No posts til Monday

Sorry guys, despite my best efforts I'm nowhere near finishing this story, and I'm away tomorrow for a few days. I'll be back Sunday and will break my back to try and get a chapter up. Think my family will disown me if I take my laptop with me. 

So hope chapter 22 keeps you all going!

Samaira T: Thanks!! She's becoming girl power, don't you think?? Hoep you enjoy next chapter.

Briana: so you're a footie fan too (and I mean the Worldwide version not the US one?). Sound like a girl after my own heart. As for your own predicament, you sound a lot like I used to be, I rarely let any one in, and I can see a lot of me in Quinn. Don't settle for second best! I do believe that everyone has a "swept off your feet" moment, and that's why none of my heroine's ever settle for making do, they all want to have everything or nothing. Go girls I say. Be interesting to see how your own story pans out! Thanks for commenting!! Hope this story helps in some way! As for Adele - I'm not a big pop fan, but she has a beautiful voice and is a great role model for girls today. Like her strong powerful vocals a lot. Oh and if I do ever publish a book my blogger mates will be the first to know...and you'd all have a free copy!! :)

alisonwonderland: I'm smiling at your approval, have battled hard over the last two chapters trying to get them right, I wanted her to be exactly that...not a brickwall, but strong defences. Like that analogy:) And yes she does deserve more, that's what the underlying issues are now, do you settle for all that you can get? Or hold out for the World??

Tia - I am trying:) Definitely going for quality over quantity, and like longish chapters!! Thanks for reading though, glad you're loving this!

So til Monday peeps, thought you never know, it may be a tad earlier!!

MZ

He'll Come Through - Chapter 22 - We can work it out?

22 - We can work it out?

     

           “Am I worth the risk?”

Lilah shrugged, unable to answer, so aware of his proximity, she could almost feel his pounding heart through the scant clothing between them, the one thing she could guarantee was that she trusted Quinn, with her life. Would he deliberately hurt her? She looked at those warm eyes, eyes that already felt like they were undressing her, burrowing through the layers of her defence, and felt a moan escape her lips, she loved him, all she could do was hope that he’d come to love her. Wasn’t it?

Hearing the sounds, a soft half whimper, Quinn knew she’d acquiesced, that she’d finally lowered her defences.  So he dived in like the ravenous man he was.  There was no softness, no tenderness in this kiss; this was a year of longing finally coming to fruition, for both of them. Quinn moved his mouth down to her neck, biting at the soft flesh there as Lilah threw her head back and moaned, meanwhile her hands were tugging at the numerous folds of the toga he was wearing, finally with a satisfied grunt the sheets came loose and she pushed the material away, inch after inch.  Still he kissed her neck, his tongue running along her collar bone, teeth tugging at the delicate straps of her dress.

               

                “Have I told you how sexy this dress is?” he croaked as he managed to locate the zip hidden under one of her arms. When she nodded, he chuckled against her skin, “but it’s not enough for me to want you to keep it on!”

Within seconds it was pooled around her waist, at the same time she eventually won the battle with the bed sheets. When Quinn lifted his head to look down at her newly exposed body, to drink in every inch of her, Lilah did the same, then gasped. Quinn was completely naked!

Her eyes flashed up to his and a shocked smile spread across her face, “all night?”

                “Commando?” he asked, still happily eyeing her full breasts in a pretty lacy white bra. Reaching to push the dress further down, he mumbled, “it’s quite exhilarating, having the wind blowing around your ‘parts’! But that’s why I was so long coming back from the beer garden. Nothing to hide the effect you have on me!”  As if to prove that it was a constant effect on her, he took her hand and placed it over him, closing his eyes as she circled her fingers around him, and he grew further in response.

                “Shit...” he murmured, “that wasn’t the wisest of moves!” He’d succeeded in pushing the dress over her hips, it was pooled around her feet, and he was now watching her every move. When he could take no more he scooped her up in her arms. “Where’s your bedroom?”

                “Kids!” she gasped. “Not good...”

Dropping her legs he let them slide down his body, loving the feel of her naked against him, but knowing that he couldn’t do more than enjoy just that. He was desperate to lay her out on a comfortable bed, explore every inch of her, and leaning his mouth close to her ear, he told her just that, but he also knew that Maria finding them would complicate her life, and there was something innately wrong with the thought of Freddy waking and him being in bed with Lilah.

