Rest and Relaxation (Closed for DeliciousMaiden)

[DeliciousMaiden]

Maxine did not see Derek again until breakfast. She had come down late and chosen to eat outside and selected a continental breakfast. Her head had felt a bit thick when she’d rising late that morning, but coffee and orange juice had soon cleared that feeling. What no amount of beverage could eradicate though was the glow that the memory of the previous evening brought back to her.
Maxine was not a woman who lived with regrets; life was what it was and decisions were always taken based on what you knew at that moment and as such hindsight and foresight were a waste of time!

But there was no inkling of regret when she recalled the heated passion that she and Derek had shared. It had been as passionate as it had been unexpected and sending him back to his rooms had been the hardest thing she had ever had to do, but concern for his reputation and job had given Maxine the strength not to selfishly indulge in extending their love making and although she instantly felt the loss of his presence in her room and in her bed, she knew that she had done the right thing, for both of them in the long run.

She had told him that evening that she would not let his career be damaged by their actions and offered him a post as her PA. Her lips curled in a smile as she imagined what manner of personal services she might require from him, a heat filling her body as she marvelled at how fixated he had been on her pleasure and meeting her needs. She had never known such an unselfish lover and as a result they had both really let go and revelled in sharing a truly erotic experience.

”Can I get you anything else, Miss Chambers?”

She looked up as a young waitress hovered anxiously; she was sure the girl was efficient and hard working, but knowing who Maxine was had made her more nervous than usual.

” … another pot of coffee would be lovely …”

She told her with a smile watching the girl’s face relax, pleased at having been given a way of proving herself as she scampered away to fulfil Maxine’s wishes. Having the power to make or break had had its attraction at first; or rather Maxine had prided herself on making judgements which would benefit the leisure trade in general. But it had gotten out of hand and with her fame she had lost the ability to travel anonymously and as a result she could no longer see these places as any standard tourist would. Not for the first time, Maxine wondered just how valid her reviews were anymore …

”Miss Chambers…”

The girl had returned brandishing the coffee and placing it before her with an endearing combination of nervousness and triumph. She was so willing and eager to please and Maxine felt her heart going out to the girl.

”Lovely … Lisa…”

Maxine read the girl’s name from her staff badge.

”Thank you so much …”

She watched the girl’s face change showing relief and then flushing with pleasure as she moved away to see to other guests.

Maxine bit back a sigh as she poured her coffee considering not for the first time that it would be great to be accepted for what she was rather than for who. Whilst it sat badly with her now to have the power to put an entire hotel staff on tenterhooks for the duration of her stay, likewise she believed that a hotel should not have the ability to put on their ‘best show’ to impress. True she prided herself on cutting through the façade, but perhaps it truly was time to rethink her career from now onwards?

 

[LucianDevine]

As Derek woke up and got started with his morning ritual, he couldn't help but think of the night he'd spent with Maxine. He was still surprised at what had happened, and how naturally it had all happened, for both of them.

Derek had but a single regret when it came to the events of the previous night, and that regret would likely have been understandable to anybody, if he were allowed to talk about it. That regret was that the two of them now had to carry on with the knowledge of what they'd just done, but hide it from everybody around them. So Derek had to get up like he normally did. He had to put on his running shorts and shoes, and had to go for his daily run on the beach, as well as take a shower afterwards before getting dressed and ready for his shift.

Once his shift began, things were even harder for Derek. He found himself distracted by thoughts of Maxine, especially since he knew exactly where she was on the property at all times. He didn't have to look. The constant chatter on the radios of the staff was more than sufficient.

Derek found himself constantly checking his watch between the customers he tended to. When the time finally came for him to leave his post, he called over his replacement and headed towards the outside dining area where he knew she was eating her breakfast. He watched Lisa practically fleeing from Maxine's table with as much grace and dignity as was possible, and he moved to approach it and her.

"Good morning Miss Chambers." Derek began with his genuine smile on his face."Just a friendly reminder of the massage you requested at four this afternoon. Would you like me to continue where we left off on our tour now, or wait until after your appointment?"

Derek hated that the two of them had to feign formalities and ignorance. He so very desperately wanted to take her in his arms and remind her what they'd done last night, and how much he'd enjoyed it. Sadly though, such actions would be the end of both of their careers.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Good morning Miss Chambers."

