A/N- Sorry for the delay, my laptop has been in the repair shop. I might just upload the remaining 5 chapters in one go on Wednesday night, as work is busy at the moment and it's done with then.

This chapter is 18 pages long so be warned. I haven't read through it for a couple of months, but I think it was free of grammatical errors. Apologies if its not.

Thank you for your reviews, and I hope you are still enjoying this story.

10

After finishing packing her bags, Anna looked around her room in the hostel, the place she had called home for over three weeks. It was nothing fancy, but she would always look back on her time here fondly. The hostel staff were friendly, the accommodation comfortable and although they had only done a handful of things together, Melanie was a lot of fun.

Seattle in general had been a wonderful place to visit. The architecture was beautiful and the weather for the most part had been glorious. It had been nice to walk through the various parks, to have time to herself in quieter surroundings and to make sense of how her life was about to change.

However, she hadn't bargained on who she would meet in this city. John. Anna couldn't fathom how meeting one person could completely turn her world on its head. She had never felt so confused in all her life. No man had ever made her feel this way. She was a different person in his company. He made her feel different. But she couldn't shake the nagging feeling of guilt in the back of her mind.

It was a help that John was very clear in the respect that he expected nothing from her but to enjoy the time they had. Anna did love Chris, she didn't know a life without him. But was that enough? Did Anna love Chris enough to be his wife? Her childhood sweetheart was the limit to her experience, the only man she had truly known. She thought she was in love with him but meeting John Bates had made her question if she had ever actually been in love before.

Admitting to herself and to a point Gwen that she had fallen for John made Anna feel even worse. Chris didn't deserve this, but forever was a long time, and you only get one life. Anna owed it to herself more than anyone to enjoy these few days with John, uninterrupted time in each other's company. To discover if what they shared was enough to completely change what she knew. And most of all, to discover if she was brave enough to.

'You're off then?'

Turning her head, Anna saw Melanie walk into the room, towel over her arm having just used the bathroom. 'Yeah, my friend is meeting me in twenty minutes.'

'You're so lucky,' Melanie cooed, throwing her towel on the bed and sitting beside where Anna stood. 'An all expenses paid trip to Vegas. I've never made it there. I'd love to have a go on the casinos.'

'I think we've decided we'll spend a bit of time there but neither of us are really bothered about that side of things.'

'Ahh, you've got to have a little flutter,' Melanie encouraged, nudging Anna's hip gently with her elbow.

'Well, we'll see.' Anna lugged her suitcase from her top bunk and placed it on the floor. 'It's been a pleasure to room with you, Mel. And thanks for the loan of clothes and that trip to Tacoma. I never thought in a million years I'd find glass blowing such a laugh.'

'Well, you were making some quite questionable shapes.'

'For a person with a one track mind,' Anna was quick to defend herself, meeting Melanie's gaze before they descended into laughter. 'Seriously though, thank you.'

Melanie took Anna's hand in hers. 'And you. I am planning to come over to England soon, perhaps I could look you up?'

'I'd love that,' Anna replied, 'perhaps we could swap email addresses?'

In the time it took to swap details, share a selfie and say their farewells, it was time for Anna to meet John. She had forgotten how heavy her rucksack and suitcase were as she lugged them down the stairs towards the entrance of the hostel. Her trusty guidebook in hand, Anna pushed the doors open with her foot. She looked left first, then right to see John further down the street.

He was standing beside a taxi, hands in the pockets of his navy chino shorts, sunglasses hanging from the collar of his white polo shirt. Anna's stomach fluttered as he smirked at her, she reciprocating with a smile of her own. John walked towards her, taking hold of the handle of her suitcase before greeting her with a kiss on the cheek.

'You alright?' he asked, noticing she had been struggling a little.

'Yeah, just forgot how much crap I bought with me.'

John shrugged, beginning to walk back towards the taxi. 'I think for someone who has been travelling six months, one suitcase and a rucksack isn't too bad.'

Once Anna's bags were in the boot of the car, or the trunk as the taxi driver had corrected John, they set off for the airport. John took Anna's hand in his as they sat in the backseat. It felt bittersweet to be leaving the city, even though Anna would have a couple more nights in Seattle before leaving for home when they returned.

