Thank you all for the continued lovely reviews. I've got a vague idea where this is going but some days of writing are harder than others! Hope you enjoy x
Charles was awoken early by the sound of birds singing outside his window and the warmth of someone's pert posterior nestled against his groin. His arm was draped over her and she had a tight grip on his hand. He watched her muscles slowly rise and fall as she continued to sleep. He tried to push the thought from his mind that he only had her here for another few hours.
He breathed in the warm scent between her neck and shoulder and gently kissed the soft skin. She moved slightly but yet still not quite awake. He loosened the clasp she had on him and slowly drew his hand across her torso. Committing her curves to memory once again his palm sunk in at her waist and up her ribcage. His foot now sliding up and down her calves as he traced up and down her spine. Slowly shifting forward his fingers found the swell of her breasts. Circling her right nipple, he teased until it was erect before moving onto and toying with the other. A small moan escaped her lips.
She groggily opened her eyes "Good Morning Charles"
Even half asleep he could see the cheeky glint in her eyes
"Good Morning Molly"
She turned her head towards him as he closed the gap between them and give her a sweet soft kiss. She cupped his cheek and ran her fingers along his stubble covered jaw committing the shapes and lines to her memory too. She didn't want to leave today, she wanted to stay here with him, in his bed and never leave.
His hand returned to her breasts slowly kneading the soft flesh. His She joined him as he slid downwards-her body twitching both in response to his touch and her slight ticklishness. His fingers traced her warm folds before slipping inside and stroking up and down spreading the moisture within. He circled her clitoris with precision, watching her facial expressions as she bit her lip stifling another gasp of pleasure.
He could feel his own arousal pounding through his veins. His balls tightening as her hips moved and ground against his rapidly hardening cock. His fingers continued to torture her and pressing herself against them she mewled as he slowly slid one finger into her. Adding a second he slowly drew them in and out increasing the sensations that were building within her.
He wanted to take his time and despite her desperation for friction and touch, he wanted to make love to her this morning. This wasn't about the pressure of waiting out and that aching desire and need that had built up between them in that time. Not the urgency that came with her sudden surprise of her turning up on his doorstep or that need she had to help him recover. There was nothing else between them-just one person giving themselves to another. No agenda, no plan.
Molly could feel the pressure of his erection pressing into her behind. Having established that neither were in any hurry, she refrained from grabbing his hardness or speeding up any of his or her actions. He slowly drew his hips against hers and moved her leg upwards so he could get better access. She helped him guide his penis in and relaxed as he released his grip on her thigh and let it rest astride his own hip and outer thigh.
With neither initiating movement, they simply lay there connected for a few moments, relishing their close contact. He buried his head into the crook of her neck, brushing his lips at her hairline and behind and around her ear. Finally he started to make small motions with his hips. With steady controlled thrusts he built up a constant rhythm, his hand now cupping her cleavage giving him much needed purchase. Gasping now Molly turned her mouth to meet his, a loving smile on her pursed lips. With each stroke he gazed into her eyes and teased her with his open lips. Grazing and not quite touching as Molly tried to coax his tongue to duel with her own. She moaned as he decisively dove in, moving his fingers to her hips as his bolder actions matched that of his tongue. Her hand moved up to his head, into his delicious curls, pulling him ever closer.
The deeper his tongue went the deeper he plunged into her, drawing her towards her peak. Her muscles now beginning to clench in anticipation of the flood of sensation that would soon wash over her. Panting now for breath, Molly whispered breathlessly to him.
"I love you, I love you"
She would have repeated these words over and over if she could, but any coherent thought was now lost.
Charles too was nearing his own climax and hearing Molly he wanted to make sure that they were properly in sync.
"Move with me Molly" he uttered softly into her ear, encouraging her to move her hips more.
Interlocking her fingers with his, she ground down as he pushed upwards, circling her hips just slightly. The extra friction served them both well as within minutes, they both came apart with mutual exclamations.
Both waited for the ripples to subside before he withdrew. They lay there wrapped in each other's arms, panting. Molly turned over to press herself against him, determined for him not to see her face as a small tear slid down her face. He could feel the hitch in her chest.
"Molly look at me"
She reluctantly faced him. He wiped away the dampness on her cheek.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't be upset-I'm never this emotional"
He smiled knowingly-she always got emotionally involved.
"I don't want to go today, I don't want to leave here-leave you". The tears threatened once again to spill over from her eyes once more.
