End in sight

Hi guys, 
Sorry the last few chapters have been short, should have made less and longer ones, but really want to post this story as soon as I can. Thanks to my regular commenters and I'm so glad that you are all getting where I'm coming from.
Annie- you are always there first and that really boosts me!! I hate it when there's a delay from posting to getting comments, it's my most insecure moment!
alisonwonderland - to quote Anne (of Green Gables) I think we're kindred spirits in that you always comment on AND get emotional over the nuances of my stories, the little bits I hope make it more than an average story. You understand everything I want to come out in my stories,  and that really makes me happy!! :) Glad you found the sex scene hot...after reposting some of my older stories I've re read some other 'scenes'  and wouldn't have put this one as the most hot...but horses for courses and all that! Glad that it struck a note with you!! 
Samaira T - you are the most praising and positive of all commenters, and you comment on every chapter even ones you've missed...it makes my day to hear your comments!


So you three are my commenters of the week and I love you all for it! 


This story has been slow, and there are a few twists and turns left. Already overflowing with ideas for the next story (got three chapters down whilst I'm motivated), and trying not to rush this story (sorry if you're bored with this story and are wishing it over), so yep, will end soon. Trying to not be predictable, and you're all used to me now, so I'm having to dig deep!


MZ xxx

Learning to Fly - 35

Chapter 35 - What happens now?

Lucas had slotted in so comfortably with her family that it was almost painful for Carly to watch her Dad joke and pat him on the back as the four of them sat down to a hearty supper. It was all she wanted in life, her family liking the man she loved. And she did love him, her heart was racing every time he looked at her, and when he leaned over her to get the salt, his hand resting on her thigh, coupled with the overwhelming scent of him, well she was a goner.

After the delicious beef casserole, her mother produced home made jam rolypoly, and of course thick custard.  

Lucas looked at her mother, "Mrs McClellan..." Her mother's eyebrows raised in warning and he grinned, "Shirley, you are a woman after my own heart. This looks - amazing!"

Her mother blushed in the praise and Carly rolled her eyes, "he knows exactly how to worm his way around you Mum!" 

Laughing, her mother, "it's a pleasure to have someone to cook for darling, and even nicer that he appreciates home cooking."

"I sure do Shirley!" As her mother chuckled, Lucas looked at her with an eyebrow raised sarcastically.

Carly smiled, "ok, ok! You're right, I'm wrong!"

The conspiratorial whispers and giggles continued for the rest of the meal and by the time her father cleared the plates, the three other diners were best of friends. Lucas insisted her washed the dishes, so Carly dried and put them away, leaving her parents to relax as they waited for coffee. 

"Sorry," he offered as he handed her the clean casserole dish, "was that awkward?"

She shook her head, "you getting on with my parents, them loving you is not awkward. It's great!" 

Leaning across he planted a brief but passionate kiss on her lips.

"What was that for?"

It was his turn to shrug, "do I need an excuse to kiss you?" 

Carly dropped the tea towel and slid her arms around him, "of course not...I just want us to be alone again. I don't think I've had enough of you to share you!"

Lucas growled a response, dropping his mouth to her neck, pulling her close uncaring of his wet soapy hands. "You are a minx! How quick can we get out of here?"

She chuckled, throwing her head back and offering more of her sensitive neck to him, "you're golden boy! We can hardly rush off!"

He bit her ear lobe, tugging it between his teeth, and as she moaned shuddering with pleasure, he released it, "well we have to do coffee."

She nodded, before his lips found hers. Kissing Lucas had become her new favourite past time, she could do it all day, every day, and it took a discreet cough to cause them to pull apart. 

Her mother was stood smiling in the doorway, "I'd say 'Get a room', but it seems you already have one!"

Lucas chuckled heartily, but Carly was embarrassed, she'd had enough of this pressure and tension, and all in front of her parents. She wasn't confident enough in her fledgling relationship with Lucas to relax and laugh at this situation. She needed more time with him, more indications of how he felt, what he thought about her. 

Her mother gave her a knowing smile and Carly appreciated her understanding, "why don't you pack a few things Carl, to take to the hotel? I would offer for Lucas to stay here until he goes back, but I think you'll probably be glad of the space and time together. I'll help Lucas finish these dishes whilst you're gone."

"Thanks Mum, you're a star!"

In her room she had to think long and hard about what to take. His arrival had taken her by surprise and she was blatantly unprepared. So she dived int he bathroom and showered, taking the opportunity to shave her legs, then she dressed in her best matching powder blue bra and pants, her skinny jeans and her favourite flattering tunic. She brushed out her hair, then found a small holdall. She knew she'd back tomorrow, but she still needed enough for any eventuality. So she threw her shortie pyjamas, more underwear and two changes of clothes along with a huge bag of toiletries into the bag. If she was only ever going to have these few days with Lucas, she wanted them to be perfect. 

Finally she hid the t-shirt he'd loaned her under her pillow. It smelled of him, it'd be all she'd had after he'd gone.

Lucas was sat across from her parents sipping at his coffee and chatting amicably, she knew before that moment that her parents were quite taken with Lucas and it really did make her happy, but she also felt that they'd be as disappointed when he left as she would be, and when would she ever meet another man as perfect as him?

As she stepped into the room he glanced up at her, and the way he looked at her almost made her sway. He nodded almost imperceptibly, before winding up conversations with her parents in such a way that they didn't feel short changed. 

"Shall we go?" he asked looking at Carly as though he'd like to eat her. 

She nodded, "we want to get to the cinema in an hour. I'll be back tomorrow though...we'll be back." it was the only reason she could think of to explain them running off so quickly. 