                “So what do we do now?” she asked against his lips, her body still appreciating the warmth of his, wriggling like a cat against his hands.

                “Well, for a start you stop rubbing up against me like a rampant dog, or my resolve will weaken, and we don’t want that to happen....do we?”

Lilah shook her head half heartedly, “no...” Her hand snuck back below his waist and he grabbed it before she actually made contact.

                “Right that’s decided, I’m going back to the hotel, I’ll find some decent clothes, you can get dressed, then we can talk, and cuddle, and maybe sleep on the sofa together....and NO more than that. Ok?” He laughed when he saw her distraught face he laughed, “I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t, hey?”

With a forlorn look and a pouting bottom lip, she started to protest, “But...”

He laid a finger over her lips, “do you want me to let this get out of control? Because it would be the easiest thing to ignore my common sense, hell it is hell trying to stop this. I could very easily clear that kitchen table and spread you out there and have my wicked way with you....but where does that leave us? And what if Maria comes down wanting a drink?”

She nodded annoyed that he was making the sensible decisions that her libido wasn’t allowing her to even contemplate, “I just....”

His mouth covered hers for a moment, then he pulled back, “I can guarantee whatever you’re thinking, I am way further ahead of you. But I’m trying rather unsuccessfully to think of the big picture here.”

Quinn’s hands slid around her and under the lacy waistband of her knickers to cup her buttocks, “you have no idea what I’m fighting with now Blondie.”

Lilah was starting to regain control, and she wriggled her pelvis against his, he was rock hard, “I think I have some idea.”

Shaking his head he dropped a kiss on her forehead, “you are the naughtiest, sexiest woman I have ever met!”

Lifting the sheets he re-tied them haphazardly around his waist, covering at least half of his beautiful body, glancing at her, still dressed only in underwear he gave a knowing shake of the head, “when did I get so moralistic?”

She leaned against the work surface and smiled seductively at him, “you’re a good man Quinn Southland, more is the pity!”

With a groan he dashed out of the door!

When he finally let himself back in he was wearing combats and a t-shirt, this was the Quinn she knew best.   Lilah had showered, cold at first, but now in cotton pyjama’s she was relaxed and back on form.

                “Can I get you a drink?”

Quinn shook his head, “no thanks, I’m back in control now!”

She smiled noting that his hair was damp; he’d needed to calm down too, that pleased her – as long as it wasn’t just her. But without the hot passion things were a little awkward.

                “Come here!” he offered lounging on the sofa; she sat beside him as he’d gestured and allowed him to put an arm around her shoulder, to pull her close.

                “So what do we do now?” She asked looking up at him.

His face broke into a sexy grin, “make out like teenagers and desperately avoid reaching second base?” he followed up his words with a long seductive kiss, full of promise, but nowhere near as desperate as the ones they ‘d shared earlier.

Dragging herself away, she laughed, “or we could talk more.”

Quinn nodded, “but I sense there are a lot of brick walls that we are likely to hit, the future, the past, family...all no go areas, that leaves very little!”

Lilah gulped, she had hoped to broach the future, to get at least some form of verbal commitment from him, a week, a month...anything! But instead they started talking about her time teaching in the local school, how she’d filled the summer since Freddy had come along, and the custody issues she was having with Gavin’s parents over Maria’s future. He nodded along, contributing his thoughts, but there was very little back from him.

After a few drinks, they ended up spooned together on the sofa, her spine pressed against the length of her, both listening to mellow music in the semi-darkness. When his hands ran over her still slightly rounded stomach, he sighed.

                “I wish I’d seen you pregnant.” It was a murmur against her ear, “I bet you looked beautiful, all rounded and curvy...I’m so sad I missed all that.”

                “It wasn’t my fault; I didn’t know where you were.”

He wrapped his arms around her more tightly and whispered again in her ear, “I wasn’t getting at that! I just think you’re so sexy now, but to have seen you with my baby in you... that would have been mind blowing!”

Loving his hands worshipping her so erotically she sighed, “I just felt fat and depressed. But hey, that’s the past.”

Relaxing for a few moments she enjoyed his strong arms around her. “So are you going to see your mother whilst you’re here? I’d love her to meet Freddy.” She finally threw that out there, she knew he’d feel defensive over this topic, but Freddy did deserve to know his other grandmother, that wasn’t Quinn’s choice. She didn’t quite expect him to freeze as he did, and she could tell that he was tempted to push her away, physically and emotionally.

