A Dangerous Love Affair

Chapter Two-3

As John’s glass touched Tara’s, he said, “I’m sure it will be.”

They had just lowered their glasses when a stunning-looking woman approached their table. She was tall, slim, and had long, wavy blonde hair.

“Hi, Tara.” As she bent down to kiss Tara on the cheek, her low-cut dress gave John a glimpse of her ample cleavage.

“Oh! Hi, Marie, it’s good to see you. We’ve just come down from London.”

“I see, and who is this handsome man?” Marie asked. She flashed John a huge smile. “You’ve been keeping him a secret.”

“This is John, a friend of mine down for the weekend, so behave yourself.”

John stood and shook hands with Marie. As he did, he thought her long slender fingers gripped his for a bit longer than necessary.

He grinned at her. “Nice to meet you, Marie. You must be one of Tara’s model friends.”

Before Marie could reply, Tara said, “Yes, she is, and remember what I said.”

Marie shot them a glance. “What’s this?” She gave John another dazzling smile. “Have you two been talking about me?”

Tara laughed. “Only that you’re a friend, who I would like to remain so. John knows what I mean. Anyway, if you have time, join us.”

Marie winked at John. “How could I turn down the chance to sit with such a handsome man?” Her eyes widened. “You too, of course, Tara.” John blushed, as Marie continued. “You can tell me more about John and how you two met.”

After asking what Marie would like to drink, John went to the bar. By the time he returned, he could have sworn; his ears were burning. “Have you two been talking about me?” he asked lightly.

Marie coyly raised an eyebrow. “Only good things, so no need to worry.”

As Marie filled in Tara with all the latest gossip, John noticed her giving him the eye whenever Tara wasn’t looking. Although impressed by her stunning looks, John felt uncomfortable at her apparent interest. For a brief moment, it crossed his mind that Tara had set this up. He shrugged to himself and dismissed it from his thoughts.

Leaving the pub after their meal, Marie said she would join them later for a swim. As she drove off, John noticed the dreamy look on Tara’s face. “Are you okay? You look deep in thought.”

Tara snapped her eyes back to John. “Yes, but I must call Max and ask him to bring Sam back.”

Although her answer sounded plausible, John was not so sure.

On their return to the house, Tara drove the car back into the garage. As she reappeared, she asked, “Do you fancy a walk before we have a swim?”

“Great idea. You can show me around the area.” He smiled at her hopefully. “Then, when I come down again, I’ll know how to find the house.”

Tara gave him a sideways glance as they headed back towards the street. “So, is that liable to be anytime soon?”

John chuckled. “With friends like Marie, how could I stay away?” His laugh quickly turned into a hiss as Tara gave him a sharp poke in the ribs.

Her eyes flashed dangerously. “If I hear any more about Marie, this visit will be your last.”

John immediately realised that Tara meant what she said. He folded his hands around hers and looked her straight in the eye. “I’m sorry, but I promise I was only joking. Marie might look great, but I’m not interested in her. Only in you.”

At his words, Tara visibly relaxed. Although not pleased about his remark about Marie, John felt sure she trusted that he’d been joking.

Checking to see no one was around, Tara gave him a quick kiss. “Okay, but remember, I will be watching you.”

John shook his head. “You can watch all you want, but it’ll be a waste of your time.”

They continued their walk along the tree-lined streets. All around were smart detached houses set back behind finely-trimmed lawns.

“Well, this is a far cry from where I live. It’s a lovely area.”

Tara nodded. “Yes, it’s somewhat different than most areas of London.”

On their return to Tara’s house, she said, “Right, I’m going to get changed. I’ll see you by the pool.”

John, who had gone to the kitchen for a drink of water, called after her, “I can’t wait to see you in a swimsuit.” Not waiting for a reply, he then went upstairs and put on his new trunks. Returning downstairs, he wandered out to the pool. As Tara had informed him where she kept the towels, he took out three and laid them on the sun loungers set by the pool.

Tara reappeared shortly, wearing a high-cut swimsuit that John thought looked incredible on her. His gaze wandered over her figure, and he nodded. “Nice, but what else did I expect?”

Tara blushed. “Thank you, but I’m sure Marie will look much better.”

“Yes, but no matter what you may think, you look great. I thought so as soon as I saw you in that slinky green dress at the book launch.”

Glancing down at his lap, Tara raised her eyebrows. “It’s best you jump into the pool to calm down, John.” She chuckled. “Maybe you should stay there when Marie arrives. I don’t want you getting any more excited than you already are.”

John blushed, realising what she meant, and jumped into the pool. Once Tara joined him, they swam side-by-side for a few lengths.

They had stopped for a break in the shallow end when a cheery voice called out, “I hope you’re decent in there, ‘cos I’m coming in.”

The gate opened, and Marie walked in, wearing a colourful sundress. Over her shoulder, she carried a small bag. Marie came over to the pool’s edge and looked down at them. “Well, you look like a pair of happy bunnies. I hope I’m not spoiling anything.”

“Of course not,” Tara said.

