Hard to Love Read online

Mabel had no idea what was going on but made sure she could stare out the window if it all got a little boring, which it tended to.

  ‘What am I doing here?’ she asked Tommy, who was sat next to her.

  ‘They want a team meeting to go through the pitch ideas and research. This is probably when they ask for more money.’

  ‘I’m certainly not releasing more funds.’

  ‘Folks!’ she heard Alex say and turned to see him standing at the top of the table. ‘Thank you for coming at short notice due to others having arrangements.’ He flicked her a glance. ‘I wanted to present our initial ideas. As you know, Keith has a connection with this thriving, internet dating business.’

  Slumping in her seat, Mabel found herself looking at Alex. He was wearing a loose-fitting shirt hanging over his tattered jeans. He looked quite attractive, and his bright smile just sealed the deal.

  Looking around the room, she realised everyone seemed in agreement.

  Then he started to speak.

  All she could hear was the idea of getting testimonials from people who used the site to say how good it was and do it in a quirky way – whatever that meant.

  She lost interest.

  Mabel was imagining having sex with Bob and hoped he really was on heat, knowing she needed to have some rampant action that afternoon.

  Glancing over, she noticed Lauren was looking lovingly at Alex.

  Mabel recalled when she first set eyes on Wes, standing in a meeting room oozing confidence and creative ideas. He was the most wonderful thing.

  The fact he wanted her was even more amazing, and they fell in love.

  There was a warm feeling in her gut when she recalled them being together.

  She knew there was no hope she would experience it again with another man.

  What she didn’t realise, while gazing out of the window, was Alex sitting opposite her, and staring. She frowned and then looked up into the sky. An orange was rolled forward, making her look down.

  ‘And you,’ Alex said quietly.

  ‘Pardon?’ Mabel had been caught unawares and saw Calum smiling.

  ‘You said you wanted to move on,’ her brother whispered.

  ‘You’ve lost me,’ she replied, looking down at the orange.

  ‘I’ll re-cap,’ sighed Alex, sitting back in his chair and looking straight into her eyes. ‘We want five people to take part in research for ‘Love to Love’. We need two young people, to see what fun they can have. Two slightly older people who are genuinely looking for love; and someone who realistically might find the whole thing a challenge, as well as be a challenge. That way we get a better overview of what the site can offer, therefore tailoring the pitch.’

  ‘And your point is what?’ she looked around the room. Then she clicked. ‘You want me to do it?’

  Calum grinned, and there were a few giggles.

  ‘You would be the challenge, especially if anyone wants to go out with you!’ Paolo sniffed, sticking his nose in the air as if his comment was clever.

  ‘I take it you’re doing it then. Don’t they mind whether you’re straight, gay or into bestiality? You tick all the boxes,’ she said quietly, watching Alex shaking his head with a smirk while quite a few people laughed at her comment.

  ‘How dare you!’ shouted out Paolo standing up, pulling down his too tight t-shirt. ‘You can’t let her speak to me like that! Calum, please say something? She’s so rude!’

  ‘She’s also deaf,’ her brother replied, full of dismay.

  ‘Can I go now?’ she sweetly asked. ‘I apologise Paolo for my rude comments. It was uncalled for. I could be into bestiality if I were given half a chance.’ Mabel looked at her watch, itching to see Bob. She rolled the orange back to Alex. ‘I find citrus fruit, like oranges and Paolo, give me ulcers.’

  ‘Could that be down to the amount of acid coming from your mouth?’ Alex said flatly, looking at the orange, before rolling it back towards her. ‘Take it for when you get a break this afternoon. You might need the vitamins.’

  ‘I don’t need any,’ she said, standing up and catching the orange before it fell off the table. ‘And I’m refusing your kind offer of being the challenge. Have a lovely weekend.’ Mabel threw the orange as hard as she could at Alex, but he caught it before it could land on his head. ‘I intend to.’

  Happily, she sprinted out the office knowing that Calum would probably try and corner her, to give a Chinese burn as punishment.

  ‘Oh, yes!’

  Not knowing why, she agreed to it, Bob tied her hands to the top of the bed and was kissing her naked body. Always wanting to be in control, Mabel found it less than liberating.