Her mother smiled, seeing through her daughters excuses, "that's great, I'll cook us dinner..."

Lucas interrupted her, "no Shirley, I'm taking us all out to dinner, my treat. Ok?"

Her father made to protest, but tactfully Lucas added, "Mike, come on! You're giving up your valuable time with your wonderful daughter for me. Of course it's only right I repay you!"

"Well, when you put it like that!" 

As they waved goodbye walking down the street, him carrying her bag, Carly squeezed his hand, "paying my father for my time! Does that make him my pimp?"

Freezing in his tracks, he turned to look down at her humour filled face, "I don't know about that, but cinema? Tonight? You've got no chance."

"What did you expect me to say? You were looking at me like..."

"...like it'd been three hours since I'd had you naked in my arms? That's correct! And not even a blockbuster movie could stop me getting back to that position in the next twenty minutes!" 

Carly chuckled, loving his desire for her. She'd not wanted to spell out to her parents exactly why they were suddenly in a rush to leave, but then she knew that they both knew that her and Lucas were not going to any cinema. Interlacing her fingers with his, she skipped after him as he marched at a real pace along the street.

As anticipated, as soon as the hotel room door had closed behind them, Carly and Lucas were like animals, desperate to get close to each other.  Lucas did pause to appreciate her sexy jeans, though they were ripped off her rather rapidly, as was the top she'd selected for his eyes. 

"Mmm." He murmured as he spied her best underwear, "seems such a shame to rip that off!" 

Despite his words, he did anyway, and Carly couldn't keep the smile from her face. Everything between them started furiously and frantically, but they repeated everything later, slower and with less urgency. 

Carly loved it all.

As she lay in his arms, much alter that evening, she had her first chance to think things through. Lucas was leaving in two days, he'd told her that when he arrived. She'd asked him more times than she wanted to remember to stay, to leave the Konig hotel, but he'd declined, equally as many times. She had no other solution, no other option for a future together. And Lucas had offered nothing, not in terms of suggestions as to how they could make this work.

Her spine was held tightly, protectively against his chest, his arms encircled her, and at the slightest little movement she could feel his desire erupt all over again in the small of her back. Even when he was asleep his body wanted her. Physically, sexually, they were more than compatible, and the fact that they'd been such great friends prior to that meant they ticked every box possible. The thought of travelling, holidays without him broke her heart, but there was nothing else that she could imagine happening. No solution in sight.

The next morning Carly wanted to show Lucas her world, so they left the hotel at their third attempt...Lucas seemed to find her putting clothes ON more erotic than taking them off...and made for the small town centre. It took all of ten minutes to show him around the half a dozen shops, school and the little beach 'resort' at the edge of town - a cafe and three shops next to the sand. 

Then they took a bus to the nearest large town, forty minutes away. As they wandered hand in hand Carly pointing out  museums, shops, hotels, Lucas absorbed everything asking questions and window shopping. 

When they stopped for lunch he sat across the table from her and smiled, "I've loved this insight into Carly McClellan!" 

She bowed in a regal way, "glad to have been of service to you." She sipped her glass of wine before she added, "are you going to see your family now you're in Britain?"

When they'd been out in Austria he'd told her his family had never visited, she couldn't imagine that he'd not see them now he was in the country. London, she presumed they were in London, was a few hours by any mode of transport, but she still imagined he'd at least call on them.

"I'd rather spend time with you Carl, and we're not that close really."

She shook her head in surprise, "don't make that decision based on me. I'll come to London with you...I'm not asking to meet your folks, if you haven't seen them for ages then I'd only complicate things, but you should Lucas."

The look he gave her was strange, and for a moment she didn't recognise him at all, "I'm not doing that Carly. I've come here to see you. And that's it!"

Suddenly there was a little controversy in his life. His inability to commit to her may not be personal, for she'd just had an insight that there was more to Lucas's evasiveness than met the eye. 

He'd changed the topic rather rapidly, and Carly humoured him. For the moment.

Learning to Fly - 34

Chapter 34 - Coming home

Carly felt like a naughty schoolgirl as Lucas led her across the reception of the only hotel nearby. The receptionist was an old school friend, and the manager was her father's bowling companion. So she was happy to spirit up the stairs without anyone noticing. 

The door of the small but efficient room closed behind them and it was only then that Carly let out the breath she was holding.  Lucas smiled at her, there were a  thousand things he wanted to say, but instead he pulled her close and kissed her firmly on the lips, the overriding need to quench that thirst was of utmost importance. Again it was like lighting a touch paper, and he felt her dissolve in his arms. 

They were both wrapped up for the cold and so between snatched kisses came attempts to divest each other of coats, hats and gloves. By the time they'd got down to their normal clothes they were crazy, biting, clawing and dragging at each other.

"Carly," he mumbled into her hair, "I've wanted this for so long!"

She smiled, pulling back to look up into his eyes. His usually immaculate buzzcut had grown since she'd last seen him and it now consisted of long tufts pointing in various directions, reaching up she smoothed it down, "me too."

With a groan Lucas dropped his mouth back to hers and devoured her once again. His hands reached for her shirt and not anticipating his own strength, he pulled it apart with a tear, buttons pinging off the wooden floor.

"Sorry!" he mumbled lowering his mouth to her neck. Carly shrugged the shirt off, it wasn't a favourite anyway. She wished she'd anticipated this moment when she'd dressed that morning, her black lacy bra definitely didn't match the cotton pants she remembered sliding on under her jeans after she'd showered that morning. She was hardly going to be the most irresistible woman he'd ever met. 