Derek was standing beside her table, that familiar charming smile lighting his face, but the secret they now had between them broadened that smile on his part and brought a flush to her cheek in return.

"Just a friendly reminder of the massage you requested at four this afternoon. Would you like me to continue where we left off on our tour now, or wait until after your appointment?"

She nodded sipping lifting her coffee to sip at, her hand not quite steady as she fought to maintain her usual composure.

"I think this morning would be best ... "

She told him as if there was ever any doubt she didn't want to spend time with him that morning.

"Though I do believe you completed the tour of the hotel grounds yesterday?"

She suggested with a dimple of a mischievous smile.

"I understand however that there is access to the beach from here and from there I believe your guests may hire boats, walk towards the marina or ... "

She knew they would most likely not be able to be alone long, but she could at least walk there and back with him.

"If you could at least show me the way, depending on your schedule ... "

She suggested lightly.

 

[LucianDevine]

The smile on Derek's face broadened when he saw the effect of his presence had on Maxine, particularly the normally easy task of holding her hand steady as she sipped her coffee. He couldn't help but enjoy the swelling feeling he felt as well, just being so close to her, and being as comfortable with and around her as he was, especially given the events of last night.

"This morning it is." Derek started after Maxine spoke of her preference. "And you are quite right. I finished showing you everything in the main building except the pool. And we can most certainly do the beach and the marina next if that is what you'd prefer. We can wait until you're finished with your coffee though. There is really no rush, as I have all day to show you anything and everything you'd like to see at your own leisure."

It was thankfully not overly difficult for Derek to ct courteous to Maxine. He'd been courteous to her before they'd slept together, and with them having shared that experience, it only made it that much easier for him to be genuine and sincere. Until she was ready to go, he was more than content to stand beside her table make any small talk the two of them might be able to come up with.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"This morning it is. And you are quite right. I finished showing you everything in the main building except the pool. And we can most certainly do the beach and the marina next if that is what you'd prefer. We can wait until you're finished with your coffee though. There is really no rush, as I have all day to show you anything and everything you'd like to see at your own leisure."

She smiled admiring how he kept his cool and waved him to a seat opposite her.

"Then join me for coffee?"

She invited with a courteous smile.

"The ... documentation you gave me last evening was most detailed ... the range of activities you provide for your guests appears to be .. impressive... "

She was aware of his colleagues moving around the tables and kept their discussion professional.

"This resort has many contacts with the marina it seems?"

She prompted as she managed to guide the cup more steadily to her lips this time.

 

[LucianDevine]

Despite the night the two had shared, Derek didn't actually expect Maxine to invite him to sit beside her, and his face actually flushed when she did. He moved semi-awkwardly to the chair and pulled it out so he could in fact do as she'd invited him to do. He reached for the coffee and didn't even have to ask for Lisa to bring him a cup. No sooner did he turn his head to look for her, than she was already heading their way with a coffee cup in her hand.

"I'm glad you found my work helpful." Derek start with a smile. "It took me the better part of the night to prepare and organize." Derek bowed his head, unable to hide the small smile on his lips, but able to at least lower it as he focused his gaze and attention on pouring himself a cup of coffee. It seemed so strange for the two of them to actually be sitting together, namely for him to be sitting while all of his coworkers were moving around them, be it serving other guests or watching them as discreetly as was possible.

"Yes, we communicate frequently with the marina. We provide them with guests for their services, and they allow us to use their resources at a discounted price. It is a very beneficial relationship, and all of our guests, be they more common or extravagant come to enjoy both the facilities and the view, particularly the sunset. It is definitely something I recommend you try to do.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"I'm glad you found my work helpful. It took me the better part of the night to prepare and organize."

Maxine managed to nod as if with a passing interest. She realised that Derek seemed a bit uncomfortable seated opposite her, especially when Lisa came over with a cup for him.

"Yes, we communicate frequently with the marina. We provide them with guests for their services, and they allow us to use their resources at a discounted price. It is a very beneficial relationship, and all of our guests, be they more common or extravagant come to enjoy both the facilities and the view, particularly the sunset. It is definitely something I recommend you try to do."

She nodded and took out a note pad, jotting in it briefly as he spoke.

" ... and then there's the pool for me to check out...?"

She asked.

" ... any other recommendations...?"

 

[LucianDevine]

"Hmm, let's see." Derek started as he saw Maxine pull out her pad of paper and ask him if he had any other recommendations.