'So, what does your guidebook say about Vegas then?' Anna averted her gaze from the window to look at John before looking down at the book in her free hand. 'I can see the post it notes sticking out of the top.'

'Well, I like to be prepared.' Anna removed her hand from John's to open her book. 'I've seen there are a number of operators who run trips to the Grand Canyon, it's only a three and half hour coach trip…'

'It's all sorted,' John interrupted, his eyes on Anna's open book as hers looked at his face, a gentle smile on his lips.

'I'm sorry?'

'I booked it last night after you left, we'll do it the day after tomorrow.'

'John, it must have cost a fortune. I have freed up some…'

'Uh uh uh,' John stopped her talking, 'it's sorted. Don't worry about it.'

'You're spoiling me.'

He lifted his head to meet Anna's eye. 'I know. I want to.'

'Thank you.'

Upon seeing his wink in response, Anna felt her cheeks redden. She turned her attentions back to her book, as not to give away how he was affecting her. 'Melanie, my roommate said we have to visit a casino, no matter what. I'd like to do the bus tour if we can, and a tour of the strip at night. The guide book gives that five stars.'

'Well, we must bow down to the will of the guide book,' John joked, causing Anna to giggle.

'Hey, this book has been my saviour on this trip. It's almost like a friend to me now.'

'Well, it lead you to Seattle so that makes it a very good friend in my eyes.'

The flight had taken a little over two hours, John discovering along with her fear of heights, Anna was also a nervous flyer. However, their choice of watching a few episodes of Friends on her tablet had eased Anna's anxiety. If they had thought the heat was bad in Seattle, it was ten times worse in the middle of the desert.

Their bags were quickly recovered, and it was then Anna discovered they would be staying at Caesars Palace, John leading her to the airport's shuttle service to the famous resort. Anna didn't know where to look as they travelled to their destination. It amazed her how different America was from city to city, state to state.

'Are you okay?' John asked her as they arrived at the hotel.

'This is just amazing,' Anna replied, her tone filled with awe, 'I can't believe we are here.'

John took Anna's suitcase in hand, as well as his own. He gestured towards the hotel's entrance. 'Shall we?'

As they stood at the reception desk, Anna was suddenly very aware that she and John hadn't discussed sleeping arrangements. Her fears were quashed completely when the receptionist handed two key cards over the desk. 'Adjoining rooms, wasn't it Mr Bates?'

John offered Anna a sideward glance, she sensing he felt quite embarrassed at the receptionists question. 'Yes.'

'Here we go, rooms one hundred and one hundred and one,' she said helpfully, John taking the cards. 'Fourth floor, sir.'

'Thank you.' John cleared his throat, putting both cards into his pocket before taking hold of both suitcases once more.

'I didn't want to assume anything,' John revealed once they were in the elevator, 'no pressure.'

'Thank you,' Anna replied, rubbing his forearm.

They entered room one hundred first, John stepping aside to allow Anna inside. She looked at her surroundings completely agog, this was nothing like the rooms she was used to whilst she had been travelling.

'Will this do?' John asked, Anna aware of the click of the door closing behind them.

'Are you kidding? It's wonderful.'

John moved further into the room towards a door on the opposite side. 'This must be the adjoining door.'

'You should be a detective,' Anna remarked jovially, looking over John's shoulder into the other room he had booked.

'This one looks bigger,' John observed, walking inside to see it also had a balcony. 'You should have this one.'

'Size doesn't matter to me, John.'

As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Anna regretted them as she regarded John's expression, he doing his damnedest to resist bursting into laughter.

'That's good to know.'

'Ha ha,' Anna shook her head, moving back into the room they had previously entered. 'Seriously, you have the room with the balcony. After staying in hostels and even camping for a time, this room will do me just fine.'

She fell back onto the king sized bed, running her hands over the sheets beneath her. It felt luxurious to be able to spread herself out on a double bed after so long sleeping in bunks, or the floor in some cases. Realising John hadn't answered her, Anna looked up to see John standing against the door frame of the adjoining room, regarding Anna with the smirk she had come to realise he often offered her.

'What?'

'Nothing,' John shrugged, 'I'm just glad you're pleased with the room.'

'It's not just the room, I'm pleased to be here with you too.'

Those words surprised Anna as they left her, the ease in which she said them. And how true they were. She sat up on the end of the bed, watching as John took the chair from the dresser and moved it so he was sitting opposite her.