"Shhh Molly, don't cry. I don't want you to go either. I've fallen head over heels for you again in these last few days. Being apart from you makes me miserable"
She sniffed and wiped her nose with the back of her hand. He gave her several gentle Eskimo kisses before sealing her mouth with a slow soft kiss.
"I love you Molly. Don't forget that even when we're not together" He hugged her against his chest, her head settling resting above his heart. The steady rhythm helped sooth her as he rubbed her back.
"I always have you with me anyway-on my phone" she joked. She grabbed her handset from the bedside cabinet and showed him her photo gallery and the main wallpaper.
"Surely we can get a better shot than that one!"
He wrenched it from her hand and attempted a selection of varying facial expressions before threatening to stick it under the covers.
"Don't you dare, my sisters might see that!" She struggled to regain it from his hand as he held as far away as he could.
"Ok, Ok, a serious one then-come here"
He settled her head on the pillow next to his, holding the phone at arm's length finally getting a shot of them together. The subdued lighting gave a soft focus-it was a perfect picture. A candid shot of a couple very much in love.
"Forward that on to me so we can both have it"
She fumbled with the buttons as he passed it back, his phone buzzing in response to her message.
"Is this our first his and hers moment?" she laughed
"I do believe it is" He reached over grabbing his own handset double checking the message and the time.
"Well as much as I'd love to stay here all day, I do believe I've worked up an appetite this morning. I want you to stay where you are and I will bring you breakfast in bed"
"Well if you insist" she smiled as she stretched her arms above her head
"Oh I insist"
He kissed her on the tip of her nose, before flinging back the covers and pulling on last night's boxers.
Molly rolled onto her side propping herself up with the mound of pillows, watching his movement as he sadly covered up her mornings amusement.
"So you don't do the naked chef thing then?!" she giggled
"No chance-not unless you are good at treating potential burns to intimate areas?"
"Well, I'm not an expert but maybe if there was someone I could practice on?" She cheekily ran her tongue over her bottom lip. She tried to pull him back to bed, but he backed off before she could reach him"
"Oh no no. I'm going downstairs before you lure me back". He winked, turned on his heel and strode confidently out of the door.
She nestled herself back into the duvet and sent a text to her mum telling her that she'd be back later that day. She hadn't actually told them what she was up to this weekend-she said she was visiting a mate from the army. Well that wasn't strictly a lie-but she hadn't actually told them about Charles. There had never really been the right time plus of course they like everyone else had assumed that she was sweet on Smurf. Having then gone straight back out to Afghanistan after his funeral everything had been a bit of whirlwind. Even arriving back home she'd only stayed pretty much overnight before getting the first train she could to Bath. As per usual she'd dig herself into the perfect Molly sized hole.
This wasn't the time to be going over this in her head-she still had a nearly 2 hour train journey she could think it all through again. She closed her eyes to shut out the thoughts going round and round her brain, before drifting into a light doze.
Downstairs in the kitchen Charles had wished that he had put a few more clothes on-the cold kitchen floor was slowly drawing all the heat from his body. Well he hoped that he would soon be warm enough after cooking up another feast for Molly. Preparation and organisation was key as always. He got out all the utensils, crockery, cutlery, cups and glasses before he started-then wondered how on earth he was going to get everything up the stairs. Soon he was juggling tea, coffee, two frying pans and a chopping board covered in a mass of fruit. Even nipping down into the basement as quickly as he could-he was highly impressed with himself that he hadn't managed to burn a thing and every had been ready all at the same time.
"Logistics Charles logistics" he muttered to himself as he carefully balanced everything on two trays, before slowing ascending the stair case. Pleased that Molly was dozing as he made it to the doorway, he quietly placed the first tray on the floor before going back for the second.
He didn't need to wake her as her sugar sensitive nose sniffed out the sweet aroma from the steaming plate as he walked through the door.
"Mmmm that smells good-it's definitely not Coco Pops though"
"No it bloody isn't"
He sat on the bed as she shuffled herself back up to sitting and presented her with a stack of huge pancakes. Staring wide eyed he offered her with a variety of toppings- bacon, fruit, butter or syrup all balanced on the first tray.
"Now as much as I know you love a teabag of a morning Molly, could I possible persuade you to a glass of bubbly?"
"You trying to get me drunk again?!" she snorted
"No, just a Sunday morning treat. Don't let me force you-there is tea or freshly squeezed orange juice if you'd prefer" The second tray was placed on the bed-leaving her totally spoilt for choice.