Quinn swallowed a few times before he turned her to face him, “I’m not ready to play happy families Blondie, not with my mother, or anyone else in my family.”

She placed her hands over his, still protectively across her stomach, “Quinn, this isn’t your choice anymore, this is about what’s right for Freddy. Parenting is all about sacrifice. I will be taking him to your mother’s; I just think that you should be part of that. But that’s up to you.”

Silence prevailed and though still entwined, neither spoke eventually drifting off to sleep.

Waking in his arms after the night full of such confliction emotions was surreal, but it was still a place she felt she belonged. She could hear noise upstairs and knew that Maria had woken, Freddy was obviously still asleep. Wriggling out of his arms, she pulled the throw that had covered them the previous evening over him and made her way to the kitchen. By the time Maria found her she was halfway into organising breakfast.

                “What’s he doing sleeping on the sofa?” Maria asked nodding towards the lounge. Despite her words there was no malice in her voice.

                “You remember Quinn? From the station?”

She laughed, “And Grampy’s house, and the cricket, and the party! Of course I know him!”

Lilah nodded knowingly, “well he’s my friend, and actually, he’s Freddy’s Daddy. So he’ll be spending some time here.”

Maria was silent as she accepted the plate of toast, but it was a lot for an almost eight year old to take in. Allowing her that time, Lilah continued to make a pot of coffee and her own porridge.

Eventually Maria spoke, fairly quietly, “so does this mean I can’t come here anymore?”

                “What?” Lilah rushed over to sit beside Maria. “Don’t be ridiculous darling, I love you, we all love you, you know that don’t you?”

                “But won’t you marry him and be a family with Freddy?”

As Lilah started to speak a deep voice cut her off, “Maria! You are more important than anything else. I’m not going to change that. I just want to spend some time with Freddy, and you! Is that ok?”

She looked up at Quinn a contemplative look on her face, “but what if you get married, then I can’t live with you then.”

Quinn chuckled, “we’re not planning to get married chicken, but if we did then you’d be part of that, ok?”

She smiled, “I could be a bridesmaid?”

Her hopeful expression only added to Quinn’s sudden awkwardness, and seeing him squirm only aided Lilah’s perverse pleasure at this situation. Pinning him in a corner hadn’t worked for her, but he couldn’t use the same evasive techniques on a fragile child. And she had no intention of helping him dig out of this hole.

                “We’re not getting married Maria, but if we did, you could be a bridesmaid, I promise.”

                “Mummies and Daddies get married though.”

Quinn was almost purple with frustration, “um...”

It was then that Lilah finally had some guilt over this, so she stepped in, “Look Maria, it’s like Nadia your friend, her Mummy and Daddy are friends, but they don’t live in the same house do they? We’re like that.”

Maria turned to Quinn with a shocked expression, “do you have a boyfriend too then like Nadia’s Daddy?” Quinn spluttered in surprise and Maria added, “She said she’s got two Daddies really!”

Lilah burst into laughter, Quinn’s face was a picture, “bad example! Sorry Maria, we’re just friends darling, Quinn is spending some time here with Freddy before he heads back overseas. Then we’ll be back to normal, ok?”

She ignored Quinn’s desperate looks and finished organising the kitchen, just as Freddy started to cry. Heading to the sanctity of the nursery, she cooed at Freddy as she changed him into a clean nappy and summer clothing for the warm day, then she sat into the rocking chair, settling him close to her and lifting her pyjama top for him to feed. Eyes closed, she relaxed, not wanting to analyse the last few hours in any great depth.

Her eyes snapped open when she sensed a presence in the room, and her eyes focused on Quinn leaning against the doorframe, and indescribable look on his face. As he made to speak she held up a hand to silence him.

                “Please Quinn, don’t say anything. You’ve never made any promises, I get that.”

                “But...” he floundered searching for words.

Lilah sighed, “Don’t think of excuses or try to flower the situation to make me feel better. I’m a big girl Quinn, and I don’t need you sugaring the pill. My eyes are well and truly open. I’ll miss you when you leave, we all will. But I’m not putting my life on hold.” With a wicked smile she twinkled her eyes at him, “and I’m looking forward to later. Maria goes back to school this afternoon, Freddy’s in bed early. We can ‘talk’ more then, we seemed compatible at that last night at least. We’ll cross the bridge of you leaving when we get to it. But until then let’s have fun?”

