Laura woke and rolled over to see two brown eyes looking back at her. 'Well, good morning you.'

She reached out to push a lock of hair back from the face of Charlie who was yawning as he climbed into her bed. She looked at the clock 6am. She needed to get up, shower and go. It was going to be a long day.

'So Charlie you know you have to stay in your room we talked about this last week.'

'I had a bad dream, I was scared.'

'Ah, okay well no bad dreams in here poppet. Snuggle up for a few minutes and then I have to get up and go to work. You remembered I am working today? Ellie is taking you swimming, you are going to have a lot of fun.'

A frown came over the face of Charlie Jones as he gazed up at Laura. Gosh those eyes, it was uncanny how similar they were to Jake's. The deep brown colour she had not noticed it before. But of course up until yesterday she had not had the opportunity to see them in such close proximity. Thinking back to the events of last night she felt herself blush.' She looked down as she heard a giggle. 'What's so funny?'

'You are all pink Auntie Laura. Is funny.'

'I am not. Close your eyes Charlie go back to sleep.'

Charlie closed his eyes still giggling and Laura pulled him close. His little body soon relaxed and drifted off to sleep. She listened to him breathing wanting to close her eyes also and stay in bed. Thinking about the day ahead she ran through what she would need to do first thing. After a few minutes she untangled herself from him and headed for the shower.

Forty minutes later she was in her car on her way to the hotel. Ellie had been downstairs with the kettle on when Laura had arrived dressed and ready to head out the door. She had made her eat some toast and drink a cup of tea despite Laura's protests about needing to get to work.

Parking her car she walked up the drive to the hotel glancing up at one of the windows she felt herself blush when she realised Jake was standing there looking straight at her. She stopped and looked back at him. She felt a shot of adrenaline run through her and lifted her hand to wave receiving a sardonic smile in return as he turned and moved away. Disappointed that he was able to affect her when he was behind a window she was furious that her hand was just acting on its own accord now, waving what the hell she thought as she stomped through the hotel to her office.

At 7.30 am she was in the ballroom with her team assembled in front of her. At no sign of Jake relief swept through her and she began her briefing. Issuing last minute instructions to the team. Twenty minutes later the team began dispersing and she saw Jake sitting in the corner of the room. He had been there the whole time. He must have known to stay out of sight. She was grateful for that. But, she needed to speak to him about last night. Apologise for what had happened.

Jules appeared in front of her. 'Morning, you okay?' Laura nodded and tried to look around her friend to where Jake was sitting. The chair was empty. Disappointment flooded through her and must have shown on her face. 'Laura, whats wrong?'

'Huh, nothing, sorry Jules walk with me to the office. Lets go over the evening plan. You might need to brief the late team if I am not free.'

'Sure Laura erm you are alright are you? You look distracted. Not still thinking about last night?'

Laura shook her head. 'Of course not it was a mistake we, just well it was a mistake.'

'Yeah, yeah of course. You are still staying tonight?'

'Yes, I have a bag in the car. It's going to be a long day eh? Are you staying?' Jules shook her head. 'No, Pete will come and get me he wont sleep if I am not there.'

'You two, really what are you like.' Jules laughed. 'I know, but we like to wake up next to each other. It will happen to you one day love. Now before I forget here is your key for tonight. Brian okayed it so don't refuse it but you are in the Faversham Suite.'

'Whaaat? No, I don't need to be in there Jules. Seriously it's such a waste.'

Jules was not listening to her distracted by what was in front of them. Jake was walking towards them. 'Morning Jake so a man of the night eh with your moonlight runs. You're a man of so many secrets.' Jake smiled 'Jules nothing gets past you eh?'

Jake looked at Laura as Jules carried on talking. His eyes searching her face for something, she looked down unable to maintain eye contact.

'Not much love, not much. Now before I forget we have had to move your room due the wedding. You are still staying tonight?'

'Yes, probably guess I should move my stuff then.' Jules took him by the elbow. 'Lets do that now I will come with you.' She turned to look at Laura. 'Back in 15 Laura ok.' Jake seemed surprised by Jules grabbing his arm but made no effort to pull away and began walking towards the main part of the hotel.

Laura had not moved, not spoken and suddenly they were walking away from her. Jake looked over his shoulder as Jules pulled him along. He was dressed casually; the low slung jeans only emphasised his long legs and the teeshirt clung to the contours of his body. She realised she was staring at him, looking him up and down, remembering touching his skin, how alive she had felt at that one moment. Her fingers tingled as she looked up hot, flushed, embarrassed. His eyes caught hers and he gave a knowing half smile just before he and Jules turned the corner. Laura stepped into her office a mass of emotions running through her head. What was happening to her? That man walking around in jeans that looked as though they were sprayed on. It wasn't right she thought the man just oozed sex appeal.

