7 Year Itch

2. Dinner

I curled my hair in the bedroom as Jacob styled his in the bathroom mirror that was still slightly foggy from the shower. Jacob wolf whistled as he walked into the bedroom to see me in a navy chiffon playsuit "mhmm don't you look delicious, tsss" he said as he poked me with his finger, pretending I sizzled.

"Thanks, looking pretty snazzy yourself" I replied with a smile.

"Snazzy? I will take that as a compliment!" I rolled my eyes as I grabbed my stuff and we left the apartment.

Jeremy had built a pavilion style gazebo out of wood near the main entrance. It had a bar, barbecue and music booth built in, making it perfect for gatherings or simply relaxing.

"Hey guys. You all settled? Everything okay with the apartment?" Jeremy asked as we approached.

"It's great. Thanks dad. Did I hear that Matt was joining us?"

"You did indeed" said Matt as he joined our group "how's my big half-brother doing? Still with the lovely Ella I see" he hugged us both before calling for his mum Lindsey to hurry up.

I didn't realise Matt would be here at the same time as us. He grew up on the island but moved back to England when he was 20. Jacob introduced us a couple years ago and we have become good friends. He's a funny, easy going guy. Taller than Jacob but leaner than him, they both share the same dark hair and brown eyes. He had his mother's talkative personality; he was still rambling about some nonsense when we reached the restaurant.

"Table for six please Costa." Jeremy said to an old burly man wearing a white shirt. They greeted each other with wide smiles and laughter "Jeremy my friend. How are you? And beautiful Lindsey, are you well?" He asked the pair, before turning to us. "Ah Jacob, good to see you again my boy. You've got more muscles than last time. And who is this lovely lady?"

"This is Ella, my girlfriend" Jacob said as I stepped forward to shake Costa's hand, saying it was a pleasure to meet him. Costa then said hello to Matt as he led us to our table.

As they were ordering Aggi rushed in, apologised for being late and ordered her usual as she took a seat next to Lindsey. I was admiring a stray cat on the other side of the fence when Lindsey spoke up "so Ella, how long have you two been together now? Quite a few years, right?"

"Seven to be exact" I said with a smile and a peak at Jacob, who also smiled.

"Woah seven? " Aggi added in her strong northern English accent. "And you're not married yet? My my, a lovely lady like this."

I blushed intensely and Jacob rolled his eyes with a chuckle. It was not the first time we had been asked that. Thankfully, the food chose that moment to arrive, so we didn't have to respond.

The food was delicious, and the conversation was pleasant. I explained my role in the finance department and Jacob described the ins and outs of his role as a marketing manager. Aggi gave us the rundown of her divorce and how she was so much happier now, while Matt tried to get us to agree to go do some water sports.

"Dad, is it cool of we take the speedboat out tomorrow?" Matt asked his father.

"Sure, but remember, no more than eight people" he responded with a serious face.

"I said it wouldn't happen again!" He exclaimed before muttering " I almost sink it one time and this is what I get. Every single time. "

Jacob and I laughed at Matt's reaction as we made the short walk back to the house. Lindsey, Aggi and Jeremy trailing behind so that could chat privately.

"So, who else will be coming?" I asked Matt.

"Err, Alec, Adrian, Helena and a mountain of snacks. You may have heard me talking about Demetri, we work together at the beach club, well Helen is his err girlfriend. Adrian is her brother and Alec his friend. They're all nice and you'll get on with them." Matthew explained before holding back to speak to his dad.

"I can't wait to get you back to our room" Jacob whispered into my ear when we were a few places ahead of the others. Wide eyed I checked the others were out of hearing range, and hoped I successfully hid the blush from him. I swallowed and composed myself as everyone came back together to say goodnight.

"Thanks for a lovely evening, we'll meet you tomorrow about nine to go to the docks?" Jacob asked Matt, who nodded and made his way to his room.

"Goodnight you two, have a good day tomorrow. I'll leave some floats and the cooler in the pavilion for you." Lindsey said as she made her way up the stairs with Jeremy.

I made eye contact with Jacob before we both rushed back to our apartment. I giggled as he pushed me against door after he shut it behind us. "It's only been a few hours"

"Yes, a few too many" he replied as he started kissing down my neck. He knew my weak spot; he'd had seven years to perfect his seduction process and he knew exactly which buttons to press to make me surrender. And I did.

END OF CHAPTER 2