Rest and Relaxation (Closed for DeliciousMaiden)

[LucianDevine]

Derek couldn't help but chuckle along with Maxine when she spoke about her potential job opportunities and needing a business plan. He could only imagine how many contacts she had, contacts literally around the world he'd guess.

Maxine closing the distance between them once more, even if it was for a brief kiss was actually something Derek hadn't expected. He smiled as she backed away though, and as she settled herself down onto a bench that overlooked the marina he gladly moved to join her.

Derek wished more than anything just then, that he could sit closer to her, somehow reassure her with his presence and touch. Sadly though, he knew that they had taken enough chances out here, and it wasn't wise to take another, especially if they were going to be here a while. So when he sat down, he left a respectful distance between them, but did turn towards her and lift his left knee up on to the bench, showing his willingness to both talk and linger here, with his body posture alone.

Maxine's words brought the small smile back to Derek's face. His brown eyes practically shone when she talked about him being able to write with her. He was less concerned about the logistics of it, and more concerned with being close to her while still being able to do something he desperately wanted to do.

The sultry smile that Maxine gave him when she finished talking was almost enough to make Derek close the distance between them once more. He did manage to restrain himself though.

"Maxine, nothing would make me happier than to work with and for you, especially if it means I will have the opportunity to write. I've wanted to do it for years now, and just never found the free time to do so." Derek paused then to consider his next words, and when he spoke again, his voice was as confident as ever. "And, if in the course of our working together, unprofessional thoughts come to mind, I would like nothing more than to enjoy the reality of acting out those thoughts. It's just like I said last night. I took the chances that I did, because I sensed that you wanted and needed it, and I would gladly do it again, and act on the exact same instincts, even if we found ourselves working together."

Derek hoped that Maxine wouldn't think he was being too forward or bold with his words, but he wanted her to know that he was willing to see to her needs, of his own desire, as often as the mood came to them.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Maxine, nothing would make me happier than to work with and for you, especially if it means I will have the opportunity to write. I've wanted to do it for years now, and just never found the free time to do so."

She nodded. If he worked for her she could give him the time and space to follow his dream and then by being together perhaps there were other dreams they could realise together?

"And, if in the course of our working together, unprofessional thoughts come to mind, I would like nothing more than to enjoy the reality of acting out those thoughts."

Despite herself she blushed at his words. Unprofessional thoughts they might be, but she had never mixed business with pleasure, it had been a 'no go' in the past. Perhaps now she had found an ideal way of combining the two?

"It's just like I said last night. I took the chances that I did, because I sensed that you wanted and needed it, and I would gladly do it again, and act on the exact same instincts, even if we found ourselves working together."

It seemed that what they had said and shared wasn't just something in the heat of the moment, but I was asking a lot for them both just to change the course of their lives based on one evening...

"So ... what do we do now ...?"

She turned and searched his expression.

"Being close to you but not being able to be other than professional is driving me crazy ... "

She confessed.

"... but this could just be a 'holiday romance' type thing ..."

She reasoned.

" ... I'm not sure how we decide what this is exactly or how we handle things in the short term ... "

She didn't dare voice the prospect of a long term, not yet ...

 

[LucianDevine]

The blush that came to Maxine's face was absolutely adorable, especially given what the pair of them had done the previous evening. Derek enjoyed that part of her, the part that it seemed only he could bring out of her. The confession that followed it though, was more than he could have hoped for.

"I know the feeling Maxine, I feel the exact same way. I was thinking about you from the moment I left your room to the moment I saw you again, and all of those thoughts were about what we did last night, and how much I enjoyed it, enjoyed bringing out that part of yourself that most people don't see."

Derek listened to Maxine and how she tried to rationalize what they had done, and what they were doing and discussing right now. He couldn't say she was wrong by any means, it could certainly be a holiday romance brought on by the tension between them. On the other hand though...

"There is only one thing to do now Maxine. We just take things one day at a time, and see where that leads us. If it leads us apart, then let's enjoy the time we spend together. If it leads us together though..."

Derek let his words trail off, but met her gaze, letting her see in his eyes what he thought of the image of the two of them together for an extended period of time.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"I know the feeling Maxine, I feel the exact same way. I was thinking about you from the moment I left your room to the moment I saw you again, and all of those thoughts were about what we did last night, and how much I enjoyed it, enjoyed bringing out that part of yourself that most people don't see."