Looking back down to her son, their son, she smiled, their lust for each other was all she had left. If she and the baby weren’t enough to penetrate his thick stubborn hide, she’d throw everything at him sexually. After all him leaving now would break her, she may as well have a head full of memories to warm her tear-filled lonely night. Because if having her heart, her soul and free reign of her body wasn’t enough, then he didn’t deserve her.

He'll Come Through - Chapter 21 - I want you to want ME!

21 - I want you to want me!

It was darker than she imagined as Lilah cut down the side of the pub to the secluded rear beer garden. She wasn’t scared, she was exhilarated, this was the most reckless, the most exciting thing she’d ever done, all that despite being kidnapped, or even on the run in the desert...how ironic. Though irony was her furthest thought as she slipped along the uneven path, the light white dress flapping behind her as she ran.

By the time she reached the secluded rendezvous spot her heart was pounding and she was breathless, due to running she tried in vain to convince herself. Slowing and taking a moment to adjust her wig, tug her dress back into place, she turned to wait for Quinn. But before she’d turned halfway, two arms wrapped around her, a hard body pressed against the length of hers from behind and warm lips found the soft and very sensitive skin just behind one of her ears.

                “Have I ever told you how unbelievably sexy you are?” he eventually managed, Quinn’s lips still touching her skin. “Even without the sexy Cleopatra thing!”

She swayed against him unable to control the level of tension coursing through her body, struggling to verbalise a response, “the lengths I’ll go to not to be called Blondie, hey?”

The chuckle against her neck was like a priceless aphrodisiac, and she could feel via the closeness of their bodies that he was feeling exactly the same level of longing, “you’ll always be Blondie to me.” His right hand massaged a circular pattern over her lower abdomen as he spoke. “I’ll always remember you as you were that night in the cave, curled up against me....”

She quivered with desire every inch of her body aware of every inch of his, remembering the intimacy that made such a scary moment so bearable was almost more seductive than the embrace she was wrapped in.

                “Quinn...” her voice was a rasp, “just a kiss...”

Lilah could tell he was smiling as he said, “oh it’ll be just a kiss, I just didn’t say where I’d kiss....or how long it’d last!”

That was her undoing, turning rapidly she slid her arms around him, under the toga and over the firm muscular contours of his back. She could barely make out his eyes in the poor lighting, but she could smell him, and it was a divine sensation.

Quinn knew he needed to give her a minute, her control, her role in this was important to her, but once her lips found his, her small hand cupped his cheek; his own precarious control was lost. He dragged her to him, his tongue thrusting into her mouth forcefully, but not one to be out done, hers battled with his, duelling for the much sought after control.

Her lips, her cheeks, her chin were sore from the assault of his stubble, but she knew she was clinging to him as firmly as he was dragging her against him. She’d never felt so overawed, so out of control, never wanted to be draped over a picnic table and be explored, made love to, as much as she did now.

She tried to drag her lips from him, to take stock, slow things down, but his insistent, sexy lips followed her every move, not letting her break away. God she’d missed this, missed him so much. All those emotions locked and never dealt with came rushing back and she felt tears of anticipation, frustration, flow down her cheeks.

It was the sensation of those tears landing on his hand that finally made him pull back.

                “Are you ok?” he kissed each eye, clearing the salty tears with his lips before studying her face in the dark. “You’re crying?”

She shrugged, “kissing you just brought back a lot of memories.”

Suddenly Quinn felt awful, “I’m sorry, I know it was a hard time for you. I...I...” he floundered, and that was when she kissed him again, because her lips were about to blurt out the truth, that it wasn’t the memories of the kidnap, the escape that she was reliving, but the pain and hurt she felt at him rejecting her, and her unrequited love that had burned away since she’d left him that day in the cafe.

Before they pulled apart and put physical distance between themselves, his hands had slid up her thighs, taking her dress with them, to cup her buttocks, hers were familiarising themselves with his shoulders, chest, spine. Quinn held her at arm’s length staring into her eyes; despite the darkness he could see the heat and the passion there.

                “I have no intention of this going any further here, outside...you deserve so much more.” He leaned in for another kiss, more chaste this time.