Puzzled as to why Jules would be moving Jake's room as he was no where near the wedding party rooms. She looked at her desk and the most beautiful vase of flowers was sat in the middle with an envelope propped against it. She sat down and reached for the envelope, opening it slowly she pulled out the card inside.

Laura, My sincere apologies for yesterday. Best, Jake

Laura looked at her watch it was just after 8 am. How on earth had he managed to organise this? And why did he feel the need to apologise? She sat looking at the card, his handwriting was simple but neat. Of course it would be she thought. The message was short, curt even. Now she was even more confused. She touched her lips remembering the feel of his lips on hers the way his hands had entwined in her hair holding her still so he could kiss her at his pace. His tongue pushing deep into her mouth coaxing her to let him in.

She shuddered at the thought of it. She wanted him to make love to her, she wanted to see him naked feel his body against hers. His skin against her skin. She felt wanton. Never in her life had a man made her feel like this. Never had she wanted something of this nature to happen. She was the shy one always in the background. Never the one to chat someone up. But right now it was the only thing occupying her mind. This was so out of character what was wrong with her?

She moved the vase slightly and opened her notebook. She needed to focus, get her head into gear. She ran through the list and sat back they were ready. The wedding party would arrive after 12.30 pm. She waited for Jules to come back knowing that comments would be made about the flowers bracing herself for the onslaught.

xxxxxxxxxx

'Now Jake, this is the room you are in. It's the Hastings Suite. At this end of the hotel we just have two suites. The Faversham is opposite you.'

'Jules like I said when I arrived I don't need a suite.'

'Well, Jake sorry but the wedding party don't want to shell out for these suites so I need to keep the regular rooms available. Are you here tomorrow night I can always move you back.'

'No, I need to head back to town tomorrow morning, I have a lunch with my Mum.'

Jules looked at him. He really was a quandary she had not taken him for a Mummy's boy. But, of course behind every successful man had to be a strong bitch of a Mother. As she closed the door of the suite she looked at the door opposite Faversham Suite on the plaque. So far so good. Neither was suspicious she just had to make sure she kept them away from here at the same time so they didn't realise.

'I love it when a plan comes together.' She sang as she headed back towards Laura's office. The office door was open as she arrived and she could see the flowers before she even stepped in.

'Wow, what happened you rob a florist?' Laura went red and shook her head. She passed the card across the desk. Jules flopped down into the chair in front of her and let out a sigh. 'Oh boy he has it bad.'

'What?'

'Listen no man sends flowers to a woman if he is not interested in. I am impressed how did he manage that so early and on a Saturday.'

'No idea. And he's not interested in me just mortified probably that it happened but, why do this? Do you think he is interested in me?' Laura looked up a worried look on her face. 'No, he can't be ignore that comment.'

'Oh I think its safe to say it's on girl.' Laura picked up her notebook and threw it across the desk at Jules. 'Shut up,' She was laughing as she leaned over to retrieve it. But that soon stopped as she looked behind Jules and saw Jake standing there. His eyes were twinkling and a smile curved around his lips. How much had he heard? He had changed into a suit and looked as though he should be attending the wedding. Jules stood up and gave a whistle as she went to leave. 'My, my Jake you really do scrub up well.'

He did a mock bow and laughed as Jules winked at Laura.

'Jules thank you, erm can you check the champagne order please.' Laura looked down at her notebook. Her whole body was tingling just at the mere presence of the man.

Jules laughed and nodded. 'Sure thing Boss.' Laura watched Jules leave and dragged her eyes up from Jakes well cut suit to his face. The suit was a dark grey he had a light grey shirt and pale pink tie underneath. Handsome was an understatement. He could have been the groom he looked so good. Good enough to eat Laura thought as she gazed hungrily over him. He raised an eyebrow at her and she felt herself blush from head to toe.

'Jake I, well thank you for the flowers they are beautiful. You didn't need to do that.' She had dropped her gaze and was looking down at her hands clasped together so tightly to try and control the came around to her side of the desk and sat down on the edge. He pulled her face up to look at him. The scent of his citrus cologne wafted over her, how did he always smell so good she wondered.

'Laura what happened last night. Well, it shouldn't have happened I apologise. We are work colleagues and I don't want it to be awkward. So lets put it behind us eh?'

Laura felt tears coming so it was a mistake, there was no way someone like him could be interested in her. She pushed his hand away and lowered her head. Her voice was barely recognisable when she spoke. 'Fine, its fine I knew. I mean why would you be interested in someone like me anyway.'