She marvelled that he was so open about his feelings and was sensitive enough to realise that she rarely trusted anyone to be herself with them, but it was more than that, the connection and dynamic she had with Drew seemed ... unique...

"There is only one thing to do now Maxine. We just take things one day at a time, and see where that leads us. If it leads us apart, then let's enjoy the time we spend together. If it leads us together though..."

She nodded.

"So ... professional then?"

She surmised.

" ... no risks ... "

If they maintained a professional distance, then things were sure to revert to normal between hem, she supposed. Then again ...

"I guess I should focus on the job in hand then ... "

She decided.

" ... and let you head back to the hotel..."

 

[LucianDevine]

Maxine's words brought a brief look of disappointment to Derek's face. He did nod though, understanding the reason behind her decision and her words.

"If that is what you want Maxine." Derek said, moving slowly to stand before her. He turned towards her, that small smile on his face once more. "Should you ever have need of me, be it professional or otherwise, you know how to get in touch with me."

Derek didn't like having to say those words, but he knew that Maxine was right. It was safer for the both of them if they kept things professional, in the short term at least.

Once he was done speaking, Derek inclined his head, bowing respectfully to Maxine before moving to walk around the bench and past her. He did let his elbow graze ever so lightly against her shoulder though, a promise of things to come, should she choose to ask for it.

Even as he walked back to the resort, Derek found himself torn. Without the duty of escorting Maxine around, and the knowledge that that was his only duty, and that he had to be kept available for her, he wasn't sure what to do now.

In the end, Derek checked in with his supervisor, informing her that Maxine had elected to tour some parts by herself. Then, with her permission, Derek headed first to his room to change, and then to the gym. He needed to distract his mind from thinking about Maxine, and a good workout and maybe a swim was the best way to go about that.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"If that is what you want Maxine."

His response confused her. She had thought that was what he was suggesting?
She played back their conversation back and was no clearer.

"Should you ever have need of me, be it professional or otherwise, you know how to get in touch with me."

He told her as he moved away.

"... sure ... "

She responded neutrally and bit back a sigh as he turned and walked back towards the hotel leaving her sitting on the bench, her mind a sea of confusion. What she was supposed to do, she had no idea. He had said he wanted to be with her, yet he couldn't touch her or even sit close to her outside the hotel. What more could she do than be 'professional' for his sake.

Finally she stood up and began to wander through the marina. She should be making notes, should be thinking about her report, but all she could think about was the impossible situation with Derek. Perhaps it would be best if she completed the review of this resort as quickly as possible, then left the staff in peace. Whether Derek would come to see her if she were staying at another resort in the area she didn't know. There was nothing to suggest that the situation would be any easier if she moved onto another hotel, but she definitely was finding it almost impossible to be around him and pretend that there was nothing between them.

Her mobile interrupted her train of thought. She had no intention of answering it, suspecting that it could only be business or even Maurice following up from the previous evening. But it was neither! To her surprise it was someone she actually wanted to talk to.

"Sophie, hi ... long time no .... you're kidding!"

And so, thankful for the distraction, Maxine found herself occupied for lunch, a relaxed meal overlooking the yachts, during which the two women got to catch up over the starter, vent their frustrations as to their current work project and finally over dessert began to discuss their possible future plans ...

It was 2:30 pm by the time Maxine returned to the resort. She intended to take a shower and then a nap and arrange for a call at 3:45 so that she was not late for her spa appointment that had been made the day before ...

 

[LucianDevine]

Derek both swam and ran harder and longer than he ever had in the past. Thoughts of Maxine were like a driving force within him, and even as he sat in the hot tub and then sauna trying to relax his overworked muscles, he couldn't get the thoughts of her out of his head. For the life of him, he still couldn't believe it all. It still seemed surreal to him.

The sound of Derek's company cell phone interrupted his thoughts though, and he wasn't surprised that it was his supervisor. Their conversation was a brief one, but one that Derek had to respond to with a relative quickness.

Soon enough, Derek was showered, properly dressed, and on his way to Maxine's room once more. He knew that she'd asked for a call at 3:45, but at his suggestion, and with his supervisor's approval, he was on his way to deliver the reminder personally.

Even as Derek stood outside Maxine's room once more, he found himself hesitating. He wanted to see her, that much was very true. He was just hoping that their conversation earlier hadn't completely turned her off to him.