'Look, I don't want to ruin the atmosphere between us, but I just wanted to make some things clearer in my mind, so I don't do anything to make you feel uncomfortable.'

'Okay…' This sounded ominous. Anna shifted on the bed, nervous as to what John was about to reveal.

'Look,' he began by taking her hand into his. 'I have never been that good at reading what a woman wants, I ended up divorced and my experience before I met my wife is sketchy at best.' He lifted his head then, making eye contact with Anna before continuing. 'I don't know what's happening between us, Anna or what you want. But, whilst we are can we just forget about going home and anything else and just enjoy our time together and see what materialises? Live in the moment.'

Releasing a breath she didn't realise she was holding, Anna began to nod, smiling in relief. 'I can do that.'

'Great,' John kissed her hand. 'Now, I don't know about you but how about we freshen up and visit the casino this evening?'

'Sounds great.' Anna agreed. 'I am a dab hand on the slot machine at my local back home.'

John stood. 'I better watch out then.'

'You better.'

John sat in his room, patiently waiting for the knock on the adjoining door that would mean Anna was ready for their day to begin. He thought about the night before, and chuckled to himself at the memory of how awful they had been in the casino. After sharing dinner, John had lost nearly a hundred dollars on the roulette wheel, and Anna had worked her way through a whole tub of quarters on the slot machine within an hour. They decided to cut their losses and have an early night.

Since meeting Anna yesterday, John hadn't been able to keep the smile from his face. This beautiful woman had agreed to spend four days with him. It just didn't seem real. Holding her hand in the taxi had been instinctive. He had been pleased to reassure her on the flight. Then her reaction to their accommodation had been more than he had been hoping. The fact she seemed genuinely thrilled with all his efforts warmed his heart, especially when nothing was ever good enough for his ex wife.

He hadn't known her long, but John knew Anna was twice the woman Vera was. To be the reason she smiled was becoming his most favourite thing. However, it was important to him Anna knew he wanted nothing more than she was willing to give. Everything was on her terms.

It was then he heard a knock, John looking over his shoulder at the door. Rising to his feet, he said, 'come in,' before Anna opened the door. She looked completely flawless in the knee length yellow dress she had worn on one of their previous dates, her hair flowing to rest upon her shoulders.

'Good morning,' Anna said sweetly, 'did you sleep well?'

'Yes, I did,' John nodded, moving closer to her. He noticed she had her guidebook on hand. 'What have you planned for us today, then?'

Within an hour, they had purchased tickets for the hop on, hop off bus tour they travelled along the strip. The sun was beating down as they took in all Las Vegas had to offer. John found the history side of Vegas particularly interesting, whilst Anna looked on lingeringly at the various stores they walked past. A few hours had passed before they sat for something to eat. John had seen what seemed like hundreds of advertisements for the various shows in Las Vegas, but one had caught his eye in particular.

'Mum used to make me sit through the footage of Elvis's show in Vegas all the time when I was a kid,' John revealed to Anna as he showed her one of the flyers he had collected. They had finished their food, and were sharing a drink. 'She loved him. Mum only had two pictures in the house. They sat on the mantle. One of me, and one of Elvis Presley.'

Anna laughed softly. 'You must be honoured to be held in as high regard in your mother's eyes as Elvis was.'

'Well, you say that,' John continued, 'I pretended to not let it bother me Elvis sat closer to her armchair than the picture of me.'

'Oh John.' Anna began to chuckle heartily then, and it was a sight that took John's breath away. 'We should go, you know.'

'Go where?'

'To the show. Tonight.'

A smile spread across John's face. 'Really?'

'Yeah,' Anna nodded, 'it sounds like an experience. And everyone loves Elvis, don't they?'

'Okay, if you're sure.' John pulled his phone from his pocket. 'I'll see if they have any tickets left.'

'I'm just going to use the ladies.'

Anna excused herself, leaving John alone to make the booking. Thankfully, there were a handful of tickets left, John quickly purchasing two. This would be the perfect tribute to his mother, and sharing it with Anna would make it all the sweeter.

The venue at Planet Hollywood had been smaller than Anna was anticipating, but it was wonderful all the same. John had turned into some excited schoolboy having been able to purchase two tickets for the show. It was clear Elvis had been a big part of his life, having been his mother's favourite singer.

