Fur Coat No Knickers (17 page)

‘
Oi - she’s with me mate - back off,’ I heard another voice say. I knew immediately it was Travis. My heart was beating so hard in my chest I thought it might burst straight through. I turned slowly to face him.

‘The cheeky sod
,’ said Travis playfully, giving me a smile that made me want to faint. ‘You’re all
mine
.’

With that, he picked me up and hugged me so hard that it hurt. I blushed and smiled as he held me back at arms length and searched me from head to toe.

‘God, I want you,’ Travis said in a low voice as he gritted his teeth and drew in air. ‘But first, lets get us a glass of Champers.’

He gave me a wicked dirty smile, grabbed my hand and my bag and eased me towards the bar. For
once, I was speechless. I just couldn’t believe we were together at last. Despite the endless struggles to get here, nothing could possibly ruin this moment…

CHAPTER EIGHT

‘How was your flight, gorgeous?’ asked Travis, cool as a cucumber, adjusting his Ray-Bans and striding purposefully
with me through the crowds towards the bar.

‘Perfect
,’ I lied, smiling sweetly as I checked out his gorgeous arse whilst holding on to him for dear life. I tried desperately to retain my cool, but I was overwhelmed and slightly star-struck. It was a surreal feeling. Here I was, after all this time; able to see him, touch him and smell him. I wanted to pinch myself.
I am finally with Travis at long last.

He looked smoking-hot as ever, wearing a dark blue Ralph Lauren top with the collar popped, sexy Levi
’s and tan builder boots. He really was every inch the perfect man. Why on earth had I ever fantasised about marrying a pot-throwing, temperamental chef when I could have a high-flying, rugged rugby coach? This was much better in every way.

‘You’re even more beautiful than I remember
,’ he commented, suddenly swinging around to face me. 

‘Oh… thanks,
’ I replied nervously, feeling even more light-headed. I hoped I just didn’t spoil the moment by tripping over someone’s suitcase and falling flat on my face. I was just so unbelievably mesmerised by his presence.

‘Sorry
about the rush,’ said Travis, as he picked up the pace - we were by now almost sprinting, ‘I just want to have you alone with me. We’ll have a quick drink in here, and then…’ Travis looked at me grinning and biting the side of his lip, ‘then… I’m going to eat you alive.’

 
Say something… say something!
I screamed to myself. But nothing came out of my mouth. I was utterly spellbound. Thankfully, he leaned into me and delicately kissed me on the lips.

‘
I… I… like your top,’ I began to stammer, nervously pulling away from him. ‘It’s… err… a very nice colour.’

Oh my god! I have
the
most exquisite creature that I have ever set eyes on right in front of me and I tell him his top is a
nice colour
? Get a grip, Tara. Stop letting your nerves get the better of you.
Luckily, Travis didn’t seem in the least bit phased.

He smiled his delicious ‘come-to-me’ smile,
then turned and signalled to the barman with a nod.

‘Two glasses of
your finest Champagne, please,’ he said firmly. I couldn’t help but get turned on by his authority.

Reaching across, Travis tenderly caressed my cheek. The second he made contact it was as though a thousand volts passed through me. Then, guiding my jaw to him with his finger, he pulled me closer. By now we were so close I could feel his warm breath on my face. Teasing me, he pulled back and looked at me, cocking his head to one side while coolly removing his Ray-Bans. We were silent. Despite the fact we were standing in a packed
, noisy bar, it was as if nothing else existed. The atmosphere between us was inexplicitly charged, as his penetrating stare bore deep into my soul. His pupils, large and dilated, danced into mine. The air around us was almost sparking. I would have dropped my knickers right there, right then (if I were wearing any).

I felt an endless swirling pleasure as Travis slid his hands down to my waist. I had to bite my lip to stop myself crying out as his hands travelled further down the small of my back
. And then, with a deft movement, he pulled our nether regions tightly together. The whole time he was doing this, he kept his eyes locked firmly on mine. As I stared back into those deep brown eyes, I felt hot with intense desire as he sensually squeezed my bum cheek, sending shivers down my spine.