Derek did eventually work up the courage to knock on the door. "Miss Chambers." Derek called out, "It's almost time for your spa appointment." Though he wasn't sure if she was sleeping or not, Derek was ready to use his company cell to call her room if necessary.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Maxine was dressed in a bikini with tunic over it in preparation for her massage. She was just brushing her hair in preparation for putting it up when she heard the knock on her door.

"Miss Chambers ... It's almost time for your spa appointment."

Her hand paused in mid-air as she recognised that familiar voice.

"It's open, come in ... "

She called continuing to pile her blonde hair high and working on fixing it in place before turning to meet the man who had entered her room for the first time since all they had shared the night before.

"Hello Derek, did you have a good day?"

She greeted him politely with a smile as she checked her watch. She still had ten minutes, but had always been a stickler for punctuality.

"I meant to ask, might I have breakfast in my room tomorrow morning at, say, 8 am? Oh and then if you could reserve table for two in the restaurant for 7 pm?"

She requested.

http://www.clorismurphy.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/c/u/cu01_bl._2.jpg

 

[LucianDevine]

Derek had been expecting Maxine to just thank him for the reminder, not invite him in. He'd already made the mistake of rebuffing one invitation into her room, and he was not about to do it a second time. He entered quietly and closed the door behind him before turning to the sight that left him breathless.

Not since last night had Derek been treated to such an erotic sight, and he found himself taking a step forward, his fingers twitching as they itched to touch her skin once more. He forced himself to resist though, bowing his head as he listened to her speak.

"Well, that depends on your definition of good I suppose." Derek said softly but honestly. "I worked myself ragged thinking about you..."

Derek realized what he was saying and forced himself to stop and listen to her requests.

"And yes, I can certainly make those arrangements for you. Would you like me to accompany you down to the spa?"

Derek waited patiently as Maxine nodded in response to his offer to escort her while she finished doing her hair. He met her gaze and smiled as she turned from the mirror and tucked her room card into a pocket of her tunic. He moved to open the door for her as she headed towards him.

"Maxine..." Derek said softly as she made to walk past him. What happened next happened out of pure instinct. Derek reached for and found Maxine's wrist with his hand. His other hand loosed the door as he turned Maxine to face him and pulled her close, praying she didn't rebuff him as he kissed her firmly on the lips, his free hand moving to massage her neck as he kissed her passionately.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"I worked myself ragged thinking about you..."

God, it took all her self control for Maxine to continue to pin her hair and to issue her requests for the following day.

"And yes, I can certainly make those arrangements for you. Would you like me to accompany you down to the spa?"

It was a foolish thing to do, but Maxine allowed herself to enjoy Derek's company for just a few moments more. She watched him open the door for her and made to move past him.

"Maxine..."

The way he spoke her name made her turn. His hand was on her wrist turning her to face him and before she knew what had happened she was in his arms and his lips were on hers. All the resolve she had built around herself all that day crumbled instantly and she met his kiss with equal passion, her body pressed against his, the small bikini and the sheer fabric offering very little by way of a barrier to her skin touching his. Even as their kiss finally ended, her head remained upon his shoulder for long moments as she allowed his touch to linger on her neck and she took a steadying breath before drawing away reluctantly.

"I'll be late ... "

She told him softly.

" ... you drive me crazy, you know that ...?"

She murmured a hand raised to stroke his cheek amazed at how the passion sparked between them the moment they touched once more.

"You're not helping me be 'professional'... "

She admonished him gently.

" ... anyone would think that you were trying to throw away your job here ... "

Leaning forward she kissed him lightly on the lips.

" ... and you do know that it's only that ... not wanting to compromise your job here ... that makes it possible for me to keep away from you all day don't you?"

She asked him wanting to try to explain the misunderstanding that had somehow happened between them that morning ...

 

[LucianDevine]

The kiss was everything Derek had hoped it would be. His other hand lifted from her wrist to wrap around her and hold her that much closer as the pair kissed like the old lovers that they seemed to so resemble. Even as that kiss ended, Derek was thankful that Maxine remained close. He pressed a series of tender kisses to her neck as her head rested on her shoulder and she spoke.

"You're Maxine Chambers remember? They'd hold your spot all day if they had to." Derek joked softly."