"If memory serves, you wanted to see the rest of the dining facilities, as well as the bar. Then there's the marina, the beach, and the sunset that we already talked about. I think I also remember telling you about the trails that lead through the jungle as well as up to the top of the cliffs. I'd be happy to show you some of those trails if you'd like. Then again, that could also wait for another day, should you want to just take some time to enjoy your stay."

It was so hard for Derek to remember that he was supposed to be acting professional, treating Maxine like she was any normal tourist. He found himself drawn to her for reasons that he could still just barely grasp. He knew that part of it was because he'd sympathized with her situation, but he also knew that there was more to it as well.

"I think that's all of the main attractions. "Derek said with a smile, nod, and a shrug, but I'm sure we could find something else for you to do, should you get bored." He finished off with a soft chuckle, taking another long sip of his coffee while he awaited her response.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

She focused on taking notes as he spoke. She had intended to extend her stay and actually take a break after this job, but that might prove complicated now, still she couldn't help but consider the places Derek listed with something slightly less than a professional approach.

"I doubt I'll have time to see everything, just a sample would suffice ... and of course I will need to do my paperwork ... "

She glanced around.

"The sooner I deliver my verdict, the sooner the staff can relax ... "

She explained tucking her small notebook away again.

"I doubt I'll have time to get bored... "

She raised her gaze to his.

"... do you...?"

She asked ...

 

[LucianDevine]

Derek couldn't help the full-bellied laugh that came out when Maxine talked about the staff finally being able to relax once she'd finished and turned in his review. He still looked around as he did so, giving his coworkers a smile as he did so, indicating that he was definitely laughing with them, not at them.

Maxine's final question actually made Derek chuckle once more.

"Come now Miss Chambers. With all the reviews you've seen about this place, and the people I've escorted around, how many of them ever claimed that they were bored and had nothing to do?" It was a rhetorical question for the most part, which is also why it came with his joking smile.

"Believe me when I tell you that as long as I am your tour guide, your schedule will be as full as you want it to be."

Derek finished his slight bit of bragging by taking another long sip of his coffee. Even as he sat and chatted with Maxine, he couldn't help but wonder what was going through the minds of every one of his coworkers and bosses, for he was sure that no less than five people were watching the pair of them with interest and angst.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Come now Miss Chambers. With all the reviews you've seen about this place, and the people I've escorted around, how many of them ever claimed that they were bored and had nothing to do?"

She seemed to be considering his questions.

"I've scrutinised your feedback data and it would suggest that none claimed to be suffering from boredom at any time..."

"Believe me when I tell you that as long as I am your tour guide, your schedule will be as full as you want it to be."

She nodded professionally then lowered her eyes trying to quell the rising heat at the thought of a certain... activity ... that they might engage in.

"I will definitely hold you to that ... "

She told him smoothly.

"In fact as we have such a full schedule, perhaps we should set out as soon as you've finished your coffee."

She rose from the table.

"Please do finish your coffee. There are a few items I will need to collect from my room so please excuse me, I'll be down shortly ..... "

 

[LucianDevine]

Derek nodded in both acknowledgement and thanks for her words, for they were certainly true. He did his best to remain humble, but with Maxine, he figured he could let that go, a little of it at the very least.

"Well Miss Chambers, should you find me lacking, you know what to do with that information." Derek said with a sly smile, knowing well enough that she would get his joke in one fashion or another.

As Maxine spoke and made to rise, Derek rose as well, out of respect. "Take all the time you need Miss Chambers. I will be waiting in the front lobby for you whenever you are ready." After he spoke and Maxine made to leave, Derek picked up his coffee and finished the last bit before turning from the table and bowing his head as he exhaled sharply. It was really just a show for his coworkers, one that Lisa would likely be relating to at that moment.

Once Maxine was out of sight, Derek set his cup down and turned from the table as well, heading towards the front lobby where he would be found waiting patiently for her.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Well Miss Chambers, should you find me lacking, you know what to do with that information."

At his words she nearly spluttered into her coffee; very unladylike, very unprofessional she admonished herself!

"Take all the time you need Miss Chambers. I will be waiting in the front lobby for you whenever you are ready."

She nodded as he stood.

"Of course ... "

She responded briefly as she turned and made her way back to her room, hoping she seemed convincingly 'haughty' enough to match the expectations of those many pairs of eyes which watched them.