She dragged hair from her eyes and tried to make her appearance a little more presentable, “you’re right! I must be coming across as a right hussy....again.” She turned trying to hide the feelings of rejection that once again seemed to raise their head.  

Lilah tired to walk away, get space between them, but Quinn reached for her, “Lilah!” His voice was a hiss, “I’ve never thought of you as anything but divine, and perfect. I’m sorry that I’ve hurt you SO many times, but I really want you more than I’ve wanted anything in my life.”

She half smiled, glad for the darkness as she stared up into his beautiful face, “not as much as the enigmatic and legendary Johnny....evidently.” With that she disappeared around the building, before racing back to the marquee. She stopped briefly to collect her thoughts then re-entered the canopy to say her goodbyes, she wanted to get home and lock her heart away in the protection of her home. She was mortified at the way she’d responded to him, she was supposed to be in control, but she would have done anything he’d asked of her back then and it scared her. She’d never been in a position where she didn’t seem to have control of her mind, her body, and she had to escape that.

Her father had bought her a drink and his face lit up when he saw her, “I worried you’d left! What with your mother and Maria going I was starting to feel really abandoned!”

Lilah took the drink nervously, “I was just having some fresh air, then I nipped to the bathroom.”

                “Dance?” he asked as ‘Lola’ by the Kinks came on, her father loved the sixties, but hated ballads, so this was perfect for him. Taking his hand she let him lead her to the floor, and then danced naturally with him, he’d always danced with her at parties, and they were pretty much in tune. How could you remain angry when you were dancing with a Danny Zuko? Smiling she realised she was calmer now, and she rued her earlier impulsiveness. But at least she’d challenged Quinn, dropped the white elephant of his past back between them. If he came to her now wanting more, she knew that it was at least nearer her terms.

                “Mind if I cut in Tony?”

Lilah groaned as she recognised Quinn’s sultry voice disturbing her calm. Her father both the gentleman and the optimist nodded beaming at the younger man, “of course Quinn.” Leaving her to him, her father smiled before heading back to his friends.

As she stared at Quinn, he exhaled, “I wish you wouldn’t keep running away from me.” As Lola became ‘Without you’ the best version by Harry Nilsson, Lilah had no option but to be pulled into his arms. She rested her head against his chest, rathering the effects of that position to having to meet his eyes, see questions, and maybe even worse, answers there.

They moved in unison for a while neither speaking, but then Quinn dropped his lips to the top of her head and started to sing a slightly varied version, “No, I can't forget that evening...Or your face as you were leaving...But I guess that's just the way the story goes...You always smile but in your eyes your sorrow shows.”

It was her undoing, she’d been through so many things, so many emotions, and she’d kept going all that time, on her own. Now that he was here voicing her own thoughts back at her, “I can’t do this...”

He smiled, “we need to talk, let’s get out of here.”

Nodding she let him lead her out of the marquee and down the lane to her small house. 

Stumbling along beside his fast pace walk, Lilah gripped his hand for dear life. There was no conversation and Quinn was stern faced as he marched them to the house.

Her mother was making a cup of tea in the kitchen and looked up in surprise, “you’re early...” she paused when she saw the serious expressions on both their faces and started to gather her things. “Ah, Freddy’s asleep in bed, and Maria fell asleep about half an hour ago.” She kissed her daughters cheek, “I’ll call you in the morning.” Then looking up at Quinn she narrowed her eyes, a non verbal ‘don’t hurt my daughter’ flashed between them, and he nodded knowingly.

                “Tea?” Lilah asked once her mother had closed the door. He nodded a reply and she took over the almost boiled kettle. When they had a full mug each they moved into the small lounge. Quinn took the sofa but perched on the edge, his eyes never leaving hers as she finally appeared in the room behind him, minus the wig, her blonde hair a little bedraggled, but to him it made her even more endearing.

                “Delilah,” he started, but she held her hand up to silence him.

                “Quinn, when I walked out of that cafe I honestly thought you’d follow me, that you’d say you made a mistake, that you cared about me. As it was you let me do it all alone, you were horrible to me, all because I made you remember your best mate, and the fact that you never got the chance to screw her. Have you any idea how hard that was? You snubbed me, not just pushed me away, but made me feel worthless Quinn. I’ve sat here every day since with your baby here in me, with me, in this house...and all the time I felt like crap because you snubbed me, chose a memory over me.” She stood and moved to the window looking out into the small garden.