Jake swung Laura's chair towards him. 'Laura I didn't mean it like that. I'm sorry I, listen to me. Look at me please.'

His warm fingers lifted her head again. His voice was no more than a whisper as he spoke 'I like you Laura, I like you a lot. But, we have known each other a few days and well my life is complicated and right now I can't handle anymore complications.'

Her tremulous lips parted as though to speak, Jake had stopped talking and was gazing at her. She stood up not sure what to do or what to say. She was eye level with him and there was no way she could get past him without him moving. She raised her eyes searching his face not sure what she was looking for and heard him groan as he reached for her and pulled her towards him. He had parted his legs and she was stood in between them. His hands sunk into her hair and brought her lips towards his. His kiss was much more measured this time his tongue tangled with her's as he held her firm. Her hands dropped onto his thighs and she was shocked at how muscular they felt beneath his suit trousers.

She felt the pressure of Jake's kiss ease and he slowly pushed her away from him. Her eyes shot open and looked straight into his. 'Laura you have to stop looking at me like that.' He laughed softly and smiled at her. She tried to move back but his hands came down to her waist and held her firm in his grip.

'Jake, I need to go. I have to erm, I need to check the ballroom. I cant do that with you holding me in a vice like grip.'

His arms fell to his side and she stepped away from him. She moved towards the door and stopped looking over her shoulder she said. 'I don't like this anymore than you do, I have a boyfriend and I have Charlie. I can't do complications.'

'Laura I didn't mean it like that, I.'

'No of course you didn't. Men never do. Please just leave me alone today I need to concentrate and focus. I cant do that if I'm worried you are going to grab me when I walk past you.'

'You have my word Laura I will not distract you again today, apologies once again. But, I cant get any more flowers so can I write you a note.' His smile was like a naughty school boy. Charlie did this to her all the time. She smiled softly back at him and walked out.

The wedding day was going perfectly. Jake had been as good as his word. In fact he had been marvellous he had greeted and assisted people to their tables for the lunch. He had poured champagne behind the bar, he had even danced with one of the Grannies. He had been a hit it was infuriating how did he do it?

Jules was standing beside Laura as they peeked in from the gardens. The lights were dimming for the evenings dancing and the band was playing softly in the background.

'High five sista I think we outdid ourselves today.'

'I know it has been amazing. My feet are bloody buzzing though I need to sit down for a bit, kick off these shoes. Why did I insist on heels this afternoon should have kept my flats on.'

A noise behind made them turn and Jake was arriving with a tray; a bottle of champagne and three glasses sitting on it. 'Ladies I think you deserve a glass of this to say well done, and before you say anything I charged it to my room.'

They walked over to the table and sat down. Jake poured and handed a glass to each of them. 'To the dream team, you have pulled off a pretty incredible day. The British Army could use people like you for logistics.'

Laughing they clinked glasses and sat back to enjoy the bubbles of the champagne. 'Wow this is good, I cannot remember the last time I drank a glass of fizz.' Laura downed the glass quickly she hadn't realised how thirsty she was.

Jules looked across at Jake. 'Ignore her she will probably topple over after this glass, cant handle her drink this one.'

Jake laughed as he reached over and topped up Laura's glass. 'Well, this we have to see eh?'

'Right great gang up on me why don't you. I will be back I just have to change these bloody shoes.'

Laura jumped up and felt herself sway. Jake and Jules looked at each other and then back at her. 'I'm fine. Stay there.'

'Right well Jake top me up she wont be back for at least two hours as she will find some drama that needs to be attended to. So crack on love.' Jules leaned towards Jake smiling as he poured another glass for her.

Laura wagged her finger at Jules and left them to it. She ran up to her room and changed her shoes. Glancing around the suite as she headed back out she looked longingly at the bed. It was huge and had a silk canopy with swathes of silk hanging down the four posts. It was such a romantic room she wondered why Jules had insisted on her being in here. Such a waste she looked at her watch 9.30 and reached for her phone. She pressed Chris' number and heard it go straight to voicemail she hung up he must be in an area with no reception.

She went back to the ballroom and checked everything in the kitchen for the late night supper was in hand. The bar staff were under pressure. It was an open bar and drinks were flowing. The bride & groom were dancing it was a lovely sight. She felt a pang of jealously as she stood surveying the scene. How wonderful it must be to have someone love you so much they wanted to shout it out in front of everyone close to them.

