Laura's Romance: A Second Chance At Love

By Ros Karr

A contemporary romance set for the most part in London. Laura, at 38, thought love had passed her by, until Michael Sansom, a super-successful businessman, counting his fortune in millions, walks into her life.
By accident the two met when he had a meeting in her south coast Hampshire home town. His Satellite Navigation had directed him to the wrong side of the estuary. When he meets Laura he asks her where the hotel is. It too being on the other side, Laura invites him to stay at her boarding house. From there she is swept off her feet by the handsome Michael Sansom, and her life is totally changed.
What starts as a seemingly perfect romance changes, and she finds her confidence and self-belief eroded. In a short while Michael takes over Laura's life, and a more ominous, controlling, side to his character is revealed. Escaping his control is not easy. Michael does not want to let her go, but can a relationship with him ever bring happiness?
Knowing she cannot continue in such a controlling relationship, Laura finds the courage and strength to fight for her own identity, and to escape. Slowly rebuilding her life Laura sets up her own fashion design business. However, Michael still won't let go. He haunts her life and ultimately she has to decide whether he will ever bring her happiness, or whether she is better off alone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AbbottKingPublishing
• Release date: Jul 28, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476493497

Book preview

Laura's Romance

A Second Chance At Love

by Ros Karr

The right of Ros Karr to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her.

Copyright © AbbottKingPublishing.com 2012

Smashwords Edition

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, events, organizations, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author

This book is dedicated to the fond memory

of my sister Rosalind, unfortunately no longer with us.

Table of Contents

Chapter One - Michael

Chapter Two - From Guest to Lover

Chapter Three - The Weekend

Chapter Four - Disappointment

Chapter Five - The Dinner

Chapter Six - The Weekend Improves

Chapter Seven - The offer

Chapter Eight - Moving In

Chapter Nine - Making Friends

Chapter Ten - The House Party

Chapter Eleven - The Bubble Bursts

Chapter Twelve - Moving On

Chapter Thirteen - Coping

Chapter Fourteen - Michael Returns

Chapter Fifteen - Pressurized

Chapter Sixteen - The Mantra

Chapter Seventeen - The Dress

Chapter Eighteen - The Party

Chapter Nineteen - Joy and Sadness

Chapter Twenty - Business Success

Chapter Twenty One - The Fashion Show

Chapter Twenty Two - Revelation

Chapter Twenty Three - Happiness

The Russian An extract from Ros Karr's next book

Laura's Romance

A Second Chance at Love

By Ros Karr

Chapter One - Michael

Last week Laura had turned 38 and it had made her retrospective. It wasn't a milestone birthday, not the big four zero, but still it made her think about her life. She knew why, of course. Twenty years ago she had turned 18, and the contrast could not have been more different. Back then she was a much loved daughter who had been nurtured and encouraged all her life to believe if you worked hard nothing was impossible. At 18 Laura had been full of enthusiasm and brimming with self-confidence, ready to take on the world in her chosen field of fashion. At first any problem encountered was surmountable but, as reality began to dawn, Laura had accepted she would never make it as a fashion designer. In itself not the end of the world but, as the years went by, one dream after another turned to dust. Now Laura found herself running her parents guest house, alone. It was not the future she had planned. The question was, was it too late to do anything about it and, more to the point, did she have the courage?

These thoughts had been running through her head for the last seven days, but still Laura had made no decision to change her life. Today was no different. The same routine, collecting the weekly groceries from the local supermarket was the highlight of her day. Despite knowing that only she could make the necessary changes, indecision gripped her. Even when Laura arrived back at the guesthouse she was still tossing options around in her head as she carried the shopping bags from her car. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a car pulling up on the gravel drive behind her. Turning, she noticed a tall smartly dressed man get out of a Mercedes sports car. He walked towards her.

Excuse me; I am looking for The Grand Hotel. I appear to be lost, he said, his crisp clear voice showing traces of annoyance.

I'm afraid it's the other side of the estuary. I expect your satnav has misdirected you. It seems to be happening a lot lately she said replacing her bags in her car. Drop dead gorgeous was Laura's first thought as she stared at the man before her, who was handsome in a classic way, with a square jaw and high cheekbones. His hair was jet black and, surprisingly, his eyes were a fabulous shade of sapphire blue. Despite their color, Laura decided this was the one aspect of his face that was wrong. The eyes were too deep-set and she smiled to herself; her mother had always distrusted men with deep-set eyes.