"Well, I might be able to force down one glass"
"I hoped you might say that" as he whipped out two champagne flutes, "That makes up for me running down into the freezing basement in just my boxers"
"Oh down to the wine cellar was it?" she laughed jokingly
"Actually yes"
"Shut up you've got a wine cellar! You don't keep your beer down there as well do you? Never invite my dad round he'd move in"
"Perfect temperature for wine down there and no, no beer"
He popped the cork and carefully poured without spilling a drop. He passed her a glass and held his aloft.
"Here's to us Molly. It's just the beginning but I hope that this is the first of many more happy mornings we get to spend together"
"I'll drink to that". She took a large swig and suppressed a cough as the bubbles went straight up her nose. Charles laughed and kissed her lightly on the lips-both of them tasting of the dry tang of the sparkling liquid.
"Come on dig in before it all gets cold"
Once again Moly was soon fit to burst, groaning as she sat slumped against the headboard.
"I can't eat another thing, I'm stuffed. Are you one of those feeders-you know who like to fatten people up?"
"You're making me sound like the witch from Hansel and Gretel. Oh my apologies for spoiling you-next time it'll be 5 and 10k runs every morning instead"
"Maybe every other day-though there are always other 'exercise' options Charles" she purred, tracing circles on his chest with her fingertip.
"I think you're the one trying to kill me here" he said looking down at those sparkling green eyes
"Well I am a trained killer"
"Yeah but so am I" He said with a raised eyebrow
"But technically you're kind of retired now…..so I need to keep you fit"
"Bloody cheeky cockney-right for that you are showering on your own"
She pouted out her bottom lip and give him the famous puppy dog eyes again, but gave up as he was giving her back his classic "Captain stern face" expression.
It didn't last long before they were both smirking back at each other.
"Go on Molls, you get in the shower, I was thinking we could go out for another walk as all that rain seems to have passed and I could take you out for lunch before you go back ok?"
"Fine-what are you going to do that's going to keep you away from me then?"
"Sadly for me-clearing up the mess I've made in the kitchen- but if I'm quick I might still catch you"
"Well go on then-what you still doing sitting down!"
She laughed as he decided to put on some clothes this time before stacking everything to take back down.
"Oh but you can leave the bottle and the glasses babe" she winked as he left.
Molly sighed as she finished the last mouthful in her glass, before finally managing to roll herself out of bed towards the shower. She hoped this lunch place wouldn't be anywhere posh as she only had one clean top left and this idea of walking beforehand meant she wouldn't be wearing heels. She let out an audible ahhh as the warm water cascaded over her body. Yes Molly she thought to herself best Sunday morning ever.
After sloshing the not drunk cups of tea and coffee all over the tray, Charles also had his hands in warm water but sadly with washing up liquid rather than the more pleasant idea of Molly's soap covered breasts or pert buttocks that was distracting him as he scrubbed. Luckily there wasn't much to do and after he'd finished stacking the dishwasher he dried his hands on a tea towel. He sat down at the island again-replaying all the little moments they'd shared together these last few days in his head and sad at how quiet the place would be without her when she'd gone this afternoon.
His buzzing phone distracted his wistfulness, a text from his parents to say that they'd be back home from their latest trip tomorrow if he didn't mind picking them up from Bristol Airport. No that would be fine-it would be a good idea to keep himself busy again. He replied back to them, then looked at the screen again at the picture of him and Molly together-perfect. He then remembered something that he'd bought her at Wookey and had stashed into one of the kitchen drawers.
He pulled out the paper bag and tipped out the contents. One piece was already wrapped and deciding to write on the other, he had to rack his brain to think of the appropriate words he wanted to say. They eventually came to him-though a quick check on Google filled in the gaps, before he put both bits back into the bag and folding the top over to keep all the contents in. He tucked it into the bottom of her handbag, hoping she wouldn't discover it until she was halfway home or when she'd got back.
Sprinting back up the stairs, to see if he could join her in the shower he was sadly out of luck. She was already wrapped in several towels inspecting the contents of her bag.
"Sorry Charles, I couldn't wait that long-I've got to get my bag packed and this place for lunch better not be posh-I'm not exactly prepared for posh places and I'm not wearing that dress I wore last night for a walk or the train journey home. Imagine the stares I'd get on the tube!"
"Well then I'd be very jealous" He grabbed her from behind and covered her shoulder and neck with kisses, before the turban tumbled into his face and her mass of unruly curls were everywhere. Molly turned and laughed at him looking crestfallen.
