Studying herself in the mirror, Carla was pleasantly surprised with the reflection she saw looking back. Her make up was immaculate, her shiny hair was lightly curled and the outfit she had picked out accentuated her figure perfectly. She had chosen a high necked, satin, black dress, it had long sleeves that cuffed at the end and it stopped mid-thigh, she added tights as there was a chill in the air as well as her favourite pair of black ankle boots.
Carla walked across the cobbles slowly, the slight heel of her boots along with the uneven surface always made her cautious when walking alone. She headed towards the ginnel and couldn't help but feel giddy at the thought of Peter's surprise, she usually wasn't a fan of surprises but she had a strong feeling she was going to enjoy this one.
"You made it." Peter's soft voice spoke with excitement as Carla walked towards him in the darkness.
"Of course I made it." She grinned and gave him a peck on the lips after quickly checking that no one was around.
He took a step back and looked her up and down, "You look incredible."
Carla copied his actions, "You don't look so bad yourself." She admired the shirt and trousers he had on underneath his unbuttoned coat, "I didn't know where we going or what we were doing so I hope this is okay?" She gestured to her outfit.
"It's perfect. You're perfect." He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and stroked her cheek with his thumb, "Nice try by the way but I'm still not telling you where we're going."
"Ugh, you're so annoying." She swatted his chest lightly and pouted her lips.
He chuckled at her childlike reaction, "Come on stroppy, the car is just round the corner." He took her hand, laced their fingers together and led her to his car.
The couple were only in the car for around fifteen minutes before Peter began to slow down as they neared an expensive and grand hotel.
"Here we are." Peter announced smugly as he gazed across at Carla who was looking out of the passenger window in amazement.
"We're staying here?" She asked as Peter parked the car.
"Yep." He grinned, "I remembered you once said you'd love to stay here so I called up earlier to see it they had any rooms available and here we are."
She turned back to face him with a loving smile stretched across her face, "Baby… This must have cost a fortune."
"Oh, that's the other thing…"
"What's the other thing?" She questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"We sold the pub today, just before I went to the cinema with Si actually. I would've told you earlier but I probably would've received a delightful comment from Michelle about how you both couldn't care less." He chuckled as he remembered how cold Michelle had been earlier.
"That's fair enough I suppose." She laughed, "So who bought it?"
"Wouldn't you like to know.."
"Peter!" She whined.
"You know him quite well actually." He continued to wind her up and received her famous death glare for it, "Okay, okay I'll tell ya. Your dad is the new landlord of The Rovers Return."
"Eh? Johnny?"
"Unless you have any other dads I don't know about, yeah that's the one."
"Funny. Wow, wasn't expecting that." She admitted, "I wonder why he hasn't told me yet."
"I'm not sure love. I couldn't exactly ask him if I could tell you because he would've been suspicious as to why but I wasn't going to not tell you. Maybe just act surprised when he does?"
"Good idea. Looks like its celebrations all round tonight then." Carla winked before she got out of the car.
The two of them got their luggage out of the boot and walked the short distance across the car park and into the entrance of the hotel. The reception area was very spacious with a dark interior, the mixture of black, dark brown and gold was so warm and inviting, it was what drew Carla to the hotel in the first place when she saw pictures of it a few years prior. Whilst she briefly took in her surroundings, Peter walked over to the blonde haired woman behind the front desk.
"Hi, I booked a room for two earlier under Barlow, Peter Barlow."
"Welcome to the Dakota Hotel, Mr Barlow." She smiled and began typing rapidly onto the keyboard in front of her, "Your room number is 703, 7th floor. If you need any assistance with anything please use the telephone or smart television in your room and we'll be happy to help."
"Will do." He nodded.
"If you could just sign your name and the date here please."
He picked the black pen up that was provided and followed her instructions, "All done."
"That's great. Here's your key card." She placed it on the top section of the desk.
He put it straight into his pocket, "Thank you."
Carla made her way over to Peter after having a quick look around, she gave him a quick peck on the cheek to show how grateful she was as soon as she reached him. In response, he placed his arm around her waist lovingly and gave it a soft squeeze.
"The lifts are just down there." The lady instructed whilst pointing her index finger and flashing a welcoming smile at Carla, "Have a lovely stay Mr and Mrs Barlow."
Just as Peter was about to correct her Carla spoke first, "Thank you, I'm sure we will."
Instead of saying anything and ruining the moment Peter took hold of Carla's free hand, laced their fingers together and walked towards the lift.
"Oh my god, this room is… Wow." Carla stated in awe as she padded through the door of their luxury suite.
Peter whistled in agreement, "Yeah, it's alright isn't it?"
The spacious suite had a grey and white theme throughout, the walls were a concrete grey shade which matched the frame of the luxurious king size bed and accents within the room. On the other side of the suite a table and two velvet chairs were placed near the wall mounted flatscreen television with a coffee machine, tray of different flavoured teas and a complimentary fridge containing all different snacks and drinks close by. The bathroom had a grey and white roll-top bath in the centre with a big rainfall shower to the right as well as his and hers sinks to the left.