  She had asked for the ties to be a little loose, saying it hurt her wrists.

  Right now, he was kissing up her inner thighs. Mabel watched his shaved head and how his lips touched her skin.

  ‘I’m going to eat your pussy,’ Bob moaned into her crotch.

  She wanted him to get desperately stuck in as the build-up was killing her.

  Looking up, she checked her watch.

  Then his hand started to rub her pubic bone as his fingers searched her skin, pinching her clit.

  Mabel shuddered.

  He stretched her lady lips apart and bang!

  His tongue and mouth were sucking and licking. All she could feel were his lips pulling her in while his fingers joined in with the celebration of making her come.

  Seconds would be the length of time before she had an orgasm in his mouth.

  He wasn’t letting up and she let out a massive groan, feeling the shock vibrate through her body as the multiple orgasms hit, and she writhed her hips into his face

  Mabel couldn’t speak and then Bob pulled away, wiping his face with the sheet. He slowly reached out for a condom, rolling it down on his shaft.

  This was when she gulped again.

  He really did have a snake between his legs, a serpent-like thing that looked as if it had a mind of its own. As much as she appreciated his girth, the length wasn’t something she could handle. Bob knew this and was gentle but sometimes, he got carried away, and that’s when it was a bit uncomfortable.

  But he was quick, and the pain never lasted that long.

  Looking at him moving in and out, the extremely dark member covered in her juices, she noticed his flat stomach and six pack muscles moving.

  Bob Jones was all man.

  Thank goodness, a fast man as he came letting out his usual roar, more like pussycat meow, within seconds.

  Mabel wanted to laugh but bit her lip and made the right noises.

  ‘Oh Mabel, you turn me on,’ he said, sitting on his heels, his face looking like he was in pain before removing himself and rolling off the condom.

  It wasn’t the most beautiful sight.

  ‘You turn me on too.’ She let out a big sigh and was relieved when he walked out of the bedroom towards the bathroom.

  He had a great, big, muscular arse and it did remind her of Wes’s.

  Then her smile faded and she didn’t want to think about him when making love to someone else.

  Bob returned with two glasses of wine, and still butt naked.

  ‘That’s for you,’ he said, sitting back down. She sniffed toothpaste and soap, realising he cleaned up. ‘I have a date tonight.’

  ‘I’m pleased for you,’ she sighed, sipping her cold white wine. He had crap taste when it came to one of life’s necessities. ‘Someone special?’

  ‘She’s keen so that’s good. Are you seeing anyone?’

  ‘Other than you and my wine dealer, not really.’

  ‘You could start seeing me other than in my bed.’

  Mabel grinned and poured her wine into his glass.

  ‘I have to get showered and changed,’ she whispered.

  ‘Why not?’

  ‘Because you are a serial divorcee and someone who screws around. Mum and Calum can’t stand you, mainly because of the thieving of accounts. Personally, you did us a favour. If my brother f
inds out that I’ve even flashed you my knickers, he’s going to go mental.’ She took a deep breath. ‘And you know Wes, so it would look bad.’

  ‘You want to fuck me but don’t want to be seen out with me, is that it?’

  ‘You know I like you,’ she said quietly, before stroking his shaved head. ‘And I’m thankful you enlightened me after my marriage breakdown.’

  ‘You needed a good screw,’ he replied, putting his glass down and stretching back out on the bed. ‘I thought my cock would fall off.’

  ‘I was hoping it would considering how much chaffing I got,’ she mumbled under her breath, picking up her clothes.

  After taking a shower and quickly getting dressed, she left his flat and realised it was early.

  Checking her phone, she looked at the folder she kept of photos of him.

  Once upon a time, it had only been naked pictures of her husband.

  She soon deleted those when he betrayed her trust.

  Now it was just Bob.

  And soon that would have to stop too. Mabel knew it had run its course.

  ‘Can I join you?’

  Mabel was sitting at her usual table on the balcony of the offices having a late lunch.

  Alex was standing in front of her.

  ‘Why?’ she asked, looking up at him. ‘The place is empty.’

  ‘I’d like the company.’

