Chapter 26
‘So, do you think we made the right move then?’ Gary was sitting back in his favourite recliner, hands behind his head, looking round the spacious lounge.
‘Definitely,’ replied Tracy. She was lying on the black leather settee. ‘It’s lovely here and everyone we’ve met so far seems quite chatty.’
‘Yeah, the local’s a good pub, isn’t it? I know it’s full of la-di-da horsy people, but they’re actually all right when you get talking to them.’
‘I think they find our northern accents a bit funny, though,’ Tracy sat up and crossed her legs, ‘you know, the way they try and copy us, as if they think it’s funny.’
‘They probably do. Maybe it’s their way of being friendly.’
‘Hmm. Lord Cavendish-Blake’s never showed his face round here. If it were me, I’d pop round and say hello.’
‘Perhaps he’s waiting for an invite.’ This gave Gary an idea. ‘Let’s have a house-warming party, invite the whole village. It’d be a great way of getting to know everyone.’
Tracy looked apprehensive. ‘I’m not sure about that, Gary. It could be a bit over-facing.’
Careful not to upset her in any way, especially as she had struggled to try to settle, he quickly replied, ‘Yeah, see what you mean. How about just a select few?’
‘Who?’
‘Well, the girls from The Templar seem nice enough.’
‘And that jockey, Dylan Delany, was very friendly when I asked for his autograph,’ added Tracy with a grin.
‘You mean when he was looking down your top,’ quibbled Gary.
Tracy giggled. ‘He does seem quite a character.’
‘What about Lord Cavendish-Blake himself?’
‘Yes. I’d be interested to see what he’s like. I’ve only ever seen him fleetingly in his car, on his horse or in the pub. I was sorry we didn’t get to meet him the other day.’
‘Good, let’s do it. I’ll arrange the invitations. Two weeks’ notice should be enough.’
‘I’ll arrange the catering. I don’t think my hotpot would fit the bill.’
‘I do! A Lancashire hotpot, what could be better?’ Gary enthused.
*
Dylan pounded the treadmill. He’d clocked up four miles and sweat was pouring from him. He always left the tread mill till last, after the weights and rowing machine, to really blast the rest of his adrenaline. Lately he’d been almost punishing himself, pushing his limits to the very brink. Mentally he was haywire. The guilt Flora had installed in him had embedded and taken root. Every word she had yelled at him had been played and replayed over and over again in his hyperactive mind. Each time made him hate himself a little more.
For someone so young, Flora spoke an awful lot of sense. Flora, probably without knowing it, had made a big impression on him. She’d put his lifestyle into perspective. He’d come to realise how superficial those around him actually were – only singing when you were winning. What about when you lost? Would they still be there, solid as rocks, supporting him? Or would they be like sand, slipping away? He knew where he’d place his bet.
He finished his run and wiped his face with a towel. He needed a long, hot shower and a rest in the sauna. Maybe a good steam would help ease his aching body and mind.
The hot air hit his lungs as he entered the sauna. It was empty, so he sat on the upper ledge, closed his eyes and tried to relax. He heard the door open quietly, then close. After a few minutes he became aware of someone sitting on the bench beneath him. He opened his eyes slightly and saw a blonde head. His heart missed a beat, and for a split second he mistook her for Flora. Wishful thinking, he thought with a sigh and closed his eyes. Moments later he felt a slight tug at the towel that covered his lap. His eyes shot open.
‘Hello, Dylan. Remember me?’ For a dreaded moment he thought it was that bitch who had sold her story to the paper, then realised it was the girl who worked at the gym as a personal trainer. They’d once got friendly in the sauna before.
‘I do.’ Hell, what was she called? She pulled his towel completely off him. Dylan felt his libido start to stir. She was able to see the blood surging through his shaft as it pulsed, lifting up towards her in invitation. An invitation she couldn’t resist. Her tongue moved slowly, excruciatingly slowly along his length from base to top. Dylan groaned as it dipped and tasted the sensitive tip. Her lips were driving him insane as he gripped the bench with both hands. Unable to take any more he reached out and lifted her, placing her legs spread-eagled across his muscled thighs. She moved slowly against the rigid hardness of his arousal. Her towel slipped. His mouth closed over her exposed breast and sucked hard on the nipple, making her moan in pleasure. She then curled her fingers about him and began to guide him inside her, inch by inch. He grasped her hips, his mouth capturing hers as he began to thrust rhythmically inside her. Desire engulfed him as his thrusts deepened and hardened. He felt her tighten around him as she cried out in pleasure, then the heat of his own release surge down and burst inside her. It had been hot and frenzied. Both recovered composure quickly, rewrapping their towels tightly. Good job, as a minute later another person entered the sauna. Dylan got up to leave.
‘Nice meeting you again,’ he nodded.
‘Yeah, you too,’ she furtively smiled back.
Driving home, however, his mood hadn’t lifted. If anything he felt worse. More guilt. What was the matter with him? He’d never experienced this before. No one had ever got under his skin the way Flora had. He had to see her, but then he recalled her last chilling words to him.Get lost, Dylan.He decided to go for a drink in The Templar instead of heading straight home.
