A Dangerous Love Affair

Chapter One-4

Sally’s smile was soft. “Sorry for being so nosy. I’ve been so lost in small talk and enjoying your company; I never asked anything about you.”

John chuckled. “No problem. Anything you’d like to know; you only have to ask.” He held Sally’s gaze. “I’m an honest person, so anything I tell you will be the truth.”

Sally caught hold of John’s hand. “Thank you for telling me that John. I’m also an honest person, and one who doesn’t like to be lied to.”

John gave a wry smile. “See, that’s another thing we have in common. Anyway, I know you’re staying at the Carlton, but where do you live? I guess it must be out of town.”

“Yes, it is.” Sally gave a wistful sigh. “It must be fate, John. I only returned to London yesterday, so your call was well-timed. Although I love being here amongst all the hustle and bustle, I prefer living where it’s not so hectic.” Sally shrugged. “I guess it’s a sign of getting older.”

John raised his eyebrows in disbelief. He looked Sally straight in the eyes. “To me, you’re still young, and you have the looks to match.”

Sally glanced at John, who hoped she could see his sincerity. Her smile widened. “I should have met you a few years ago when I was feeling so depressed with life,” she said.

John tightened his fingers around hers. “Well, I may not have been around then, but I’m here now. If I can help you in any way, you only have to ask.”

Sally’s face lit up with a beaming smile. “You are an angel, John. You make me feel warm inside. Given that, I hope we stay good friends, as they’re the hardest ones to find.”

John’s heart was hammering joyfully in his chest. “Sally, for me, you’re like a dream come true. I know that come what may, we will always be friends.”

John’s heart dipped at Sally’s next words. “John, I have something to tell you.” She must have seen the look of concern appear on his face, as she said, “Don’t look so worried, John, it’s nothing bad. Although you know me as Sally Johnston, my real name is Tara Tomlinson. Sally Johnston is my pen-name.”

John, who’d been holding his breath in anticipation of what she might say, sighed in relief. “Well, if that’s all it is, I can breathe again.”

Tara squeezed his hand. “I’m sorry, John; I didn’t mean to worry you. I only use the name Sally Johnston, relating to my writing. All my friends know me by Tara, my real name.” Her smile widened as she said, “As I regard you as a special friend, I didn’t want you to call me Sally.” Tara giggled. “If we met any of my friends and you called me Sally, they would’ve known who you were talking about.”

A smile quirked John’s lip. “Well, I must say I prefer the name Tara to Sally, it sounds more refined.” He grinned. “Still, I’ll have to try and remember not to call you Sally.”

Tara nodded. “Anyway, I thought we would go to your apartment, so I could see if it’s as tidy as you say.” She smiled devilishly. “But on second thoughts, it might not be a good idea. Perhaps we should do as I suggested earlier and have a nightcap in my hotel.”

John had thought the same about going to his apartment but agreed with Tara’s suggestion. He did not want something happening that either of them might later regret - especially as he felt aroused thinking about it. John grinned. “That’s a good idea. You can see my apartment another time.”

As they set off back to Tara’s hotel, John realised he still had her hand in his. “Oh, sorry, I forgot I had hold of your hand.”

Tara tightened her grip on his. “That’s alright; it’s not a problem. At least not for me.”

John grinned. “Good. Nor me.”

As they approached the hotel, they let go of one another’s hands. John was reluctant to raise unwarranted suspicions about them being anything but casual friends.

After sitting for a few minutes in the lobby bar, a chirpy waitress took their order. As she walked away, John leaned towards Tara. “Well, what do you think? I noticed her giving us the once-over.”

Tara shook her head. “Don’t be silly; she can see I’m much older than you.”

John barked a laugh. “But you’re looking like the cat that licked the cream.”

Tara smiled shyly. “Well, it’s because I feel like one.”

John grinned across at her. “You said earlier you live out of town. Where? North, south, east, or west?”

“I have a cottage in Guildford. It’s near enough to London so I can get in and out whenever I feel the need.”

John c****d an eyebrow. “So, can I ask if you live alone? Or is there someone waiting for your return?” As soon as he had spoken, John realised his mistake. He put his hands up. “Please forgive me; I shouldn’t have asked you that. It’s just that I once went to pick up a former girlfriend, and found her ex-boyfriend there. Although she explained he’d only called in to pick something up, I was shocked to see him there.”

“It’s okay, John.” Tara raised her eyebrows. “May I ask what happened to her?”

John smiled ruefully. “Let’s say that things didn’t work out. Anyway, I apologise for what I said. I should have known from the time you’ve spent with me that there’s no one waiting.”

Tara looked at him, coyly. “But there is someone.”

