Rest and Relaxation (Closed for DeliciousMaiden)

[DeliciousMaiden]

She had thought it a safe topic of conversation, but she didn't miss his initial reaction and she watched as the emotions played across his face until he averted his gaze focusing instead upon their joined hands.

"No childhood sweetheart to speak of."

He told her first, the tension in his voice not due to a romantic secret she guessed.

"It's a little difficult when you come from a broken home. Drunk and abusive father, cowardly mother, you know the drill."

She saw him shrug dismissively and met his eyes to hers once more. She didn't actually know 'the drill' and could hardly imagine what his childhood had been like.

"I visit almost obligatorily ya know? Mostly for the sake of appearances."

She nodded silently letting him continue.

"They're just not a big part of my life anymore...hell, I can barely even call that place home anymore..."

It was her turn to move her hands to squeeze his in silent support.

"... that sounds tough ... "

She murmured not wanting to offer platitudes.

"I didn't have anything like that. Dad didn't bother to be abusive or to be anything. He left the scene before I hit those difficult teenage years. Mum did what she could, but even though she tried not to let it show, she was devastated."

It didn't compare to his experience, but she wanted to be as open with him as he had been with her

"I don't have a family base now either and no family to speak of anymore. Only child syndrome ... "

It was her turn to shrug, though her eyes never left his face hoping that he didn't think she was offering her childhood as a comparison and that he realised that she was just sharing her own experience as he had.

 

[LucianDevine]

Derek appreciated Maxine's support more than he probably should have. She didn't say she was sorry, or that she felt bad, she just acknowledged it for what it was, and that was a rare quality.

The feeling of Maxine's hands holding his as he held hers was a touching gesture that he found he wanted to hold on to as much as her hands themselves.

Maxine opening up and telling her story was actually something Derek didn't expect. He knew how private a person she was, and for her to open up to him was probably a big step for her, just like it had been for him when he opened up to her.

"What a pair we make." Derek said rhetorically with a small smirk."Almost as though we were made for each other."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"What a pair we make."

She smiled at his words.

"Almost as though we were made for each other."

She flushed at his words, her pulses racing at the thought.

" ... seems to be turning out that way, doesn't it?"

She responded, her eyes on his and wondering how much he really thought that.

" ... they often say that the most unlikely of couples are the most compatible ... "

She mused.

" ... I think I'd just about given up on thinking that there was anyone out there for me ... I've certainly not been out there looking ... "

 

[LucianDevine]

"I know that feeling all too well Maxine."

Derek said as he forced himself to pull one of his hands free of their union. His hand moved to the closed menu in front of him that had remained untouched until now.

"We both likely fed our physical desires with whatever was convenient at the time, and have for god knows how many years now. I'm just glad we were able to find some peace in each others arms."

Derek found himself flipping idly through the menu. He already knew what he was going to order, so his gaze shifted back and forth from Maxine's face to their joined hands.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"I know that feeling all too well Maxine."

She held his gaze and marvelled anew at how compatible they did indeed seem to be.

"We both likely fed our physical desires with whatever was convenient at the time, and have for god knows how many years now."[/I]

She had told him as much, but again marvelled that a guy like him had been doing the same. She reluctantly eased her hand free and opened the menu.

"I'm just glad we were able to find some peace in each others arms."

She raised her eyes at his comment. '... peace ... ' seemed a strange word to use and yet he was 100% correct a fact that actually stunned her.

The waitress approached their table ready to take their order. Quickly Maxine dropped her eyes to the menu she hadn't even read yet.

"You come here all the time, Derek, what do you recommend?"

She asked him more than happy for him to guide her or even order for her.

 

[LucianDevine]

Derek smiled at Maxine as she gave him permission to order for her. The smile was for more than that though, it was because they were in a place where they could be seen holding hands. It was a simple gesture to be sure, but one they were denied at the resort.

"I think a couple of medium well steaks with baked potatoes on the side should do us just fine. Let's do one nine ounce steak, and one twelve."

Derek was confident as he ordered for the two of them, and when his gaze turned from the waitress as she gathered up their menus and moved away from the table, it moved straight to meet Maxine's. He then took a deep breath and let it out in a long sigh of relief that for now at least, they were in a place where they could truly relax and be themselves.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

She watched him order and was pleased that he hadn't tried to impress her with something fancy and pretentious. He had provide her with a lovely rustic setting and some excellent, tasty food to enjoy. Instinctively it seemed that he knew just what she needed.

"I can see why you like this place..."

She commented as she sipped her drink once more, her hand back in Derek's as they sat comfortably together.

