A Dangerous Love Affair

Chapter One-2

Sally smiled across at John. “If you like, and have some time next week, perhaps we could meet again?”

John could not believe his ears, but recovered enough to say, “That would be great. I’ll call you, and we’ll figure out a time.”

After finishing an aperitif, Sally sighed. “I’m sorry, John, but I have another engagement to attend.”

“I’m sorry, too, but I understand. I’ve enjoyed spending time with you, and look forward to our next meeting.”

After insisting that she had invited him, Sally paid the bill. They then walked outside to the taxi the maître-d’ had ordered for her.

As John went to shake hands with Sally, to his surprise, she gave him a brief kiss on the cheek. John could feel the heat in his face as he opened the door of the cab.

Sally climbed inside, giving John another view of her tantalising legs. She tilted her head up towards him. “Don’t forget to call, John.

I look forward to hearing from you.”

With that, John closed the door. As the taxi drove off, he stood there frozen, wondering if he had dreamed the past couple of hours. A call from the driver of a second waiting cab snapped him out of his thoughts.

“Do you want a taxi?” the driver repeated.

“Oh, sorry. Yes, please.”

As John climbed in, the driver looked at him in the inside mirror. “Are you okay? Where would you like to go?”

“Oh, take me to the Red Lion pub in Putney, please - I need a drink.”

The driver chuckled. “If I’d been with a lady like that, I’d also need a drink to calm me down.”

At the pub, John ordered a large gin and tonic. As he sat nursing it, he reflected on the day’s events. For sure, it had been one he would never forget. Even so, he wondered if he would see Sally again.

Due to busy sending off inquiry emails regarding his search for an agent – and the small matter of his nerves – ten days passed before he called Sally.

As soon as she answered the phone, John recognised her voice. When he greeted her, Sally exclaimed, “Oh, John! I’m so pleased you called. I thought you’d forgotten me.”

John felt like a boy looking for his first date. “How could I, after you gave me such an amazing time when we first met?”

He heard Sally titter. “That’s nice of you to say, John. I also enjoyed our meeting. You made me feel alive again, and believe it or not; I mean that.”

Although taken back at hearing this, John said, “Well, I must say the feeling’s mutual.” He paused, summoning his nerve. “If you have time, perhaps we could meet for lunch or a drink? But remember, it’s my treat this time.”

“Well... it’s a bit early for dinner, and I’ve had lunch. Still, if you’re hungry, I’m sure I could manage a little something.”

John could hardly control his relief. “It’s not a problem. If you prefer, tomorrow would be okay. Or whenever you have time.”

John’s heart skipped a beat when Sally said, “No, today would be fine.”

“Great, what time would be good for you? Oh, and where will we meet?”

“I’m staying at The Carlton Hotel. Let’s meet in the lobby bar, say3 pm? We’ll have a drink and then decide where to go.”

“That sounds good - I look forward to seeing you there.”

As he hung up the phone, John was bubbling with excitement.

He arrived at the hotel early, then sat waiting in the lobby. When Sally stepped out from one of the lift doors, although not dressed in the slinky green dress, Sally still looked terrific. She wore light blue trousers and a fawn top, with a beige jacket slung casually over her shoulders. John smiled when he noticed Sally’s shoes had much lower heels than those she wore at the book launch.

Spotting him, Sally raised her hand in greeting. As she walked towards him, John rose and put out his hand to welcome her. Sally took it, then to his surprise, also gave him a friendly kiss on the cheek.

On seeing John colour up, Sally flashed him a smile. “There’s no need to be so formal, John. We have already met. Plus, I regard you as a friend. One I hope, will become a close one.”

At this, John leaned forward and brushed his lips against her cheek. The subtle smell of Sally’s perfume made him breathe a little faster. “I hope you don’t mind my saying, but your perfume smells beautiful.”

“It’s Burberry Classic, my favourite, and thank you for the compliment.”

John sniffed and raised his eyes. “I find the aroma quite intoxicating, he said.”

Sally laughed and leaned forward. “People are looking, John; we had better sit down or leave.”

John felt his colour rise again. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

Sally shook her head. “It’s not a problem. Why don’t we head down to the park for a walk?”

John grinned. “That’s a good idea. However, the flowers will feel jealous to see you walking among them.”

Sally shook her head. “You’re a real flatterer, John.” Her smile then widened. “Let’s leave before I go red with embarrassment at hearing such lovely words.”

As they walked out into the bright sunshine, John began to relax. Sally’s company took away all his anxieties about his new career and finding an agent.

Glancing across and seeing the expression on John’s face, Sally said, “A penny for your thoughts, John? You must be thinking something nice.”

He nodded. “If you must know, my thoughts were on how lucky I am to be with someone as attractive as you.”

Sally blushed at his compliment. “Oh, come on. You know I’m not as young as I pretend to be.”

“Maybe, but I can tell you’re young at heart.” Before Sally could respond, John added, “I’m not just saying it, but I feel good being with you.”