Before she'd even finished the thought, a ping signalled that the much thought about bra was unfastened. Laughing she met Lucas' eyes and loved the lust she saw there. He held her gaze for a moment as his hands slid the straps over her shoulders. 

Carly felt her breasts free from the lace and her nipples, hard anyway, seemed to throb as the fresh air hit them, and from the anticipation of his eyes lowering too. How would he view her? Her breasts were large, that was never normally a complaint, but who knew what he thought. His hands ran up her trunk until they settled beneath her breasts, all the time desire and passion pulsing from his eyes to hers. 

When he finally lowered his gaze, dramatically and intentionally, Carly could barely control her emotions. Her legs were weak and her whole body throbbed. Swallowing, desperately trying to moisten her dry throat, she watched the top of his head as it followed his eyes lower and lower. 

His tongue lashed out and circled her nipple Carly and swooned, heat swirled in her pelvis and she was aware of clamping her thighs together, desperately trying to stay standing upright. 

"Beautiful..." he breathed and the warm air of his breath felt delightful over the damp flesh his mouth had vacated. As his head moved to lavish attention on the other side, Carly pulled him up to join her. 

"My turn..." her voice was hoarse and he chuckled as she reached for his sweater, lifting it over his chest, then up his arms as he elevated them like a well behaved child at bed time.

His body was beautiful, lithe, muscular and strong with just the right amount of dark hair swirling around each dark flat nipple, and a similar amount trailing down from his navel to the waistband of his jeans.

It was his turn to hold his breath as she stooped to return the gesture of laving his nipple with long hard lashes of her tongue, punctuated by little nips that made him gasp.

"Shit Carly!"

She lifted her head, and this time it was Lucas' turn to fall apart. Pulling her into his arms he revelled in the sensation of her naked body enveloped in his, the soft contours a stark contrast to the firm chiseled edges of his own body. Wrestling for some form of supremacy he backed her towards the bed, and when she swayed at the pressure of the mattress against the back of her knees, he lowered her to the bed, tugging at her walking boots and pulling them off one by one, tossing them over his shoulder, all the time his eyes absorbing the gentle softness of her body as she lay almost displayed on the bed in front of him. 

Her socks followed her boots, and then he encouraged her to unfasten her own jeans. From the end of the bed he tugged them over her hips, eyeing her simple cotton knickers with a raised eyebrow. Blushing she rolled onto her knees and started to unbuckle his belt. 

His boxer shorts, once she'd shed his jeans, brought a smile to her lips, he'd obvious had more time to plan his wardrobe, crimson red, and tight, snugly fitting around his pert bottom and the rather ample erection that strained eagerly.

Running one finger nail along the length of him, his response was an animalistic growl as he threw her back on the bed, ripping at her panties as they went. Completely naked, Carly found that her anxiety and nerves of being there with him had gone. He was nibbling again, as desperate to devour her, as she was to be devoured.

His hands were all over her, hers anchored him to her. And when they threaded their way over her tummy and to the join of her thighs, neither could take any more. As Lucas hovered over her, she breathed the word, "condom". Groaning then uttering a profanity under his breath, he reached for his jeans and from them his wallet. It took longer than necessary, his hands were shaking as he rolled it on, and then with almost a beg, he entered her, filling her and driving her wild.  

Carly was slumped over Lucas. At some point they'd changed positions with her straddling him, it had given his hands free rein to add to the pleasure his body was giving. His breath against her skin caused ripples of goosebumps to erupt over her body.

"That was amazing," he whispered, "I knew it would be."

She sighed, trying to stretch but his body restricted her, "mmm," was all she managed. He slipped out of her, then rolled her to his side, wrapping her in his embrace, and pulling a sheet over them. 

Carly was in that great place, halfway between sleep and wake where everything was hazy and fluffy. Each time she stretched she found another part of him touching another part of him, and just his touch, the briefest contact felt like an electric shock charging her back to reality. 

Within moments the gentle calming stoke of Lucas' fingers along her arm, became a more suggestive investigation. Carly laid back allowing his ever hardening body to explore hers with free reign. He knew exactly how to arouse her, to tease her body like a toy. Instead of fighting him, she gave in and let her body rise to peak after peak of extreme pleasure. Jens had been a dominant and aggressive lover, and whilst she benefited greatly from his technical expertise, she'd never felt equal or even, whereas immediately with Lucas she didn't feel as though he was overpowering her, her pleasure was vital to him and he gave far more than he took. 

It was mid afternoon, but sleep was the most natural thing in the World. Carly'd struggled to find peace since returning from Austria, but here, now, with Lucas, she relaxed, curled and entwined with him, then closed her eyes.

The darkness of late afternoon when she opened her eyes finally, glancing to her left she smiled. Lucas was asleep, his haphazard hair was endearing, and how had she never spotted those long eyelashes that fanned his cheeks. His body was still wrapped around her, and at the slightest wriggle, he was immediately hard, pressing urgently into her soft body. 

When she glanced back at him, his eyes were half open, lazily viewing her, and he grinned, "I don't think I'll ever get bored of waking up to you!"

He said all the right things! How could she ever let this end?

"What the hell am I going to wear?" she looked at her torn underwear and button-less shirt. 

Lucas chuckled,tossing her a t-shirt of his. "Hardly the best way to greet your parents, you wearing my clothes!" He'd pulled on his jeans, but Carly wanted a last moment to run her hands over his delicious body. 

He groaned, "what are you trying to do woman?"