                “Now you’re back and it’s as though nothing happened, but it did Quinn....and I can’t let you rip me into pieces again, I don’t think I can take anymore. And I’d rather never see you again than go through what I have the last year again.”

                “So you’d keep me away from Freddy?”

She shook her head and smiled sadly, “no, I wouldn’t ever keep him from you, and the sad thing is that’s your priority!”

                “He’s my son, and I’ve missed so much already! Can you blame me for putting him first?”

Lilah sighed, “No, that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. But I honestly thought that earlier when you were ready to practically rape me that you saw me as more than just the mother of your son!” Moving to the door, she turned back to him, “I think you should go, it’s been a long day and I’m shattered.”

As she opened the back door, a large hand moved over her shoulder pushing the door shut, “don’t push me away!” He exclaimed, “This is you all the time Delilah, when the going gets tough you get going!”

Anger made her almost explode, spinning around she fought the impulse to lash out at him, “how dare you! You have hidden behind this bloody 'Johnny' for years. At least I have the courage to stand here and tell you how I feel, what I want from you. If you can’t give me what I need then I’m not up to a one night stand Quinn, been there and been burnt. So I strongly suggest you walk away, we can organise visits, time for you with Freddy, but that’s it.”

He shook his head, his face a breath away from hers, “I’m not looking for a one night stand Blondie, I’ve not got you out of my head since the last time, and I know another encounter will only blow my mind further. But I can’t promise you love and marriage darling, because I don’t think I’m that kind of guy, you know me, and you know what I am.  But I can promise you me, my undivided commitment, time...I haven’t thought about Johnny since the day you left. I swear. I meant what I said earlier, I’ve never wanted ANYONE as much as I want you.”

His fingers stroked her forearm gently and she moved her eyes to meet his.

                “I can’t promise you everything you want, but I promise you everything I can give.”

This confused her, she liked black and white, and here he was throwing up all shade of grey. He wanted her, he’d forgotten all about Johnny, that was music to her ears, and he looked at her she knew he was telling the truth. But the future? His work? Where did that put her?

His spare hand started to sun up and down her bare arm as he watched the confusion, the uncertainties cross her face, and it was just another persuasive force, another sensation to distract her usually logical mind.

                “What do you say Blondie?” he moved his lips to hover over hers, “am I worth a risk?”

It's getting hot in here!

Hi all!

Had a few laptop issues, but a very 'useful' man has just repaired it for me (there's a reason why we keep them:) ) so we're back up and running. As you can see this story is coming to the juicy finishing stages, still a lot of unaddressed issues, but it'll all come out in the end. I'm away in THursday for a few days with no internet access. WIll try and finish before, but that seems a little daunting at the moment, see how we go!

Anyways -

JBL: Lilah is not taking any prisoners, she knows waht she wants....but can she go through with it?? :)

Briana: this is definitely a 'you go girl' kind of chapter, but we'll see if she can go through with it!!

Samaira T: I'm glad you liked the mother/daughter bit, felt they needed to chat, and at certain points in your life you start to understand why your parents acted as they did, and for most they start to appreciate. This was Lilah's moment:) Before she moves on to dealing with Quinn! ;)

alisonwonderland: Oh yes, a definite adrenaline rush, and think she needed the kiss too! And yep she's in control....SO far! Fancy dress? Did you think she was a show stopper? Think it got a few pulses raised without her looking like a bad slutty makeover! :)

Surabhi: Welcome back! Sorry the cricket detail wasn't as in depth...it's my second fave sport after football (no comments on the fact your Indian and I'm British after the recent tests! I'm going to one of the one dayer's in September...will think of you watching!), but I didn't want to confuse those who don't understand...sorry:( But yes, the romance ot at least the lust is building up. Question is....is there more than that??

Thanks all! Love the comments! :) And now over 10,000 reads for this blog in just two months. AMAZING!! Love you all:)

MZ

He'll Come Through - Chapter 20 - Fancy Dress!