"What sort of writing do you want to do Derek?"

She queried loving how totally at ease he was with her. It was a long time since she had been out with a guy who simply just wanted to be with her and no hidden agenda.

 

[LucianDevine]

"Yeah, this place grows on you pretty quick." Derek said before taking another sip of his drink.

Maxine's genuine interest in his writing both surprised and thrilled Derek, especially knowing that, should he end up working for her, she'd allow him the free time to do so. He shook his head with a chuckle.

"I know it's silly, but I've always wanted to write fantasy novels, the kind with knights, dragons, and magic. I read a lot of it while I was growing up. I found it helped me deal with the stress of my dad and all his stupid crap."

Derek was silent for a moment, his gaze kind of staring off into nowhere as he nursed his drink once more. "Something about it just helps my mind focus, brings all the scattered bits and pieces together into a clear story and image, ya know?"

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"I know it's silly, but I've always wanted to write fantasy novels, the kind with knights, dragons, and magic. I read a lot of it while I was growing up. I found it helped me deal with the stress of my dad and all his stupid crap."

She listened carefully to what he told her and found she could easily imagine him using it as a way of coping with his family situation. She had only just met him, but she was sure that he was a survivor and inwardly strong and obviously had a wealth of 'inner resources' to draw upon.

"Something about it just helps my mind focus, brings all the scattered bits and pieces together into a clear story and image, ya know?"

She nodded slowly sipping her drink.

"It's an interesting genre ... romantic on one hand, but adventurous on the other ... and the whole magical theme ... "

She let her mind wander.

"I can definitely see the attraction ... and it would be marketable ... people love that type of fantasy ... "

She chuckled.

"It would make a great theme for a holiday resort, or attraction ... true escapism... "

 

[LucianDevine]

Derek found himself smiling at the way Maxine showed genuine interest in both him and his dream. Becoming a published writer on your own was no easy task, but it was one that Derek had always aspired towards.

Despite all this talk of dreams and the future, Derek couldn't help but let himself enjoy the here and now just as much. Something about Maxine drew him to her. Maybe it was because of how hard she had seemed on the exterior, or maybe it was because he'd known deep down that there was a softer person there that just hadn't been let loose for a very long time. Whatever the reason though, Derek found himself wanting to spend more and more time with Maxine, and also found himself wanting to take the giant risk that was quitting his job and taking up her offer as a personal assistant.

"I don't know what it is about you Maxine..." Derek started, letting his thumb once more trace lightly over the top of the hand that he still held.

"But the more time I spend with you, and the more we talk, the more I find myself wanting to take you up on your offer. It's more than that though. I also find myself wanting to give up this whole charade of sneaking around, ya know? I know it's probably a thought we shouldn't be entertaining, but it's something I can't get off my mind."

Derek knew he was taking a big chance coming out with his desires so soon after their meeting, and that he probably sounded like some teenage girl excited about her first crush, but he'd meant what he said, and he could only hope that Maxine felt the same way he did.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"I don't know what it is about you Maxine..."

Her eyes searched his aware of the change in his tone and of that so subtle touch as he stroked her hand.

"But the more time I spend with you, and the more we talk, the more I find myself wanting to take you up on your offer."

Regardless of what happened, or didn't between them, Maxine knew enough about Derek to feel sure that he would suit the job well.

"It's more than that though. I also find myself wanting to give up this whole charade of sneaking around, ya know? I know it's probably a thought we shouldn't be entertaining, but it's something I can't get off my mind."

She blushed at his words. She already hated the sneaking around and had hated having to remain 'professional' whilst being watched by everyone at the resort.

"I'd like nothing more than to have this... us... out in the open. Then we could have a 'normal' relationship and really see where this might lead or not ... "

She replied carefully.

"But, to be honest, Derek ... the risks here are all yours to take."

She told him frankly.

"... is ... this ... worth putting your career in the balance for ...?"

She asked him.

"I did my homework, I read the reviews ... and the fact you got the short end of the straw and were entrusted with escorting me around the place ... shows they think a lot of you ... and you're great at what you do, you know that."

She told him simply.

"On the other hand ... "

She hesitated now wanting to push him.

" ... on the other hand ... if you're genuinely looking for a job, for something different with a chance to write thrown in ... my offer stands ... but most importantly ... with no strings attached ... "

She told him simply.

"I think we'd work well together professionally and if what we have, or might have personally doesn't work out, then ... I think we'd make good 'colleagues' ... "

She drained the last of her drink.

