Rest and Relaxation (Closed for DeliciousMaiden)

[LucianDevine]

"I'm leaving here the day after tomorrow."

Derek turned his head so that he could meet Maxine's gaze as she spoke, that small but genuine smile on his lips, like it always seemed to be when he was with her.

"After that ... "

As Maxine spoke, and especially when she let her words trail off, Derek felt an incredible desire to stand up and kiss her, likely alleviating any and all doubts she might still have about him or them. Despite that desire though, he remained where he was, looking at her and listening to her, knowing that she had more to say, and wanting to give her the opportunity to get everything off her chest before he responded.

"I'll be staying reasonably close by. There's no rush...Maybe you should just ... take a holiday from here to start with ... and see how that works out for you ... "

Derek's gaze glazed over a bit when Maxine finished speaking. It was an option that he hadn't actually considered, and an option that was much safer for both of them. It would look incredibly suspicious if he quit and left at the same time that she did. However, if he took a vacation and "decided" on that vacation that he wanted to quit, it would look far more natural.

When Derek snapped back into the present once more, his brown gaze moved to meet Maxine's once more.

"I think that is a very good idea. It is safer for both of us, and looks far less suspicious if I end up deciding to do what I hope that both of us still want me to do..."

Derek let his words trail off, but his gaze still didn't linger from Maxine's. No, he held it for a long time, wanting to show her his conviction, even in this time of confusion and potential danger of sorts.

After letting his words trail off, Derek rose to his feet once more. He gave one last look at the beautiful sight filling the sky before turning towards Maxine once more. He let his gaze wander back and forth, scanning the area between them and the resort, making sure the coast was clear before he stepped up properly beside her. He moved one of his hands beneath her chin and tilted it upwards as he bent down, giving her a quick but passionate kiss. His hand moved from her chin to her neck, holding her gently to that kiss for it's duration before forcing himself to pull back once more. His brown gaze was still strong and steady when he met her hazel gaze for what was likely to be the last time that night.

"You know how to reach me, should you have need of me or a desire to see me. I am still at your service for as long as you desire it...Maxine..."
As Derek finished, letting his words trail off once more, he stepped back from Maxine's lounge chair, still facing her for one more step backwards before turning from her and heading towards the employee quarters once more.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

He seemed to be silent for long moments.

"I think that is a very good idea. It is safer for both of us, and looks far less suspicious if I end up deciding to do what I hope that both of us still want me to do..."

She nodded. ... if ... She could not help but wonder if he was less certain about leaving with her, for her. She searched his eyes, calm brown eyes that held hers unwaveringly. More than ever she thought that Jo's suggestion of the 'holiday' was a good one and she was more than grateful to her friend for the offer of 'accommodation' and the assurance of as much privacy as they wanted.

She had been lost in her thoughts and so her eyes widened in surprise as Derek reached out and drew her head upwards, his mouth lowering to meet her lips, the kiss brief, but passionate; a wordless promise? There was so much that was left unsaid, so much she hoped she could really see in the intensity of his eyes.

"You know how to reach me, should you have need of me or a desire to see me.
I am still at your service for as long as you desire it...Maxine..."

She wanted to tell him how much she needed him, just what it was that she desired from him, but she merely nodded and let him turn and walk away sighing heavily as he disappeared from view.

Where was Jo when she needed her? Maxine wished she had not put her friend in a cab so soon. Turning her eyes towards the last fiery rays of the sunset, Maxine gave a heavy sigh. She had to get through tomorrow and make sure she had all she needed before she moved into Jo's. Things could go one of three ways, Maxine surmised; either Derek would spend some time with her at Jo's and then decide to resign and go with her, or they would have a hot holiday romance and then go their separate ways or, less likely she hoped, Derek would decide that he would not even take the 'holiday' with her, in which case Maxine new that she had a supportive shoulder to cry on.

With a heavy sigh, Maxine drew herself upwards and headed back towards the hotel and headed towards the bar. A nightcap was needed she decided and then bed. On her way up Maxine ordered a 9 am call and 9:30 am breakfast. She would ensure that she distracted herself by hard work and then ... then she would see what course events took ...

 

[LucianDevine]

The rest of the night that followed after he left Maxine's side was more a blur of mindless necessities for Derek, as well as the day that followed it.

Derek's first order of business was to let his boss know that he was using some of the large quantity of vacation time that he'd accrued and not used over his long employment. Everything after that was simple enough, albeit tedious.

The packing was probably the best and worst thing for Derek. It gave him something to spend his time on, and quite literally took the entire day. If he hadn't had some music playing though, he probably would have gone insane. He needed that slight distraction to keep his mind from wandering to Maxine again and again. He knew that if he kept thinking about her, what they'd already done, and everything they likely hoped to do to and with each other, he'd probably never finish packing in time.