'Forgive me if I forget myself a little bit,' John whispered in Anna's ear as they waited for the show to start. 'This music never fails to remind me of my mother, and the thought of her still makes me emotional.'

'Of course it does,' Anna placed a hand on John's knee. 'Don't worry.'

He offered her a small smile before the show began. The tribute act was brilliant, possessing an uncanny likeness to the man himself, his voice an almost complete duplicate. However, Anna was finding it difficult to keep her eyes on the stage and not on John. It seemed he knew the words to every single song. Anna knew a lot of them, but John's knowledge was amazing. It was clear he was being transported to a different time in his life as he became lost in the music, although his grip on Anna's hand never loosened.

During the more up tempo songs, the performer encouraged the audience to get on their feet, Anna surprised to find John willing after his reluctance to dance in the club on their evening together after visiting the Space Needle. Hound Dog and All Shook Up was particularly entertaining, Anna couldn't help but laugh and be secretly impressed by John's loose hips.

She had been there for John when the sound of The Wonder Of You filled the room. It had been half way through the first chorus when Anna had chanced a glance at her companion, his eyes glistening with unshed tears as he watched the singer, completely mesmerised. It was once he had finished that John leant to whisper in Anna's ear, revealing that particular song was his mother's favourite.

However, Anna hadn't anticipated this evening she would experience one of the most romantic moments of her life, and it wasn't in her fiancé's arms.

As the singer crooned Can't Help Falling In Love, John had wrapped his arms around Anna's waist and swayed them gently in time to the music. Being in John's embrace at such a time, with the romantic words flowing into the air around them, it was almost more than Anna could take. As the song ended, John placed a lingering kiss on Anna's cheek.

The end of the show came too quickly for Anna's liking. She could have easily sat through the whole performance again, if only to live through John's reactions once more. Their journey back to the hotel was taken hand in hand, neither saying much but Anna not finding it uncomfortable in the slightest.

They reached their hotel room, John opening the door to Anna's room, she standing in between the door and it's jamb to stop it from closing. She regarded John, he standing before her with his hands in his pockets.

'Thank you for a wonderful day,' Anna said softly, 'I had a wonderful time.'

'Me too,' John agreed with a nod of the head. 'And thanks for tonight. It meant a lot to me.'

'My pleasure.'

They remained in silence for a moment, Anna unable to avert her gaze from his. Like so many times before in their short time of knowing one another, Anna felt like she and John had experienced something this evening.

'Well, goodnight Anna.'

Anna sighed, 'goodnight John.'

In the next moment he was moving towards her, Anna realising it was John's intention to kiss her goodnight. Her eyes fluttered shut of their own accord before Anna felt the sensation of his warm lips against hers. She lifted her hand to rest on his cheek as John sought to deepen the kiss, placing his hands on Anna's hips. She granted him permission, their tongues meeting immediately sending her heart racing.

Almost as soon as it had begun, John was breaking the kiss before resting his forehead against Anna's. 'We have an early start in the morning.'

'Yes,' Anna replied breathlessly, her eyes still closed, unable to resist brushing her lips against John's once more. She stepped away then, John took a step back as well. 'Goodnight.'

'Goodnight.'

Anna shut the door quietly, before leaning against it. She listened as she heard John open his door and enter his own room. There was only a door between them, and Anna knew she had the power in her hands. All she had to do was walk though that door and John would be hers. She screwed her eyes shut, willing herself to try and fight those feelings. It would make an already complicated situation even more so.

Had coming to Vegas been a mistake? She wondered this as she crossed her room to the dresser, placing her bag on the dresser. No was her answer, because she wouldn't have missed what happened tonight at the concert for the world. Anna stared at her reflection in the mirror. She had promised John she wouldn't think beyond these few days together. But Anna couldn't help it. In the end, one man was going to be heart broken. Because of her.

'Yellow.'

Scratching his chin, John replied. 'Banana.'

'Pyjamas.'

He shifted uncomfortably in his chair. 'Bedtime.'

John felt Anna's gaze upon him. 'Now, which way shall I take this?'

'It's word association Anna,' John pointed out, 'you have to say what comes to mind straight away.'