"Of course, 'we' might actually work out in which case ... "

She smiled and shrugged.

"There are no guarantees in this world, but I think you have to manage the risks and decide what works best for you first ... then think about the possibility of an 'us' after that ... "

 

[LucianDevine]

Maxine's blushing face after his words made Derek smile. That unconscious sign said more than words ever could. He gave her hand a squeeze as he listened to her speak, knowing full well that she meant every word of what she said, and she was right in all of it. The risks to be taken were his to take, for better or for worse. Nothing truly bad could happen to her because of them.

After Maxine finished speaking, Derek opened his mouth to speak,, but was interrupted by the arrival of their waitress with their food and a refill of each of their drinks. Derek thanked the woman and regretfully let go of Maxine's hand so that they could both eat.

"I think the hardest thing for me Maxine..." Derek started as he cut off a piece of his steak. "Is the fact that we have to wait. Even if I quit now, you still have your review to write, which means you'll still want to be on site. That would put me at a major loss of what to do, since they would definitely start to get suspicious if I quit and was still being seen around you all day every day."

Derek paused to take the bite of his steak that he'd cut off, noting that it was perfectly cooked like every other time he'd come here. His hand then reached for the full rum, and coke the waitress had brought him.

"I just feel like the wait will feel like an eternity." Derek finished with a wry smile, knowing that Maxine likely felt the same way.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

He seemed to be considering her words, her offer. The waitress interrupted them and set a second martini before Maxine who asked for still mineral water to be brought as well. The food was delicious.

"I think the hardest thing for me Maxine...Is the fact that we have to wait. Even if I quit now, you still have your review to write, which means you'll still want to be on site. That would put me at a major loss of what to do, since they would definitely start to get suspicious if I quit and was still being seen around you all day every day."

She was surprised that he had thought this through.
She had her review to write, but that wouldn't necessarily take long.

"I just feel like the wait will feel like an eternity."

She chuckled and nodded.

"How can you be sure that it's not just the novelty of this all being 'forbidden'.
If I wasn't off limits, would all this be as ... exciting ?"

She thought the she knew the answer to that, but had to suggest it nonetheless.

"Which takes me back to my first point. I think you have to decide primarily what you want to do job wise. And then ... we'll work our 'relationship' out around that ... "

She grinned mischievously.

" ... see ... simple..."

 

[LucianDevine]

Derek couldn't help but chuckle at Maxine's statement about it only being exciting because it was forbidden. It was a reasonable concern though, so after he swallowed a bit of his steak that he'd been chewing on, he lifted his gaze to find hers once more.

"Maybe because I didn't do it because it was forbidden Maxine." Derek started with a smile. "I did it because I felt that it was something you, and even I needed. Afterwards though, I realized it was more than that. It was more than a need to please that drove me to take the chance that I did. It was the desire to make you feel as good as everybody deserves to feel, especially in your case, because of how everybody else treats you everywhere you go."

When Derek finished speaking, he let his gaze fall back to his food as he listened to Maxine speak once more.

"Simple as that huh?" Derek asked rhetorically with a soft chuckle as he lifted his gaze once more. "If only all life's decisions were as simple as that."

Even as Derek spoke though, he knew what decision he was going to make. It was simply a matter of waiting until Maxine was ready to leave before he made that decision, such was his draw to Maxine. There wasn't really any explainable rhyme or reason to it, it was simply a strong pull towards her, and his own innate desire to please her and give her the happiness that she'd been denied for so long.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Maybe because I didn't do it because it was forbidden Maxine. I did it because I felt that it was something you, and even I needed."

She had known that at the time. It was her need he had been driven to meet, but it had somehow been what he was seeking too.

"Afterwards though, I realized it was more than that. It was more than a need to please that drove me to take the chance that I did. It was the desire to make you feel as good as everybody deserves to feel, especially in your case, because of how everybody else treats you everywhere you go."

It was amazing that he actually understood her; that she had found in him someone to open up to, to be herself with.

"Simple as that huh? If only all life's decisions were as simple as that."

He joked back with her.

"So... I guess I get my report finished as soon as I can and then ... "

She hesitated.

"I had been intending to take a holiday, I had intended to stay longer at your hotel, but ... I guess I could check in somewhere else nearby ... if you want me to ... and then ... we can consider our options ... ?"

She hoped that she wasn't assuming too much by her suggestion.

 

[LucianDevine]

Maxine's willingness to change her plans actually shocked Derek. He knew what he wanted, but the thought that she was actually willing to change what she'd set her mind on to accommodate the two of them hadn't actually occurred to him. It shocked him so much actually, that he once more had to let his gaze fall from Maxine's down to the steak that he was slowly working on.