Even when everything was all said and done, packed and ready, Derek still couldn't believe what he was actually about to do. There was no question in his mind though. He was definitely going to do it. So, with all the confidence that he could muster, Derek hoisted one of his bags over his shoulder and picked up the other one. He lingered in the hallway outside his door just long enough to hear it close behind him, cementing what he hoped was the ending of this chapter in his life, and the beginnings of a new and brighter one.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Maxine kept busy the next day. She made a series of appointments with various members of staff and worked systematically through her 'to do list'. Only in the afternoon did she inform the hotel that she would be checking out the following day. She was aware of course of the buzz of gossip around her dinner guest the previous evening which gave way to anxious speculation as to what her earlier than anticipated departure might 'mean' in regards to her evaluation of the resort. She wished to 'debrief' them, but did not want to carry out that process prematurely and so she arranged an interview with the Manageress to take place at 09:30 after breakfast and informed her that she would travel on from there.

As she had suspected, Maxine did not see Derek for the entire day. She ate early evening and then returned to her room to collate her most recent information, working on it until late so that there was actually very little work outstanding before submitting her final write up. The following morning, Maxine was more than happy to deliver the 'good news' and share a summary of her evaluations of the resort. She trod carefully, but in addition to praising the facilities available she made a point of singling out the customer service and staffing for particular recognition.

It always amazed her how quickly news travelled in places like this, but by the time she had drank the coffee offered to her and allowed her luggage to be stowed in an awaiting taxi, it seemed that everyone in the hotel 'knew' how well they had done for as she walked to reception to return her key, the relief was palpable. This, if nothing else confirmed to Maxine that she was doing the right thing in getting out of her current profession; to stay in a hotel where the staff were not in fear of losing their jobs would be wonderful.

"I'd like to leave this for Derek Wright."

Maxine told the receptionist managing not to blush or appear in any way suspicious.

"I don't believe his is working today, but wanted to leave a note thanking him for his assistance during my visit."

She said smoothly handing over the envelope which merely contained Jo's address at the opposite side of the Island and her name. She was sure it would only be opened by him, but in case it was, she did not write any sort of comment that might 'incriminate' him.

With thanks she turned and went back through the lobby, sliding into the taxi and setting off on her way. Only then did she allow herself to wonder if Derek had kept away from her because he was sorting things out or was it because he had changed his mind?

She definitely needed the warm and enthusiastic welcome she knew that her friend would extend to her ... and then all she could do was wait to see if Derek followed her.

 

[LucianDevine]

Derek knew that his coworkers had been informed about what Maxine had thought of their resort the moment he stepped off the elevator. The mood was practically celebratory. He let a smile come to his lips, but was glad that he could keep the real reason for that smile to himself as he headed towards the main reception desk.

Before Derek was even half way to the desk, Emily was already heading his way, a big and beaming smile on her face.

"I knew we made the right choice when we picked you Derek."

Emily said, her smile widening a bit more. Derek couldn't help but chuckle and nod as his gaze lowered to the piece of paper in her hand.

"Here."

Emily started, offering him the paper.

This is the approval you needed for your vacation request, and you've more than earned it.

A slight flush came to Derek's cheeks as he accepted both the paper and the compliment.

"Heh, lord knows I need it after the couple of days that I've had. I've been pretty tense these past couple days."

"That is understandable. There was a pretty big load on your shoulders, but you handled it well. Oh That reminds me. Miss Chambers asked us to give this to you."

Emily reached into her pocket and pulled out an envelope.

"She didn't say what it was for though."

Derek let his eyes glaze over as he made to think, as though he didn't remember what was supposed to be in the envelope. He knew what he wanted to be in it, but he didn't want them to know that. With a hand that was surprisingly steady, he reached out and took it from her.

"Oh, it's probably somebody who can help me get back into college when I'm ready for it."

The lie came out easier than Derek thought it would. It was weird for him to lie, but it was something he'd gotten used to these past couple days, what with the sneaking he and Maxine had had to do just to get to spend a little alone time together.

"Well, if there's nothing else you need from me Emily, I think I'll be on my way."

"Nope, that's it. Enjoy your vacation, and we'll see you when you get back."

The two exchanged smiles once more before Derek turned and headed for the door. He still couldn't believe that he was actually doing it, but doing it he was!

Just minutes later, Derek was in a cab on his way to an address that was all the way across the island from the resort. He didn't know what to expect, but he was really worried about the specifics, as long as Maxine was there.

When the cab finally stopped, Derek had to take a second to just look at the house. The place was huge, yet settled almost right on the beach. He paid the cabby and stepped out, swallowing hard as he thought once more about what he was doing. It seemed crazy, and it took every ounce of his willpower to work up the strength to pull his bags from the trunk of the cab and work up the courage to just put one foot in front of the other as he headed towards the front door. He rang the bell and waited, hoping that he was in the right place.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Jo's house

http://imagesus.homeaway.co.uk/mda01/720d0afc-9539-4f51-bca5-4399571aa5cb.1.10

http://imagesus.homeaway.co.uk/mda01/51f86023-627a-4231-ba05-77d87fdf8603.1.10

Maxine was welcomed with open arms as she had known she would be. Maxine was eager to look around her friends' home as she had never met up with Jo when she had been staying in this particular holiday home. The place was sleek and stylish, more minimalist than Maxine might choose for herself, but it was still welcoming and above all restful. Of course Jo had spoken about a Guest House and Maxine had expected a tiny annex. She was surprised and impressed to find that the place was literally a house set within the grounds of Jo's villa located beyond the pool and secluded behind shrubs and trees to that it was not overlooked.