Carly shrugged, "I'm making the most of it! I hardly know when I'm going to get the chance again!"

There was a flippancy about her remark, but she meant it too, more than anything she wanted him to stay with her, give up any ties to Austria, but she knew that he wouldn't, that he'd go back, do what he felt he should. It had come to her somewhere that afternoon, Carly went with her heart, whereas Lucas was a thinker...or more realistically an over thinker. And that was causing this impasse. 

"I'm here for a few days Carl, I promised you that. It's the first time I've set foot in Britain in two years, if that isn't a show of commitment, I don't know what is!"

She sighed, again he was right. It was all so difficult, turning to him she kissed him briefly, "I want it to be enough, I really do."

He watched her slide into her jeans, commando, then pull his t-shirt over her relatively undamaged bra. Dressed he could concentrate again, the temptation of her body had been driving him while. 

Carly's parents didn't betray even the smallest hint of surprise when they arrived hand in hand at the door. Her father patted Lucas on the shoulder, then dragged him out to the garden. Her father had kitted out his shed over the years, and now it was his refuge. Poor Lucas was being granted the extreme luxury of a grand tour.

Her mother was making dinner,  and Carly sat at the table and watched the efficiency of her mother.

"So," the older woman turned to her after lifting the heavy casserole dish into the oven. "What's the story with Lucas? You've not mentioned him since you came back, then he turns up here..." She didn't mention the missing afternoon, or the fact that Carly was wearing some of his clothes, but her eyes spoke a thousand words. Despite her enquiry, her mother wasn't angry or commandeering, she was concerned, interested, and Carly couldn't help but smile.

"I don't know how I'd have survived without him Mum, he's been my rock. But he's kind of stuck in a rut, he's working in a job that's so far below him, and I've asked him to come with me, broaden his horizons..."

Her mother tutted, "Carly, not everyone feels the need to chase an ever changing dream. You've always wanted to fly, to spread your wings and launch into more and more new experiences, and I know that you've felt clipped by this family." Carly tried to protest, but her mother held up a hand to silence her, "but some people are pragmatists, practical, grafters, those who want safety and security. I don't think you can be both, and you need to respect that he feels differently. If he feels safe, happy, I'm sure he'll be all you want him to be, but you need to give him time...and a chance to weigh things up."

Carly pondered her words for a few moments before replying, "but I can't make my decisions until I know what he's going to do."

Her mother shook her head, "that's not you Carly. If you want something then you go for it. You want to travel, then do it. If he joins you great...if you're meant to be together he'll be here, when you get home. The one thing you can be sure of, if you don't do all that you hoped to do, you'll regret it, and resent him for it. Only you can live your life."

As she helped lay the table, open a bottle of wine, she knew her mother was exactly right. It may not be easy, but she owed herself the chance to fly.

Learning to Fly - 33

Chapter 33 - You came for me?

Carly felt the world turn, she almost pinched herself to see if this was a dream, but as Lucas slipped, lost his footing for a second, her heart surged to her mouth, and she knew that this was real. He was here. He looked pale, Carly could tell, despite the hat pulled down over his ears, and the pink tinge that the gale force wind had caused. 

She watched him approach, drinking in every nuance of him. Her memory hadn't done him justice. His angled features, warm eyes, all were familiar, yet so foreign to the one dimensional figure that had occupied her dreams. 

He slipped again, sending a cascade of loose scree over the cliff, to crash on the rocks below. It was at that moment that Carly realised he was well out of his comfort zone, in fact, it may be the precarious ground and the lack of confidence in his footing that was making him look white.

Carly uncoiled from her position adn turned to him, wanting to smile, but wanting to lash out too. Let him know how much he'd hurt her.

"What are you doing here?" she shouted over the swirling wind.

"Apparently committing suicide!" he exclaimed as once again he slipped.  

She wanted to laugh, but it was too tense a moment, instead, Carly leapt over the rocks in her usual confident manner until she landed in front of him, "there's a bench up here. Will that be better?"

Lucas nodded nervously before tracing his steps back to the path above, "shit!" He exclaimed lowering himself to the bench, "your Dad said it was a path for the experienced scrambler, but I didn't believe him!"

"You've met my Dad?" Carly's heart was racing as she looked down at an increasingly more healthy looking Lucas. The thought of him in the compact lounge of her family home, talking to her father...it all terrified her, for reasons she couldn't fathom. 

He nodded, and it was only then that he broke into a real bonafide Lucas smile, "told him I was the idiot who'd let you down."

Carly groaned, "you didn't let me down Lucas."

His gloved hands reached for hers and he pulled her down next to him, "you were right Carly. About everything."

With him looking at her so intently she could barely follow the conversation, she had no idea what she was right or wrong about. When she didn't answer, Lucas panicked.

"I do keep myself aloof, and I hate to take risks. That's the truth..." This was more difficult than he imagined. "The thought of you leaving hurt, and rather than accept that I could change that, I hid behind it. I'm sorry!"

Carly didn't know what she was expecting, and didn't know what his words meant. It seemed some sort of apology, but then they were so far past that. 

"You make it sound like I wanted to go. But I couldn't stay..." she stared at him emotion ravaging her face.

Lucas smiled, "I know that, and I should never have made it sound like you did...I'm not good at this!"

Carly wanted to laugh, share in his discomfort, but she was barely breathing, "who is?"

He looked down at her hand, so small in his large ones, and ran his thumb over her palm, "why were you up here? Alone?"

Carly glanced out into the distance, "it's my escape. I find my life here so claustrophobic, but here, I can breathe, relax...see a future." She looked back to him, "do you know what I mean?"