  He sat down opposite and had an orange in his hand as well as a knife. She watched him cut it into segments on the plate and start to eat.

  ‘What’s the thing about oranges?’ she asked, finishing her sandwich and wiping her mouth. ‘You always seem to be eating or holding one. Is it some quirky thing?’

  Alex laughed and continued eating each segment, all the time smiling.

  ‘I used to catch loads of colds when I was little, so my mum made me eat oranges, tangerines and satsumas. I love the flavour, and I love oranges.’ His smile slipped. ‘It reminds me of her.’

  ‘That’s sweet, but I prefer the orange taste in Cointreau rather than oranges, oh and in chocolate. And I’m not doing your dating research if that’s what you want to speak to me about.’

  He was ignoring her, as he slowly ate the fruit.

  ‘Oranges aren’t the only fruit,’ she said, seeing him smile.

  ‘Isn’t that the book about a ginger lesbian?’ he asked, darting a glance up at her.

  ‘She has a point,’ Mabel replied pulling a face. ‘Less messy than being with a man.’

  Alex laughed out loudly, making Mabel smile.

  ‘I’m not very messy,’ he said, biting into the orange and looking at her.

  ‘I’m sure Lauren thinks so too,’ she replied, pushing her plate away.

  ‘Are you sure you don’t want to have sex with me? You’ll need a good shag soon.’ Mabel tried to hide the shock of his statement. ‘Are you offended?’

  ‘No, I’m not.’

  ‘This is good practice for when you start dating.’

  Folding her arms, she shook her head from side to side.

  ‘Listen, Alex, I’m aware this is going to cause great hilarity. If you’re honest, the only reason you want me to do it, is to see how badly the site might perform.’ She snorted a laugh. ‘Let’s cut the bullshit.’

  ‘You’re going to have to stop screwing around on Friday afternoons,’ he said, sitting back in his chair.

  ‘I told you that was a fib,’ she replied, hiding her blush. ‘I go to the cinema. I practically live in Screen 3.’

  ‘I love films,’ he said, pushing forward the last piece of orange. ‘Do you want it?’

  ‘Like I said, they give me ulcers.’

  ‘I might have to do something that will upset you.’

  ‘Depends on what it is.’

  ‘If you want to have sex, I’ll charge twenty notes for the pleasure.’

  ‘Is that note per second?’ she said with a sly grin, seeing the guy thought he could charm her. ‘Pick on someone else. Accounts are practically full of women gagging for it. You don’t want to go out with them after they’ve had a few drinks. Seriously dangerous.’

  Alex laughed out loudly and let out a sigh.

  ‘I, unfortunately, have to go back to work,’ she mumbled, getting up to take her plate and cup.

  ‘But you don’t have to screw about with someone unsuitable, do you?’

  ‘How do you know he’s unsuitable?’

  ‘Because if he were, you wouldn’t be hiding it unless he’s married.’ Alex stretched out his legs and looked up at her. ‘Is he?’

  ‘This has nothing to do with you,’ she said, straightening her back. ‘All you need to know, it’s nice when someone likes you after you’ve felt unloved and unwanted.’

  There was a flicker in his eyes she couldn’t understand.

  ‘Is that how you felt?’ he whispered.

  ‘It’s how I feel.’

  ‘You need to be loved?’

  ‘I am told by my mother that I am hard to love, but I love to love someone, and be loved in return. Doesn’t everyone?’

  ‘All the accounts?’

  Mabel couldn’t hide her annoyance when Calum called for a meeting first thing on Wednesday morning. ‘I’m busy.’

  ‘Just get in here with your laptop. It has to be done.’

  Then she saw her mother stroll into the offices, flanked as if she was famous. Everyone stopped to chat. Even her team of three; Tommy, Pauline and Sonia were all wide-eyed and in awe of Joanna.

  Mabel sat there and observed.

  She turned her head and noticed Alex was looking at her before standing to greet Joanna as she sashayed into his office.

  Getting up, Mabel headed towards the smaller meeting room.

  Sitting down and opening her laptop, she noticed the Account Directors walk in, followed by the Finance Director, Bruce, Calum, and then Alex.

