortable it felt to be in Reece’s company. She felt as if she had known him years rather than a few days.

  “You were right, that was delicious.” Reece pushed his empty plate away and rubbed his stomach appreciatively. “Would you like a dessert?”

  “Not right now, I’m stuffed. How about we walk around for a while then have an ice cream? There’s an ice cream parlour a little further along that does fifty flavours of ice cream and all sorts of different toppings.”

  “Fifty flavours!” Reece beckoned the waiter to bring over the bill. “I wouldn’t think they could possible think of fifty different flavours.”

  “You’d be amazed by what they come up with,” Ellie told him. “As well as the usual ones such as chocolate, strawberry and mint there’s Cointreau, banoffi and mango and passion fruit.”

  “Cointreau sounds good,” Reece took out his wallet to settle the bill but Ellie reached out to take it off him.

  “Please let me settle this. It’s the least I can do after all the help you’ve given us.”

  “I insist. I’m old-fashioned that way,” Reece handed the waiter some notes. “Besides, you supplied the meal yesterday.”

  “As a thank you for your help,” she reminded him. “And I like to pay my way. I’m not the kind of woman that expects – or wants – a man to pay for everything.”

  “In that case how about you buy the ice cream?”

  “Deal,” she agreed.

  They spent the rest of the evening wandering around, holding hands, talking and laughing.

  I can’t believe how well we get on, Ellie thought. She felt as if she’d known Reece forever.

  As they headed back towards the hotel Ellie started to feel awkward. What happened now? Reece too, had gone quiet. Was he wondering, like her, what the arrangements were for this evening? Last night they’d had sex for the first time. Was he expecting her to go back to his room tonight? And did she want to?

  Yes!

  But should she?

  Reece paused outside Gwel Teg and snaked his arm around Ellie’s waist, pulling her to him and kissing her soundly on the lips. “How about a nightcap in my room?” he suggested.

  She returned the kiss with fervour, revelling in the closeness of his body.

  “Just a nightcap?” she asked when they finally pulled apart.

  He grinned. “How about breakfast as well?”

  “Breakfast? At this time of the night?” she glanced at her watch. “Who eats breakfast at ten o’clock?”

  “You could eat it at 10 am,” he teased. His eyes darkened and he nuzzled into her neck. “Spend the night with me again, Ellie.”

  Should she? What if her mother woke coughing and needed her?

  “I can’t stay all night,” she said. “If Mum woke in the night and needed me…” she frowned. “It wouldn’t be right.”

  “Stay half the night then,” he suggested, gazing down at her. “We’ll put the alarm on for three o’clock and you can sneak off.”

  She met his gaze, saw the longing and passion there. Saw something else too, something soft, gentle, caring.

  “If you put it like that.” She smiled. “Okay.”

  He nibbled her ear. “I promise you it’ll be more than okay.”

  Chapter Twenty

  The alarm buzzed through her deep sleep. Ellie groaned and reached out for her phone to turn it off. Besides her Reece slept soundly, spooned against her back, one hand cupping her breast. She yawned, longing to lie there, snuggled up to him and go back to sleep. Yes and walk in wearing last night’s clothes when Mum’s having breakfast. Great idea. Not.

  She tried to wriggle out of Reece’s grasp without waking him and reached for her phone.

  “Is it time to get up already?” he murmured sleepily as she found the phone and slid the screen to silence the alarm.

  “I’m afraid so.” She turned around, wrapping her arms around him and they kissed. She loved it when they lay skin to skin like this.

  “Stay for a little longer.” As he pressed closer to her, she felt the stirrings of passion in his body and was tempted to stay for a replay. It had been so good.

  “Tempting you, am I?” he teased, his voice already thick with desire.

  She kissed him on the nose and wriggled away. “You are, but I must go. I won’t be fit for anything tomorrow if I don’t get a few more hours’ sleep.”

  He flicked on the bedside light and leaned up on one elbow, watching as she reached down for her clothes. “Can’t keep up the pace, eh?”

  She turned to him and grinned. “As the saying goes, always leave them wanting more.”

  She could feel his eyes on her as she pulled on her panties, did up her bra, slipped on her maxi dress. It was as if he couldn’t get enough of her.