Grinning he gave an involuntary shudder, "it seems like the end of the Earth. It scares me!"

Nodding, she moved her eyes back to the horizon, "that's what thrills me. I came back here determined that I wouldn't slot back into the life I had, I had so many ambitions, but I've..." She shrugged, "I've lost the desire for life I'd found in Austria."

Lifting one hand he pulled her chin back so that she had to face him, "you've not lost that, maybe you're just having a break, letting life move on around you? You've had such a difficult few months, been through so much..."

It annoyed her that tears threatened to fall, she always seemed only a step away from crying, "I suppose you're right."

"You wanted to travel?"

She nodded, "I want to see the World, but I don't want to see it alone, I just don't think that the person I want to see it with is willing to let go of their own ghosts."

He took a  rapid intake of breath and stared at her, "you really feel that?"

She shrugged, "you're hiding in Austria, that job is no more special than the next one. You speak four languages, you're dynamic, enthusiastic...and yet you are happy to work in a reception of a mediocre hotel. To me you're settling for some sort of security."

"You've got strong opinions on this?"

"I've had a long time to think about it."

He nodded slowly digesting her words, "I don't agree."

Carly looked at him for a long moment, she SO wanted this story to be different. "Why are you here Lucas?"

She had been so pleased to see him, but now her fear was that she was being selfish. What gave her the authority to judge him? Nothing really, but she did think she knew him now. And he was so much more genuine, intelligent, work-hardy than anyone else that she'd worked with in Austria. Surely that changed his agenda from everyone else?

He was pondering in a similar fashion, and it was a while before he answered, "I missed you. I really needed to see you. Just because I'm not in a position where I can drop everything and follow you to the ends of the earth doesn't mean I don't miss you."

That was music to her ears, and at least some sort of starting point in any relationship between them. 

She offered a smile and Lucas' face lit up, then she said, "I'm sorry if I sound like I'm bullying you...it's just..." she took a deepbreath, confession time, "I really like you, more than I thought possible. But a Konig owned resort is out of the question for me, and I don't want to think about us getting any closer and then you returning there, leaving me."

Lucas realised he hadn't thought this through, he'd come here on a whim, well a bit more than a whim, but it was on the basis that he missed Carly in a way he hadn't thought possible. But now he could see that any emotional involvement would come with a sacrifice from someone - Carly and her dreams, him and his security. 

"Can't we try and work that out as we go along Carly? I mean we have to see if there's more to this than us just missing each other's company? Neither of us can promise the other a lifetime, not now, not at this moment. We need to try, then think about what we're going to do, do you see that?"

She nodded, "that makes sense." She'd dreamt of his proclamations of undying love, him dropping eveything to be with her, and she could see how unrealistic that was. But a girl can dream...

He slid along the bench toward her, "I do speak sense sometimes..." his voice was husky as he moved closer, "I have wanted to do this for SO long..."

And with that he swept down to cover her lips with his.

Carly could barely function over the pounding of her heart. She'd been kissed before, but it had never felt like this. She felt as though she was on fire! His lips were warm, soft yet insistent and he instantly had control over her. To Carly it was mesmerising. She had a sudden need to be under his skin and she clung to him as though her life depended on it.

For Lucas it was equally overwhelming. He had to physically fight to stop his hands pulling open her coat, partly because he didn't want to ravish her here, on a desolate cliff, and partly because it was too bloody cold!

Pulling back he looked down at her face, her eyes were still closed, an expression of pure bliss occupying her features. With a delayed reaction to his lips leaving hers, her eyes blinked open adn she studied him equally intently. "I've booked into a hotel Carly, come back with me?"

Their arms and bodies were entwined in a way that it was difficult to know where one person ended and the other began. Carly knew what going with him would mean, that she'd give in to the desire and lust erupting between and around them, and whilst she wasn't sure if this was the right thing for her, if she'd come out of it with her sanity in tact, at this very moment in time her desire for him was winning the battle. Giving a nod of her head, she accepted his hand and led him across the rocky terrain towards the nearby town.

Learning to Fly - 32

Chapter 32 - Homeward bound

Carly watched the harsh sea batter the rocky outcrop. This had always been her favourite place, high up on the cliff above both the town and the pebbly beach. It was a harsh environment, the unforgiving cliffs, the difficult to negotiate shale beach, and the angry, aggressive sea. It was hostile, but she loved it. There was nowhere better, not even a beautiful picture postcard Alpine resort compared. Carly sat tucked into a nook in the cliff, her favourite place.  It was freezing cold, but dry, thankfully, a typical March morning in Scotland, and she was glad to get away from her family and friends for a few moments. The anger and the fury of the choppy sea seemed to match her perpetual bad mood, and the isolation of her view point went some way to distancing herself from the mundaneness of life in her home town, that still rolled on in the same ways as before she'd left. But she had left, she had tried to fly this oppressive nest...and failed.

Four weeks had passed since she'd left the hotel, and she still felt as though she'd left with her tail between her legs.  She had had a celebratory night out with all her new friends, but she flinched at the memory, and missed her independence with every breath she took.

After her meeting with Mr Konig Sr, Carly had felt a sense of relief, she was cleared of all involvement in Jens' fantasies, but as she left the office she almost bumped into the shell of the man she'd slept with. He could barely make eye contact with her as he grunted an apology in her direction before entering the lion's den and learning his fate. Carly felt such pity for him. She'd spent a long time thinking and trying to figure out his actions. He craved acceptance from his father, and never seemed to get it. His womanising and drinking seemed to be his way of coping, and it was all rather tragic. To quote the old adage, money can buy you a lot of things, but it wasn't buying Jens any happiness.