 20 - Fancy Dress

Why had she built it up so much? Lilah cursed herself as she studied her reflection in the mirror. Now she’d made this evening into such a big deal, and she was going to have to confront her feelings for Quinn whilst dressed as Cleopatra! She reviewed herself nervously again, the thick black bobbed wig was so different to he own loose blonde hair, and it was adorned with a gold braided pendant that almost hung between her eyes. Oh and the eyes! Her mother had insisted she wore extravagant make up, and now her eyes were surrounded by elaborate blue shadow and black eyeliner. Shaking her head she straightened her dress, layers of white chiffon that were gathered into shape by gold braids that encircled her breasts and waist making the dress more provocative than she liked. And she wished it was a bit longer...no a LOT longer. But she picked this fancy dress weeks ago, way before she knew that Quinn would be there, now she was having doubts.

She wasn’t one for dressing up, but behind the makeup and jewellery she supposed she could be someone else. And tonight she had to be strong and make Quinn realise that she was worth the risk, that she was more than another one night stand.

Fortunately the gold gladiator sandals that came with the outfit were flat; she hated heels, especially in the country. Coming down stairs she walked into the lounge and had to stop, stunned, laughter taking over every inch of her body. Her parents as usual did nothing in half measures and were stood smiling at her. Her father was wearing an Elvis style wig, a white t-shirt and black biker jacket, her mother skin tight black leggings and a similar top with a satin pink jacket and large blonde curly wig. When they turned around she saw both jackets had ‘T-birds’ and ‘Pink Ladies’ adorning them respectively.

                “Oh my god! You pair look hilarious!”

Rose grinned with her bright red lips, “Your father was better than John Travolta back in the day, he was quite a catch you know!”

Lilah shook her head, “too much information Mum!”

Tony laughed, “well you look the part too Delilah, no one will recognise you!”

It was then that peals of laughter came from the doorway, all three adults turned to see Maria a vision as a pirate, a black patch over her eye, drawn on stubble, a red captain’s coat, trousers and boots, and a large pirate hat with an exceptional plume of feathers. “Who are you all meant to be?”

Lilah and her parents exchanged a round of raised eyebrows then gathered the family together; Freddy was looking adorable in a Tigger outfit, perfect baby fancy dress. So united as a family, they made their way along the trail to the village.

They all paused as they reached the green, it truly was beautiful, amongst the bunting, draped between the buildings and the gazebos where hundreds of small fairy lights, like blinking stars. Music was playing in the largest tent, but it was at a reasonable level and seemed to add to the magical atmosphere.

Two other pirates jumped out of the tent shouting, “Ahoy there me Hearties!”

Maria laughed and pulled out her sword, chasing her two friends across the green.

                “Don’t leave the green!” Lilah shouted as she disappeared into the growing darkness.

Everyone was dressed up, and as predicted the whole atmosphere was enhanced by the buoyancy of the earlier victory. Rory Barton, the teenager who’d scored the winning runs was lording it over the other teenagers present, much to his father’s laughter; the other seven players welcomed her father like a hero. 

Someone wolf whistled at her as she queued at the bar, but other than a gracious smile, she made no effort to circulate. Once she had a drink she pushed Freddy’s pram to a quiet corner of the marquee and sat down, her mother was talking amongst the other wives, and despite her gesturing for Lilah to join them, Lilah declined, glad to have a few moments to herself.

Half an hour later Freddy was snoring, and she was talking to a few school friends, a lot of people came back to the village for the festival, and she didn’t see most of these people between the annual events. It was then that she spotted Janis, her friend, her book editor, and in theory the reason for Quinn’s return, dressed as a rather sexy nun!  Janis looked at her nervously, obviously aware that Quinn was not only in town, but had dominated the annual festival day.

Lilah sighed, she should be angry, but all this had done was bring to a head something that needed to be addressed, she couldn’t bear to think of not seeing Quinn again now that he was here. So she smiled and pulled her into a hug.

                “I wanted to bloody scream at you for interfering, but I’m kind of glad you did.”

Janis nodded, “he worships you Lilah, I’m glad I did it because you deserve happiness.”

She looked at her friend with surprise, it was such a presumptuous thing to say, but ironically it didn’t anger her. “Do you think?” She asked surprised at her sudden nervousness.

Smiling Janis ordered them both a drink, “he’s a lost soul and needs you, and you’re a strong independent woman who needs him. Don’t let anger or regret jade your future. Ok?”

Lilah accepted the gin and tonic and sipped it gratefully, “I don’t know if there is a future Janis, I just know that he’s...”

Janis’s hand on her arm stopped her words, “here!” She finished the sentence for her.