Back in her room, Maxine sat for long moments trying to gather her wits. She wasn't some love sick teenager and she could control this, put this into perspective ... but did she want to, that was the question? Changing quickly Maxine donned a bikini and then pulled on a pair of shorts and loose sheer button through shirt knotting it at the waist. Securing her hair in a high pony tail and then reluctantly twisting it so it sat as a bun on top of her head, she picked up a light shoulder bag ensuring she had a note book and pens within before putting on sunglasses and making her way back down to the front lobby.

"Mr Wright ... "

She greeted him formally schooling her features to prevent herself from smiling.

"Shall we...?"

 

[LucianDevine]

The sight of Maxine dressed so casually actually caught Derek off guard. So much in fact, that he couldn't help a slight jest. "And who are you, and what have you done with Miss Chambers?" He asked softly, yet in a slightly teasing tone?"

"Yes, by all means." Derek then said after his slight joke. If you'll be so kind as to follow me, I think we can start with the marina and work our way back around, provided that's okay with you?"

As Derek spoke, he gestured them back towards one of the back hallways that led out the back of the main building towards the beach.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"And who are you, and what have you done with Miss Chambers?"

He teased her making it difficult not to laugh and had to keep her features as impassive as possible.

[I["If you'll be so kind as to follow me, I think we can start with the marina and work our way back around, provided that's okay with you?"[/I]

She put on her sunglasses and nodded.

"I'm in your hands ... Mr Wright ... "

She told him softly thoughts of his skilful hands not far from her mind as she followed him along the back hall way.

 

[LucianDevine]

"I'm in your hands ... Mr Wright ... "

Derek definitely liked the sound of those words, but sadly, he couldn't act on the thoughts that were moving through his head, not yet at least.

The hallways and door that Derek led Maxine to led right outside, and it was one of the hallways that exited on either side of the garden that they'd already seen. As they walked, and were finally out of sight and earshot of all of their prying admirers, Derek found himself at a loss of what to say. He kept looking at Maxine, likely looking like a shy teenager as he did so.

Derek was so hard-pressed for words, that the first he did manage to force out came when they reached the Marina. He cleared his throat before finally forcing himself to speak.

"As you can see, this is the Marina. The resort has an exclusive contract with them. They use the private waters owned by the resort, and the Marina loans out anything from kayaks to yachts, depending on the wallet of the renter. They also offer swimming lessons, snorkeling, and they even have diving gear."

Even as he spoke, Derek wasn't glad to be saying the words that he was. He wanted to be talking to her about last night, and both what it had meant, and what it might mean in the future. Sadly though, he just couldn't bring himself to breach that barrier inside his own head. It was rather ironic when you thought about it, given how easily he'd been able to initiate the events of the previous evening.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

They'd flirted subtly, but Maxine knew that they couldn't give any indication of what had passed between them the evening before. She allowed Derek to escort her down the hallway then out by the side of the garden until they were finally out of sight of prying eyes. And yet he was silent and every inch the professional. She bit back a sigh following his lead. After all it was his job potentially on the line here. For her part it hardly invalidated her report and actually Maxine was realising that she was due a career change very soon.

"As you can see, this is the Marina. The resort has an exclusive contract with them."

He began finally. It seemed without the security of other people around them he was actually awkward around her this morning. She pretended to look around as he indicated;

"They use the private waters owned by the resort, and the Marina loans out anything from kayaks to yachts, depending on the wallet of the renter.
They also offer swimming lessons, snorkeling, and they even have diving gear."

She nodded, and bit back a sigh, focusing on the job in hand.

"... a mutually beneficial arrangement, I'm sure ... "

She surmised as she walked slowly past the yachts admiring them.

"The route seems very straightforward,"

She commented.

"I imagine one can walk back down the beach and cut through?"

She questioned indicating a different route to that of the garden cut through.

"I'm sure I can find my way back ..."

She invited preparing to dismiss him. The last thing she'd wanted was for him to be uncomfortable around her, so perhaps with a bit of distance they could just brush aside what had happened the evening before.

 

[LucianDevine]

Derek didn't need to have the knowledge that he already had about Maxine to know what her words meant. His head bowed as he turned to face her. "Maxine..." He started softly, wishing so very much just then that he could take her hand and show her the same tenderness he'd showed her last night.

"I'm a writer, and it's not often that we find ourselves speechless. I just find myself torn." Derek's brown gaze found and held Maxine's hazel one as his brow furrowed. His bottom lip found it's way between his teeth as his mind struggled with the words.