'Okay. Bedtime. What reminds me of bedtime?' Anna was wearing the most delicious smirk. 'Sleep.'

'Shame,' John cocked his head to the side, causing Anna to giggle, he joining her in laughter.

They were over three hours into their coach journey to the Grand Canyon now, and boredom had begun to creep in. Anna had slept for the most part, John realising early mornings didn't agree with her. However, he would be a liar if he didn't admit he had enjoyed her resting her head on his shoulder.

Arriving at their destination, the tour guide explained they would have three hours to explore their surroundings. John had noted Anna was very excited. It was the traveller in her he supposed, although he was looking forward to witnessing one of the most wondrous sights on earth.

Anna's guidebook was prominent once again, John had come to see it as another member of their travelling party now. One of the main attractions at the canyon was the skywalk. Anna turned a whiter shade of pale upon John's suggestion they try it.

'I'll hold your hand,' John assured her, 'but if you don't want to we don't have to.'

'Well, we've come this far and there is no way you are getting me on one of those helicopter rides.'

Once they had begun, Anna must have forgotten all about the four thousand feet below them to the canyon floor. The views were jaw dropping, and suddenly John was so grateful to be sharing this with the woman whose hand was gripping on tightly to his.

'This is amazing,' Anna remarked as they came to a stop to admire the sight before them. 'We have to get a photo together. I left my phone back at the hotel, could we use yours?'

'Sure.' John retrieved his phone and put it on the selfie function, before spreading his arm out in front of him. He and Anna appeared on the screen.

'Oh God, my hair looks awful,' Anna squealed, quickly brushing her blonde locks into place.

'You look perfect,' John replied, before they were interrupted by an unfamiliar voice.

'Here, let me take that for you,' a man beside them said, reaching for John's phone. 'Such a photo is more deserving of a selfie.'

'Alright, thanks,' Anna replied politely, looking up at John as he handed over his phone. John moved to stand behind Anna, wrapping his arms around her waist.

'Is this alright?'

'Perfectly.'

'After three,' the man called. 'One, two, three.'

John believed Anna had had her fill of heights for one day, so he suggested they book on one of the boat rides on the Colorado river. She had taken kindly to his idea, and soon they found themselves travelling along the water, from this position able to see the many rock formations and beautiful colours that made up the canyon.

Their three hours were over far too quickly, and it was with weary legs but heavy hearts they boarded the bus for their trip back to Las Vegas. Anna slept virtually all the way back, John finding some semblance of peace with her curled by his side and managing to doze for a while himself.

It was in these moments of solitude that John came to a decision. Whether he rose, or whether she shot him down in flames, Anna wouldn't leave Las Vegas without knowing how he truly felt about her, despite asking her to live in the moment. The concert last night, their walk today had left John in no doubt as to what he had been feeling for a while. It may have barely been a month, but John was sure.

He loved Anna.

After a lazy morning wandering around the complex, John had relented and agreed to accompany Anna shopping. She had enjoyed browsing the designer outlets, giving a patient John his very own fashion show as she tried on clothes in stores such as Gucci and the like. They enjoyed walking around the aquarium, Anna still finding it hard to believe she was here even after three days in Vegas.

Shopping had taken up a large portion of the day, and Anna had only been too happy to do something John wanted to do in the late afternoon. Having got a taste for it on their first evening here, John had requested another turn at the roulette table. It had taken only a couple of spins before John had done better than his first attempt, winning five hundred dollars.

Subsequently, dinner had been on John. After choosing and eating at a British themed pub, it had been another of John's requests to take a stroll beside the Bellagio Fountains, which had been visible from his room. The show was magnificently impressive, and it made Anna even more downbeat to be leaving the next day.

'I've had a wonderful few days,' John remarked as they entered the hotel. Her hand was in his again, as it almost always had been in their time together. Anna kept coming back to that word. Natural. It felt natural.

'So have I, I'm so glad I agreed to come with you.'

They reached their floor, hands still entwined as they walked the corridor towards their room. Anna was getting the feeling John wanted to say something, he would release a heavy breath then remain silent. As they came to a stop outside her room, Anna looked up at John as he took both her hands in his.

'So, our final night.'

'Yes,' Anna breathed, trying to compose herself and ignore the stinging of tears in her eyes. 'Our final night.'

