Laura opened her eyes squinting in the sunshine, she looked across the river. So many people wandering around and walking across the bridge. How did anyone live in this city?

She stretched out smiling and shifted her gaze looking up as Lauren arrived back with two glasses of champagne.

'I don't normally drink in the afternoon, you are a bad influence. In fact I don't normally drink this much period.'

Lauren laughed as she dropped onto the lounger next to Laura. 'I figure we deserve it. Being around Jake is no easy matter it drives you to drink. Its good he has plenty of booze here.'

Laura laughed back and took a sip pondering on their day. Lauren was great fun charming, witty, and refreshingly honest. But, she had given very little away concerning Jake.

Lauren pulled out her phone. 'Right let me show you those pics from Italy.'

Laura leaned across to Lauren as she swiped through photo after photo. 'Was this a hotel? It's beautiful.'

'No, it's Jakes villa. Via Regina its right on Lake Como.' Lauren looked at Laura's face. 'Ah you didn't know about it. I am sure he will tell you. I loved it and we pretty much lived on wine from his cellar, it was just what we needed with Simon coming home. It was perfect.'

Laura smiled as Lauren continued to flick through the photos. One photo caught her eye and she tried to remember why she recognised it. Lauren looked at her and laughed. 'OMG you have seen this part of the villa before haven't you?'

Laura nodded. 'Yes think so. I googled him one night. Don't tell him his head's big enough as it is.'

Nodding in agreement Lauren spoke. 'That was a day. He was taking a holiday, he never goes on holiday but he had become a right nightmare. So I told him get out or I would have him locked out. His temper - have you witnessed that yet?'

Laura shook her head. 'Not really.'

'Hmmmm well I will tell you the signs so you can be prepared. It doesn't come often these days but its still there. So where was I? Oh yeah he was over at the villa and he was working on rebuilding the wharf. He actually did quite a bit of work himself when it was being renovated. So there he is wandering around in his cut off shorts tanning himself like a super model as he built this wall and the paps arrive on boats and start snapping. He was bloody furious. He called me incoherently shouting down the phone.'

Laura was not surprised she had seen some photo's online where he had looked like he wanted to thump the person taking the picture.

'Italy is his space. He goes alone, stays alone. I like to call it his man cave. He designed the interior and it shouldn't work but it does.' Lauren continued as Laura sat watching her. 'He created a bit of an upside down house inside. The kitchen is on the ground floor and leads out to the wharf. It's the whole of the ground floor. You have never seen anything like it. The first floor is four bedrooms, all with ensuite. Then the next floor is the sitting room, his office, dining room, terraces. Top floor is his suite. That leads to a roof terrace. Infinity pool off the kitchen. It's stunning.'

'Sounds amazing, I haven't been to Italy to be honest I have not done a lot of travelling. I'd like to though and I guess as Charlie gets older it will be something we can do.'

'You should have him take you there Laura. It's a wonderful family home but also really romantic.'

Laura gazed at Lauren contemplating the family home comment. She guessed one day he would find some trophy wife and that would be their summer home. She was a filler moment in his very exciting life. A wave of sadness washed over her. She didn't care about big house's, fast cars but she thought she was beginning to care about Jake. It scared her a lot. She couldn't say anything to anyone not even Jules.

She lay back closing her eyes letting the sun warm her face. Lauren continued to chat for a few minutes and then fell silent. Laura opened one eye and saw she was asleep. She thought a nap was just what she needed after the champagne. The spa had been wonderful and she felt so relaxed so a snooze seemed to be a good idea.

Laura was dreaming she could feel Jake's lips on hers gently kissing her and becoming firmer as the kiss deepened. She heard herself moan and her eyes flew open Jake was leaning over her blocking the sun. His face millimetres from hers as he looked straight back at her.

'Hello you.' His voice no more than a whisper and his lips curling into a smile as she looked at him.

'I thought I was dreaming.' She looked sleepily at him and then to the empty lounger Lauren had been on.