He saw a satisfied smile cross Sally’s face. “I can’t believe you feel like that, but I appreciate you saying it.”

They slowly made their way through the crowds of people before turning down a side street. Sally sighed. “That’s better. I don’t like being hemmed in with people.” She gave a sideways look at John. “You may not believe it, but I much prefer the peace of the country than being in town.”

John chuckled. “Can you read my thoughts, or do you mean what you say?”

Sally chuckled. “I’m not that clever, John; I meant what I said.”

He grinned. “Well, apart from writing, that’s another thing we have in common.”

Sally’s look was mischievous. “Who knows? We might discover we have more things in common than you think.” She paused then asked, “So, what hobbies do you have, John, apart from writing, I mean?”

“Well, I like diving. I’m a qualified PADI-diver.”

Before he could continue, Sally exclaimed, “See, that’s something else we share. I’m also qualified.”

John chuckled. “I suppose next you’ll be telling me you like hang-gliding?” To his astonishment, Sally nodded vigorously, her eyes wide. “I do. I’ve been up many times and have a certificate to prove it.”

He shook his head. “Wow! What a coincidence. Maybe we could go diving or hang-gliding together.”

“That’s a possibility,” Sally replied. “I’d like that.”

John felt a warm glow at her words; it sounded as though they’d be spending more time together. Despite the difference in their ages, like him, Sally seemed happy and content with them being together.

At the park, they found several couples sitting on the short grass. Sally stopped and turned to John. “Now, there’s a story for you. Think of what’s going on in their minds. Who knows where situations like that can lead? It could be s*x, romance, disappointment, or true love, take your pick.”

John nodded. “Yes, but my stories are more action-orientated.”

She nudged him with her elbow. “Take a tip from one who knows, John. s*x and romance win over action every time.” She snickered and added, “Or they did when I wrote my books.”

John pursed his lips into a tight smile. “Well, no matter what you might think from my compliments, I’m not much of a romantic person.” He considered for a moment. “Still, if I mix it up, it might work.”

“Well, you did say you had no luck with your writing so far. Why not give something new a try?” Sally stopped, looked at John and raised her eyebrows. “If you like, I could help and give you a few pointers on how to write in that genre.” She hesitated. “That’s if you wouldn’t mind accepting my help.”

John’s head was spinning. Did he hear right – was Sally offering to help him? He shook his head in disbelief. “Sally, if you meant what you said, and have the time, I’d be more than happy to accept your kind offer.”

“Of course, I meant it, John. I’m not playing. It would be good for both of us.” Sally giggled. “However, if the press gets hold of this, you’re liable to find yourself in the news. You know.” Shaking her head, Sally said, “That wouldn’t bother me at all. She flashed him a smile. “But you know they’re always looking for anything interesting to make a headline.”

John chuckled. “Don’t worry about me,” he assured her. “I have broad shoulders, but what about you? I can see the headline; Famous author finds herself a toy boy.”

Sally chuckled. “Nevertheless, your friends might think you’ve lost the plot by being with someone as old as me.”

“What! Are you kidding? Those who saw the photo the barman took at the book launch said I was one lucky S.O.B. And before you say anything, I think you’re lovely and get great pleasure being with you.”

Sally gave him a gentle punch on his arm. “That’s sweet of you, John. I also enjoy being with you. However, I don’t want you upset if someone asks why you’re out with someone old enough to be your mother.”

John looked sad and shook his head. “If my mother were alive, she wouldn’t say anything negative about that.”

Sally looked stricken. “Oh, I’m so sorry, John. I never knew.”

John squeezed her hand. “That’s okay.” He shrugged. “Both my parents died in a car accident five years ago.”

Sally looked close to tears. “Oh, what a terrible thing to happen. If I’d only known, I would never have mentioned it.”

John forced a smile. “It’s alright; tragedy happens all the time. We have to learn to live with it.”

Sally was about to reply when John pointed. “Look, there’s an empty table at the restaurant, why don’t we sit there? We’ll celebrate your idea with a drink.” He grinned. “If you like, you could then feed the swans. I’ll go and take the table while you see what they have to drink.”

When Sally returned, she was holding a menu. She sat down at the table. “I was about to order, but I thought you’d like the honour of choosing.”

John chuckled. “No problem, I trust your judgement.”

After a quick look at the menu, they decided a half bottle of Chardonnay would go down well. Once a waiter brought it to their table, they toasted their new project.

After finishing their drinks, John bought a packet of bird food from a vendor that he gave it to Sally. She then went to feed it to the swans. On looking, John thought the scene looked ideal, so-called to Sally. As she turned to face him, using his cell phone, John took her picture. He flashed her his most innocent smile. “I hope you don’t mind, but I thought it would make a good photo.”

Sally laughed. “No problem, you’re welcome to take my photo anytime. However, in return, I would like one of you.”