Damn, he said I suppose I have to drive back to Chilterton and take the other road?

Yes, replied Laura, then hesitatingly added, I know my guesthouse doesn't match the Grand for elegance, but I do offer a comfortable room and great breakfast, if you want to take the risk?

The man walked closer and smiled. It was a fantastic smile. Laura wasn't sure if she had met anyone this good looking before and was beginning to feel like a giddy schoolgirl. Watching his expression it was obvious he was weighing up his options and, as his eyes washed over her, Laura somehow felt inadequate. Not beautiful enough, and certainly not sophisticated enough, for this man.

I have had a long trip, so show me your best room and I'll make a decision, he said, not unkindly.

Despite his tone, the answer surprised and slightly irked Laura, but she nevertheless led the way into her guesthouse. It was a large Victorian property, which her parents had bought shortly after they married over 40 years ago. They had converted it into a guesthouse at the same time, and Laura had spent most of her life living here. The reception area was in the spacious light and airy vestibule. Laura took a key from a drawer in a small antique mahogany desk and led the man upstairs. At the top of the stairs she turned right and opened the door on her left. He followed her in and Laura watched his face. He raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. The room evidently surprised him. She wondered why. It was, she felt, a welcoming bedroom and, in her opinion, well furnished, with some period pieces. The bed was fairly new and the décor was bright and cheery, without being fussy. Laura opened another door on her right. This is the bathroom, she said, and stood back for him to take a look. He walked in and looked around and nodded when he saw the shower. Retracing his steps he walked to the large bay window which overlooked the estuary and the sea beyond.

I'll take it, he said, smiling. Is there anywhere locally I can get dinner tonight?

There is a pub about half a mile down the road. The food's OK, as long as you like chips. If you prefer, I can cook you something, she offered, watching him, her head slightly cocked. He smiled that smile again.

That's kind of you, I'll take you up on that, he replied.

I'm Laura. By the way, I will need you to register, then I'll leave you in peace, unless you would like some tea? She said, pleased he had accepted her offer of dinner.

Michael, he said. Tea would be great, thank you and followed her out of the bedroom down to Reception. Handing him a registration card, he filled it out. She passed him the key to the bedroom, and watched as he returned to his car to collect the luggage. Filing the card, Laura noted the handwriting was firm and bold. Michael Sansom, and he lived in London.

Laura made her way into the kitchen and put the kettle on, before returning to her car to collect the last of the groceries. Back in the kitchen she put away the provisions, then prepared a tray with her best china. As she made the tea there was a knock at the kitchen door, and Michael Sansom walked in. Laura looked up enquiringly but he just smiled. I was about to bring your tea up. Do you want any biscuits or crumpets? she asked.

Just tea, and I'll have it here, if that's alright with you? he said, his eyes surveying the room. It was a large slightly old-fashioned kitchen where most of the cooking area was stainless steel, but the cupboards were light-colored wood. In the middle of the floor was an enormous wooden kitchen table. It was another warm and welcoming room. Taken completely by surprise, Laura felt slightly disconcerted then, recovering her composure, asked how he took his tea. Pulling a chair out from the kitchen table Michael sat down. Laura poured herself a cup and sat down opposite him. Are you down here on business?

Yes, he replied, but did not elaborate. Do you and your husband run this place?

Oh, I'm not married, she replied, and went on to explain how her parents had set up the guesthouse, and when her father died she had given up her job as a teacher to help her mother out.

So where is your mother?

Mum died 2 years ago; I was going to sell up, but decided I didn't want to go back to teaching, so stayed put, Laura continued in her open friendly way. She wanted to ask if he was married but, deciding it would appear too familiar, stayed silent. They chatted for about fifteen minutes before Michael rose from the table. Laura quickly asked what he would like for dinner, and a menu was agreed.

After he left to return to his room, Laura thought about the man she had just met, and decided he had a very confident manner; arrogant had been her first thought, but for the time being she would give him the benefit of the doubt. Time was moving on so she began to prepare dinner. Having offered nothing fancy, just plain cooking, he had chosen steak and kidney pie. Dicing the braising steak and kidney, she quickly browned the meat on the old Aga, before adding stock and other flavorings, then left it to simmer gently, until the beef was tender.