He sat down on the edge of the lounger his hands wandering up her body. 'No dreams just me Miss Jones.' Jake leaned forward his kiss so light she wasn't sure at first if he even kissed her. She felt a shiver up her spine she wanted to speak but nothing came out her lips were numb. She lay there as he feathered kisses over her face, her neck his fingers trailing tantalisingly over her trembling body.

He dropped his gaze and slowly opened the buttons of her shirt his warm fingers pushing the fabric aside as his head dropped to her breasts.

Her hands came up to his head, her fingers raking through his hair as her body writhed underneath him. When she moaned softly this seemed only to spur him on.

'Where's Charlie, Lauren we shouldn't be doing this Jake.'

'Ice cream she took him, back soon.'

Laura pulled his head up to look at him. His eyes as dark as coal full of desire and passion as he gazed back at her. She pulled his head towards her taking control of the kiss her tongue flicking the corners of his mouth. Her fingers curling into his hair drawing him closer. Slowly she eased the pressure of the kiss and pulled back. Her hands slowly pushing him away from her.

Jake opened his eyes and held hers as he sat back trying to catch his breath. He picked up one of Laura's hands and turned it over kissing her palm slowly his breath warm on her skin. 'You taste of lemons.' His kisses trailed along her wrist.

Laura replied huskily. 'It's the citrus oil from the massage.'

His eyes darkened again as he studied her face. 'I like it. You're trying to be sensible aren't you? Lauren and Charlie will be back soon.'

She nodded. 'I think the last thing we need is either of them seeing us half naked out here on your terrace.'

'Miss Jones always so sensible.' His fingers moved to her shirt pulling it together. He slowly buttoned it back up. He smiled sadly at her leaving her in doubt what he wanted to be doing right now. His hands running down her arms as he stood up hearing the arrival of Lauren and Charlie.

She shivered in the sun her face betraying her emotions as she caught his eye her face full of regret also. She turned around to greet Charlie who flung himself at her wanting to tell all about his day.

After fifteen minutes of non stop talking Charlie sat back and took a breath. 'Well, you boys were busy I haven't been to the Tower of London since I was at school you are very lucky Jake took you.

'And I walked on top of that bridge it was so high I could almost touch the clouds.' Charlie pointed across the terrace as he spoke.

Looking over Charlie's head at Jake she couldn't stop the look of terror that flew over her face. Jake spoke quickly. 'Ok we didn't walk outside we were inside the bridge you can do a tour.' He chuckled as she settled back on the lounger.

'Oh right well thats okay then.'

'Auntie Laura you silly we walked over the glass floor we saw people.'

'Right again let me step in Charlie as I can see Auntie Laura's very shocked face. So its part of the walkway its toughened glass that you can walk across. Its also part of the tour.'

She grinned at Jake as he held her gaze. 'Hmmmm you two seem to have had far too much fun.'

'It was great and tomorrow we go on a boat. Jake can Auntie Laura come.'

Jake nodded smiling at them both. 'Of course we need Auntie Laura there.'

'Oh lovely I would like that thanks Charlie. Cheeky monkey.' She ruffled his hair and pulled him in for a cuddle.

'You smell like lemons.'

Jake laughed. 'Exactly what I said Charlie.'

'Hmmmm you were cuddling Auntie Laura too were you Jake? Naughty boy.' Lauren wagged a finger at him and bent down to kiss Laura on the cheek. 'I had a great day sorry if I made you drink too much. Blame him.' Jake raised an eyebrow at Lauren as she blew him a kiss. 'Bye all have a nice evening tonight. Laura you have my number keep in touch we can swap horror Jake stories. By the way Jake I showed Laura the photos of Via Regina you need to take her there it's the Easter holidays soon.' Lauren winked at Laura and was gone.

Jake looked after Lauren and shook his head smiling. 'She is quite a girl Jake. I can see who wears the trousers at work.'

He threw his head back laughing. 'Hmmmm I let her think that.'

Laura looked at her watch it was nearly 6 pm. Where had the afternoon gone? Charlie had left her side and had climbed onto the table with Jakes help. Jake had hold of him as they watched different boats going up and down the river.