Derek's eyes drifted closed as Maxine spoke and lifted her hand to stroke his cheek. He heard her words and smiled once more. "I know Maxine, and at this point I'm ready to throw professional out the window. I don't know why, and couldn't explain it if I tried, but I find myself drawn to you..."

After another brief kiss, Derek pulled back so he could meet Maxine's gaze as his hands moved to gently rub her shoulders. "I know the risks I'm taking Maxine, and yes, I understand that that is why you try to distance yourself from me. Believe me when I say the thought is appreciated..."

Loathed as he was to do so, Derek did force himself to separate his body from Maxine's. "What say you and I discuss this later tonight when you don't have a massage to get to?" Derek knew he was being bold in asking her so bluntly for another evening with her, but he also figured that she was a very punctual person, given how professional she was, and even tried to be with him. He didn't want her to be late if he could help it.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"You're Maxine Chambers remember? They'd hold your spot all day if they had to."

She chuckled as he joked. She was indeed 'Maxine Chambers', but with him, she felt like she was so much more.

"I know Maxine, and at this point I'm ready to throw professional out the window. I don't know why, and couldn't explain it if I tried, but I find myself drawn to you..."

She smiled knowing how strong the attraction seemed to her.

"I know the risks I'm taking Maxine, and yes, I understand that that is why you try to distance yourself from me. Believe me when I say the thought is appreciated..."

She was pleased that he was no longer upset with her. He had definitely seemed to be so that morning at the marina.

"What say you and I discuss this later tonight when you don't have a massage to get to?"

He suggested after forcibly putting some distance between them.

She smiled and nodded.

"That sounds like an excellent idea. I'll need to get some food and then ... Did you want to meet in the bar, or here or I guess we could head off site for a while ...?"

She wasn't sure what kind of discussion he wanted, or indeed where he felt most comfortable having that conversation.

With a quick glance at the clock, she invited him to talk as they walked, continuing to make arrangements for later and trying to ensure that she wasn't actually late for the massage she had pre-booked.

 

[LucianDevine]

The fact that Maxine didn't immediately rebuff his desire for another meeting made Derek's heart swell. The next thing to figure out though, of course had to be where they could meet. Her suggestion of off-site was definitely a thought worth entertaining though.

"That is a good question Maxine." Derek said as he opened the door for Maxine once more. "I think it's probably best that we meet off-site, where we don't have all the prying eyes and ears of everybody else." He said once more as they walked towards the elevator and took it to the ground floor.

"How about you just enjoy your massage, and I'll see what I can do about finding us some place to eat dinner?" Derek wanted to kiss Maxine once more, here in the elevator, but he knew that there were camera's watching them. Thankfully though, they were visual only, with no microphones.

Derek lead Maxine to the door of the spa once more, and opened it for her like he had every other door the pair had encountered while they'd been together. "Here we are Miss Chambers." Derek started formally. "I'd be happy to continue your tour afterwards, should you be up for it." Derek had to hold back the desire to smile as he spoke. If only his coworkers knew what they had done, and what each of them likely intended to do to the other the next time they found the time alone to do so.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"That is a good question Maxine. I think it's probably best that we meet off-site, where we don't have all the prying eyes and ears of everybody else. How about you just enjoy your massage, and I'll see what I can do about finding us some place to eat dinner?"

She was touched by his offer to arrange something for them.

"Sure, but Derek ... don't do anything risky, ok?"

She told him, still not wanting him to burn his bridges quite yet.

The elevator doors opened and they were in the public gaze once more. Maxine allowed Derek to lead her to the spa and open the door for her.

"Here we are Miss Chambers. I'd be happy to continue your tour afterwards, should you be up for it."

She nodded.

"Thank you Mr Wright. I appreciate your ... availability ... "

She smiled at him managing not to seem too warm in her dealings with him.
Moving through the doors Maxine was instantly greeted and given 5 star service. Sipping chilled water she listened as she was given an account of the services on offer and the facilities that could be enjoyed by residents. There was a choice of massages and it seemed that though she was booked for a basic 45 minute session they were more than eager that she should enjoy one of their specialities. Usually she would not be swayed, but this time she allowed the idea of warm oil and hot stones to lead her to change her mind ...

And so she found herself surrounded by candles, soft sounds playing in the background and the scent of a specially mixed combination of her favourite oils in the air as the warm pressure of smooth stones was worked along the length of her spine and then circling outwards to work on her soft tissue. Without looking for favour she definitely felt that it was one of the best massages she'd ever had ... and she made sure that the staff were aware of it ... so much so that by the time she left the spa their nervousness had evaporated and their dealings with her seemed just as professional, but much warmer.

