I hadn’t seen my room and was interested to know what was in this itinerary. I placed my drink on the coffee table and made my excuses, saying that I needed the bathroom. I walked back into the hallway and met the guy who had collected my bags.
“Can you let me know which room is mine?” I asked.
“Of course, sir. Please, follow me.” His tone was clean and crisp, well spoken, not quite theportertype, I thought.
He led me to a small room that appeared to be a reception. I waited while he fetched a key from a rack. “Room number eight, top floor. Unfortunately, due to age of the property we don’t have a lift, but I suspect you’re fit enough to manage the stairs.” He laughed at his comment and I felt compelled to join in.
“What a strange man,” I mumbled as I started to climb.
The house was on four floors and my room appeared to be the whole of the loft space. When I walked in, I was very pleased. The apex was floor-to-ceiling windows at one end, which gave me a glorious view of the beach and the sea. Not only a glorious view of the sea, but of a naked woman walking from it. I shielded my eyes against the glare of the sun. She appeared to look up, whether she could see me, I wasn’t sure, but she raised a hand as if in greeting. I didn’t respond, simply because I was mortified to be caught staring at her. She reached a sunbed and leaned down for a towel. She wrapped the towel around her body and continued towards the house. Another guest perhaps?
I pulled my phone from my trouser pocket and was about to dial when I spotted a folder, the itinerary, I assumed. I flicked it open. It detailed evening meals, shooting, hours at leisure, and ‘playtime.’ As much as I didn’t want to go there, my mind took playtime to be of the sexual kind. I laughed out loud, highly doubting I was right. I wouldn’t have put it past Rebecca to book me into some bloody arts and crafts weekend, something spiritual maybe, since she seemed to be waving joss sticks around the office of late. I guessed I would have to wait until the welcome dinner to find out what was in store.
I decided on a quick shower to refresh myself and once I had redressed, I left my phone on the bed and headed back down. It appeared the swimmer had joined us, thankfully clothed.
“Hi. It’s Zed, isn’t it?” she enquired with an American accent.
“Yes, and you have me at a disadvantage since you know my name but I don’t know yours.”
She chuckled and the sound seemed to settle in my groin. It was a sultry and sexy sound. “Miriam. I’m actually one of your authors. Miriam Seabrook.”
“Yes, of course! How are you and why…?” I wanted to ask why she was at the ugly house. Miriam had been an Olympic swimmer and wrote about her time representing her country.
She reached out and I took her hand to shake. She waslooked afterby one of my editors, although I had met her once when she’d first been signed to us. Her grip was firm, but her fingertips trailed over my palm as she pulled back her hand.
“I was in London and thought I’d catch a little of your beautiful coastline. I know Angela from her parties in L.A.”
Parties?
I made my confession. “This is my first time at one of her…events. In fact, my secretary decided I needed a break and booked it for me.”
She threw her head back and laughed. I found myself laughing along with her. It was a little absurd.
“So you have no idea what goes on here?” she enquired, leaning towards my ear, and I was thankful that she’d lowered her voice to a whisper.
I shook my head. “No, not really. Although I’m keen to know whatplaytimemeans.”
She leisurely leaned back and looked up at me. Her smile was slow to form but when it came, it was wicked. Her tongue ran over her lower lip. “I’m keen for you to know whatplaytimemeans, as well. And I think we might have some fun, Zed.” She patted my chest and turned. “Let me grab a nice cold white wine and we can talk some more.”
With my eyebrows raised and a smirk on my lips, I nodded. She amused me, not only me but also my cock was having a reaction to her sultry tones as well. Had I not been in a room with company, I would have had my hands down my trousers to readjust myself.
“I couldn’t help but overhear. You’ve never attended one of Angela’s weekends?” Anna said, walking towards me.
I shook my head. “Nope, I am anAngela weekend virgin,” I said, laughing.
“My, I think you’ll find it interesting.”
I knew I wasn’t imagining it, but Anna, like Miriam, seemed to be coming on to me. There was the toss of hair, the lick of lips, the cocking of the head, and sultry purr. When Miriam joined us, I thought I might get caught in the middle of two alley cats having a fight. I swear I heard a hiss from Miriam.
“I’m sure Zed will,” she said, not looking at Anna. She placed her hand on my chest, making sure to get between Anna and me. “Don’t worry, I’ll look after you,” she added with a laugh.
“Ladies, although this might be my first time here, I’m sure I’m able to look after myself,” I said, wanting to take back some control. “Although, if playtime is what I imagine, make no mistake, I can take care of two women with ease.”
With that, I removed myself from their circle and headed to the sofa where Darius stood.
“I’m always nervous at the start,” he confessed, and I was taken aback by it. Presumably he thought I knew what the weekend was about.
“Have you been to many of Angela’s parties?” I asked, sipping on my drink.
