Anna's Love Reborn - a hotel short story about relationships and marriage counselling by Rob Hopcott

It was just as the marriage counsellor had advised.

We booked separate rooms at a London hotel and spent the day apart. I visited the shops and bought a fantastic pair of cream shoes with gold coloured buckles, a gold handbag, monogrammed 'Anna', and a slinky black dress with a low cut back that perfectly showed off my long black hair.

Don't get me wrong, I love my kids but to spend a day in the Oxford and Regent Street boutiques with their bright lights, magical scents and soft music, amongst people who are there just for me, reminded me again, after so long, I was a woman besides being a wife and mother.

I must have looked happy because even the taxi driver gave me a cheeky smile - and me a married woman!

My en suite was lovely with the largest bath you've ever seen. It looked so pretty with scented candles all around and bath salts in the water which made me sleepy and excited, all at the same time.

I got dressed slowly and could hardly believe I was the elegant woman in the long bedroom mirror. I actually pinched myself to see if I was dreaming - and then giggled like a little girl.

Maybe, the marriage counsellor really did know a thing or two, after all.

We'd said we'd meet up in the lounge besides the restaurant. When I arrived, I didn't spot Robert so I took a seat and watched the people go by. My, how the other half live!

My elbow was touched by a bell boy who presented me with a rose from the gentleman at the bar who'd asked if he could join me.

Robert had bought a bright floral tie to go with his new blue suit which matched his blue eyes. He looked rested, happy and very handsome. It put a thrill inside me just to see him.

"I'd love him to join me," I said, trying to keep my smile sophisticated and cool

"You look so beautiful," Robert said, as he sat down next to me and gazed into my soul. He leaned over and his kiss just brushed my cheek, ever so gently. I actually blushed! It was wonderful.

He asked me if I would like something to drink but I was already glowing all over from the large glass of champagne I'd sipped in the bath.

"Shall we just take a table and eat. I've walked miles today and I'm actually quite famished."

I felt like a Queen as we walked into the dining room. We must have been a good looking couple because lots of those well dressed wealthy looking people smiled at us, as if we were celebrities. I smiled back as we sat down at our table for two, trying to appear as if I ate there every day.

Robert told me how he'd spent the day at the National Gallery and listened to some really great street musicians in Trafalgar Square.

"You should see the Impressionists, their paintings are beautiful - almost as beautiful as you. I'd like to take you there sometime."

"I'd like that too," I said, feeling unsettled. I needed to get used to receiving compliments again.

"Perhaps tomorrow, if you like."

"I'd like that."

Later, after we'd finished our meal, Robert reached across the table and let his hand rest gently over mine. He was strictly following the rules and being on his best behaviour, not taking things too fast. Then we were holding hands. His hands felt strong and I was beginning to wish the table would melt away from between us.

I soon got my wish because the band started playing and Robert said "Shall we dance."

The music was slow and we danced even slower, cheek to cheek, not caring about the beat. Roberts arms held me tightly. I felt safe and desired. When he at last kissed me, even though he just brushed his lips to mine, I felt as if I would burst into flames right there on the dance floor.

He didn't kiss me again until we were standing outside my hotel room. His kiss seemed to come from far away and took me to a place where I'd never been, that was atmospheric, luxurious and timeless. Our kiss went on and on, with his arms reaching behind my back, pulling me urgently to him.

"Let me open the door," I said, breathlessly. "My room's wonderful. It's got romantic views across Hyde Park."

"I'd love to see your views," he whispered into my ear, making tingles run up and down my spine.

"Then you shall," I replied, gazing into his eyes.

My permission was given and Robert was now in charge.

Time slowed. He kissed my shoulders and each part of me as it was gently revealed with words hardly above a whisper.

Then his rippling muscles carried us together to a paradise of sweet clouds, blue skies and sensations that overwhelmed me until my whole being relinquished control and sleep finally came.

In the early hours of the morning, I woke feeling content. London was already beginning to bustle with the sounds of people going about their lives. Robert was breathing quietly besides me with a small boyish smile on his face. I knew instantly from the wave of tenderness that welled up inside me that I was in love again.

The marriage counsellor had been right. Even after years of living without romance, the door to a loving and fulfilling relationship was still open.

My husband didn't believe in marriage counsellors.

Which is why I came to this hotel with Robert instead, my recently divorced next door neighbour.

"I loved you from the first moment I saw you," Robert had said, over dinner.

Moving next door wouldn't be so hard.

I leaned across to Robert, pulling aside my long hair and kissing him lightly on his lips.

Quietly, I whispered, so not to wake him.

"Thank you for helping me rediscover how good a loving relationship feels."

But he was awake.

He opened his eyes, dreamily.

"Thank you Anna for allowing me to love you, please never send me away."

Then he held my face with his hands and pulled my lips to his.

The End


(Rob Hopcott - online author - fiction - news)

Copyright Rob Hopcott 2008. All characters in this romantic short love story and other short story romances, romance short stories, free on-line humor, short stories, flash fictions, micro-fictions, sudden fictions, post card fictions or very short stories on this site are fictitious and no reference is intended to any person living or otherwise.