"It's a sign Charlie-now get in that shower-my train is at quarter past four so I'm not sure how much time we've got left"
Unhappy she was right he marched off to the bathroom. By the time he was finished, she was already packed and dressed and was sat on the bed fiddling with her hair.
"Stupid question me asking if you've got a hair dryer"
"Sorry Molly no luck on that front"
As she continued to brush her hair, her eyes were soon diverted as he dropped his towel. She watched the planes and muscles of his body move as he opened wardrobe doors and drawers pulling out his choice of outfit for the day. His confidence and pure maleness was a sight to behold.
"Are you watching me?" he asked not even turning round
"Well you are kind of distracting"
"I can't say anyone has been particularly interested in watching me get dressed".
He assertively stepped into his underwear and jeans, before pulling on an expensive looking V-necked jumper that was a snug enough fit to just cling in all the right places.
"They don't know what they've been missing"
Grabbing his watch it was already 11 o'clock, luckily the place he'd chosen for lunch wasn't too far away but it meant that sadly he had less than five hours left in her company.
"Come on then, let's go get some fresh air and work off that breakfast"
It was cold back down at Victoria Park. Even the children and ducks that had been there just a few days before seemed to have deserted the place. They wandered hand in hand around to the botanical gardens section of the park which earlier in the year would have been awash with colour, yet sadly the roses were back to bare twig and the borders were now just varying shades of green. Molly seemed to be slowly adjusting to her aversion of trees-maybe because the conifers were smaller and were more rounded and appealing in shape thanks to the obvious dedicated work of the park keepers.
With numb fingers and rosy cheeks, they made their way back towards their lunch destination. After a good twenty minutes, they arrived at an unassuming café. The interior was simple rather than opulent and even though it appeared to have a discerning clientele the menu prices were actually quite reasonable. The staff looked like they should have been waiting tables at a Parisian bistro rather than a quintessentially English Georgian building in Bath.
Confirming their reservation with the staff at the door, they were shown to a small table for two.
Perusing the menus, Charles had a familiar grin on his face
"What are you smirking at?" Molly enquired
"I'm just remembering that I'm not going to make the mistake again of asking if you'd like me to order for you!"
"Yeah don't you forget it-I'm perfectly capable of doing things myself thanks"
"I have gathered and seen on many an occasion Molly"
"To be truthful though-I don't know what half of it is any way-but the words steak or fish and chips are easy enough!" She gave him that same look again and he refrained from saying anything further.
Lunch was punctuated with smiles and coy looks as they struggled to consume the largest pieces of fish they'd ever seen. Forced to leave a considerable amount on their plates, they were finally able to hold hands once again. Charles stroked the soft skin on the back of her hand as he drank rather unexciting sparkling water.
"So, what's next then Molly Dawes. After you go home today?"
Molly felt her heart plummet. She'd wanted to avoid thinking about leaving him until they were literally on their way to the station. But ever the planner Charles was always a step ahead.
"I don't know to be honest. I'll go back home-the bleeders and my dad will drive me nuts and I'll be wanting to get back on the first plane to Afghan. I promised I'd meet up with Jacks as she's home at the moment but that's all I've planned-well apart from seeing you obviously. I've only got 10 days"
"Well you've got to make the most of it Molly-you need make sure that you fully rest and recover. Have they sent you any updates on what they want you to do next?"
"There's been a few training courses but it's been a bit quiet. I dunno I've just got a feeling that something big is going to kick off somewhere"
"You don't know that. I might have to ask my sources-you never know after your last star performance they might be begging you to go back and train up some more medics"
"Well I hope you're right"
An awkward silence fell. Charles cast his eyes downward and fiddled with his empty glass.
"I want to see you again-before you get taken away from me"
"So do I Charles-I wish I had longer"
"Will you let me know what you're up to-keep me up to date?"
"You know I will. Everyday."
"Promise?"
"I promise"
They were glad to be interrupted by a waitress this time before they had both dissolved into floods of tears.
After refusing pudding and Charles gallantly settling the bill-there was no chance of Molly paying half that was a losing battle before she started. Arm in arm they slowly meandered their way back up the Royal Crescent and back through the front door. Molly took another look at the entrance hall the hoping that she might return here sooner rather than later.
"Will you come for Christmas?" Charles asked as if he was reading her mind.
"Are you properly asking me this time?"
"Yes, I'm properly asking you"
Molly looked about imagining all the decorations, a real tree, a log fire and the smells of hopefully some more of his amazing cooking.