Derek's mind spun with the possibilities, and the potential for the things he'd wanted happening sooner rather than later. the fact that she'd also added the words 'if you want' also gave him a semblance of control over the fact. All he had to do was reach out and grasp it...if he wanted to.

"If I want..." Derek repeated aloud, letting the words hang in the air between them.

"I...I would like that." There was hesitation in Derek's voice, and he hated it, because it wasn't his own inhibitions that he was thinking about. He just wanted to make sure that Maxine wanted the same things that he did.

Derek swallowed hard before forcing his gaze up once more. "I want that Maxine. I'd rather we decide sooner rather than later if you're up for it. I would also love to put an end to our need to sneak around as soon as possible as well."

There, he'd said it. He'd taken Maxine's words into consideration and put himself out there. Nothing remained except to see if Maxine truly meant what she'd said, and he desperately wished that she did for more reasons than he could possible count.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"If I want..."

Maxine didn't think that Derek sounded to sure. She almost held her breath as he paused before responding.

"I...I would like that."

It wasn't the resounding enthusiasm she had hoped for and she thought that perhaps she had pushed him too far, too quickly after all she figured that the changes were mainly his to make.

"I want that Maxine. I'd rather we decide sooner rather than later if you're up for it."

She searched his eyes to try to read if he was telling the truth or whether he was just trying to make her feel better about her offer.

"I would also love to put an end to our need to sneak around as soon as possible as well."

She smiled tentatively.

"Well ... I guess it's a lot to think about so soon. If I finish my report then I won't be compromising you ... and then I'll leave ... by then I'll leave it to you to decide if you want me to stay locally or ... "

Or she would jump on a plane and give him some distance. No harm done.
Well, not to him anyhow and for herself, she'd just appreciate this for what it was; a holiday romance.

"I didn't mean to be pushy ... it'll always be up to you Derek."

She reassured him.

 

[LucianDevine]

Derek nodded at Maxine's words, giving her a small smile that he hoped would help reassure her. His hand also reached out to take hers once more. he gave it a gentle squeeze, another gesture that he hoped would help reassure her.

"It is a lot to think about. That much is for sure, but you weren't being pushy. This is just so much more than either of us could have planned for before your arrival, and now that it's happened, I think we're both kind of thrown for a loop."

Even as he spoke, Derek gave Maxine's hand another gentle squeeze. He desperately wanted her to know that this was something that he wanted to at least try, even if he couldn't find the words to properly express those desires just yet.

"How long do you think it will take you to write your report?" Derek hoped that this wasn't his time to be sounding pushy. He did want this to happen, but he also didn't want her to feel in any way forced or rushed.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Derek smiled and squeezed her hand as he responded.

"It is a lot to think about. That much is for sure, but you weren't being pushy. This is just so much more than either of us could have planned for before your arrival, and now that it's happened, I think we're both kind of thrown for a loop."

She laughed, 'thrown for a loop' was an apt description of the situation she now founds herself in. It was as if she had known for a long time that she was no longer happy with her life, either professionally or personally, but it was the connection between the two of them which had really took her by surprise!

"How long do you think it will take you to write your report?"

His question took her by surprise and she took time to consider.

"I could probably finish the onsite stuff in a couple more days,"

She told him then continued;

"I sometimes write my reports up onsite, but not always ... "

A plan was formulating as she spoke.

"I could move into another local hotel whilst I finish the write up ... and then ... well ... like I said... we can see where we are by that time.

 

[LucianDevine]

Derek took a deep breath and let it out in a long sigh when he heard Maxine say that it might take another couple of days onsite before she had everything she needed for the report.

"A couple of days that will likely feel like an eternity." Derek said with a soft chuckle, retracting his hand from Maxine's so that he could start eating once more.

"I will gladly take what I can get though. I think we can decide at a later date whether or not we 'need' you to finish the write-up onsite or not." Derek put emphasis on the word need, knowing full well that if things progressed the way they had been so far, the both of them would want some time together at the earliest possible convenience.

"As far as the onsite stuff goes though, what all do you think you'd like to see? I'd still be glad to show you around, even if it will be torturous for the both of us." Derek said with a wry smile, already thinking of all the things the two of them could do together, and enjoying every bit of each thought as it came.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"A couple of days that will likely feel like an eternity."

He said and she leaned back and sipped at her water considering his words.

"I will gladly take what I can get though. I think we can decide at a later date whether or not we 'need' you to finish the write-up onsite or not."