John’s face dropped, but then Tara flashed him a huge smile. “It’s my dog, Sam. I miss him whenever I have to leave him.”

John heaved a sigh of relief. “So, and who may I ask looks after him when you’re away from home?”

“I have a gardener named Max. He keeps the garden tidy and lives a short distance from my house. He’s always happy to have Sam stay with him whenever I’m away.”

“We..ll, I hope he’s not young and good-looking, or I could be jealous.”

Tara giggled. “No. He’s a pensioner who lives on his own and loves dogs.” She regarded him quizzically. “Are you satisfied, sir? Or is there anything else you would like to know?”

John hesitated. “Yes, there is.”

“Oh, and what is that?”

Grinning from ear to ear, John asked, “What type of dog is Sam?”

In a flash, Tara’s frown became a beaming smile. “Oh, you had me going for a minute. Anyway, he’s a friendly, rough collie. I’m sure you two will get on well when you meet.”

John thought this sounded promising. “So, does that mean you’re going to invite me down to see him? If so, I can’t wait. I love dogs, but as I live in an apartment, it wouldn’t be good to have one.” Hoping he wasn’t pushing his luck, he added, “If invited, would it be okay if I took Sam out for a walk?”

Tara winked. “Of course, you’re invited. I know Sam would love that as much as I would.” With a toss of her hair, she added, “But only if I get to come too.”

John chuckled. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

Tara seemed as reluctant to say goodnight as John was. With sadness in his heart, he gave her a quick kiss on her cheek, then sighed. “Well, I guess it’s time for me to leave. Thanks to you, it’s been a fantastic day.” Before he lost his nerve, he said, “Please don’t think me forward, but when can we next meet? Soon, I hope.”

Tara nodded. “Even though we’ve only just met, I feel I can trust you. Anyway, I’m returning to Guildford tomorrow.” She paused then said, “As it’s the weekend, why don’t you come and spend it with me?”

John was dumbfounded. On seeing his expression, Tara’s face fell. “Of course,” she said, “you may have something else planned?” Tara sighed. “If so, we’ll have to make it some other time.”

John wanted to pinch himself to make sure he had not dreamed up Tara’s invitation – Tara, still waiting for his answer, said, “Well, what do you think?”

Recovering, John said, “A friend has invited me to go to a football match with him.” He grinned. “However, since I don’t care much for football, I’m more than happy to accept your kind invitation.”

Tara laughed. “You had me going for a minute; I thought you’d prefer a game of football over spending the weekend with me.”

John shook his head, laughing. “What? Don’t be silly; you should know I would much prefer to be with you.” He paused, then said, “Look, unless you have other arrangements, I can pick you up from the hotel. We can then drive down in my car.”

Tara looked thoughtful, then shook her head. “No, I have a better idea. Why don’t we go by train? I have a return ticket and a car at home. We can use that to get out and about. That’s, of course, if we decide to go anywhere.” She beamed a smile. “Who knows, you might prefer to stay indoors with Sam and me.”

John laughed in surprise, causing a passing couple to stop and look in their direction. John to gestured an apology then turned back to Tara. He smiled. “This coming weekend sounds better every minute. I’ll be counting down the hours until tomorrow morning.”

Tara looked puzzled when John’s smile faded. “Perhaps I shouldn’t say this… although I know I have to; I don’t want to leave you.” He reached down and squeezed Tara’s hand. “However, I’ll be back at around 10 am. Is that a good time for you?”

“That would be fine, and may I say, I don’t want you to go either.” Her voice grew husky. “I will be thinking of you tonight.” Tara gave John one last kiss on the cheek, then walked towards the lifts.

As he watched her retreating figure, Tara stopped. She turned, and in a low voice, said, “Think of me as I will of you, John.”

Before he could reply, a lift door opened, and Tara stepped inside.

After paying their bar bill, John made his way outside to take a taxi home. As he sat in the cab, he smiled as he thought about the day he’d spent with Tara. With a start, John realised she was beginning to mean a lot to him. He also felt sure that Tara felt the same.

Although seemingly a happy-go-lucky person, John felt the need for a serious relationship, one that would lead to marriage. One with someone who shared the same kind of interests as himself. John had thought he had found this with Sue, his previous girlfriend. But both had realised they were not meant for each other and had parted as friends.

John was still smiling to himself by the time he arrived home. If things went well with Tara, who knows how their relationship would end up? Apart from this, John felt he was capable of becoming a good writer. Now, with Tara’s help, his dream had a chance of becoming a reality.

With these thoughts in his head, plus the anticipation of spending the weekend with Tara, John dropped off to sleep.