Taking a deep breath Carly had left the management suite, she had enough of her own problems to deal with, she didn't have the capacity to deal with his issues too. 

She had two days to clear out her room, Mr Konig had even organised her flight home. Initially she wanted to go anywhere but home, but suddenly she longed for the security and familiarity of her home and family. So Carly was heading back. Once she'd taken stock the World was her oyster and this trip had given her so much more confidence to travel and go to new places...alone.

The last night there, her friends had wanted to take her out, celebrate and say goodbye.  They'd all met in one of the bars, and laughed, danced and cried. Rochelle and Marta tolerated the very different Camilla for the evening, and Carly was eternally grateful for that. In between dancing Carly'd fought off tears as she realised just how much he was going to miss her work colleagues. Marta was planning her wedding, Rochelle was trying for a baby...and it was all going to happen without her. She couldn't believe how much she would miss everyone. 

It was late into the night when she found herself alone on a large sofa in the corner of the room with Lucas, her rock. He'd been quiet all evening and she knew he was as confused by all that was happening as she was. Turning she had smiled up at him, and he'd sighed, then thrown his arm around her shoulder and sighed, "gonna miss you Trouble!"

Carly had gulped trying to swallow the knot of emotion that sat in her throat. She didn't want to leave him, suddenly she'd realised that it was him that she'd miss more than anything, but other than a few joking comments she had no idea how he really felt about her. But as she'd watched the night unravel, time fly by, she needed to tell him, explain how she felt. 

"I'll miss you too!" she looked up into those familiar warm eyes and sighed. 

"What are you going to do?" he looked down at her, curled into his side.

Carly had paused in thought for a moment, "well firstly I'm going home for a chill and a relax, then I don't know. I fancy using this glowing reference, try to get a job, London maybe? Saying that I've got a healthy severance  cheque. I've always wanted to travel..."

Lucas was staring off into the distance before he answered rather wistfully, "I'm sure you'll enjoy that."

She laughed, "you could come with me. See the world, have fun."

He replied with a chuckle, "wouldn't that be great!" The flippancy of the response told her that he didn't take her comment seriously. And it cut like a knife. She watched his reactions, hoping to see a sign that he felt the same way. 

She saw nothing, but wanted to push the point, "come on Lucas. Not like you to take the safe option!" It was slightly sarcastic, after all he was the most conscientious member of the staff there. He rarely let his hair down. It was only at that moment that Carly noted the point.

He shook his head, "some of us have to work for a living!" Just like that he'd closed the topic.

Later he'd danced with her, smiled at her, even kissed her cheek, but there was no sign that she was more than a friend. More than a platonic mate. And no mention of him dropping everything and leaving with her.

Carly had barely slept that night, she rued the fact that she hadn't forced his hand, made him make a decision. And her last moments at the resort were fast approaching. 

Like every other aspect of the trip home, her transport to the airport had been arranged and the car was due to pick her up at nine. She rushed for an early breakfast, saying her goodbyes liberally as she headed to reception, hoping that Lucas was working. He wasn't. Leaving her bags in the office with Camilla, she jogged across yet more fresh snow to the entrance to Lucas' flat. he didn't answer to her furious pounding. Carly was devastated. She HAD to talk to him. As she slumped on to her haunches, trying to work out what to do in the thirty minutes she had left,  she heard a voice.

"Lost something?"

It was Lucas, and from his appearance in his boarding gear he was heading for the slopes. He must have returned for something.

"I forgot my lift pass!" he exclaimed as if he'd heard her inner quandary.

She nodded knowingly, "I wanted to ask you again. To come with me...travel...or something." He was studying her with surprise and she found his scrutiny almost unbearable. Feeling the heat of embarrassment flush over her neck and face she almost bolted, but she had to hear his answer.

"It's a lovely thought Carly, but I can't just drop everything. We're not all able to rush off on a whim!"

It was delivered in almost an accusatory fashion, and Carly felt things slipping away.

"This is hardly a whim! I had no choice over this Lucas. But I want to make the best of a bad thing!"

He shrugged, "maybe, but others have work, jobs, responsibility..."

  "Why are you acting as though I'm some over indulgent child? I've made the best of a bad thing. I thought finally we were friends...hell we've lived in each other's pockets the last few weeks. Seems either I was wrong about you...or us...or maybe you're just scared."

"Scared? Yeah right!" He exclaimed squaring up to her, "I'm hardly that! I'm just a realist!"

Carly had laughed at that comment, "You're scared alright. You don't take a risk Lucas, that's your problem, you want the safe options! I wish..." Shaking her head she'd stopped talking, turning away before her tears started to flow. 

He was stubborn, difficult and deep down she knew that he was scared, she just wished that for once in his life he'd taken a chance...on her.

A dozen people were gathered at reception, all wanting to kiss and hug her goodbye. It was emotional, especially when she saw Camilla trying to be brave. Hugging her hard she made her roommate promise to keep in touch, they even made tentative plans to meet in London when her job ended in the resort. Carly knew there was a good chance she'd be away, but at the moment she didn't need to think about that.

The large black car was outside the hotel. This was it. The end.

As it wound through the resort she blinked back tears, at the entrance to the hotel she looked up only to see Lucas stood alone half way between the road and the entrance to the ski lift, watching her every move. He looked devastated and Carly had waved frantically, but it wasn't until the car rounded the bend that she appreciated the tinted windows. He hadn't seen her. 