Slowly Lilah turned her eyes following the direction of Janis’s, to the bar. And there accepting adulation from his many fans was Quinn. She’d wondered how he’d rustle up a fancy dress costume in just a few hours, and she should’ve anticipated this Roman god who stood in front of her. He had a crown of laurel on his head, and a bed sheet, or maybe two wrapped around him, crossing his body diagonally leaving half his bronzed toned chest bare, and whilst the outfit ended in some sort of thigh length skirt, he looked anything but feminine. He looked every inch the bronzed Adonis that he was portraying.

The marquee was full by now and she wasn’t blind enough to not see the looks of admiration he was receiving from the single and even some of the married women present. Instead of making her angry or jealous, she felt a little confident, cocky even, as she knew he wanted her over every woman in that room, the only doubt she had was for how long that want would last.

Lilah was still staring when he turned slowly, his eyes scanning the area, only pausing when they met hers. Heat like fire caused a flash in his eyes, then she had to tolerate a slow, languorous look up and down her body, and the associated knowing and appreciative smile as his eyes finally came back to join hers. Lilah’s mouth was dry; her knees like jelly, heat swirled around her pelvis as she met his eyes. Never had she felt so much longing, desire for a man, but at the same time power. Running her tongue over her bottom lip in a deliberate gesture, she grinned when she could make out the gasp, the surge of passion that crossed his so open expression. Giving her softest yet most seductive smile, she turned back to the group.

The whole visual exchange had lasted seconds, but felt so much longer, and it felt bizarre to drop back into conversation with old friends whilst her mind was still on the man who was still a relative stranger, but who she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.

Janis tried to involve her in conversations about the times when they were in school, but her mind was elsewhere. Every time she looked up her toga’d Roman hunk was watching her every move, but they both seemed to maintain their distance, talking to the people in their immediate group. After finishing her drink, she made her way to the corner to check on Freddy who was still fast asleep in his pram. Her mother had offered to take him home a little later, she was more than happy to leave Tony to his gang of men, and was unbelievably happy to see Lilah actually relaxed and enjoying herself.

As Lilah peered at Freddy with a smile, she felt a presence beside her, and the hand that snaked to lie around her waist caused her heart to race, though there was nothing sexual in the gesture.

                “He’s so well behaved!” Quinn’s voice was husky as he assessed his son over her shoulder, “he must follow you!”

She looked up at him – the first mistake, and her words, “I’m hardly a good girl!” An innocent remark lost its innocence in the sizzle of desire the sparked between them.

Quinn groaned, “oh God! You win Cleopatra! I’m in pieces; I’ve never wanted something as much as I want to kiss you. I’ll do whatever you want! I just have to have a kiss...” his voice quietened as he added, “I want a hell of a lot more, but I’ll settle for a kiss here, now...do I have to beg more....?”

Lilah’s smile was full of satisfaction, “no, I think that quantifies as begging, but not here, not in front of everyone. When the kids have gone back with my mother I’ll meet you somewhere a little quieter!” When his eyes lit up she slapped his arm, “just for a kiss! No more!”

He nodded knowingly, “just tell me where and when!”

She stepped towards the bar wanting another drink, and she threw the words, “behind the pub, there’s a quiet beer garden!” Amazed that she maintained a calm persona whilst every inch of her was dying for him to act here....now!

A few of her father’s friends insisted on buying her drinks and the company was good. She was paraded around the dance floor by her father and a few other men, she was dancing with Steve Garner, an old school mate who was married to her best friend from school days and catching up on the details of their three week old fourth child when her mother tapped her shoulder.

                “I’m going to take the kids home, Maria’s shattered, Freddy’s still asleep. I’ll stay at yours til you get back....don’t worry how late that is.” She leaned forward to kiss her cheek. “OK?”

She smiled at her mother, breaking away from Steve’s embrace to give her a kiss, “thank you so much! Have I told you lately that I love you?”

Her mother laughed, “I know my love, it’s mutual!”

And with that she was gone.

Suddenly she was alone, Steve was back at the bar drinking his beer, her father was holding court with the rest of the cricket team, and as she scanned the marquee, she saw Quinn stood at the exit to the street and he nodded behind, hinting for her to follow him out.

Lilah shook her head; this was her rules, her decision. With a wicked smile she disappeared out of the opposite door, knowing he had no choice but to follow her.