Was I really about to
make
love for the first time in my whole life? And with this beautiful man? Hell yes! I mean, I know it’s not like I was a virgin or anything, but I’d never actually
made
love
,
because I’d never really
been
in love. Not up until then, any way. This was completely different. I actually ached for him. It was an exquisitely beautiful pain.

‘You've
… got no knickers on,’ whispered Travis, widening his eyes excitedly.

His hand continued to circle my cheek
as he leaned in even closer, with his face touching mine so he could whisper into my ear. I could feel his warm breath.

‘This
delectable
derriere is all mine,’ he said, as he squeezed a handful of butt cheek, his voice husky with pleasure.

I giggled and blushed simultaneously. I couldn't help it. I felt like a teenager all over again. Eagerly responding, I moved my head back and kissed him gently down the side of his neck. Taking in the smell of his spicy, sexy aftershave at such close quarters nearly made me convulse on the spot.

‘Jesus,
Tara, you’re making me tingle. Like
everywhere
,’ his voice purred darkly. We were still locked together, but to emphasise his point, he pushed his groin even harder into me. He was rock hard, a fact I couldn’t help but greet with moan of tantalising pleasure.

The intensity of the moment was interrupted by the barman
placing two Champagne flutes on the bar in front of us. Travis stepped back and deftly flipped open his wallet, handed the man a few notes and indicated with a wave that he should keep the change.

Drinks in hand, we headed for a table in a quiet corner.

‘God, I’ve missed you,’ said Travis shaking his head, as we slipped onto the red, velvet bench, getting as close as it was possible to get without me actually sitting on his lap. ‘I keep forgetting just how beautiful you are.’

Travis rubbed my leg seductively, gently easing my dress up by a few inches. I smiled, with what I hoped was a naughty,
‘that’s-for-later’
expression and emphasised my point by smoothing my dress back down.

‘Patience
. Anticipation is the strongest aphrodisiac,’ I commanded, with a girlie giggle.

‘And you’re just so
natural
,’ he breathed, drawing me even closer. ‘I love natural beauty.’

Hearing that, I had to use every ounce of strength I had not to choke, splutter or laugh. There really was very little left of my face or body that had not been tampered with
in one way or another. I recovered well though and even managed a polite - and dare I say it, demure - thank you. Well, who was I to burst his bubble? Sheila had done the most fabulous job of ironing my face out.

We kissed again, but this time a little harder. I felt so alive the
second his full lips touched mine, my fingers gently trailing the outline of his tapered jaw line. He wrapped his hands in and around my hair, pulling me ever closer. Suddenly, remembering about my extensions, I panicked.
What if he feels my glued-in bonds?
But he clearly wasn’t thinking about such minor details, or maybe he didn’t notice. Either way, he never said a word.

‘G’wan der my son!’
shouted an old git from the bar, it was obvious that the remark was aimed at us. We pulled away from each other with a little laugh and I became aware that a number of people were staring at us.

‘Shall we go?’ we both said simultaneously.

Travis pulled his Ray-Bans on, so I fumbled into my bag producing my huge Victoria Beckham pair.
He must want to avoid being seen by the paparazzi,
I thought excitedly.
That’s something I would have to get used to.
(Note to self: carry a wig, or possibly a large hat at all times, might come in handy. However, this may depend on size of handbag being used at the time).

‘Ready?’
he enquired, with an amused grin.

‘Ready
,’ I answered, downing the rest of my Champagne, straightening my sunglasses and picking up my bag. Taking my hand, Travis determinedly led us through and out of the crowed Arrivals hall.
This is how a WAG must feel,
I thought as I proudly kept a very tight grip of my man.

Once outside
, Travis hailed down a taxi and gave the address of the hotel. Off we went, snogging each other’s faces off the whole journey. We were utterly oblivious to the nosey glances of the taxi driver who seemed to be doing his utmost not to get caught looking at us.

After a short while, I became vaguely aware of the luxurious sounds of crispy, deep, gravel crunching under the wheels as the cab slowed down, eventually coming to a grinding halt. The driver turned off the radio and, clearing his throat, indicated we had reached our destination. Prizing myself away from Travis’ mouth and removing his wandering hands from up inside my dress, I tried to survey the unfamiliar surroundings through the steamed
-up windows. I suddenly felt very nervous and off balance about what lay ahead.