'Thank you for coming here with me,' John continued, 'I'm not sure it would have been so enjoyable without you by my side.'

'Yeah, right. It would have been impossible not to enjoy all the amazing things we have done.'

'No, I mean it,' John insisted, bringing a hand to rest on Anna's cheek. 'Being with you makes everything emphatically more amazing for me. I promise you.' Anna's eyes were closed at the sensation of his hand on her cheek, but she could feel him moving closer to her.

'John,' she murmured in protest, but attempts to resist him were futile, weak.

He had kissed her before, but this time it felt different, John's demeanour was different. There was more to his actions, and Anna could sense her resolve slipping away as his lips moved exquisitely against hers. His hand that wasn't resting on her cheek had moved dangerously low on her back, and Anna was finding she didn't want him to stop.

'Come to my room, please.'

John's request jolted Anna back to the present. Everything was screaming at her that this was wrong, but the sensation of John's confident hands low on her waist was rendering her quite insensible. Her mind was clear, the only thoughts she was having were those of spending the night with John. In this moment, it didn't feel wrong. Anna needed this.

She was nodding her consent and John took her hand, leading her the couple of steps to his room. He opened his door, Anna's breathing was heavy in anticipation. Following him inside, Anna felt completely overwhelmed as John turned to take her in his embrace. He kicked off his shoes, Anna following his example and doing the same.

His kisses seemed to make her tremble, if he let her go Anna was sure she would fall to the floor. John's experienced hands were clutching to her waist possessively, he was gently encouraging her back towards the bed. She sat on the edge, then John stopped to remove his glasses and place them on the bedside table.

Falling to his knees beside the bed, John resumed their kiss, Anna opening her legs slightly for him to move between. One of her hands rested on his shoulder, the other tangled in the hair at the back of his head. All at once, it was all too much but Anna needed to feel more.

Reaching for the bottom of his polo shirt, John seemed to understand and leant away so Anna could pull the material over his head. She dropped the shirt to the floor. Just as Anna had suspected on their recent day out to the zoo, John did indeed possess a generous amount of chest hair. Not feeling in control of her actions, Anna ran her hands through the coarseness of his hair, causing John to groan into the kiss they were sharing.

'I was right,' Anna murmured against his lips. 'You're just like a bear.'

John chuckled at that, his voice gruff as he spoke affecting Anna at her core. 'Can I see if I was right as well?'

'What do you mean?' Anna asked, her eyes squeezing shut as John's lips made a trail to her neck.

'See if I was right in thinking your body will be the most flawless I have ever seen?'

Nodding slightly, Anna watched John's hands as he reached for the hem of her dress, lifting the garment up and over her body. It wasn't lost on her John was only the second man to see Anna in this way, but her nerves weren't born from guilt. It was because she so wanted him to like what he saw.

Anna needn't have worried, John's eyes turning a shade darker as her naked body was revealed to him, save for her underwear. Anna unclipped her bra and removed it as John threw her dress over to the other side of the bed. He gathered her up in his arms and pressed his torso to hers. Their kiss reignited, taking on a new vigour as their bare chests came into contact.

'I was right. You're perfect,' John whispered into Anna's ear as he pushed her further onto the bed before so they were lying sideways across it, leaning over her and covering her body with his own. 'Utterly perfect.'

It was instinctual to wrap a leg around John's hip, instantly bringing him closer to her. His arousal was evident against her, sending a thrill coursing up her spine. John was kissing her neck, her shoulders before moving his lips down in between her breasts. Anna could feel it at her core, his touch turning her on more than she could ever remember being. John's hand was also moving lower, he was seemingly everywhere.

This wasn't new territory for them, Anna regarded for a moment, as John placed his hand over her underwear. She heard him groan, obviously feeling from her wet heat this was affecting her as much as it was him. He diverted his hand to the thigh that was resting against his hip, stroking the skin he found there. And Anna was suddenly aware of John's still partially clothed state.

'John,' Anna heard herself gasp, 'I need more, please. I want to feel you.'

He understood. Leaning back on his haunches, John undid the button and fly of his chino shorts, standing briefly to allow them to drop to the floor. He stepped out of them, Anna's eyes drawn to the bulge at the front of his boxer shorts. She licked her lips. He moved back over her, tucking Anna's leg over his hip once more.