Mr & Mrs Carmichel saw Laura and went over to hug her, they couldn't thank her enough for the day. Mr Carmichael tried to give her a wad of notes to say thank you but she politely passed them back. 'My pleasure, she was the most beautiful bride, here's to the christening.' They insisted on her having a glass of champagne with her. She could feel her head spinning now. She tried to get back to the terrace but by the time she arrived back it was over an hour later. Jules and Jake were gone as was the tray.

xxxxxxx

By 1.30 am the last guest was dancing out of the ballroom. Some people had retired to the residents lounge and were ordering more drinks. Laura stood in the middle of the dance floor and gazed at the scene around her. It looked like a disaster zone. Some of the team were already clearing up. Tom behind the bar turned on some music and everyone got to work. She fleetingly saw Jules running by with a mop and bucket. That was not going to be pretty. Two hours later the ballroom was looking semi normal.

Laura went into the kitchen and opened the fridge pulled out several bottles of prosecco. She made a note on the board that she owed for them and took them through to the ballroom. She poured all of the team a glass and after a little thank you speech toasted them for a well run event. The music was still playing and some of the team took to the dance floor. Laura went over to the open doors leading to the terrace and looked out. The twinkling fairy lights were still on and it looked magical. She stepped out and breathed in the cool night air. She drank the glass of fizz and turned around to watch the team dancing.

The music was still playing and Laura was swaying in time to the beat. Her legs were tired but she loved this song and so she danced at the edge of the dance floor.

She knew he was there before she saw him. She sensed him coming towards her but kept dancing. She felt him touch her waist as he swung her into his arms. She could still smell his citrus cologne but now it was fading after a long day. It just made him even more smellable she thought. Hmm is that a word? Smellable she tipped her head back to try and look at him but his face was shadowed in the dim room and his eyes were hooded so she could make out nothing. She closed her eyes and leaned into him as she did so he pulled her closer and she could feel his heart beating through his shirt.

The song came to an end and the team began leaving the room. Shouting out goodnights to Laura and Jake. She had moved away from him when the song ended not wanting to draw gossip from anyone. But, suddenly they were alone and the intimate atmosphere only heightened as they stood looking at each other neither speaking.

Laura broke the spell first she needed to get out of there get to her room, close that door and hide out to the morning. 'Thanks for the dance Jake, goodnight.' She walked quickly and went out to the main part of the hotel. Jules was there with Pete as he helped her put her coat on. 'Laura some of those bleeding kids got a bottle of brandy. Its all cleaned up now the parents are mortified. Thats an open bar for you.' She hugged Laura gave her a wink as she said. 'Sleep well.' And was gone with Pete in tow carrying her bag.

Laura looked in on the residents bar and everything was under control. She had a word with the two staff members who were on night duty. She went over to the group to make sure they didn't need anything else. They wanted food so she headed to the kitchen and rustled up some sandwiches and snacks. Having deposited the food she walked out of the bar and headed for the main stairs her whole body ached. She glanced at her watch 4.30 am. She was exhausted thank goodness she was staying here. She stopped and took her shoes off carrying them the last few steps the relief of freedom for her toes was wonderful.

Turning the key to open the door of her room she heard the door across the hall open. She turned to see Jake in shorts and a teeshirt. He seemed as surprised as her. Jules! She was going to kill her on Monday. This was why she moved his room, this was her meddling.

He didn't move his eyes tracing the contours of her face as he stood gazing at her. He seemed mesmerised. Smiling softly he stepped forward 'Laura?'

'Jake, I, I don't know what to say, Jules erm, she put me in this room.' She pressed herself against the door frame willing him to look away. She swayed slightly the effects of the fizz she had drunk earlier and tiredness washed over her. But he was going nowhere and he was not dropping his gaze.

He walked towards her pushing the door of her suite open. He stepped into the room grabbing her by the wrist to pull her behind him.'I think we have done enough talking.' Laura dropped her shoes as he jerked her towards him. He kicked the door shut as he swept her into his arms kissing her with a hungry fervour.

Laura tried feebly to push him away, her hands pressed to his chest but, he was out of control and pretty soon so was she…..

xxxxxxxxxx

Jules closed her eyes drifting off to sleep congratulating herself on making it happen. It had been a very long day. Pete had thought her crazy when she said she needed to go back to the hotel. He had argued for all of five minutes before turning the car around. She had left him sitting outside with the engine running whilst she had dashed upstairs to the East wing.

She had gleefully clapped her hands when she saw Jakes door open and Laura's shoes dropped by her suite door. Her cunning plan had worked. Softly closing Jake's door she had hung the 'do not disturb sign' on Laura's.

'Perfect end to a perfect day.' She said aloud before sleep overtook her.