I ruffled my hair back into place as best I could and smoothed my dress back down.

I glanced over at Travis who was, as usual, oozing confidence as he gathered our belongings. He really was impossibly handsome. So calm, so collected and
so utterly perfect.

‘My Princess, your castle awaits
,’ he gestured proudly with his arm, while simultaneously bowing his head like a manservant. Then, he took my hand while shoving a wad of notes in the direction of the cabbies.

I was completely speechless at the overwhelmingly spectacular sight in front of us.

‘It’s a castle!’ I gasped, steadying myself. ‘It’s just like the Magic Kingdom castle at Disneyland. It’s even got flags on poles and everything!’ I cupped my face in childish astonishment, utterly overwhelmed. I had always wanted to come here. I didn’t even have to look for the hotel name. I had eagerly read reviews of the boutique hotel Castle Clontarf after Siobhan attended her posh cousin’s wedding here.
Oh my God, wait till I tell her!

‘You’re my Princess
,’ Travis whispered passionately. ‘I want to look after you, always.’

I swung round to face him, my eyes brimming with tears. I was finding it hard to speak. ‘Sorry, sorry…’ I eventually stammered, my voice constricted with emotion. ‘It’s just all so beautiful. And what you just said, well, it’s kind of blown me away. Where have you been all my life?’ By now the tears were streaming down my cheeks.

‘You can stop crying now. You’re safe. I’ve got you, Tara,’ his voice now rich and protective.

‘Even the stars in the sky look like shimmering diamonds
,’ I babbled, trying desperately to pull myself together. But, once I had started sobbing, I couldn't stop.
Jesus. Come on, Tara, he’s got the message. Yes, I love it. I love it all.

I knew I really did need to stop crying
. Blowing my snotty nose and sniffing like a two year old really wa
s
mos
t
unattractive and very un-WAG-like indeed.
I mean for God’s sake, what if the paparazzi got a picture of me like this? Now that really would be something to cry about!

I really couldn’t help it
. I stood, spellbound, facing the picturesque castle, squeezing Travis’ hand tightly. It was like I was in a fairytale. I freeze-framed the moment in my mind, absorbing the idyllic surroundings and savouring every detail.

A bedazzling array of spotlights in whites, vivid blues and pinks bounced romantically off the trailing ivy leaves cover
ing the soaring castle walls and turrets. The picture was topped off by a pair of giant, weathered, moss-laden stone lions sitting at the entrance, powerfully guarding their fortress. It looked like a Hollywood film set.

‘It’s
the
most romantic setting I have ever seen!’ I wailed, almost breaking into another sob.

‘I knew you would love it here
. It’s the best hotel in town,’ chorused Travis, effortlessly picking up our bags with one hand. ‘Come on, gorgeous, let’s get you inside - you’ll freeze out here.’

Walking into the vast, richly decorated lobby, I suddenly began to feel weak. It was probably a combination of over-excitement, lack of food and the glass of bubbly at the airport. I took an opportunity to sit on one of the entrance hall thrones, which were covered in plush scarlet velvet. The one I chose was in front of a large, ornate stone fireplace. I took great pleasure from the intense heat radiating from the roaring open fire. As Travis checked us in, my eyes traced the lavishly carpeted stairs and the exquisitely engraved granite stairway. I instinctively knew these were the stairs that would take me to heaven.

In the distance, I could hear the rich tinkling of a piano playing soft jazz, together with soft murmuring voices
. It all served to give off an intimate, relaxed vibe. I closed my eyes, savouring this precious moment. I had never felt this special… ever.

I shivered at the thought of what lay ahead. I turned my attention back to the
grand reception desk where, I realised with a start, Travis had been watching me the whole time. Mentally, I was already undressing him, my mind spinning with possibilities. I fluttered my lashes back at him, my gaze slowly roaming over his luscious body; taking in his solid legs, narrow waist, strapping chest and those magnificent strong arms. Of course, that’s not to forget his perfect ‘come-to-bed’ smile. I had to be the luckiest girl in the whole wide world.