'Anna, are you sure about this?'

His voice brought her back to the present, her eyes opening to meet his. His gaze was dark, adoring. She had never been asked such a question, she thought to herself, thinking of Chris for a millisecond. But she didn't feel guilty, guilt was the furthest thing from how she was feeling in this moment. All she knew was that John was making such strong emotions flow within her, emotions she had never experienced before. She wanted this. No, she needed this.

'Yes. I'm sure.'

Her confirmation seemed to spark something within John. He led a path of kisses from her throat downwards before taking a nipple into his mouth. Anna was taken by surprise by the contact.

'Oh, that feels wonderful,' Anna admitted aloud before feeling instantly embarrassed, forcing him upwards and burying her head in the crook of John's neck.

'Hey, there's no need to hide from me,' John nudged her temple with his nose. 'I want to know you are enjoying this as much as I am.'

Of course he did. Because he was John, and as Anna was coming to realise what she wanted and what she desired mattered more than to him than his own needs.

'Stunning,' John murmured suddenly, continuing his compliments. 'You are simply stunning.' Anna couldn't help but laugh softly at his appraisal, John joining her in her laughter. 'What, you don't believe me? Here, look.'

He rolled his hips against hers, and Anna could feel him hot and hard through their underwear, right at her core. He continued his movements, Anna reciprocating and for a time they became lost in one another, their sounds of appreciation becoming lost in the air around them.

This was too much, Anna could imagine the inevitable without too much difficulty. She was clawing at his back, John's harsh breathing tore right through her.

'Please John. More.'

Stopping his movements, John lifted his head to meet Anna's gaze. Then his touch was gone, and Anna instantly felt colder. She watched as he removed his boxer shorts, before he reached for the waistband of her underwear, moving them down her thighs. John's eyes were displaying a hungry expression as he took in the sight of what he had revealed. He gently tested her with a finger, Anna could see him swallow hard as he came into contact with her heat. She moved her hips to meet the delicious rhythm his fingers had begun.

'You're beautiful like that,' he whispered, hearing his voice at such a time resulting in Anna's heart beating faster. 'Does that feel good?'

'Yes,' Anna admitted, this time unashamedly. She was used to feeling embarrassed at voicing her pleasure, but John made her feel differently. At ease.

He leant back for a moment to reach for a bag from the table. His touch relinquished, and Anna lifted her head from the bed to see what he was doing. It was then she saw he was retrieving protection from his wash bag. Had he expected events to take this turn? Anna was just pleased he had thought about it and was prepared.

As if reading her mind, John said, 'I'd just like to reassure you I didn't bring these knowing we would end up like this. I have always carried a couple in my wash bag.'

Anna smiled as he tore open the wrapper. She looked away as he readied himself, before John was upon her once more. He was now between her thighs, and Anna had never felt a more delicious weight. It was perfect, made her feel complete even. He tucked her leg over his hip again, aligning them in one movement. Their kisses took on renewed vigour now they found themselves in this position, so close to being joined as one.

John had stared into Anna's eyes before, but doing it now, whilst they were so close to one another, it was almost overwhelming. Anna's silent nod of permission had John hitching his hips forward, gently pushing against her folds until he was completely enveloped in her. And it felt so much better than she could have imagined. He filled her completely and all at once she felt whole, being connected to him in such a way.

'You feel so good,' John panted in her ear, gently thrusting his hips for the first time. 'Christ, so good.'

Anna crashed her lips against John's, meeting his hips as they began a steady rhythm between them. He was filling her to the brim, withdrawing himself then filling her again. Her climax was blooming, a gentle throb at her core that was tapping at John's arousal each time he entered her. John lifted Anna's leg higher on his hip, spreading her legs wider meaning she took him deeper. She felt like she was going to fly apart.

'God,' Anna almost screamed, writhing at the bed sheets above her head with her left hand, her other hand gripping on to John's lower back. 'God, John yes. Faster, please.'

This felt incredible, Anna didn't know what to do with herself. She opened her eyes, meeting John's gaze which was intense upon her face. He smirked at her as his hips continued to move against hers, and that was enough to drive her closer to the edge.

'I can't hold on much longer,' John admitted, his voice sounding strangled.

'I'm nearly there.'