The Guest House

Jo immediately had Maxine's luggage carried to the guest house in anticipation of Derek's arrival and merely laughed when Maxine tried to prevent her friend from making assumptions; after all she had not managed to speak to Derek after the evening Jo had visited and though he would surely have let her know if he had changed his mind there were any number of eventualities which might prevent him from joining her.

"Nonsense, darling. He won't be able to stay away!"

She declared confidently and encouraged Maxine to take off her 'stuffy business outfit' and consider herself on holiday. More than happy to give in to Jo's loving bullying Maxine was soon dressed in a bikini with skimpy shorts and a flimsy transparent top and seated by the pool where Jo had prepared a jug of pims.

"We'll have lunch around 1 pm."

Jo informed her.

"I have a wonderful cook..."

Maxine laughed as Jo explained that she employed a housekeeper/cook and a gardener/handyman along with taking on casual workers if she had a house party of if her 'projects' (as she called them) required extra help.

"No wonder I've not seen you around for months ... years almost."

Maxine commented wistfully as Jo topped up their glasses leaving the jug half empty now.

"If I had a place and a set up like this, I don't think I'd wander far away either."

She had been travelling constantly, but without a break or a holiday and Maxine had to admit that she was feeling the effects of having done so.

"Ma'am, your other house guest's arrived."

A friendly voice announced as a friendly and homely looking woman ushered Derek forward.

"I told him he was expected."

She teased gently having reassured the somewhat nervous looking young man to whom she had opened the door and after insisting he leave his luggage in the hall way had brought him straight out to the pool where she had been reliably informed his appearance would be much awaited.

"Thank you Jenny."

Jo smiled warmly at her housekeeper and stood moving towards Derek before Maxine could think of moving.

"We haven't actually met yet, I'm Jo."

Ever tactile, Jo drew Derek into a warm hug and kissed his cheek.

"Maxine's been like a cat on hot bricks wondering if you'd stand her up or not."

She told him laughing at the gasp of indignation from Maxine and the faintest blush telling him that though indiscrete Jo had not lied.

"Come join us."

She drew Derek forward and looked between him and Maxine with a mischievous grin.

"I'll go get another glass and see to lunch. I'll be gone at least 10 minutes, so you two can say 'hello' without me playing gooseberry."

She told the two and laughingly turned on her heel and headed indoors.

"For Jo that was tactful."

Maxine told him as she rose from her seat and closed the short distance between them.

"She's right though. I'm so glad you didn't change your mind. I missed you."

Jo's property information

 

[LucianDevine]

To say that Derek was nervous as he waited for somebody to come to the door would be the biggest understatement in the world! His brain kept telling him to bolt, but thankfully his heart knew better, and kept him standing right where he was.

Though he wasn't sure who exactly he expected to open the door, the sight of the homely looking woman still surprised him. He opened his mouth and tried to speak, but while he was stammering and trying to at least get his name out, the woman was one step ahead of him.

"Yes Mister Roberts, come in. Your hosts have been expecting you."

Though his voice still wasn't working properly, Derek did at least step into the lavish entry way, allowing the woman to close the door behind him.

"There we go. You can leave your bags there, and then if you'd be so kind as to follow me, I'll lead you to your hosts."

"N-no, that's okay." Derek managed at last. "I can take them to wherever they need to go myself."

The woman turned back towards Derek, a wry smile on her face.

"Come now, we'll have none of that. You are expected by the pool, and I'll not have you carry your bags all the way there for no good reason. Just set them down and follow me."

Despite everything inside him telling him it wasn't right, Derek finally relented to the woman's words and set his bags down.

"See? That wasn't so hard now was it?" There was a clear look of amusement on the woman's face as she asked her rhetorical questions, a look that Derek found strangely contagious.

"You have no idea." Derek said quietly as he moved to follow the woman through the house. His head turned this was and that, trying to take in every bit of the magnificent house he was in. He still couldn't believe that he was here. It felt like a dream to him, a dream that came into sharp clarity though when he was led out the back door. Despite the pool that was behind Jo and Maxine, as well as the sight of Jo herself, Derek's gaze was immediately drawn to Maxine. His gaze lingered on her, barely even taking in the few clothes that she had on.

Derek was so distracted by the sight of Maxine, that he almost missed his own introduction. He snapped back into the present when Jo stepped forward. Both the hug and kiss were equally unexpected just then. "I-I'm Derek." He said simply.

Jo's next words actually brought a smile to Derek's lips as his head turned from Jo to Maxine as he was led towards her.

Almost before he knew it, Derek was left alone with Maxine, but of course not without a parting jibe at the clearly lovestruck pair of them.

Derek took a step forward as he saw Maxine rise and move towards him. "I missed you too. It was harder than you could possibly imagine staying away from you, especially with all the chatter from the others."

Derek's words slipped from him as he finally closed the last bit of distance between the two of them. His hand lifted, and his palm brushed across her cheek on it's way to the back of her head. Once there, he pulled her head gently towards him as he leaned close, hoping for a kiss, a single kiss. With just that simple thing, the whole of the past few days would be worth it!

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"I missed you too."