As Marie put down her bag and slipped off her dress, John almost choked. The tiny bikini she wore put virtually all of her slim, tanned body on display.

“Down, boy,” Tara whispered. “You’re drooling.”

John chuckled. “I’m not surprised.”

Before he knew what was happening, Tara had pushed his head under the water. As he came up and shook the water from his eyes, he found both women laughing.

Tara pressed a hand to her mouth, clearly trying to stop laughing. “It’s okay, John. That’s the normal reaction Marie gets when looking like this.”

John smiled up at Marie. “I’m sure your boyfriend must be kept busy whenever you and he are out together.”

Marie shrugged, smiling. “Yes, I guess he is, but it’s not a problem. I’m only interested in him.”

John caught Tara’s eye. “I know what you mean.”

Tara giggled. “Right, Marie, either cover up or get in the pool. I don’t think John can take much more excitement.” John felt his face colour up. He knew what Tara meant, and could feel himself getting aroused at such a tantalising sight.

Marie took a few steps towards them. Then, before they realised what she intended, she dived in over their heads and showered them with water. As she surfaced, shaking the water from her long hair, she laughed, then said, “Sorry, did I splash you?”

Once John became used to Marie in her tiny bikini, he took no notice. Well, at least, he tried his best not to. While they swam, stood and talked, John enjoyed himself.

About an hour later, Tara said, “Right, that’s enough for me. I’ll go and get us a drink. Gin and tonic, okay for you, John?”

“Yes, please.”

“Marie, yours, I know, is a glass of white wine.” Tara climbed out of the pool, wrapped her towel around her, and went inside.

As soon as she had disappeared, Marie turned to him. “So, John, what do you think of what you’ve seen of Guildford?”

John looked Marie in the eyes, which he noticed were blue. “Everything’s great. By the way, please don’t be offended when I say that I’m only interested in Tara.”

Marie’s smile was all innocence. “No problem, John. I’m happy to hear that. Tara’s a dear friend. I wouldn’t like to see her hurt or disappointed.”

John grinned, relaxing slightly. “Well, she won’t be because of me. I find Tara charming. In fact, exceptional.”

As they spoke, Tara emerged carrying a tray with their drinks. She now wore a flimsy-looking beach robe over her swimsuit. To John, it made her look even more appealing.

John and Marie climbed out of the pool. To his relief, Marie wrapped her towel around her before she sat down on a sun lounger.

Tara chuckled. “That’s better, although John might not agree. At least he can now sit more comfortably.”

Although he agreed, John still found it hard not to blush at such a blatant remark.

As Tara bent to hand out the drinks, Marie whispered, “No problem, he passed the test.”

John had a good idea of what they were talking about but decided it best not to say anything.

Marie raised her glass. “Here’s to a lovely couple.” Clinking glasses, Tara and John exchanged a quick kiss.

They had been chatting for a while when Marie stood up. “I’m going to get changed.” Winking, she added, “You two behave while I’m away.”

As Marie walked away, John said, “She must be a bundle of fun to be with, but for me, I’d rather be on my own with you.”

Tara got up and joined John on his lounger. She gave him a tender kiss. “If I’m not careful, I could find myself liking you far more than I already do,” she said.

“Would that be so bad?” John enquired.

Tara sighed. “No, I don’t think for one minute it would be.” As she went to kiss John again, a voice said, “It’s okay, don’t mind me.” It was Marie, who had changed into her sundress and dark glasses. In her hands were her sandals; hence, they had not heard her approach. With John’s thoughts on Tara, he wouldn’t have heard a bomb go off.

Marie looked down at them, curled up on the lounger, and laughed. “It’s time I left to let you pair enjoy yourselves.” She wagged a finger at them. “But not too much.”

Bending over, Marie kissed them both on the cheek. On her way towards the gate, she called out, “I’ll see you back in the pub tonight.”

With a cheery wave, she opened the gate and disappeared. The next minute, they heard a car start up and drive away.

Finishing her drink, Tara said, “I think it’s time I called Max and asked him to bring Sam back.”

John chuckled. “Good idea. I can’t wait to meet the competition for your affection.”

Tara squeezed his arm. “It’s a close race; trust me. I’ll call him now.”

John carried the tray of glasses back into the kitchen while Tara went upstairs. He then headed up to his room. After he’d showered and dressed, he went back downstairs to wait for Tara.

As he gazed around the lounge, John felt a pair of arms encircle his waist and a gentle kiss placed on his neck. He turned to find Tara now wearing a pair of green shorts and a pink floral top. Pulling her close, he kissed her eagerly.

As she pushed him away, Tara gasped. “That was nice, but Max will be here any minute. I don’t want him to see me looking flustered when he arrives.”

John smiled. “I like the outfit, but it seems more suitable for the beach.”

Tara looked startled. “Oh, sorry. If you don’t like it, I’ll change? It’s what I wear in the summer unless I’m going somewhere special.”

John shook his head. “No, don’t be silly; you look fine as you are.” He gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “It’s just that I never thought of you wearing shorts and a top.”