"Ey love, come here!" Peter called across the room at Carla who was eyeing up the cosy matching dressing gowns and slippers provided in the large wardrobe.
She happily skipped across the room and noticed that the balcony door was open, quickly assuming that was where Peter had gone, she stepped out onto it.
"What's up?" She shivered at the breeze.
"Look at this view isn't it amazing?" He gestured to the lit up Manchester city skyline.
"Yeah, it's gorgeous." She sighed dreamily, "I can't believe you've done this."
Peter turned towards Carla, took her hands in his and gently pulled her towards him, "I just wanted to treat you, to show you how much I love you."
"Peter, I.." She knew how she felt but couldn't quite get the words out as she suddenly got emotional.
"Shhh it's okay, come here."
He let go of her hands and instead brought her into his embrace by wrapping his arms around her, she responded by placing her arms around his waist and hugging him tightly. He kissed the top of her head and breathed in the comforting scent of her shampoo like he always did. Cuddled together contently, they watched the city night life play out in front of them.
"Have you got your watch on?" Peter asked a few minutes later.
"Yeah why? Have you got somewhere you need to be?" Carla joked.
He nodded, "Yep, we both have actually."
"Eh?" Her jaw dropped in shock and confusion.
He reached out and closed her mouth with a chuckle, "There's a terrace bar and restaurant, I booked it for 8pm so we have…" He picked up her wrist to look at her watch and calculated the amount of time, "10 minutes until we need to be there."
"You're crazy, Barlow."
"Crazy for you, Connor."
She let out a loud cackle that made him smile from ear to ear, "So cheesy."
"I know but you love it don't ya." He winked.
"Oh do I? Who told ya that?" She grinned widely.
"The massive grin on your mush, love."
"Alright you got me." She continued to smile cutely, "Now gimme a kiss and then we can go."
"Yes ma'am." He jokingly saluted before leaning down and pressing his lips against hers.
The couple arrived at the terraced bar, a much loved hideaway that people came to regularly whether they were staying in the hotel or not. It had a retractable roof and was heated, so even on chilly nights, it was a perfect romantic setting. The decor made it feel as though you were sitting in a heavenly garden in the sky, greenery surrounded the seating area and made the perfect backdrop for all occasions.
Carla and Peter sat at their reserved table in the corner, the chairs had pillows for extra comfort and there was a candle placed in the centre for added warmth and light.
"It's mainly small plates and light bites, I figured because you ate with Michelle earlier and I ate with Si that we wouldn't want anything too big." Peter explained as Carla picked up the menu and studied it.
"You really have thought of everything haven't ya? I'm impressed darlin'."
"I don't wanna blow my own trumpet or anything but yeah, I have." Peter smirked.
"Careful, your ego isn't gonna fit through the hotel door later."
"Better calm it down then, can't be having that can we?"
Carla shook her head and chuckled, "Ey, it says they do non alcoholic cocktails, shall we try some?"
"You can have an alcoholic drink, you know it doesn't bother me."
She reached across the table and took hold of his fingers, "I know I can but I don't want to."
"Well we get a complimentary glass of Champagne as we're hotel guests, I've already told them we only need one but yeah."
"Fine, one glass of Champagne but that's all I'm having."
He chuckled, "I thought that would twist ya arm."
"You know me too well." She hummed before scanning the menu again, "Everything sounds delicious can we get a few small plates between us and share?"
"Yeah, good idea love. What do ya fancy? I like the look of the-"
"Let me guess, the steak slices?" She interrupted confidently with a smirk on her face.
Peter nodded happily, "Looks like you know me too well too, not that I'm surprised or anything, we were married." He chuckled to himself but caught Carla's smile falter ever so slightly, "What's up?"
"Ey? Nothing." She brushed him off.
"Car, tell me."
"Just the whole married comment earlier and then just now, I can't believe we're here... We're really doing this aren't we?"
"As long as it's what you want... You do still want this right?" He asked concerned.
"Of course I do. It's just... After me swearing to you, myself and well, everybody really that we'd never get back together after what you did, it sometimes hits me that I've gone completely against that." She watched his face drop, "I'm so glad I did though. I think it's the reactions of the people closest to me that I'm more scared about rather than us giving it another go if that makes sense?" He nodded in relief at what she was saying, "You're my soulmate Peter and there isn't anywhere else I'd rather be." She concluded whilst lacing their fingers together.
"You promise?" He held her gaze to make sure she was wasn't lying.
Carla made sure to not break their eye contact as she knew what he was doing, "I promise baby."
"Okay, I believe ya." He replied truthfully.
"Good lad. Now what else are we gonna get with your beloved steak slices? Hm?"
Satisfied that she really was okay he dropped it, "Whatever you want, as long as it's not the squid." He spoke with disgust.