Totally relaxed now she headed to the table outside and ordered a cocktail from the bar and contentedly sipping the drink which had of course been instantly delivered to her table for once just enjoying the experience of being somewhere nice without having a notebook in hand and thinking of how to write everything up ...

 

[LucianDevine]

Once he and Maxine had parted ways, Derek was left with the not so unenjoyable task of deciding where the two of them should escape to. Even after he decided on a place to go, he was left with the task of figuring out how to get the two of them there without raising any suspicions.

Only when Derek was sure that Maxine was done with her massage did he inquire about her whereabouts. He then headed towards the outside seating where he found Maxine drinking a cocktail and seeming to enjoy herself.

Derek cleared his throat to announce his presence, and when she turned to him her offered her a courteous smile. "Good afternoon Miss Chambers. You do seem much more relaxed if I may say so myself." Derek joked semi-casually. "I'm happy to report that I can accompany you on your tour of the rest of the island. I've even taken the liberty of finding you a place to get something to eat for dinner, should you find yourself hungry." Derek was getting more comfortable with the way he had to lie and bend truths around his coworkers, and he was certainly grateful for that. "We can head out now if you'd like, or whenever you would like to."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Good afternoon Miss Chambers. You do seem much more relaxed if I may say so myself."

He observed as he approached her table.

"I'm happy to report that I can accompany you on your tour of the rest of the island. I've even taken the liberty of finding you a place to get something to eat for dinner, should you find yourself hungry."

She nodded knowing that she shouldn't appear too eager at the news that true to his word Derek had arranged for them to be alone together.

"We can head out now if you'd like, or whenever you would like to."

Maxine smiled.

"I'm hardly dressed for a tour,"

She told him.

"I think half an hour should be sufficient time for me to finish my drink and get ready."

She told him.

" ... shall we meet in reception ...?"

She prompted.

 

[LucianDevine]

Derek chuckled softly when Maxine mentioned her state of dress, but he did nod in agreement. "Reception in thirty it is, I'll be there." Derek said with a smile before once again bowing his head, taking a step back, and turning from her table.

Whether or not his coworkers noticed or not, Derek didn't really care, but he was definitely in a better mood. Things were finally looking up for him. As much as he enjoyed working at the resort and all the perks that came with it, he was definitely looking forward to a possible change in both occupation and location.

When Maxine found her way to reception, she would see him standing near the front doors with a cab already waiting for them.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Reception in thirty it is, I'll be there."

He told her as he moved away from her table. Around her Maxine was sure that the staff were not missing any of their interactions so she remained where she was until she had finished her drink and then rose and headed up to her room. She avoided the temptation to 'dress up' given that she was supposed to be going on a tour of the island, even though dinner had been mentioned, Maxine had to take care that her appearance was appropriate.

And so selecting white jeans and a light top, she grabbed her shades and put the note books in a bag along with other items she thought she would need and pleased with her casual look she headed down to reception making sure that she did not look too eager.

She smiled as she saw him waiting and donned her shades as she joined him.

"Thank you for waiting ... "

She told him and followed him out to the front.


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[LucianDevine]

When Derek saw Maxine step out of the elevator, he met her gaze with a smile. It was still hard for him to school his gaze to one more appropriate to the casual interaction that they were supposed to be having, but he was slowly getting used to it.

"It's not a problem at all Miss Chambers." Derek said in response to her greeting before gesturing for her to exit the front door before him. He'd have held it open for her, if not for the attendant that was always standing by for just such a task. Derek did move beside and in front of Maxine in time to open the cab door for her though, and only once she was settled in her seat did he close the door and move around to his side of the cab and slip in beside her.

"I've got just the place picked out." Derek said as he handed a slip of paper to the cabby. The man didn't say a word, but simply nodded, turned on his meter and headed out.

The drive would be a relatively short one, barely a half hour long. The place he chose though, was well worth it. It was just on the outside of the town closest to the resort, and had a small lot all to itself. The exterior resembled a larger than average, but otherwise rustic looking cabin.

"There meter will be running." The cabby said gruffly as Derek exited the cab and moved around to open Maxine's door for her once more.