Jake looked over his shoulder at Laura and gave her a wink before turning his attention back to the river activities. She lay back on the lounger closing her eyes. The sun was gone and there was a chill in the air. Opening her eyes a few minutes later realising Jake was talking to her.

'Sorry missed that?'

'I said shall I get us a takeaway? Seems late to be going out unless you want to go out?'

'Takeaway is fine, what do you fancy?'

'Now thats a pretty loaded question, not sure any takeaway has what I want?' He looked her up and down locking eyes with her. She could feel that all too familiar flush rising up her chest to her face.

'Auntie Laura you going red.'

Laura shook her head. 'No I'm not must be cold thats all.' Laura stood up walking inside hearing the two of them laughing.

'Bloody men.'

'I heard that Laura.' Jake had Charlie on his shoulders as he walked inside.

'You were meant to. Now let's get some food I am starving.'

Charlie and Jake voted for pizza and went out to pick it up. Laura wandered around the apartment whilst they were gone. Ending up in Jakes bedroom she walked into his dressing room he hadn't shown it to her the previous night. It was of course huge, she ran her fingers over the suits lined up side by side. It was just as she thought it would be everything in its place. His ties polka dot, plaid, plain there were a lot. No need to worry about never having the right tie. Piles of tee shirts were folded up sitting on shelves. She walked out and stepped into the bathroom. It was a wet room she picked up his shower gel inhaling the scent.

'Oh boy thats good.' She put it back on the shelf backing out slowly. The room was floor to ceiling grey tiles it was all Jake dark, brooding, must be a great place for a shower. Showering with Jake hmmmm now there is something to think about. She looked in the mirror smiling at herself wagging a finger she said. 'What are you like strumpet.' She hit the switch and threw it back into darkness.

Turning around to the bed she cautiously walked towards it. More grey he really did like all these muted colours she thought. She sat down on the edge of the bed her hands running across the duvet. She lifted a pillow and smelt it inhaling his scent she felt herself go dizzy with desire as she looked around the room. No, photo's no mementos of any sort, nothing personal. It could be anyones home but she would have known it was Jakes in a heartbeat. He was everywhere.

She lay down breathing in everything she could she wanted to make this weekend last forever in her memory. She was a realist she knew he would not stay with her forever. One day the supermodel brigade would call him back….

xxxxxxxx

Jake and Charlie arrived back to the apartment with several pizza boxes. There was no sign of Laura. He called her several times as he set the food out on the table she had laid. Settling Charlie with a couple of pizza slices Jake went off in search of her.

He went to the guest room side but there was no sign of her he was starting to panic slightly wondering where she might have gone. He saw her phone and bag were on the bed so she couldn't have gone far.

He walked over to his side of the apartment and headed for his study maybe she was reading. Running down the stairs to his bedroom he stopped immediately. Laura was curled up in his bed fast asleep. His heart did a somersault as he gazed at her his breathing becoming laboured as he struggled to contain the thoughts of what he wanted to do right now.

He couldn't move and he couldn't tear his eyes away from her. She was breathtaking lying there cuddled around a pillow and he felt his heart beat quicken. Finally his legs seemed to remember what they were for and he walked across the room. The bed moving as he sat on the edge.

'Laura hey sleepyhead time to wake up.' He leaned over her kissing her softly. Her body turning towards him as she heard his voice and felt his lips. Her arms snaked around his neck and she pulled him down to deepen the kiss.

He knew she was still asleep and he should not let this continue but she tasted so good and she was in his bed. He had lain awake the previous night wishing for this moment. He heard Charlie calling and tried again to rouse her.

'Laura I brought food, pizza its good stuff.'

She opened her eyes looking straight into his. Shock registering on her face when she remembered where she was. 'Oh my God I fell asleep again its all the champagne. I was, erm, wandering whilst you were out.'

'Hmmmmm more like Sleeping Beauty in her castle. Now one hungry little boy is calling us so I suggest we continue this later. I like role playing.' His smile was light but his face betrayed the desire he felt.