"I keep trying to think of a non-cliche way to say this, but I don't think there is any other way to say it." Derek sighed softly once more and bowed his head once more. When his head lifted once more though, he squared his shoulders and met her gaze once more.

"I enjoyed every bit of last night, every second of breaking down your defenses so that I could help you feel as good as I made you feel last night. I certainly don't regret it, and my mind has been thinking about it ever since I left your room last night. To say that I want to do it again is an understatement, but there's more to it than that. I enjoyed the way we connected, the way everything just came together so perfectly, you know?"

Derek's question was rhetorical, but he needed an excuse to take a breath. Every word just kind of spewed out of him, and he found himself feeling rather exposed. He just hoped that she understood that his awkwardness hadn't been about what they'd done, simply what he'd wanted to say but couldn't find the words for until just now.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Maxine..."

She sensed he was going to start with apologies, or explanations and wanted to tell him that it was unnecessary...

"I'm a writer, and it's not often that we find ourselves speechless. I just find myself torn."

Her eyes found his despite herself.

"I keep trying to think of a non-cliche way to say this, but I don't think there is any other way to say it."

She guessed they might as well get it over with, clear the air and then ... simply get on with their lives ...

"I enjoyed every bit of last night, every second of breaking down your defenses so that I could help you feel as good as I made you feel last night. "

It wasn't what she had expected to hear.

"I certainly don't regret it, and my mind has been thinking about it ever since I left your room last night. To say that I want to do it again is an understatement, but there's more to it than that. I enjoyed the way we connected, the way everything just came together so perfectly, you know?"

She had thought so, but then that morning, she supposed that she had imagined it, or that it was a one off.

"It was ... good ... "

It had been amazing, special and so right, but she couldn't say that.

" ... but ... you have a job to do here ... and so do I ... and I guess I didn't realise just how many risks I was making you take until this morning ... "

She sighed heavily despite herself.

"... so ... it would be easier just to decide this was one very special evening and ... move on with no regrets ... "

It wasn't what she wanted, but what else could there ever be between them in this situation.

" ... I saw how awkward it was for you this morning ... "

She told him as if justifying her suggestion.

" ... even now ... "

She told him with a sad smile. Amazing though it had been, she doubted they could recapture that... not in these circumstances.

" ... so ... "

She shrugged.

" ...no problem ... no conflict ... "

She told him using his words.

 

[LucianDevine]

Derek heard Maxine's words, and he let out a heavy sigh right along with her. In the back of his mind, he knew she was right, but when he met her gaze, there was anything but defeat in his brown eyes.

"You didn't make me take any risks Maxine. I chose to take them, every one of them in turn and in stride."

As Derek spoke, he took a small step forward. His eyes cast briefly about, scanning for any other employees of the resort. The marina employees didn't matter so much, but he couldn't allow any of his coworkers to see what he was about to do. His hand lifted to cup Maxine's cheek, and he held her gaze as his thumb moved to trace softly over her lips before he dared to lean closer.

"There is always the alternative you suggested last night, isn't there?" Derrek asked softly before slowly closing the little space that had been between them and pressing a tender kiss to her lips.

Once again, Derek had put himself out there, hoping that Maxine would understand him, and he prayed that she would not rebuff him, even though it was a very real possibility.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"You didn't make me take any risks Maxine. I chose to take them, every one of them in turn and in stride."

She smiled at his words and was glad that he felt like that. After all she cared little of the repercussions to herself, it was him and his future that concerned her.

She saw him glance around and followed his gaze warily. Suddenly he had stepped forward closing the gap between them. She felt his hand upon her cheek and held her breath at that touch ... She had claimed that they would not easily recapture that connection from the night before ... it had been easier to think that way ... and yet as she found herself lost in his eyes again. His thumb moved so lightly over her lips sending a jolt of electricity through her.

"There is always the alternative you suggested last night, isn't there?"

Silently Maxine nodded, mesmerised by his touch and drawn into his kiss; a kiss sweetly tender, which awoke her senses and prompted Maxine to press and deepen the kiss, their tongues meeting briefly as her body pressed against Derek's for long moments, before finally pulling free and taking a step back to steady herself, amazed at the instant connection and heat that they had seemed to recapture almost instantly.

"Wh- which alternative did you mean...?"

She questioned breathlessly ...