And he'd not contacted her since. Not an email, a text nor a phone call. Carly had misplaced pride. She'd tried, she'd started to tell him how she felt, and he'd backed off. 

Carly wrapped her coat more tightly around her. For all the snow in Austria she'd not felt as bone chilling cold in all her time there. Here in Scotland in the Atlantic wind she faced extremes. 

he needed time alone. Her parents had been so ecstatic at her return. But Carly was currently hiding behind this elusive trip. She couldn't come home and return to normal, her pride needed her to have a plan, something that saved her face and stopped her feeling like a failure. So she talked at great length about leaving, hoping that no one realised that at the moment it was going no further than just talking about it. 

Why hadn't she booked a flight? Gone to India? Australia? The US? For the first few weeks it had been her unrequited hope that Lucas would call, or even turn up telling her she was right, that giving up his security was a risk, but one that he wanted to take. Saying that, she'd settle for a text saying he missed her. Now as time dragged by she realised that her momentum and confidence had ebbed away. She had lost her direction and was in danger of losing any vision she had. 

Her home town was reliable, and she did love the people, but it had been so important that she got free of this but somewhere in the hustle and bustle of coming home, she'd lost that drive. Her old boss had offered her back the job she'd left, her mother suggested she join her in the factory, whilst she appreciated the concern, the thought nauseated her.

Her mother was worried, Carly knew that, she'd been quiet and withdrawn since landing at the airport, but there was so much uncertainty in Carly's mind in her life. And she missed Lucas like she'd not missed anyone before. The pain in her chest took her breath away, and she could barely think of a scenario that didn't bring him to her mind. Reaching in her pocket, she pulled out an already beaten snap shot, one of several taken on her last night, but this one was of her, her and him sat cuddled on the sofa, both laughing. 

Why hadn't she just thrown herself at him? Told him how she REALLY felt? She'd not wanted to be rejected that's what it boiled down to, but now she was more than rejected. If she never saw him again then she'd regret not pushing things more than she feared him laughing at her romantic suggestions. 

But she couldn't go back to Austria, not that resort anyway, that WAS too painful.

"AARRGH!" She shouted throwing back her head, "What am I going to do?" Her shouted words blew straight back at her, rather than being buffeted around in the wind and she sighed dropping her head. "Someone tell me what to do!" She dropped her head, closing her eyes.

"Drag yourself out of this self pity for a start!"

Carly thought she'd imagined the reply, she'd wondered what he'd say on so many occasions, but as she lifted her head, glanced to her right, she saw a figure, familiar in a thick winter coat, picking himself precariously over the rocks to join her.

Lucas.

Learning to Fly - 31

Chapter 31 - Operation Clean Up

Carly woke in a foggy place, nothing was familiar, least of all the pair of strong arms wrapped around her, and a comforting smell wafted over her. Opening an eye, she was level with a shoulder, her body turned into Lucas, he was on his back holding her. Lifting her eyes to his, she found him watching her.

"You OK?" his smile was strained.

"I think so..." memories of the previous evening were rushing back, but she was determined that the tears she'd spilled onto his t-shirt over night were the last tears she'd shed.

Lucas smiled at her, "you're going to be fine!"

He, on the other hand, wasn't so good. He had been exquisitely tortured for the whole night. Every time he'd thought he'd found sleep, something reacquainted his body and his libido.  If it wasn't Carly's hand settled on his stomach, it was the exotic smell of her hair or skin, wrapped around his psych or her breath tickling the hairs on his neck. He had barely slept a wink. But he hid that from her, digging deep to find some strength to fight the still optimistic libido.

"Do you want breakfast? I've some croissants, coffee?"

Carly wrapped her arms around his waist and gave him a huge hug, "thanks Lucas." The usual humour in her voice was gone, instead she was deadly serious. "I don't know how I'd have coped the last few months without you. Once I realised you weren't the arse I thought you were!"

He rolled on his side to face her, "there's a hidden side to every compliment, isn't there?"

Chuckling she replied, "I can't let you get too complacent!"

Sitting up, Lucas stretched, the bed was comfortable, he'd not had a bad night's sleep in it, until last night. No amount of blaming the bed would cover his lack of sleep, a rock hard erection had put paid to that. For some reason vulnerable Carly tugged at his heartstrings...he glanced at the ceiling, yeah heartstrings!

Giving himself a little shake, he stood and made for the kitchen, not daring to look back at the invitation that Carly in the bed was.

Lucas had made coffee and was filling croissants when Carly emerged from the shower wrapped in his towelling robe. Gulping he tried not to think of anything, desperate for both a cold shower, and some distance between them. It was the adrenaline, his protective streak, he'd saved Carly from Jens...that's all this was.

Carly wolfed down two of the jam filled pastries, then started on a mug of coffee before she spoke. "I;'m going to speak to Mr Ramminger the HR chap this am. Going to tell him that I can't work about her shift until this is sorted."

Lucas slipped into a chair opposite her, "do you think you can work here again? After this?"

Carly shook her head, that had been the main reason for so many tears overnight, she was settled here, had friends, a sense of belonging. But this latest behaviour from Jens had made the situation untenable. Any hopes of discussing this and staying on to work had been bleak, but now they were impossible. But Carly couldn't think about that. Not now.

Once she'd dressed in her sleeveless t-shirt and loose jogging bottoms, Lucas flinched, her arms bore a series of bruises around each upper arm, the visible signs of Jens grabbing her. He hated to think of the parts he couldn't see. The bastard.

Danica obviously had no idea of all that had happened the previous day, so Carly filled her in.