  “Right, I’m off. See you in the morning.”

  Reece wrapped his arm around Ellie’s waist, pulled her to him and kissed her deeply. “You’re the only woman who’s ever sneaked from my bed in the middle of the night,” he said gruffly.

  She chuckled. “Like I said, keep ‘em wanting more.” She wriggled out of his embrace, picked up her sandals and handbag, gave him a finger wave and slipped out of his room, closing the door quietly behind her.

  As she made her way to the private quarters, she thought about Reece’s words. Was she really the only woman who’d ever sneaked out of his bed? Couldn’t the others tear themselves away?

  Well, she could understand that. Reece Mitchell was one hell of a guy. What a shame he was going home so soon.

  The flat was all quiet when she sneaked in. Ellie went straight to her bedroom, pulled off her clothes and crept into bed. She felt her eyes closing as her head touched the pillow.

  Once again the alarm woke her up. This time it was telling her that it was seven o’clock, and time to get up. She yawned and rubbed her eyes. She was so tired. And no wonder when she’d spent half the night cavorting with Reece. A smile stretched over her face as she remembered the way he’d kissed her, touched her, whispered how beautiful she was. It had been a long time since she felt like this about someone. Not since Lee.

  Actually she hadn’t even felt like this about Lee. She realised now that what she’d felt for him was infatuation not love.

  Love.

  Is that what she felt for Reece?

  She sat up and hugged her knees. She was attracted to him yes. She looked forward to seeing him. But in love with him?

  She shook her head. She didn’t do ‘in love’.

  Footloose and fancy free, in charge of her own destiny. That was her motto.

  And not even a gorgeous hunk like Reece was going to get her to break that. There was no way anyone was going to get near her heart and get the chance to break it.

  It’s too late. A little voice whispered in her head. She ignored it, got out of bed and headed for the shower. She had a lot to get through today.

  He could still smell her perfume on the sheets. Light, heady, fragrant – just like Ellie. He lay for a while, remembering their night of passion. Spending a night with a woman he barely knew wasn’t new to him, but spending the night with a woman like Ellie was. She was uncomplicated. She didn’t ask anything from him. No promises, murmurs of love, no commitment. She just enjoyed being with him. No strings attached.

  Which would make you think she was a good time girl but she obviously wasn’t. She was close to her mother and willing
to put her life on hold to help her. Intelligent, loyal, kind.

  When did he notice all that about her?

  Being with her this past week, watching how she treated people, how she dealt with situations that’s when. He loved the way her face lit up when she smiled, a smile that spread right to her eyes. The way she threw her head back when she laughed, a real chuckle not a silly, tinkly, false laugh. He was going to miss her when they both returned home. She was good company.

  Ellie could be the one woman to tempt him to break his ‘no emotional ties’ rule.

  And there was no way he could let that happen. There was no place in his life for complicated relationships. He needed to get this deal wrapped up quickly. He’d been hoping it would be all done and dusted before he went home tomorrow but Steve was taking his time looking at the figures, and wanted to see Gwel Teg himself before the contract had to be drawn up. So it could be next Friday before the deal was agreed, which meant he’d have to come down again next weekend and persuade Ellie’s mum to accept it.

  That shouldn’t be too difficult. Anyone could see that Sue was tired and the hotel was too much for her to cope with. He was pretty sure that if he slipped out Ellie’s intention to give up her job and flat and move back down with her if Sue couldn’t cope, she’d sign on the dotted line immediately. Then she wouldn’t have to worry about Gwel Teg any longer. Meanwhile, the tidier the hotel was the more impressed Steve would be when he came to have a look around tomorrow, so he’d better get cracking and help Harry get the jobs done.

  He got out of bed and made his way to the bathroom.

  Ellie was already in the kitchen, dressed in denim knee length dungarees and a blue and white striped tee shirt, having breakfast when he went in. He always made his way to the staff kitchen now rather than the guest one. Ellie, her mother and Mandy – Harry was still a bit reserved - treated him like one of the family and he felt like one. He’d paid up front for his room though, to make sure they didn’t feel obliged to give him a discount. This hard-headed businessman was getting a soft heart.