Only four words, but they put her mind at rest. Not that the way Derek's eyes had been drawn to her from the minute he arrived did not tell their own story.

"It was harder than you could possibly imagine staying away from you, especially with all the chatter from the others."

It had been difficult for her too, but she had completed her report as efficiently as possible and her professionalism had kicked in to ensure that she had done a thorough job and that there was a clear evidence base for what would turn out to be a glowing commendation.

But that was past and now her eyes held his as his palm gently brushed her cheek, the gesture so touchingly tender, then again his hand had captured her head and was easing her towards him, not that she needed more than the slightest encouragement to move towards him, her lips meeting his for the softest of kisses that seemed to immediately deepen, showing in actions, just how much she had missed him and how much she had looked forward to not having to keep up the pretence of indifference which had been so necessary in the hotel.

"Jo was right. I did worry that you might of changed your mind ... "

Maxine confessed with a blush as their mouths finally parted.

"I do hope you get to like Jo. She's one of my closest friends; perhaps the only close friend I have nowadays."

She told Derek.

"She's been very generous. We have our own place for as long as we want it."

Maxine nodded to the far end of the garden though the guest annex wasn't visible from the main house.

"Whatever happens in the future, this will be a great holiday for both of us Derek ... "

She assured him.

 

[LucianDevine]

That single kiss, and the embrace that came with it, was everything that Derek had hoped it would be. He had only intended it to be a tender kiss, but the second their lips touched, it instantly deepened, each of them seeming to have truly needed it. His other arm slipped around her, holding her close as they shared this moment together.

Maxine was the first one to speak when their lips finally parted. Her confession. and the fears behind it were understandable enough. Derek simply nodded at it and moved his other arm around her, holding her close as she continued to speak.

Though his head did briefly turn in the direction that Maxine indicated their place was, Derek's attention never truly wavered from the woman in his arms.

"It's alright Maxine. It's more than understandable for you to think what you did about what happened back there." Derek said softly, leaning forward to press a soft kiss to her forehead.

"It just doesn't seem like it could have been real...any of it, especially now, in this place of all places...looking back...it feels like it should have been a fantasy...or a dream...but...here we are."

Derek knew that he was rambling, that the jumble of words spewing out of him probably didn't make any sense, but he didn't care, not just then. He just wanted Maxine to know that he understood why she'd felt how she did, and that he didn't fault her for it. He truly did understand, and he hoped she realized that as his arms held her a little bit closer and tighter against him, almost as though he thought he could hug all of her fears away.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"It's alright Maxine. It's more than understandable for you to think what you did about what happened back there."

His words reassured Maxine that Derek understood. Even as she remained held in his arms, his kiss light on her forehead, Maxine knew that what she had not imagined what she thought had passed between them.

"It just doesn't seem like it could have been real...any of it, especially now, in this place of all places..."

She chuckled. It seemed as if they both felt the same.

" ... looking back...it feels like it should have been a fantasy...or a dream...but...here we are."

His hold tightened around her and she gave a soft murmur of contentment as she felt so secure in his arms.

" ... here we are ... "

She echoed softly.

"... and we have time ... time to enjoy the fantasy ... time to see what we have when the reality sets in if that is what you want, Derek... "

She told him softly.

" ... above all ... no more pretending ... "

Appearling indifferent and professional had truly tried her 'acting' skills and been exhausting. She suspected that Derek too was more than in need of a rest.

 

[LucianDevine]

Derek remained silent as Maxine talked, simply holding her close as she voiced what was on her mind. She spoke softly though, likely reflecting that she too felt exhausted from having to keep up the mask that they both had tried to maintain in their careers, and especially the past few days.

"I'm here aren't I? If nothing else, that should tell you that I do want this...want you."

Derek whispered softly to Maxine before bringing one of his hands back from around her to lift her chin.

"No more pretending." Derek whispered to her, echoing her just as she had echoed him just seconds ago. When he was finished speaking once more, he leaned in to kiss her once more, letting his fingers linger on her chin, adding that little bit extra contact between them as his other hand gently stroked her hair.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"I'm here aren't I? If nothing else, that should tell you that I do want this...want you."

Maxine smiled and nodded. He wanted to be with her and wanted her.
What happened beyond that, she no longer cared.

"No more pretending."

Though a whisper, his words were intense, a promise; a vow.

"No more pretending..."

She echoed in agreement as she became lost in his gaze.
And then he kissed her and she was lost once more.
The fingers on her chin seemed to trace her jaw line, the other hand was in her hair stroking, caressing, so sensual, so ....

"OOops ... I think you two need to get a room.... "

She broke away from Derek in blushing confusion.

"I thought you two would be all finished saying hello ... guess I should have known better...."

Despite her words, Jo sunk into a nearby chair and surveyed the couple with undisguised amusement.

"Do take a seat, darling..."

She said to Derek.

"I know you two are dying to run off and tear each other's clothes off, but at least spend ten minutes to sate my curiosity and then ... "

She eyed the two with a suitably suggestive expression.

"Ahhh ... cocktails ... "

She announced as a couple of jugs and decorated glasses were placed in front of them and she set to pouring.

"So ... Derek ... I can see just how dishonourable the intentions are between the two of you, so why don't you tell me a bit about yourself ... "

She invited.