She would need to start writing up the inspection notes on site as there was a protocol for that, but the end write-up was most likely better carried out away from the resort anyway.

"As far as the onsite stuff goes though, what all do you think you'd like to see?
I'd still be glad to show you around, even if it will be torturous for the both of us."

She seemed to consider.

"I think given the situation, it might be best if you weren't too closely involved from now on ... "

She told him, her professional head well in place.

"I'll review what I have so far tomorrow morning, then look around more in the afternoon. I already have a dinner engagement, but I can make that off site if that's easier for you?"

She offered to change her plans.

"After that, I'll see where I am with everything ... "

It was a plan of action that was intended to get things done as quickly as possible, but did not enable them to meet up beyond a passing glance the next day.

"That would be the most ... efficient plan ... what do you think?"

She asked.

 

[LucianDevine]

Derek listened to Maxine's assessment of things, and what she would need to do to finish things as quickly and efficiently as possible. It all sounded good, except for him having to basically intentionally avoid her for the most part. She hadn't specifically said it in those words, but it was close enough.

"No, I don't think you need to change your plans on account of me, though I appreciate the offer." Derek started softly as he pushed his empty plate a little towards the center of the table. "As long as your guest doesn't mind having the audience that you've enjoyed since you got here." He joked as he reached for his drink once more.

"I think you're right Maxine. It does sound like the best and most efficient plan for everything. I'll probably end up spending the majority of the time in the gym, the pool, or behind the front desk, but you know how to get in touch with me if you need to."

Derek knew that his voice didn't sound overly thrilled about the plan, but it was only because he didn't like having to tiptoe even more than they were before. The plan was good and fast. It just required them being apart for the most part, for the safety of his job.

It was then Derek's turn to sit back, taking his rum and coke with him as he let his brown eyes study the lovely woman across from him. He couldn't help but wonder if there was any other thoughts going through her mind. His gaze remained on her though, even as he let a comfortable silence envelope the two of them.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"No, I don't think you need to change your plans on account of me, though I appreciate the offer. As long as your guest doesn't mind having the audience that you've enjoyed since you got here."

She smiled at his words, both about the fact that she did not have to change her plans and the comment about always having an 'audience'.

"I think you're right Maxine. It does sound like the best and most efficient plan for everything."

He sounded less than enthusiastic and she too didn't much relish being around him and having to ignore him for the most part, but if they were going to get the 'business' part of her visit over with as soon as possible it was the best way.

"I'll probably end up spending the majority of the time in the gym, the pool, or behind the front desk, but you know how to get in touch with me if you need to."

She watched as he sipped at his drink. Both their plates were empty and Maxine was loving the opportunity to relax without others watching her.

"It's going to be difficult not to get in touch with you Derek..."

She said wistfully.

"I'll keep as busy as you and once I have all my data ... "

She picked up her drink.

"But that's tomorrow and we have this evening... "

She flushed as she recalled how they had spent the previous evening and could not help wondering when or indeed if, they would get intimate again...

 

[LucianDevine]

"Believe me when I tell you that it's going to be difficult for me to not talk to you every time I see you, especially when I hear the constant chatter from the others telling each other where you are at all times."

Derek knew that his tone was more somber than he wanted it to be, but he also knew that that was how it was going to be. Even before the two of them had gotten together last night, the others had been like that. There had been a constant flow of information over the radios, a flow that was full of people asking where Maxine was and what she was doing.

"That is indeed tomorrow evening, Maxine, which leads me to wonder what is in store for us tonight, if anything at all. Do you have any thoughts on the subject? Derek knew what he wanted to happen, but he was reluctant to voice it so boldly. He didn't want her to think that he was assuming anything, even if he really did want to spend another knight with her.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Believe me when I tell you that it's going to be difficult for me to not talk to you every time I see you, especially when I hear the constant chatter from the others telling each other where you are at all times."

She had suspected as much, but hearing Derek tell her that she was the subject of on-going discussion and speculation definitely brought home just how far from her initial anonymity in that role of Resort Inspector her working situation had become.

"That is indeed tomorrow evening, Maxine, which leads me to wonder what is in store for us tonight, if anything at all. Do you have any thoughts on the subject?"

She blushed at his question and took long moments to consider.

"Well ... I think something rich in chocolate for dessert is necessary.... then of course coffee ... "

She gave him a playful smile.

"After that ... with a taxi waiting outside, I imagine our ... choices ... are limited?"

She surmised wondering if there was any way that they could share some more intimate time without giving cause for speculation and scandal.