Her words encouraged John to increase his pace, the force edging them sideways across the bed. Reaching her climax, her cries of pleasure were louder than they ever had been as John relaxed his movements, thrusting into her one last time. He must joined her over the edge as he released a low moan, falling into the abyss alongside her. Heaven.

They remained locked together for a time, both fighting to regain some sense of control. Anna didn't think she would ever feel the same again after that. It was he who broke the silence first, lifting his head to press a kiss to Anna's lips.

'Wow,' he whispered, kissing her on the tip of the nose.

'Oh God,' she breathed. Those seemed to be the only words she could say at the moment. John laughed. He rolled from her before pulling her into his arms. This was nice. To be held after making love. Anna pressed a kiss to John's chest, finally coming back to the world.

'Are you alright?'

She nodded, more comfortable in his arms than she could ever remember being. Suddenly, she felt tiredness over take her. She supposed their exertions were enough to wear her out, as well as their day together and suddenly she felt extremely weary. Comfortable and weary. John's steady breath was enough to lull her into a peaceful sleep.

John's gentle snores behind her told Anna that he was fast asleep. She turned over, her back to him as she clutched tightly to her pillow. Earlier on, in the heat of the moment it had felt so right to come apart in his arms. It was nothing short of incredible. But now, as the room was bathed in midnight shadows and the passion had cooled, Anna couldn't help the guilt rushing through her.

It wasn't solely the fact she had properly cheated on her fiancé. It was how dishonest she had been with everybody. Now they had shared this, John surely would be expecting more. How would he feel if he found out she was due to be married in a few weeks? She felt sick.

Rising from the bed, sleep would be illusive tonight, Anna picked up her discarded clothes, grabbed a robe from the back of the adjoining door, before walking through it into the sanctuary of her room. She had barely turned her phone on whilst she had been in Vegas, let alone spoken to anyone back home.

Sitting in the middle of her bed, Anna waited for her phone to start up. As soon as it found some reception, she noticed six missed calls from Chris, and a message angry in tone asking Anna to call him when she could possibly find a moment to.

'Oh God,' she brought a hand to her forehead. She worked out the time in England would be mid morning. With shaky fingers, she composed a text message.

Sorry Babe, I've been busy and the reception here is really bad. Are you okay? Anna xx

Anna could see from his status he was online, and when her message was labelled as 'Read' she held her breath. Sure enough, he began to write a reply. It appeared on screen and Anna's went large as she read it.

That's fine. I'm just over here at home having spent my entire life savings trying to give the only woman I have ever loved the wedding of her dreams whilst you've spent yours on the other side of the world gallivanting in Las Vegas.

'Shit,' Anna murmured under her breath. She looked up at the door to John's room. 'What have I done?'

And a realisation hit Anna with all the force of a speeding train. She had to marry Chris. There was no other option. It was then that Anna's phone began to ring, Gwen was requesting a video call. She answered hastily.

'Anna, what the hell? I've just had Chris on the phone yelling at me that you have been too busy to talk to him or answer his messages.'

'Sorry Chick, I didn't mean for that to happen.'

'So what's going on?'

'Oh God, Gwen,' Anna whimpered, covering her eyes with her hand. 'I've got to marry him now.'

'Why?'

'He's just pointed out that whilst I've spent my entire life savings on a once in a lifetime trip, he's spent his in an attempt to give me the wedding of my dreams. How many men would do that?'

'Come off it, Anna.' Gwen argued back, Anna looking at the screen once more. 'The wedding of his dreams, more like.'

'I'm decided,' Anna was resolute. 'I'll come home and marry Chris. I'll tell this guy there is no future for us. I can't disappoint that many people. I haven't got it in me. And I do love Chris. I was ready to marry him before I came to America.'

'Anna, you weren't at all.'

'Well I am now.'

Gwen shrugged, not entirely convinced. 'Then I'll be beside you every step of the way.'

'Thank you, Gwen,' Anna replied, 'I love you.'

'I love you too. See you soon.'

She hung up then, leaving Anna to send Chris one final message before trying to get some sleep.

I am so sorry, Babe. I love you more than anything and I'll be home soon to become your wife, Anna x

Her words felt empty, especially after all she had experienced with John. But this was the right thing to do. John expected nothing from her, this way no one got hurt.