" ... I want to know just what it is that my friend Maxine here finds so irresistible... "

She announced, much to Maxine's embarrassment...

 

[LucianDevine]

"OOops ... I think you two need to get a room.... "

The sound of Jo's voice shattered the moment the two of them were sharing, and Derek remained where he was, turning his head towards Jo as Maxine flushed with embarrassment.

Even as Jo spoke again, still taunting the pair of them, Derek extended his left hand to hold Maxine's right hand. He knew she was embarrassed, and he knew that Jo was probably having the time of her life, but there was nothing for it just then but to endure.

Derek gave Maxine's hand a gentle squeeze as he turned to take a seat to Jo's right. He let go of Maxine's hand, hoping that she'd take the chair next to him, keeping him between her and her friendly antagonist.

"I think we could all use a drink." Derek said, turning to Maxine with a casual smile. He was trying to lighten the mood for her.

Whether or not Jo realized his intentions, Derek didn't know, but either way, Jo's next words shattered any hope of it. He let out a soft chuckle though, reaching to take a glass and pass it to Maxine before taking one for himself.

"Oh god. Where do I start?" Derek asked rhetorically, offering up a small smile to Jo.

"I guess I first started being me when my mom got married. The guy seemed nice at first, but once he had that ring on her finger, things turned south. He showed his true colors the first time he came home from the bar drunk. He went after her, pissed off about one thing or another, but I put myself between them. He was bigger and heavier than I was. So it wasn't really a fight, so much as an ass-kicking."

Derek took a long drink from his glass before continuing.

"Things pretty much went like that until I was old enough to move out. Hell, I didn't even know where I wanted to go. I just knew I wanted to go. I went from this job to that for a while before I found my calling in customer service. Not long after that, I became a customer service representative for a large hotel, and a little while after that, I came down here. Been here ever since."

Derek paused again to take another drink. He turned his head towards Maxine and smiled, reaching out his hand to take hers, even as they sat.

"As for Maxine here, I was appointed to the task of showing her around, because of the positive feedback I get from most customers. I dreaded her arrival at first, knowing what was at stake, but once I started talking to her...and getting to know her...we just clicked." Derek gave Maxine's hand a gentle squeeze before turning towards Jo once more, curious as to what she'd say about it all.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Maxine was touched by the way Derek kept hold of her hand as Jo teased them.
She too took a seat and accepted a glass from Derek and he made sure she had a drink before him. She knew that this gesture was not lost on Jo whose keen eyes were watching them both carefully.

"Oh god. Where do I start?"

Derek replied as Jo asked him about himself. Her momentary anxiety was quelled by Derek's smile and the way he launched into an account of his earlier life offering Jo details that she hadn't expected him to give to her friend, who he had only just met after all! She flinched as he related how his step dad gave him 'an ass-kicking' and threw a quick glance across at Jo who seemed to be listening intently. The next section was more about how he had gotten into his job and was less personal, which made her relax more as she sipped her drink with delayed appreciation.

"As for Maxine here, I was appointed to the task of showing her around, because of the positive feedback I get from most customers."

She met his eyes and smiled back at him as he took her hand in his.

"I dreaded her arrival at first, knowing what was at stake, but once I started talking to her...and getting to know her...we just clicked."

He told Jo simply, his squeeze of reassurance at his words making Jo smile as he then turned towards Jo who also had Maxine's attention now.

"Sounds positively Shakespearean, darling... "

She commented with her usual succinct dramatic commentary.

" ... Maxine usually scares men away ... she can be very ... intimidating you know... "

Jo told him Derek in mock confidence.

" ... whereas Jo merely scares my beaus away by her interrogations ... "

Maxine interjected with a warning glance at Jo.

"Beaus!?!"

Jo burst into laughter.

"When is the last time you were really interested in a guy, much less allowed them to meet me?"

Jo asked Maxine obviously not caring that Derek overheard.

" ... with Jo's lack of ... discretion ... is it any wonder...?"

Maxine addressed the question to Derek, her exasperation still good natured.

"Derek is more than aware that it's been a while ... "

Maxine told Jo, a piece of news that seemed to surprise her.

" ... though I think I'd prefer if you kept your 'revelations' to a minimum until we've had time to actually get to know each other, Jo. It's not that I haven't told Derek about myself, but that we haven't had enough time together yet ... "

Maxine said in an attempt to prevent her friend from any potential indiscretion.
Holding her hands up in good natured surrender, Jo assured them both.

"My lips are sealed, of course..."

She chuckled.

"So Derek ... is there anything you want to know ... about me, us ... this place ... I suspect you've just turned up at a random address with no idea of what you're in for, right?"

Jo observed.

" ... most courageous ... "

She teased.

 

[LucianDevine]

"Sounds positively Shakespearean, darling... "

It was impossible for Derek not to laugh at Jo's elaborate dramatization. He was actually glad for it though, because it did help to lighten the mood, especially after his story, which certainly wasn't the happiest one in the world.

" ... Maxine usually scares men away ... she can be very ... intimidating you know... "

" ... whereas Jo merely scares my beaus away by her interrogations ... "

"Beaus!?!"