"If I may?" Derek said in a gentlemanly tone as he offered her his arm with his usual smile on his face. That smile only widened, albeit for a brief moment, just long enough for her to see as she stepped out of the cab and took his arm. He then forced himself to school his face back to a reasonable level of enjoyment as he closed her door and escorted her to the front door, which he of course held open for her as well.

The inside of the restaurant very much resembled the outside. Inside, it looked like a country inn. The lighting was dim but warm, the tables were well spread out, giving one a sense of privacy. The center of the room had to be the fireplace though.

Derek escorted Maxine up to the podium where the hostess waited to greet them. "Reservation for Derek." He said confidently. The hostess nodded and turned to lead them to their table, one tucked back in a corner. "After you." Derek said, gesturing for Maxine to slide into one of the booths first. Once she did, he moved to slide into the other one.

"Can I get you two anything to drink to start things off?" The hostess asked, speaking up for the first time.

"The floor is yours Maxine, anything you want, my treat." Derek said, speaking comfortably and casually with her now that they were in a private place well and far away from the confines and restriction of the resort.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"It's not a problem at all Miss Chambers."

Was his professional response. She slid into the cab as he held the door pen for her and then went round to take the seat beside her.

"I've got just the place picked out."

She nodded, her smile widening as Derek handed a piece of paper to the driver. So, it was to be a surprise obviously and it was a novelty not having to make the decisions, especially when Derek's job could be in the balance. It seemed that they were to maintain that professional relationship throughout the drive, which actually made the whole interlude feel more clandestine. Maxine couldn't believe she was going to such lengths just to be able to see him, but then as she turned to respond to some observation he made of the country they were travelling through she marvelled that he had been able to stay away from him for so long that day!

Maxine looked around curiously as Derek moved around to open her door for her. She didn't want to give the driver any cause for suspicion, but when Derek offered her his arm, she couldn't resist accepting his offer and took his arm allowing him to escort her towards the strange looking building.

The place was rustic, but charming; the lighting subdued, but intimate. Despite her extensive travels the place was different to anything she had seen before.

"Reservation for Derek."

She heard him tell the hostess. He hadn't traded off her name in fact she was his guest, his 'plus one' which was a massive change for her.

"After you."

Ever the gentleman she preceded him as she followed the hostess towards their table pleased with its corner location. She slid into the booth and smiled as Derek seated himself afterwards.

"Can I get you two anything to drink to start things off?"

The easy informality and the way that she seemed to look to Derek before her told Maxine that this was an evening when she could totally get away from being who she was and just enjoying a 'date'.

"The floor is yours Maxine, anything you want, my treat."

She seemed to consider.

" ... martini please ... "

She ordered, then glanced across at Derek as he placed his order.

Only once the hostess had disappeared did she allow herself to chuckle.

"I really feel like I'm playing truant ... "

She told him.

"This place is amazing .... "

She let her eyes wander admiringly around the room.

" ... this is what I've missed ... for years, Derek ... "

She told him.

" ... just being me ... well Maxine, or Derek's guest ... not 'Miss Chambers' with the poison pen ... "

She laughed not sure if she was making sense.

" ... either way, this is so perfect ... thank you for arranging it ... "

She was touched by the trouble he had gone to for her and so looking forward to sharing the evening with him ...

 

[LucianDevine]

Maxine's words in and about his restaurant made all of the holding back the two had had to do to this point worth it. The look on her face as she spoke, or as she looked around, told Derek that she truly meant what she said, and that she was truly happy, for what she'd said felt like years.

"I'm glad you like it Maxine." Derek started, reaching his left hand across to take her right hand so he could lift it to his lips, much like he'd done the previous night. When his hand lowered though, he continued to hold hers as he held her gaze as well.

"I come here often for that exact same reason. It's a place that seems so far away from the rest of the world, more specifically from work, and that feeling just makes it feel...perfect."

Derek was briefly silent when the hostess returned with their drinks, a martini for Maxine, and a rum and coke for Derek. His hand never released hers though, even as his other hand lifted lifted his drink. "Here's to a night where names don't matter." Derek said, offering up the cheers before they both drank.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"I'm glad you like it Maxine."

He responded. She smiled as he took her hand, still holding it even after pressing a soft kiss to it. Her eyes locked with his, it was as if she couldn't get enough of just being with him, getting to know him. He was younger than her, which meant that he wasn't jaded by experience, yet in many ways he had a mature head on his shoulders and definitely a depth beyond the type of man she seemed to attract usually.

