That Friday Read Online Free

that it's hard to look at ideas I
know will require a huge amount of research to make them work.
    "One day, and soon, I hope to
be able to work on some of the historical ideas I have, but for right now I
need to finish rewriting the novels I did years ago, complete sequels to the
solo titles I've already released and work on my co-written stuff."
    "But I thought you told me
you didn't enjoy the novels you've written with Paula."
    Charlie nodded. "Yes, part of
me isn't thrilled to be writing erotica, especially the sort of erotica we have
been doing, but I can't deny that the books earn me far more money than my thrillers
and sci-fi. Much as I would like to focus completely on my solo stuff and get
done at least some of the many projects I have filling my head, I can't ignore
the money the erotica books are earning me."
    "Are they really earning you
that much?" Tess couldn't help asking. She had tried to read the first of
the novels he had written with Paula and found it derivative, and far too
similar to other books that were far more successful. Because of that she could
understand his distaste for writing in the genre.
    "I only get twenty-five percent of what the books make because of the deal I've got
with Paula, but it's enough that my next payment will clear my credit card bill
and the one after that will clear my overdraft," Charlie said, reluctant
to actually name figures. "If sales keep up the way they have been I'll be
earning more from my co-written books than I was at my job before I got the
sack." That thought put a smile on his face. He still found it ironic that
he had spent so long hating the job he was stuck in and hoping he could write a
hit book so he could quit, and the moment he was sacked he co-wrote a book that was paying him enough to hopefully never need a full-time
job again.
    Tess could understand his
quandary; she knew what level of debt he had found himself in after being
sacked from his job early the previous year and could appreciate his desire to
get out of it. "I guess if you're earning that much from the books it
makes sense to stick with them, even if you aren't that keen on writing them."
    Conversation between the two of
them drifted among a variety of subjects after that as Charlie finished his
meal and they both sipped at their drinks. Neither was in a hurry to leave and
check into the hotel they had booked, they had plenty of time for that and were
both enjoying the opportunity to get used to being in each other's company.
    After Charlie finished his food
and they both finished their drinks, they sat for a short while longer,
chatting and enjoying one another's company, and then got to their feet,
gathering up their bags. Once outside the pub they took one another's hand,
each reaching for the other without thinking about it, and set off down the
road.
    Though Tess assured him she knew where
the hotel was she managed to get them lost several times before they reached
the Premier Inn they had booked a room at. Neither of them cared about getting
lost however, not even when it began snowing, the snowfall becoming heavier
with every minute that passed. They were too busy stealing glances at one
another, looking away quickly, their cheeks stained red with their blushes,
when they were caught, to worry about how long it took them to reach the hotel.

 
    *****
     
     
    By the time they arrived at the hotel
they were both thoroughly frozen, nonetheless they had smiles stretching their
lips, which the cold had turned blue. Several times they had stopped to share
kisses, enjoying them whenever they encountered somewhere that was even the
slightest bit romantic.
    In unison they paused when they
were through the doors to brush the snow off their hair, which had left them
looking as though they were ageing prematurely, a look that neither of them
appreciated.
    Once they were a little more
presentable they approached the young man behind the counter. "Hi, we've
got a room booked for the weekend,"