"When is the last time you were really interested in a guy, much less allowed them to meet me?"

" ... with Jo's lack of ... discretion ... is it any wonder...?"

"Derek is more than aware that it's been a while ... "

The friendly banter back and forth brought another smile to Derek's lips. It was her last statement though, that prompted him to speak. He turned to Maxine, even as he spoke to Jo.

"Believe it or not, she did try to keep me at a distance at first." Derek started, giving Maxine's hand another squeeze. "Even as I heard the words though, I could see in her eyes what she wanted, maybe even needed." Derek's gaze was locked with Maxine's as he spoke. "So for her, I took a chance..."

Derek let his words trail off as he took another drink from his glass.

"So Derek ... is there anything you want to know ... about me, us ... this place ... I suspect you've just turned up at a random address with no idea of what you're in for, right?" ... most courageous ... "

Derek nodded at Jo's question, letting a small smile come to his lips when she finished.

"I figured that I had already taken one chance, what harm could there be in another? I did not expect...this though..." As he finished speaking, Derek lifted both of his hands, glass and all, to gesture around them at their lavish surroundings. "There was no way I could possibly have expected this, or any of it really. That being said, I can't help but wonder what you do that allows you to afford all of this. I'm also curious how the two of you met for the first time."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"I figured that I had already taken one chance, what harm could there be in another? I did not expect...this though..."

Maxine and Jo exchanged a look. Jo definitely lived in style and it was only one of the properties she owned.

"There was no way I could possibly have expected this, or any of it really."

He confirmed.

"That being said, I can't help but wonder what you do that allows you to afford all of this. I'm also curious how the two of you met for the first time."

Jo laughed at his direct question and shrugged.

"What do I do, darling? As little as possible ... "

She told him, then shrugged as she decided to be as honest with him as he had been with her.

"I inherited money."

She told him almost apologetically.

"But I made some investments and ... "

She gestured.

"Money leads to money if you make the right decisions."

She told him.

"Jo's a very shrewd business woman."

Maxine contradicted her friend.

"And the only reason she can take things a bit easier now is because of the work she's put in over the years."

She smiled at Jo fondly, though the other woman merely gave dismissive wave at the complement Maxine gave her.

"As to how we met ... "

Maxine started and looked across at Jo exchanging a conspiratorial smile.

"We were on holiday ... separately ... or at least ... "

Maxine explained.

"Oh really darling, no need to be coy ... "

She topped up Derek's glass and took up the account.

"We were on holiday, I with my 'man of the moment' and Maxine had some 'sugar daddy type' in tow ... "

She ignored Maxine's objection.

"Well he looked old enough ... "

Jo dismissed.

"Anyway ... the two men met up and decided to 'do business' and left the two of us to get ... better acquainted ... "

She chuckled.

"We took off before the end of the holiday and had a much better week on our own ... "

Jo grinned.

"... and we've been friends ever since ... "

Maxine concluded.

" ... well ... friends in various degrees ... "

Jo chuckled at her cryptic words and then continued;

"We lose touch now and then, when life gets busy, but ... we always find each other again ... "

 

[LucianDevine]

"What do I do, darling? As little as possible ...I inherited money."

She told him almost apologetically.

"But I made some investments and ... "

She gestured.

"Money leads to money if you make the right decisions."

Derek nodded at Jo's answers. They were cryptic at first, but she did answer him in the end. "What I wouldn't do if I had that kind of money." Derek said, almost to himself with a soft chuckle.

"Jo's a very shrewd business woman."

Derek heard Maxine say from behind him, and turned her way as she continued.

"And the only reason she can take things a bit easier now is because of the work she's put in over the years."

"Makes sense." Derek said, mostly to himself. Though he was still thinking of all the things he'd love to do if he had the funds for it. Maxine's next words though, pulled his attention back to her.

"As to how we met ... We were on holiday ... separately ... or at least ... "


"Oh really darling, no need to be coy ... We were on holiday, I with my 'man of the moment' and Maxine had some 'sugar daddy type' in tow ... "

"Well he looked old enough ... "

"Anyway ... the two men met up and decided to 'do business' and left the two of us to get ... better acquainted ... We took off before the end of the holiday and had a much better week on our own... and we've been friends ever since ... "

" ... well ... friends in various degrees ... "

"We lose touch now and then, when life gets busy, but ... we always find each other again ... "

Derek found himself just sitting back in his chair, taking small sips from the glass that Jo had topped off for him as he enjoyed the comedic story-telling from Jo and Maxine, one trying to say as little as possible while the other revealed far more. He had to admit that the two of them were certainly a unique pair. He didn't have to be good at reading people to understand what the two had done while they "became friends".

"That is certainly a unique story." Derek started, a broad smile now on his face as he looked back and forth from the ever-confident Jo and the embarrassed Maxine.

"I admit that I am jealous of you. I would only have been trying to imagine what kind of person lived in a house like this, much like anybody else. I never would have thought that I'd be inside a place like this..."

Derek let his words trail off again, and gave Maxine's hand another gentle squeeze while he tried to think of other questions for her. He was certain that more would come in time, but it was harder when he was put on the spot like this.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"That is certainly a unique story."