She saw it and he watched that all familiar blush appear. He pulled her up and hugged her, her skin was so soft after the spa visit and that citrus smell was playing havoc with his senses. He actually wanted to throw her back onto the bed but common sense prevailed and he took her hand leading her back to the living area and to Charlie.

For the rest of the evening he could sense the tension in the air she would look across at him when she didn't think he was looking and then when he caught her eye she dropped her gaze. Charlie and Jake had been playing a board game when she stood up and announced she was off to bed. Blaming the champagne again for making her sleepy.

He hadn't been able to hide his disappointment he had hoped after Charlie went to sleep they would have some alone time. But, she obviously wanted to avoid that. Charlie begged to stay up a bit longer and she had reluctantly agreed on the proviso that Jake supervise teeth brushing before bedtime.

Having put Charlie to bed he had listened at her door but it was silent. He couldn't believe it this was not the weekend he had envisaged. He wandered to his bedroom falling into a light sleep when he climbed into bed.

He awoke with a start he could see a shadow in the room coming towards him in the moonlight. She stood at the side of the bed and he watched as she stepped out of her pyjamas and slowly undid the buttons on the top.

His breathing laboured as she crawled across the bed towards him her body soft and warm against him. She lay beside him her fingers trailing up and down his firm thighs as her breasts grazed his skin.

'Am I dreaming now?' His fingers pushed through her hair and he held her head allowing himself to study her face in the moonlight. She was gazing up at him her eyes flaming with desire as she held his gaze.

She spoke quietly. 'No dream I couldn't sleep, I wanted to see you.'

Jake moved quickly and Laura was beneath him. His hands moving slowly across her body as he kissed her. The kiss deepening as his passion increased.

'You drive me crazy Laura.' He spoke lips against lips. He raised his head and opened his eyes looking down into the deep pools of hers. 'I don't mean to, I shouldn't have come over. Shall I go?'

He swiftly covered her mouth letting her know she was going nowhere….

Jake felt Laura stir and she rolled onto her back, his hand spread out over her stomach slowly caressing it. He watched her sleeping her face soft in the early morning sunlight knowing he could not let her sleep much longer. His body was aching for her and there was only one way to ease that ache.

His hand moved down her body his fingers lightly touching her. She moaned quietly and he could feel her reacting to him. His face hovered over hers and she opened her eyes. 'No rest for the wicked then.'

He laughed quietly pulling her to him. 'Rest? Not in my house.'

'I should go Jake I need to be in my bed before Charlie wakes up.' Jake looked over his shoulder and looked down at her. 'I think it might be too late for that the cat is out of the bag.'

Laura looked around Jake and in the doorway stood a very sleepy Charlie. 'Jake can we have pancakes pleeease.'

Pushing Laura back into the bed Jake dropped a light kiss on her lips and reached for his shorts and teeshirt discarded during the night. 'We sure can bud. Lets go and leave Auntie Laura sleep in she needs her rest. She is one tired lady.'

'What!' Laura's indignant face snaked a look over the duvet as Charlie and Jake headed towards the kitchen. He looked over his shoulder and shrugged smiling at her. Bloody interruptions he thought it was the story of their relationship to date.

As he dished the pancakes up he called out to Laura to hurry up. She was probably lying in bed mortified he thought to himself. Charlie was sat at the breakfast bar pouring syrup on his plate and he leant over to take it off him. 'Think you got way more than enough of that Charlie.'

Charlie looked up at Jake silent for a moment and then said. 'Jake do you love Auntie Laura now?You can share a room then. My teacher Mrs Godard says when people love each other they share a room. Mummies and Daddies do that.'

Jake contemplated his answer and scratching his head leaned forward and whispered. 'I do love Auntie Laura but don't tell her ok our secret.'

Charlie nodded and smiled then went back to his pancakes. Jake sat there stunned had he really just said what he thought he had said?

Yes, he loved Laura he wasn't sure how it had happened but there it was. He was in deep how the hell would he sort this whole bloody mess out?