 

[LucianDevine]

Maxine's reaction to his kiss was everything Derek hoped it would be. She pressed herself against him and deepened the kiss of her own volition, and Derek certainly didn't object. The touch of their tongues was brief, but oh so sweet.

All too soon it seemed, the kiss ended. Derek watched as Maxine stepped back, both of them already breathless as she voiced her question. Derek let that small smile come to his lips once more, but didn't close the distance between them this time.

"I do recall you offering me a job as a last resort." Derek started softly. "We're not quite at the last resort stage yet, but it is something I am certainly considering, and even before it is a last resort. The only question my dear Maxine is this, did you mean that offer when you made it?" Derek knew he was taking yet another chance, but for some reason, it was a chance he was glad to take if it meant being able to spend more time with Maxine. There was something about her that drew him to her, and he ached for the connection that he'd felt between them likely as much as she did.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

They stood a safe distance apart as he considered her question.

"I do recall you offering me a job as a last resort."

She smiled remembering that she had done so.

"We're not quite at the last resort stage yet, but it is something I am certainly considering, and even before it is a last resort."

His words both surprised and thrilled her.

"The only question my dear Maxine is this, did you mean that offer when you made it?"

She searched his expression and realised that he was serious.

"... I was... and I am ... the offer still stands ... only ... "[/I

She paused as she voiced the thoughts that had been flying around her head that morning.

"I may be pursuing another line of work, but ... whatever I do I'll still be needing a good PA ... and I couldn't think of anyone more ... suitable... that you ... "

She told him with a smile.

"But you're happy here ... and you love this place, so ... "

She knew that before her he'd had no ambitions to leave.

" ... perhaps we should be more ... careful ... "

She suggested glancing around ...

 

[LucianDevine]

Maxine's smile made Derek's smile grow a little bit wider as well, as did the words that followed it. It was always tough to gauge whether some things said in the heat of the moment were actually meant, or if they were just spoken out of passion. Knowing that Maxine was willing to take him on as a personal assistant though, regardless of what job she ended up in was a relief in more ways than one.

"I know I'm happy here, and yes, I do love this place, but just like you and your job, there are certain limitations here that I can't overcome as long as I'm here. I've been here this long, and sacrificed a lot to stay here, especially when it comes to relationships. I'd like to think that if it comes down to it, I'd choose the relationship over the job, especially if the person I'm with is offering me the job."

Derek desperately wanted to step closer to Maxine once more, but the way she'd glanced around reminded him of where they were and the risks that she'd also talked about earlier.

"Did you have any idea what kind of job you'd want to do?" Derek asked, changing the topic away from the parts of the conversation that made him think about not being with her.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"I know I'm happy here, and yes, I do love this place, but just like you and your job, there are certain limitations here that I can't overcome as long as I'm here. I've been here this long, and sacrificed a lot to stay here, especially when it comes to relationships. I'd like to think that if it comes down to it, I'd choose the relationship over the job, especially if the person I'm with is offering me the job."

She was reassured by his words. He seemed to have no issues with the idea of working for her as well as being in a relationship with her. Most of the men she knew wouldn't be able to combine the two and preferred to keep the women in their lives under control. Perhaps that was why Maxine had never really fallen for any of the guys she had met; they saw her as a challenge to conquer, but in truth she only saw them as a 'distraction' ...

"Did you have any idea what kind of job you'd want to do?"

She considered his question.

"I have a few ideas and I do have lots of contacts ... something linked to tourism and travel ... perhaps advertising ... I'd have to put together a business plan ... "

She chuckled and closed the gap between them pressing a brief kiss to his lips before moving away from him and towards a seat that looked out across the marina. Her eyes seemed trained on the yachts moored there, but I truth her mind was whirring with ideas. She smiled at him as he came to sit beside her. She wished so much that they could act like normal lovers would, but a respectable gap was retained between them.

"You know, if you worked for me, you could have the opportunity to write, if you wanted to ... "

She told him.

" ... and I'd do it all properly, contract and salary ... and if things didn't work out ... romantically between us, then ... well ... I'd hope we'd at least be friends and hopefully that you'd still be wanting to work with me ... "

She didn't want this just to be about her buying him off so that they could just indulge in a 'fling'.

"We can be as business-like as you'd need it to be ... "

She offered, then gave him a sultry smile.

" ... or not ... at times ... if that's what you need too ..."