  She did a double take wondering what he was doing there.

  ‘Hello!’ Joanna said, walking in with an extremely bright smile. ‘How wonderful to see you all. I’m sorry for the late notice, but we thought it would be good to go through a few things.’ Joanna walked closer to Mabel. ‘Darling, you don’t mind attending at short notice?’

  ‘It won’t take that long, will it?’

  ‘Just the morning.’

  Joanna touched Mabel’s shoulder, giving it a little squeeze before taking the head of the table as her brother sat at the other end. Mabel realised Alex noticed it, frowned, then sat next to her, pulling his chair closer.

  ‘We’ve brought Alex into the meeting as he has been doing such a good job with the current clients. It’s important we get his input across the board,’ said Calum, smiling at everyone.

  She glanced at the others in the room, the two men, Keith and John, and the woman, Anya.

  John was a nice guy. He was tall and slim, always impeccably dressed. Anya had a sharp dyed back bob and on trend with her clothes. She was medium height, pencil thin and a very scary shade of white, which made her look translucent.

  Then there was Keith. Thinning hair, overweight and brash, who plainly hated Mabel due to her knack of tripping him up when it came to budget costings. He seemed to think the agency had deep pockets.

  She could see hidden jealousy behind Keith’s eyes when looking at Alex.

  The agency was doing well, and her mum looked happy. Then they spoke about new business and the list of clients they wanted to approach.

  ‘And ‘Love to Love’,’ Alex said and she felt him push his elbow into her arm. ‘We have everyone on board regarding the research except one person.’

  ‘I met one the owners of the website, and he’s a dish,’ her mother smirked. ‘Tall and handsome. A bit of a catch but he’s married with a couple of kids though I hear he’s a player, if you know what I mean.’

  ‘Player?’ Mabel replied, seeing her mother was deep in thought.

  Probably dirty ones knowing her.

  ‘Who is being resistant?’ asked Joanna, smiling at Alex. ‘M
ake them take part or threaten to sack them.’

  ‘It’s Mabel.’

  Her mother’s smile was quickly wiped away.

  ‘Mabel?’ she asked, looking directly at her then him. ‘Are you sure Mabel’s the right person to do this?’

  ‘That’s what I thought,’ she laughed, seeing Calum shake his head.

  ‘You need someone who’s going to help,’ Joanna said brightly. ‘I don’t think Mabel is in the frame of mind to do that.’

  ‘I’m not sure inflicting her on innocent men is such a good idea, but it would be interesting,’ mumbled Calum.

  Bruce started to laugh. He knew where Mabel stood in the business and then looked at her sympathetically before sitting up straight.

  ‘I agree with Joanna. If you want new business, using Mabel might not be a good idea,’ Bruce said with a chuckle in his voice. ‘If you want to lose the business, she’s perfect.’

  ‘I don’t think I’m going to be successful. Therefore, it’s a waste of time. No-one’s going to want me, are they?’ laughed out Mabel, seeing her mother scowl.

  ‘Other people are pitching for this account as it has immense potential as well as a lot of money,’ said Alex, looking at Mabel then at Joanna. ‘She’s the right fit in an area where they’re failing.’

  ‘What area?’ Joanna asked, leaning forward, her lips pursed.

  ‘Single women over the age of forty with children,’ he replied, and it looked like he was trying not to smile. ‘Also, she’s a bit of a challenge given her mind set.’

  ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ snapped Mabel, turning to look at her mother who seemed to agree with the comment. ‘I’m perfectly fine.’

  ‘Are you?’ he asked, pulling a face. ‘I’m not sure. There’s a slight aggressive tendency.’

  ‘Good reason not to use me then!’

  As she sharply turned her head to look at him, they were inches away from each other’s face. Alex broke into a wide smile that only made her pull away and sit back in her seat.

  ‘Who else is pitching?’ asked Joanna. She noticed her mother had a little grin before pretending to look at her laptop. ‘The usual bunch?’

  ‘Certainly are, plus some of the big guns,’ Alex replied, turning to speak to Calum. ‘I was out the other weekend and ran into Bob Jones. You know him, don’t you?’