"I'd love too"
He grabbed her in his arms and spun her round and round until she started to giggle.
"Well then at least that's one thing we can look forward to and plan ahead for. My mum will love it another woman in the house to keep her company!"
"Are you sure she'll like me?"
"Why wouldn't she. She'll adore you just like I do"
"You old charmer"
"Well you'd better watch it you haven't met my dad yet!"
With only an hour or so left, Charles made some tea and they sat quietly, on the sofa together. Just enjoying the peace, the warmth and feel of each other's bodies. They tried to ignore the minutes that were counting down, but Molly was becoming fidgety and restless. She found the book of poetry that she had left on the Sunday afternoon and tried to focus on anything that would catch her eye.
"Did you want to take that with you-something to read on the train?"
"Could do-would give me something to do if I don't fall asleep-good job I'm going all the way to the final stop!"
"Would you read me some?"
"Not today-we've got to get your stuff together but I will I promise, I'll find a special one just for you"
Molly sighed and clutched the book. She threw it into her handbag and grabbed her coat and hat as Charles took her bag. He threw them onto the back seat of the car and soon they were off toward the station.
It was only a ten minute drive, but it seemed to pass much more quickly. They drove under the railway arches into the car park at the back of the station and pretty much walked in silence to the front of the building. Molly was even more upset when she saw the barriers there and realised that he wouldn't be able to wave her off from the platform. She practically leapt into his arm, tears now streaming down her face.
"I don't want to go"
"But Molly you must-it's ok. This is the army way of life-I know what it's like remember. I'll make sure I see you real soon"
The ticket inspector keeping watch at the gates gazed at this sight-oh to be young and in love again. Those were the days the first flush of youth.
"Did you say Army young man?" he interrupted
"Sorry?"
"Someone mentioned Army are you in the forces?"
"Well I am" Molly sniffed wiping her face "and he's just left"
"I'm ex-forces myself-I remember those tearful goodbyes. Come on I'll let your chap through, I can't stand the sight of a pretty girl in tears"
"Oh thank you you're a real gent" beamed Molly. Charles shook his hand as they passed.
They made their way onto the platform. He enveloped her in his arms, holding on to her down to those last precious moments. The train pulled in and they gazed at each other tenderly.
"I love you Charles-I'll call you when I get back"
"I love you Molls, come back to me?"
"I will don't worry" She smiled sweetly before they kissed each other with delicate softness.
She had to dash to grab a seat before the doors closed. He followed her along the platform to her window seat and blew kisses. As the train pulled away they both waved as he continued to walk, then run with the train. Before long he was lost and out of sight as the train pulled away.
Charles was feeling slightly despondent and walked with his head down, hands in pockets back towards the exit and the inspector.
"She gone then"
"Yeah, yeah-I've always been the one leaving I've never really been on the receiving end, it's tougher than I thought"
"It'll get easier son, I promise. Now you go home and put your feet up, you'll do neither of you any good by being miserable"
Charles thanked him again before making his way back towards the car. He glanced at his phone again and smiled. That gorgeous Molly Dawes face gazing back at him.
Firing off a quick text- Missing you already, Check your bag C x
Molly had just about managed to compose herself and was about to plug her headphones in to block the chatter in the rest of the compartment, when she received a text from Charles.
"Check your bag?" she queried. What had she forgotten she usually did that when she stayed at someone's- a pair of shoes or a handbag.
She rooted around and came across a small paper bag. Pulling it out, she unfolded the top and poured the contents onto the small fold down tray.
There was a small black velvet pouch and what appeared to be a small roll of paper. She couldn't resist and opened the small bag first there inside was a small Rose quartz heart pendant-a pale delicate pink. She remembered that he must have bought it at the crystal grotto bit of the shop at the caves and the look of the paper it was the special handmade pages they sold at the mill.
She unrolled the paper and began to read.
"Just a little gift from me to you-to keep for when I'm not with you. This gift is meant to calm and soothe. It's to remind you to love yourself and never think you're not good enough and to be happy in the moment and with no need for haste. (Ok well that's what it said in the shop)
I wanted to write some words from the heart-but I think someone else had already written some pretty great ones:
I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)
I am never without it (anywhere I go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)
I fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet)
I want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
And it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
And whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
And this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)
C x
AN: Apologies for the delays-the next chapters are planned but I've been away for a month and will crack on as soon as I'm back behind my laptop! Thanks again for the all lovely reviews x