Leaving the kitchen she went to her own rooms at the rear, where she had a small living room, a bedroom and a bathroom. In the bathroom she looked at herself in the mirror. The comely oval face that looked back was attractive, in a homely way, with soft green eyes, and a full mouth, all framed with shoulder length dark blonde hair. She still had a good figure. Laura could never have been a model, not tall enough, but, being slim and of medium height, clothes suited her. Gazing critically at her reflection Laura thought she was not wearing too badly, although, she had to admit; of late her appearance had been neglected. There was no one in her life to impress. Men as good looking as Michael Sansom, she thought, probably had his pick of women although, she surmised, he was likely to be older than her, she doubted he would normally give her a second glance.

When she returned to her bedroom, her eyes caught sight of a framed photograph on her chest of drawers, it was a family portrait taken when Laura had passed her A levels. Again she was reminded how much she had changed. As her dreams had faded, so too had that confidence, and Laura knew she was not the same girl who had, all those years ago, been prepared to take on the world. Time and events had passed her by.

Turning away from the photo Laura sighed, tonight she decided, she would make an effort with her appearance so looked over her wardrobe and picked out a flattering navy fitted dress and hung it on the outside of the door. She checked her watch and went back to the kitchen to monitor the progress of the meat. It would be a while yet, she decided, and prepared the vegetables and a few new potatoes. Michael had declined a starter, but she decided to make a quick sweet of choux pastry profiteroles with chocolate sauce. There was also a good selection of cheese, or fruit if he preferred.

As she worked she noticed Michael had left the house and was wandering about the grounds. Watching him she thought how good it was to have an attractive man about the place for a change. Her usual guests were older couples, looking for a quiet weekend away, and the occasional family. After a few minutes she smiled when Michael returned inside. He did not look like the sort of man to wander aimlessly anywhere; in fact she doubted he walked much at all, although she had to admit he looked very fit. Probably works out, she said to herself before returning her attention to the food.

There was about an hour to go before dinner would be ready, so Laura returned to her bedroom to change. It was something her mother had always insisted on, changing for dinner, even when there were no guests. Having quickly showered and changed she put on a minimal amount of make-up before checking her appearance. Deciding this was the best she could do, she returned to the kitchen. Donning an apron she took a rolling pin from a drawer and rolled out the puff pastry, placed it on top of the meat, and put the pie in the oven. Moving into the dinning room she laid a table for Michael and then helped herself to a glass of wine. All the time, in the doorway, Michael had watched her. Can I have one of those?

Laura nearly dropped her glass; she'd had no idea he was there. He had changed into a dark grey suit with an open necked shirt and looked immaculate.

Of course, or I have spirits if you prefer? she said, as calmly as she could.

Red wine will be fine, he replied, grinning, and looked around the dining room. I hope you are not expecting me to eat on my own, he added, as his eyes settled on the table laid for one.

Laura showed surprise Are you sure you want me to join you, it doesn't seem right somehow, she said, unable to meet his eyes.

I can't stand eating on my own, so yes, I am sure, he continued.

Again Laura felt flustered but putting down her glass she walked to the kitchen, and returned with the open bottle of red wine and a wine list. Is this to your taste? she asked, handing him the open bottle or you can have your pick from the wine list.

This will do for now, but for the meal I will choose something else, if that's alright with you? he replied.

You're the guest, she said, taking the bottle from him and returning to the kitchen, where she found a clean glass, and poured a measure of wine into it. Michael followed her.

Smells good. he said, his voice showing slight surprise before putting the wine list on the table and asking How about a bottle of Beaujolais?

Handing him the glass of wine she replied, smiling That's fine.

Michael again pulled out one of the kitchen chairs, and sat down. Unsure why, Laura found his presence disarming. She hoped he did not sense her unease, because at the back of her mind she was beginning to think he may in someway be playing games with her. Wouldn't you be more comfortable in the lounge?

No one to talk to, he replied.

Trying to be as calm as possible Laura continued with the dinner preparations before joining him at the table.

So tell me about you, she said.

Not much to tell, I run a distribution company, am divorced, and spend most of my time working, he said, not taking his eyes off her. What did you teach?

Fashion design and needlework, she replied. The answer evidently took him completely by surprise, and it showed in his expression.

"Didn't you