Derek commented after Jo had elaborated on the story of their first meeting, leaving Maxine flushed as she sipped her cocktail.

"I admit that I am jealous of you. I would only tried to imagine what kind of person lived in a house like this, much like anybody else. I never would have thought that I'd be inside a place like this..."

Jo laughed.

"It's bricks and mortar darling."

She told him dismissively.

"The place was a mess when I bought it ... but I know people and got it into shape quite easily ... still ... I'm glad you like my little holiday home... "

She told him gratified by his complements.

Maxine gazed over as he squeezed her hand and smiled, reassured by Derek's seemingly relaxed mood.

"Jo's given us her guest house."

She told Derek once more.

"She had that built as an addition ... "

Jo smiled at Maxine fondly and turned back to Derek.

"I know this place might look different Derek, but you and Maxine are welcome here ... just treat this place like home ... and you can stay as long as you like ... no rush ... I know you have decisions to make... "

She told him, her playfulness dropping as she spoke earnestly giving him just a glimpse of the supportive friend she could be when she dropped the dramatics...

 

[LucianDevine]

"It's bricks and mortar darling. The place was a mess when I bought it ... but I know people and got it into shape quite easily ... still ... I'm glad you like my little holiday home... "

"Holiday home?" Derek asked with a slight smirk. "I can only imagine what your actual house looks like." Though there was clearly humor in Derek's voice, he didn't hide the fact that he was also impressed by what surrounded him, and the way it had become hers and come to look like this.

"Jo's given us her guest house. She had that built as an addition ... "

Derek turned first towards Maxine, and then back to Jo, a small smile on his face. He didn't know what the guest house looked like, and honestly, he didn't care. He was more than grateful to Jo for her hospitality, regardless of what it looked like.

"I know this place might look different Derek, but you and Maxine are welcome here ... just treat this place like home ... and you can stay as long as you like ... no rush ... I know you have decisions to make... "

The change in Jo's tone immediately caught Derek's attention. He could tell that she was being serious, and that she was supportive of the choice that he and Maxine had made, or at least hoped to make.

"Thank you for that Jo, seriously. Maxine and I...we didn't really think too far ahead...we just sort of...I don't know...went with what felt right, despite the risks."

Derek let his head bow briefly before turning towards Maxine, that small smile still on his face. "You're right when you say we have decisions to make." He said, speaking to Jo, even as he held Maxine's gaze once again and lifted the hand he held to press a soft kiss to the top of it. "And having a place like this...away from everything else...is just...perfect." The smile disappeared from Derek's face as he turned back to Jo once more. "If there's anything I can do to thank you for this...anything at all...just name it."

Derek didn't know if there was anything he could really offer her that she couldn't easily get herself, but he had to make the offer. It wouldn't feel right for him to accept such gifts without at least offering something in return.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Thank you for that Jo, seriously. Maxine and I...we didn't really think too far ahead...we just sort of...I don't know...went with what felt right, despite the risks."

Maxine agreed with his words. None of this had been planned. Common sense told her she was crazy, but Jo had encouraged her to 'go for it' ...

"You're right when you say we have decisions to make."

Maxine couldn't help it, the way Derek looked at her, the way he squeezed her hand, the way he dropped a light kiss atop it all made her heart flip and pulses race ...

"And having a place like this...away from everything else...is just...perfect."

The privacy was something Maxine was going to savour, especially after having been so much the focus of attention in the last 5 consecutive hotels she had reviewed and besides, it was time for a rest.

"If there's anything I can do to thank you for this...anything at all...just name it."

Jo could see the sincerity of Derek's offer, she glanced across at Maxine and smiled.

"You've already done it, Derek."

She told him softly.

"Brought a smile to Maxine's face ... "

She turned that familiar teasing look towards Maxine and added.

"I haven't seen her be so impulsive for years ... "

Jo extended a hand towards Maxine and brushed back her hair, allowing her fingers to linger before sighing softly and turning back to Derek.

"And it's good to see."

She told Derek looking approvingly between the two, her eyes locking with Maxine's momentarily before returning to Derek's.

"All you can do for me is make her happy and however this turns out for you both, make sure you don't hurt her ... "

 

[LucianDevine]

"You've already done it, Derek."

Derek nodded, letting the small smile creep back to his lips. He'd expected her to say something like that, but he still felt like he had to ask.

"Brought a smile to Maxine's face ... I haven't seen her be so impulsive for years ... "

Derek chuckled at Jo's last words, but didn't take his eyes off of the two women as he watched Jo extend her hand towards Maxine. The tender gesture of pushing her hair back from her face was one he'd also done, and it seemed that much more sensual watching the act, especially when it was a woman doing it to another woman, and most definitely so when it was two people that were as good of friends as Maxine and Jo seemed to be.

Despite the tender gesture Jo made, the soft sigh that slipped from her lips wasn't lost on Derek. He knew full well the meaning of that sigh, even if he also knew that Jo was genuinely happy for Maxine.

"And it's good to see. you can do for me is make her happy and however this turns out for you both, make sure you don't hurt her ... "

Jo's eyes slid back and forth between the two of them before coming to rest on him once more.

