Chapter Three
Shyness kicked in when Charlie arrived at the reception desk of the hotel. For the drive, she had been happy. She and Joey had talked and laughed the whole way, pausing only to put the stereo on and sing loudly with the windows down. Charlie couldn't remember ever being as happy as she was now. No man had ever treated her the way Joey did and with just one look, she felt completely adored. But now, attempting to book a double room for herself and her female partner was a little nerve wracking. Joey stepped up and held her hand carefully, out of sight of the receptionist who was smiling with standard hospitality.
"We have a room booked in the name of Charlotte Buckton," Joey said, opting to take the lead.
Charlie smiled gratefully at her and kept a firm hold of her hand. The woman looked the reservation up on the computer. She looked back at them. Charlie flushed.
"A double room, is it?" the woman checked.
"That's right," Joey said without hesitation.
She smiled cheerfully. The woman smiled back and processed them. Charlie began to relax. There had been no raised eyebrows, no judgement and no disgust. It made her feel immediately better. She too managed a smile as the receptionist swiped her credit card and handed them the electronic key to their room.
"You're up on the third floor, room 315. Would you like someone to help you with your bags?"
"No, we're fine," Charlie said pleasantly. "Thank you."
They continued to hold hands as they made their way to the lift.
"That wasn't so bad," Charlie admitted.
The lift doors opened and Joey beamed at her as they stepped inside. She had worried a little that Charlie would get to the front door and backtrack. She had been afraid that every little step would be a step too far and Charlie would change her mind. They'd checked into a hotel the night before but both ha been so full of lust that even Charlie hadn't blanched at booking them in. A naughty smile crept onto Joey's face as the thought about just how amazing their night had been.
"What?" Charlie asked curiously as they flew up to the third floor.
"I was just thinking about last night," Joey replied.
Charlie grinned too as memories flashed through her mind. She squeezed Joey's hand and they stepped out of the lift together. Turning right, they threaded their way down the corridor and stopped at the right door. Charlie set her bags down and so did Joey. Just as Charlie was about to swipe the card in the door in order to let them in, Joey leant forward and kissed her. Surprised but thrilled, Charlie kissed her back. A man and woman walked down the corridor. Charlie and Joey barely noticed.
"This is going to be a weekend to remember," Charlie said certainly when their lips finally parted.
She turned and let them into the room, closing the door quickly, dropping their bags and pulling Joey closer again. Their kisses became more urgent. Joey nudged Charlie carefully back towards the bed. Within seconds, they had tumbled onto the mattress, still kissing. Coming up for air, Joey smiled and gazed at Charlie's face.
"Never in all my life did I ever think I'd be so lucky as to be with someone as amazing as you," she said sincerely.
Charlie reached up and stroked Joey's hair. She smiled into her face, taking in her features and thinking about just how lucky she was.
"I think I'm the lucky one, Joey," she said seriously.
Joey laughed. Charlie shifted so that Joey was lying on the mattress too. They turned on their sides, bodies pressed close and looked at each other.
"I don't deserve you," Charlie said.
"Charlie..."
"I've hurt you so much and you... you've been so patient and so loving. You... You mean everything to me, Joey and I can't believe I came so close to losing you."
Joey held Charlie's hand. She lifted it to her lips and kissed it gently.
"For every tear I've cried," she said. "For every day that I waited... to be here with you now makes everything worthwhile."
Charlie blushed. She was sure she didn't deserve Joey and all the love she offered but she was happy to accept it. Leaning forward and unsure of what to say, she kissed her. Guiding her backwards onto the bed, she let her lips trail down Joey's jaw, neck and collarbone. She touched her hand to her breast, in awe of a body that she was starting to get to know very well.
"I've never been in love before," she whispered. "And I'm so happy that the first and last person I'll love is you."
Joey opened her mouth in surprise at Charlie's level of devotion. Charlie made her laugh in surprise by kissing her again, immediately deepening it. Joey wrapped her arms around Charlie's neck, pulling her closer and feeling their hearts beat together.
"I've never loved anyone before either," the deckhand ventured. "I must have been waiting for the best."
Charlie beamed at her and kissed her again. They were interrupted by Joey's tummy rumbling, making them laugh.
"Hungry?" Charlie asked.
"Nope," Joey lied.
Charlie shrugged herself down Joey's body. She lifted her t-shirt and kissed her abdomen.
"Are you hungry?" she asked it.
Joey's stomach growled in response.
"I'll take that as a yes," Charlie said.
She pressed her lips against Joey's smooth, warm skin again and then climbed off the bed. Pulling Joey with her, she announced that they were heading out to get some food in the finest restaurant they could find and that it was all Charlie's treat.