"I really need to speak to Mr Wetzler and Mr Ramminger."

Danica shook her head, so obviously in shock, "Carly, I am so sorry..."

Nodding Carly sat opposite her, "this has been a mess from start to finish, Jens' behaviour...it's all a mess."

Danica was rifling through her old fashioned Rolodex as she agreed, "the thing is I think we have to go above Wetzler, I'm going to call Herr Konig, Gert, Jens' father. This is too serious to ignore. Are you sure you don't want the police? I mean look at your arms! They'd prosecute him."

Carly shook her head, "I said no last night and I'm not changing my mind. I think I'm vilified in this situation and all I've ever wanted was to clear my name."

She shook her head, "it's crazy...but I can see why you wouldn't want to be pulled around by the police, getting lawyers etc."

Carly nodded, then remained silent as Danica requested Gert Konig's urgent attention.

"He's on his way Carly. Don't travel too far away. Ok?"

She'd spent the afternoon in the creche, after all it was where she felt most happy. Rochelle and Marta were almost in tears, both devastated at all that had happened, and knowing that this would see them lose Carly.

As she emerged before four, the whole place was buzzing with a level of excitement. So Carly turned to the fountain of all hotel knowledge Lucas.

"Didn't you hear the helicopter arrive?" he asked incredulously. "Jens' daddy turned up just before lunch. Unfortunately," he leaned forward, "the 'prodigal' son has disappeared with his partner in crime. So at the moment they're all out searching. It's chaos with a Capital 'C'!"

Carly sighed, "what a mess...it's all so awful."

Lucas reached out and squeezed her hand, "and none of it your fault. Just keep remembering that."

"Excuse me!"  A deep heavily accented voice caused them to pull apart as if they'd been burned. "I'm looking for..."

"Herr Konig!" Lucas announced rather dramatically, hoping that Carly was paying attention. "It's a pleasure to see you here. Can I help you?"

The older man was tall and imposing with an excess of grey highlights in his dark hair, but like Jens he had deep all-seeing eyes. "Thanks you, yes. Miss..." he glanced at his phone then back to Lucas, "McClellan?"

Carly took a deep breath, "that's me. I'm Carly McClellan."

The older man sighed, "well at least that was easy. Could I ask you to accompany me to my son's office?"

Carly followed with a nod, passing a quick 'wish me luck' glance at Lucas.

The office was full, Danica was talking to Mr Wetzler, Mr Ramminger was stood talking to another man Carly didn't know.

"Men can we have some space please?" As they all made to leave, he stopped Danica suggesting she should stay.

Carly felt sick, the last few weeks had been hell, and she hated thinking about it all, it made her feel physically ill. Then there was the thought of discussing it with a stranger. She shuddered.

Once the three men had left the room, Mr Konig smiled at her, "thanks for being so patient."

Carly nodded, slipping her arms out of her jacket, knowing that the visible bruises would speak a thousand words, saving her the effort. Mr Konig flinched, but carried on.

"I understand there has been a great miscarriage of justice here and I'd like to hear your side of the story. After all, it seems that you're the only person who hasn't had a voice."

Carly shrugged, "well Mr Konig, I will be very careful before I mix business and pleasure again."

The older man had a pained expression, "go on."

She sighed before going on to explain how she'd succumbed to a relationship with Jens after so much persuasion, then the problem that precipitated everything, her not being considered for a promotion.

"All that's happened since is incidental really. All I wanted  was the opportunity I was entitled to." She handed Jens' father the documentation that she'd collated and watched as he perused it.

He turned to Danica, "was there any credentials in the things missing from the office? Anything to confirm suspicions?"

Danica shook her head, "not to my understanding Mr Konig."

Once again the older man turned to Carly, "Miss Gunnarsson here has kept me informed of all this Miss McClellan, you can be sure of that. I just wish I'd realised quite how far this had gone. I've heard about the false claims and last night...well. I understand if you want to contact the police and this hotel offers your our full support."

Carly smiled sadly, "all I wanted was to work here and progress, start my career. Now that's over. What will happen to your son?"

The older man groaned, "he is my son, of course I don't want to see him in trouble, but the problem is, he's out of control. It's been getting worse..."

"I think all he wants is your respect Mr Konig. I don't think he feels he lives up to your expectation!" 

Mr Konig sighed, "well almost raping an employee who's been the subject of your victimisation is a sure fire way to impress me!" He shook his head, "Look Carly, may I call you that?" She nodded an agreement and he continued. "My son is very indulged and I've tried all things to get him to take responsibility. Nothing has worked. Now this! I've heard a lot about you, and from all I've read we don't want to lose you."

"But I don't see how I can stay here in any capacity. Even if I sorted things out with Jens...People will talk...it'll be so difficult."

"We could transfer you to another resort?"

Carly laughed, "that would have been a dream come true, but I know that whatever happens I'll not come out of this looking completely innocent. I've spent all night trying to work out how it could work, but I can't."

Mr Konig sighed again, "well then, I think we have to discuss some form of severance package. I will personally give you a glowing reference, and if it helps I can liaise directly with other similar companies? I have a lot of contacts."

Smiling with appreciation Carly shook her head, "thank you but no, I want to get any job on my own merit. A reference is great but that's as far as I'd be happy." Again Jens' father nodded a mutual respect developing between them.

An hour later she left the office with a high six figure severance payment and the aforementioned reference, as well as an assurance that she'd not bad mouth the company or make any further legal claims against them. But she also left with the knowledge that this was the end of her Alpine interlude. She was sadder than she imagined she could be just a few months ago.