"I wouldn't dream of it..." Derek said softly, giving Maxine's hand another gentle squeeze. He wanted to kiss her just then, to make her as happy as he knew he was able to, but he held back, not wanting to be rude to their host, even as he let his own gaze dance back and forth between the two women.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"I wouldn't dream of it..."

Derek squeezed Maxine's hand his gaze moving between the two of them.

"Jo ... "

Maxine intervened finally.

"Whatever happens, happens. It's unfair to put any ... pressure ... on Derek."

Maxine reminded her kindly, but firmly.

"Nobody decent sets out to hurt someone else ... but ... you can't dictate circumstances ... "

Maxine held Jo's gaze for long seconds then finally nodded, but made no further comment.

"I think we should go settle in."

Maxine suggested tentatively.

"We'll still have dinner together this evening...?"

She asked looking from Jo to Derek, torn between not wanting to simply drop her friend and not make unwelcome demands of Derek having promised him that they would have total privacy.

 

[LucianDevine]

Hearing Maxine come to his aid and speak in his defense made Derek's heart swell. He knew how private a person she was, and one of Jo's statements certainly confirmed it. He expected that it was unusual for her to be so bold as to ask him to come with her, and to ask Jo to allow them to stay. Despite that though, there she was, standing beside him, holding his hand, and speaking so confidently to her best friend.

"Yes Jo...If it's not too much trouble...do you think we could have a little alone time together? We spent the last two days avoiding each other, hoping it would make other necessary things easier."

Derek paused then, knowing what he wanted to say, but at the same time, he didn't want to seem disrespectful to Jo's friend, and their host.

"I know this is your home...and that we are guests here...but do you think we could have...just a little more time?" Derek's gaze shifted over to Maxine as he finished speaking, once again find it hard to put what he was feeling into words.

"I'll try not to keep your friend from you for too long...I'm sure you two also have some catching up to do."

With his plea spoken, there was nothing for Derek to do but take a deep breath and hope that Jo would sympathize with their situation.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

"Yes Jo...If it's not too much trouble...do you think we could have a little alone time together? We spent the last two days avoiding each other, hoping it would make other necessary things easier... I know this is your home...and that we are guests here...but do you think we could have...just a little more time?
I'll try not to keep your friend from you for too long...I'm sure you two also have some catching up to do."

Jo laughed good naturedly at Derek's words and relaxed back her gaze moving in a leisurely way over the two as they stood together.

"We can eat together later, if you'd like ... but if you don't make it up here Max, I'll have something sent down to you two ..."

She responded to Maxine first.

" ... and Derek ... you two can have as much time to yourselves as you need ... "

She seemed amused and not at all offended.

"Maxine and I caught up a lot the other evening, remember and we've had plenty of time today ... whereas you two ..."

She grinned suggestively.

"If you need anything, just let me know ... but right now ... "

She stood and moved towards Maxine.

"Go take your beau to your love nest, darling."

Jo told her as she hugged Maxine and kissed her cheek.

"And you Derek ... relax ... enjoy ... and be good to our girl..."

She turned to hug him close and actually kissed him lightly on the lips.

"Best friend's perks."

She told Maxine as she sunk back into her chair.

"Now shoo, children ... go play ... "

She waved her hand dismissively. Maxine giggled and drew Derek back from the table.

"We have our orders, come on ... "

She told him as she led the way round the pool and through the trees and finally up to the compact, but well furnished 'guest house' ....

 

[LucianDevine]

"We can eat together later, if you'd like ... but if you don't make it up here Max, I'll have something sent down to you two ..."

She responded to Maxine first.

" ... and Derek ... you two can have as much time to yourselves as you need ... "

If Jo's laugh wasn't enough to reassure the pair of them, her words certainly were. They were enough for Derek at least. She also had a clear look of amusement on her face, further telling him that she was likely enjoying seeing the two of them together and trying to keep their hands off of each other.

"Maxine and I caught up a lot the other evening, remember and we've had plenty of time today ... whereas you too ..."

She grinned suggestively, clearly aware of exactly what was going to happen once the two of them got the privacy they'd been craving...

"If you need anything, just let me know ... but right now ... "

She stood and moved towards Maxine.

"Go take your beau to your love next, darling."

Derek watched as Jo moved towards Maxine and hugged her, pressing a light kiss to her cheek. He expected the same when she moved towards him, but found himself quite surprised when the kiss that she gave him wasn't on the cheek, but rather a light and fleeting kiss on the lips. "Best friend's perks." He flushed terribly as she spoke, his eyes glancing towards Maxine as Jo retreated to her chair once more.

"Now shoo, children ... go play ... "

Jo's final words, accompanied with the dismissive flick of her hand pulled a chuckle from Derek. He heard Maxine giggle beside him, and relented to her pull as she spoke.

Derek let Maxine pull himself around the pool and through the trees, but the sight of the "guest house" left him almost as surprised as he had been when he saw the main building from outside.

"I still don't believe this Maxine..." Derek started, his gaze following her as she led him towards the guest house. "...any of it...it just seems...too good to be real ya know?"

Even as he spoke and allowed himself to be led towards and eventually into the guest house, Derek couldn't help but be excited. It would be the first true privacy the pair had ever enjoyed, and he couldn't help but wonder which of the two of them would make the first move.