"Ha, still not a fan then?"
"Absolutely not." He grimaced at the thought of eating the rubbery seafood, "What do you like the look of then?"
"Crispy cauliflower, prawn tempura, grilled halloumi, caesar salad." She listed animatedly.
"They all sound good. Tell ya what, just pick a couple of em' oh and make it fast because the waiter is coming over." He nodded towards the direction of the waiter on his way over to them holding a tray with a cold glass of Champagne and a jug of fresh water.
"Oooh the pressure." Carla mumbled quietly making Peter laugh.
After devouring the delicious food and tasting a few of the different non alcoholic cocktails, Carla and Peter headed back to their luxury suite so they could make the most of it.
Peter was laid back comfortably on the bed replying to a text message from Simon whilst Carla was behind the glass door next to him running a bath. It was packed with bubbles, the sweet scent of vanilla and honey filled the room gorgeously. She padded out of the bathroom wearing one of the soft, white hotel dressing gowns, her face was free of makeup and her hair was scraped up into a messy bun but she was glowing.
She seductively walked towards Peter but stopped at the end of the bed and leant on it, "Wanna come scrub my back?"
"Is the Pope catholic?!"
Carla laughed expecting nothing less, turned back around and walked towards the bath not giving Peter another word or glance. She took the dressing gown off slowly, placed it on a hook on the marbled wall knowing that Peter would be watching her from behind then stepped into the bubbled, warm water and waited for him to join her.
Peter immediately made his way into the bathroom, he grabbed the second dressing gown on the way and placed it next to Carla's. He quickly stripped off and joined her in the bath, he sat opposite her so they were facing each other. This was the first time they'd been naked in front of each other in years but as they both expected there wasn't any awkwardness as they knew every inch of each other inside and out.
"So, what are you planning on doing with the money from the pub then mister?" Carla asked as she leant back against the bath and positioned her legs over Peter's.
Peter sighed dreamily at the sight in front of him, "I'm not sure yet, I suppose it kinda depends on whatever you decide to do."
"How comes?"
"Well… If you want to stay in Devon, I'll eventually move down there to be with you so there's no point in me buying a place in Weatherfield yet. I'll probably rent somewhere for a while, maybe Victoria Court or something." He watched her and noticed the way she chewed on her lip anxiously, "Hey, there's no pressure. I'm happy to wait as long as you need, you know that."
"Thank you, baby."
"There's no need to thank me, love."
"Just accept it." She lightly flicked her foot and splashed water at his chest.
He reached out and caught her foot before she had the chance to put it back in the water, she giggled when he kissed her ankle as his rough stubble tickled her soft skin.
"I think I just need to go back there for a bit to see if it's actually where I want to be you know?" She thought out loud, "Maybe you can come and stay with me after a week or two."
"I would love nothing more, you just say when and I'll be there with bells on." He smiled at her lovingly.
Carla chuckled and manoeuvred slowly towards Peter, she placed a tender kiss on his lips before carefully spinning round and settling between his legs. She leaned back against him with a content sigh and he wrapped his arms around her from behind, she rested hers on top, linking their fingers together intimately.
"Love, can you stop fidgeting please."
"Sorry I'm getting uncomfortable, we have been in here a while." Carla moved again and felt something brush against her back which made her realise why Peter's voice sounded strained.
"Maybe you should get out then?" He replied nonchalantly.
She turned to face him and smirked, "Or we could both get out, go to bed and ya know, not sleep." She bit her bottom lip seductively and he swallowed at the sight.
Silently thrilled with his reaction, Carla reached around the back of Peter's neck and gently pulled his head down so their lips could meet passionately.
He pulled away after a few minutes, "Car... I er, don't want you to think I only booked this so you would sleep with me."
"Peter." She cackled in amusement, "I don't think that at all. It is a bonus though because we can't exactly do it at Roy's or Ken's whilst they are there can we? Unless we're really quiet but that's unlikely."
He laughed and shook his head in agreement, "Are you sure?" He gazed into her eyes and stroked her bottom lip with his thumb.
Carla enveloped her lips around his thumb and bit it playfully before pulling away and standing up, "I'm sure." She stepped out of the bath gracefully, "Now please get out of there, we're not having sex for the first time in years in a bath tub, no matter how lovely it is."
Peter gazed at her in amazement as he followed her orders and stepped out of the bath, "I do love you, Carla Connor." He pulled her towards him and placed a kiss on her lips once he was stood next to her.
"Mmm, that's good to know because... I love you too, Peter Barlow."
Peter instantly scooped Carla up into his arms bridal style, the surprised squeal and giggle that escaped her lips was like music to his ears. He carried her through to the luxurious kingsize bed and placed her down onto the cloud like mattress with ease.
Neither of them cared that their bodies were still slightly damp with bath water, they were too wrapped up in each other emotionally and physically, and that wasn't going to change any time soon.
a/n: as always thank you for the reviews, i appreciate them all so much :)
