It was Tilly's leaving party tonight, also the last day of term for the students, for the next week I was on teacher training. I had three lessons to teach and one cover session, I had my Management Performance too. I commended my ability to keep a straight face when I got asked certain questions, one thing I had learnt over the years of being married to David.

I was sad Tilly was leaving, we had been friendly with each other for some time, as we had known each other for the 3 years I had worked here; she was the one that interviewed me and decided I should have the job, so for that I was naturally grateful to her. She was also good at throwing mad parties, especially the Christmas Ball and the Summer Dance. I would be sad to see her go, but there was no way I would miss her leaving party.

That's the reason I had called my mother and asked her to look after the children, my mum would be there on occasion, but she lived in denial, David didn't hurt me "he wasn't that kind of lad". More often than not, she wasn't even on the same continent as me, she traveled all over the place, and half the time I didn't know if she was in the world.

But she always jumped at the chance to look after the grandchildren, and when I gave her the dates, she was always there. Tonight was one of the rare exceptions David had allowed me to go out, he just thought it was a small gathering of staff from my office, little did he know that it would be a full blown party.

I felt confident enough to let my hair down. I came down the stairs to the bell. My mum stood at the door, smiling and smelling strongly of her perfume.

"Wow you actually look nice." She commented as she floated through the doorway.

I bit back the snippy comment. "Uh, ok, well Xavier and Autumn need to go to bed at 7:30, no later please." I gave mum a hug. "Thank you for having them."

She watched me carefully as I pulled back from her embrace. "When will you be home?" Her voice was stern.

I stayed vague. "It'll be late."

She just nodded.

XXX

I arrived dead on 7pm in the lobby of the hotel. The first thing I did was get a drink. Emily spotted me and came and had a chat for a bit, I met her boyfriend, who seemed nice enough.

I spoke to Tilly, and gave her a farewell hug. She told me to keep safe, and keep my chin up.

I excused myself from the main room, sitting next to the bar where it was quiet. By this point I'd had a little to drink, and could feel my cheeks start to flush. Chris walked over to me as I was sat at the bar. I was feeling warm inside, but that's what happened when I drunk a bit.

"Hello Angela, I don't believe you have met my friend John?" he said gesturing to the tall man behind him.

I smiled. "No, I don't believe you have ever introduced me."

Chris smiled. "Meet Angela, dude, she's literally the nicest lady you'll meet. As well as being a brilliant teacher." He winked at me making me scratch the back of my neck awkwardly, I was never good at receiving complements.

John smiled lightly, dimples pinching his cheeks. "Can I get you a drink?" He offered.

"A vodka and coke?" I shrugged and smiled.

He nodded and turned back to the bar. Chris slapped him on the shoulder. "See you later mate, gotta catch up with Tils." I watched Chris strut off into the lobby.

My attention focused back on John, I hadn't seen him around, meaning he must be a new member of staff. His cheeks were spotted with a few freckles and his eyes seemed deep and mysterious.

He passed me my drink and I took a sip. "When did you start? Sorry I'm curious as I've never seen you around."

He chuckled and his eyes sparkled. "I only started at the beginning of this term; it was an honour to be working here, a big change from Australia though; so much colder."

My eyes grew wide, wow. "Well yes, you have the cold weather to get used to. Oh and the rain - it is always raining here." I giggled.

We stared at each other for a while, a small smile playing on his lips; dimples pinching his cheeks in the most adorable fashion. His fingers brushed against my hand, sending tingles down my spine, and warm butterflies in my stomach.

"You're so gorgeous." He took a double take when he realised he'd said it aloud. His cheeks gained a red tinge as he blushed. My heart rate quickened as I felt an overwhelming need to kiss him.

He rested his hand over my own. "Sorry, I didn't mean to say that out loud, but you are gorgeous." His cheeks were still pink, his eyes held nothing but truth.

I didn't know what to do. But I did know this man was making me feel something I hadn't felt in such a long time. It made me nervous.

"I think I should go home." I muttered.

As I stood up John rose too. "Please. Don't go because of something stupid I said." He said, gently caressing my cheek with his thumb.

I gasped slightly, his touch setting off fireworks in my belly. I smiled and his eyes sparkled from behind his glasses. I felt myself blush, and his eyes asked the silent question, we both knew.

Silently he traced my lips before he lent in, I closed my eyes and met his mouth with my own. His lips were soft, and gentle. I reached my arms around his neck, my fingers fiddling with the dark brown stands at the bottom of his hairline. My body felt hot as we both pulled back at the same time. He smiled, setting my body alight, making me blush even harder.

"You have the most beautiful green eyes." I blinked and stared at him. His face was filled with desire, I felt the same way, I was a horny drunk. "Shall we take this upstairs?" He whispered.

I nodded, and he pushed his way towards the elevator. "Please kiss me again." I whispered, and he did, holding my body close to him as the elevator rose. We pulled apart as the elevator pinged, and he led me along the corridor. He pulled out his card and swiped it in the lock, allowing us to enter.

I discarded my shoes and bag and his lips met mine again, more desperately. "Jump." He whispered breathlessly.

I did, lacing my fingers in is hair. His arms held me close as he laid me down on the sheets. I pulled away to catch my breath. He moved towards me, and I sat up pushing his jacket off, just touching him sent tingles down my spine.

I started undoing the buttons of his shirt. He didn't protest when I pushed it over his shoulders, caressing the soft skin underneath. He watched me intently and his hands moved under my blouse, I shivered at his touch. Slowly he pulled it off over my head.

His lips met mine again briefly, before leaving a trail of kisses down my stomach. I gasped and moaned quietly. He pushed off his trousers and unclasped my bra, drawing patterns with his fingertips and they trailed down my body.

I gasped, the fireworks exploding as he kissed me deeply and passionately. He showed me the true meaning of 'making love'.

I lay peacefully under the sheets that night. A warm breath on my cheek and loving arms around my waist. For the first time in a long while, I felt safe.