"I come here often for that exact same reason. It's a place that seems so far away from the rest of the world, more specifically from work, and that feeling just makes it feel...perfect."

She was surprised that he too seemed to want to escape work, especially as he seemed so happy at the resort, yet she did know that he had an ambition to write and that at times and that he had the capacity to do so much more than his current role, brilliant though he was at it.

"Here's to a night where names don't matter."

Still holding hands, she raised her glass and clinked it against his.

" ... to ... escape ... "

She replied solemnly and took a sip of her drink and murmured appreciatively replacing the glass as she watched Derek enjoy his own drink.

" ... I really am seriously considering a change of career, you know... "

She told him as they sat hand in hand.

" ... whatever happens between us ... or doesn't ... meeting you has definitely made me ... re-evaluate things Derek ... "

She sighed in relaxation.

"It sounds crazy to say so, but I think I need a holiday ... "

She smiled across at him.

" ... do you realise how impossible that would be for me?"

She laughed shaking her head at the thought.

" ... not that I'd need four star accommodation ... "

There must be decent places she could go 'anonymously' she supposed if she put her mind to it.

"When did you last take a holiday, Derek?"

She queried wondering what his idea of a perfect vacation would be.

 

[LucianDevine]

" ... to ... escape ... "

"To escape indeed." Derek said in agreement as the two clinked glasses. Derek drank lightly from his glass as e watched Maxine sip hers.

" ... I really am seriously considering a change of career, you know... "

"I know you are, and I understand why more than most." Derek replied. He certainly knew what it was like to fall into a routine at work and then get stuck in that rut for far longer than intended.

" ... whatever happens between us ... or doesn't ... meeting you has definitely made me ... re-evaluate things Derek ... "

Derek didn't need to see or hear the sigh of relaxation that slipped from Maxine's lips to know that she was telling the truth, and he was truly glad to be able to help her in so many ways, likely far more than she'd even realized she needed.

"It sounds crazy to say so, but I think I need a holiday. Do you realise how impossible that would be for me?"

A soft laugh slipped from Derek's lips. "I can only imagine what it's like to try and take a holiday when no matter where you go, even off the record, people know who you are and treat you differently because of it."

"When did you last take a holiday, Derek?"

"Me?" Derek asked rhetorically. "Oh god, let's see. If you exclude the flight home I take every year, my last vacation is...never."

It wasn't something that Derek had ever really thought about, but now that he'd said it, he actually realized just how sad that fact was. Young as he was, he was already consumed with his job? How pathetic was that. As he thought about that, he let his thumb slide over the top of Maxine's hand as he slowly sipped his drink once more.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"I know you are, and I understand why more than most... I can only imagine what it's like to try and take a holiday when no matter where you go, even off the record, people know who you are and treat you differently because of it."

Maxine nodded. He really did understand her and knew that her words the evening before were not just talk. She was amazed though that he seemed in a similar situation to her!

"Me? Oh god, let's see. If you exclude the flight home I take every year, my last vacation is...never."

She laughed and shook her head incredulously. How bizarre that they could have such similarities!

"... so where is home? Do you have family waiting for you back there? ... a childhood sweetheart you haven't quite managed to settle down with yet?"

Her tone was light, but she was curious. She found it strange that he hadn't seemed to pursue a serious relationship and wondered if someone waiting back 'home' accounted for it, but she was probably most curious about his family and how he was raised. Working in a resort pulled you away from those you were closest to which was a reason for the rapid turnover in the leisure industry.

"Do you miss them when you're away working?"

She asked a delicious tremor going through her at the light movement of
his thumb against her hand.

 

[LucianDevine]

Derek tensed up when Maxine asked about his home. Her words about a childhood helped relax him a little bit though. Her final question elicited a slight shrug. He took another sip of his drink before moving both hands to cup her one. His gaze lowered to their joined hands as his thumbs gently rubbing and massaging as he spoke.

"No childhood sweetheart to speak of. It's a little difficult when you come from a broken home. Drunk and abusive father, cowardly mother, you know the drill." Derek shrugged again as he lifted his gaze once more. "I visit almost obligatorily ya know? Mostly for the sake of appearances. They're just not a big part of my life anymore...hell, I can barely even call that place home anymore..."