‘Are you indeed?’ said Jack seductively, raising an eyebrow. Then the moment was lost as her pager bleeped into life.
‘Gotta go,’ she uttered and rushed off.
What a woman, thought Jack, watching her rush down the ward to the next emergency.
Later that day, after a long, hard shift, Tara saw the text from Jack.
Dinner’s at mine. Bring your swimsuit.
Hmm, what did he have in mind? she chuckled to herself, a swim in the sea or a dip in his hot tub? Either way she was looking forward to sinking her tired body into refreshing water. That and a glass of wine. It was great having a couple of extra days off, now her part-time hours had commenced. It was even better knowing Richard’s final settlement was due to arrive soon. His solicitors had contacted Claire to say the moneywould be deposited imminently. So, yes, life was certainly on the up, especially compared to a few months ago, when she’d been exhausted and worried about her finances. Even Calum seemed a little more settled now. Richard, knowing the law was on her side, had to play ball now, and ensure their child arrangements were adhered to. No more playing silly buggers. He’d collected Calum on time and stuck to his routine, which, in turn, made for a more content child.
Calum had mentioned there being an atmosphere at his dad’s for a period of time, but all had calmed down now. It seemed Melissa was occupied these days, having returned to work for the time being at the dental surgery. Tara couldn’t help but smirk to herself at hearing this. So yes, life was sweet at the moment and long overdue. She collected her jacket, bag and phone, then closed the locker door and set off home to freshen up before heading to Jack’s.
Deciding to walk to his house, Tara strolled through the wooded area leading onto the beach, carrying a rucksack. She’d packed a few overnight things, it being a tacit assumption she’d be staying over. It was utterly refreshing walking barefoot once by the shore, feeling the cold waves tingle over her feet. She looked up at the pink evening sky as the sun was slowly starting to set and breathed in the fresh, salty air. This was the life. She couldn’t remember feeling such a state of contentment.
As Tara reached The Cove, she saw Jack outside on the decking, stood over a barbeque.
‘Hi!’ she called, waving. He looked up and smiled. She climbed up the wooden steps to meet him and they kissed.
‘Hope you’re hungry,’ said Jack, turning over the steaks on the grill. It was packed with mushrooms, onion rings, tomatoes and sweetcorn. There were two baked potatoes in tinfoil keeping warm.
‘Hmm, smells delicious,’ she replied, watering at the mouth. ‘Here, I brought this.’ She rummaged in her rucksack and pulled out a bottle of wine.
‘Ah, lovely, thanks. Fancy pouring us a glass?’ He nodded towards the kitchen where the glasses were.
As Tara went inside, she was, as ever, struck by the design and sheer style of the place. It never failed to impress her. She could well see why it had won architectural awards. Reaching for the wine glasses, she noticed a framed picture on the kitchen shelf, one she hadn’t seen before. It was a large black-and-white photo of Jack with his sister and father, all laughing, arms round each other, stood in front of his house. Underneath was a written caption: ‘The Dream Team’.
How proud they must be, thought Tara with a smile. She poured the wine and took the glasses outside. Handing one to Jack, she remarked on the photograph.
‘That’s a good picture of you, Natalie and your dad.’
Jack turned whilst still tending to the barbeque.
‘Yeah, Mum took it the day I moved in. We had a family party to celebrate.’ Then he asked, ‘Did you bring your bikini?’ with a grin.
‘All in the rucksack.’ She grinned back, failing to add that she’d actually packed a few overnight things too.
‘Good. I’ve got the hot tub bubbling nicely,’ he winked.
‘Sounds good,’ she chuckled into her wine glass, whilst imagining Jack’s body in trunks. Yes, life wasdefinitelyon the up!
They ate outside on the decking area, overlooking the splendid view of the bay. The sound of lapping waves was therapeutic, making them both relax. As always, Jack had cooked everything to perfection.
‘That was absolutely delicious,’ sighed Tara, sitting back with satisfaction.
‘It’s the least I can do,’ replied Jack, refilling their glasses with wine.
‘Just doing my job,’ she shrugged.
‘No, Tara. Much more than that,’ said Jack, staring into her eyes. They held each other’s gaze. No more words were necessary.
As the sun set over the glistening water, the sky grew darker with a sprinkling of stars. Perfect, thought Jack, hoping for such a setting.
‘Come on, let’s get into the hot tub,’ he suggested with glee.
He showed her into his bedroom to change. Tara was once again in awe of his taste, from the bespoke chunky wooden bed, to the en-suite with a walk-in shower. He nipped to the bathroom nearby and was soon ready and waiting outside the bedroom door. Then out she came, making Jack’s jaw drop, wearing a russet two-piece costume which covered her body discreetly whilst still showcasing her curves. It was chic and classy, just like the lady herself. Tara, too, was taking in Jack’s toned, muscular torso and firm thighs.
‘Ready?’ he gulped.
‘Absolutely,’ she smirked.
