Page 83 of Just Do It
‘Not bad, thanks,’ she said, placing a folder back on the shelf to the side of his desk. She swung a glance as she turned back, checking him out as she did so. I couldn’t blame her. Although she seemed over her initial crush, as an archaeologist and a loverof history, she was an admirer of beautiful things. Finn most definitely fell into that category. Even when dressed as an elf.
The drive down to Bath had been surprisingly free flowing and I teased Finn that he must have used some of his elf magic to ensure a good journey. He’d shaken his head, mumbling something about how he wished he’d never opened his mouth but the smile on his face told a different story. I loved that I could tease him, and that he in turn did the same back. I’d never laughed as much in the whole time I was with Friedrich as I had in the last few months with Finn. My world view was so much wider and this spontaneous trip was another new experience.
‘This is gorgeous,’ I said, dropping my handbag on the side as I nosed about the hotel room.
‘Glad you like it,’ Finn said, following me in with the luggage.
‘I love it!’ I replied, throwing him a smile as I pulled back the sheer curtain to look at the view. The city spread out and away from us, the vista expanding to the hills beyond. ‘Thank you.’
‘I thought you’d like a boutique hotel rather than one of the larger chains.’
Once again, he’d read me right.
‘Not a bad view, eh?’ Finn said, coming to stand behind me at the window, his arms slipping around my waist, his body pressed close to mine.
‘Wonderful.’
‘It’ll be nicer if it stops raining. I was hoping we might get a walk around this evening, but the weather seems to have other ideas.’
‘That’s OK. I’m pretty tired from the journey anyway. You’ve had a full day and a long drive too. We’ve got the next two days toexplore.’ I tipped my head up and he kissed my forehead, his lips curved in a smile. ‘Ooh, what’s the bathroom like?’ I wriggled out and headed off to investigate. Pushing open the door, I was met with a scene of pure indulgence. White marble streaked with delicate strands of black glistened around the sink and shower, the enclosure of the latter frosted in parts in the angular Art Deco style all accented by brass fixtures. I walked over to the elegant free-standing bath, across which sat a bamboo bath rack. I picked up the scented candle it held and gave it a sniff. Lavender, sage and a hint of geranium made a soothing combination. I couldn’t wait to light it. The floor was dark slate and the room itself was painted in a deep, rich green as were the sides of the bath. The final touch was the plethora of greenery. Frothy ferns spilling over their containers, a large hammered-brass pot that held something with banana plant-type leaves and several others, all crammed together, which enhanced the décor perfectly.
Finn leant on the doorframe. ‘You want to spend the rest of the weekend in that bath, don’t you?’
I laughed, nosing at the free smellies lined up on the marble counter, unscrewing one of the lids to take a sniff. ‘Isn’t it heaven though? Ooh, smell this.’ I held the little bottle up to his nose.
‘Nice.’
‘Thanks for arranging all this, Finn.’ I followed him out to the main room which followed the same theme. All luxury and indulgence. ‘It’s perfect.’
Friedrich and I had taken holidays but they were always to sites of rich history which was fine. As much as Finn teased me about wanting to wallow in the tub, I was looking forward to having the chance to explore Bath and visit the market, just as he was. But that was the difference. Looking back now, previous breaks were more akin to school trips. It was all study, all learning. Don’t get me wrong. I loved to learn, to absorb thehistory of places and its people. That would never change. It was part of who I was. But life was about balance and so were holidays. I worked hard for those breaks but it had apparently never occurred to me, or previous companions, that when we ventured to a different location we could loosen up a bit. Enjoy the surroundings on a more superficial level as well as the deeply historical one.
‘You’re deep in thought over there.’
I’d wandered back to the window, looking out on the steady rain that had started about halfway into the journey and showed no signs of stopping any time soon.
‘Not really,’ I replied, turning back from the window. The light was fading and I pulled the heavy velvet curtains across, the room now bathed in soft, warm light from the bedside lamp Finn had switched on.
‘Fibber,’ he said, a smile teasing those just full enough lips. ‘Come here.’
I padded over, having immediately kicked off my shoes the moment I found the hotel slippers. I’d be snuggling into the soft, white dressing gown with its embroidered logo on the chest shortly too. Finn had laughed at my little squeal of delight upon finding them both. It turned out I was fairly easy to please.
Clambering onto the bed, I wiggled myself next to Finn and he laced his fingers through mine.
‘What were you thinking about?’
I opened my mouth.
‘And don’t tell me nothing.’ His free hand reached over and with the gentlest of touches, hooked under my chin and tilted it to meet his eyes.
‘I suppose I was just thinking of missed opportunities.’
‘Anything I can do?’
Smiling, I shook my head. ‘No, but thank you for wanting to.’
He leant forward, placing a light kiss on my lips. His voice was low when he spoke. ‘I will always endeavour to keep that beautiful smile on your face.’
‘You know, you were right.’
