A Second Chance at R&R Retreats by EroQuill

An Adult Romance of Attraction, Trust and New Beginnings

Stephanie Bowles had never imagined that a temporary job at an estate agency would become quite so dull.

She had been working at the reception desk for several weeks, covering for a colleague who was away from work. Most days were spent answering occasional telephone calls, updating property listings and filing paperwork. The late shifts were particularly tedious. Twice a week, the junior staff stayed until eight in the evening, although very few customers ever came through the door after five.

Steph had qualifications in complementary therapies, including introductory training in massage, reflexology, yoga and nutrition. Unfortunately, finding a suitable full-time position had proved difficult. For now, she had to settle for whatever temporary work the agency could offer.

One Friday afternoon, after handing in her timesheet, she mentioned her frustration to Rhea, the agency manager.

“You’re still looking for something more permanent, aren’t you?” Rhea asked.

“Definitely. I spent four years studying complementary therapies, and now I’m spending my days updating property listings. It’s hardly what I had in mind.”

Rhea paused, considering something.

“Actually, I might have an idea. Have you ever heard of R&R Retreats?”

“Of course. The place with the golf course, swimming pool and tennis courts?”

“That’s the one. My brother manages it. They’re expanding their wellness facilities, and one of their therapists is leaving soon. There might be a position available.”

Steph sat up.

“Seriously?”

“I’ll speak to Roger. If he’s interested, you can go in for an interview and have a look around.”

At the mention of Roger’s name, Steph felt an unexpected flutter of excitement.

She remembered him from school. He had been a few years older, tall, confident and almost impossibly handsome. She had admired him from a distance but had never found the courage to approach him.

“Roger manages the place now?” she asked.

“He does. Just don’t tell him you used to have a crush on him. He’s already full of himself.”

They both laughed.

The following morning, Steph arrived at R&R Retreats shortly before eleven.

She had chosen a smart, conservative outfit: a knee-length skirt, a neatly buttoned blouse and comfortable heels. She wanted Roger to see her as a serious candidate, not someone trying to impress him with her appearance.

The building was undergoing routine maintenance, and she could hear workers moving equipment near the swimming pool.

A few minutes later, Roger appeared at reception.

“Stephanie Bowles?”

“That’s me.”

He smiled, and for a moment she was transported back to her school days.

“Well, I’ll be damned. Steph Bowles. It’s been a long time.”

“Quite a while, yes.”

“Come on in. Sorry about the mess. We’re doing some maintenance before reopening on Monday.”

Roger was taller than she remembered, with broad shoulders and an easy confidence. He wore a company polo shirt and work trousers, and his hair still looked slightly untidy from the morning’s work.

“Rhea tells me you’ve been studying complementary therapies.”

“Yes. Massage, reflexology and a few other subjects. I wouldn’t pretend to be an expert in everything, but I have the basic qualifications and I’m keen to develop my skills.”

“That’s exactly the sort of person we’re looking for. Someone enthusiastic who wants to learn.”

He showed her to the staff room and offered her coffee before beginning the tour.

R&R Retreats had grown considerably since Steph had last seen it.

The original golf and tennis facilities were still there, but the business had expanded to include an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, several hot tubs, a gym and a dedicated wellness section.

Roger explained how the business operated.

“We have full members who can use the facilities throughout the day and evening. We also offer day passes, which are particularly popular with people who want to use the pool or gym without committing to membership.”

He showed her the reception desk, changing rooms and treatment rooms.

“This is where you’d probably spend most of your time initially. We need someone who can handle bookings, greet visitors, answer questions and help coordinate the daily schedule.”

“What about the treatment rooms?”

“That’s where your qualifications could become useful. We have several experienced therapists already, but we’re looking to expand the range of services. You could start with basic treatments within your qualifications and receive further training as you gain experience.”

Steph looked around the room with genuine interest.

The treatment area was clean, quiet and professionally equipped. There were massage tables, storage cabinets, fresh towels and a small consultation desk.

“This is lovely,” she said. “I could really see myself working here.”

“Good. That’s what I was hoping you’d say.”

As they continued the tour, Roger occasionally asked about her studies and previous experience. He seemed genuinely interested in what she had learned rather than simply looking for someone to fill a vacancy.

When they reached the viewing gallery overlooking the pool, he stopped beside her.

“Do you remember this place from school?”

“I used to pass it on the bus every morning. Back then, I thought it was just a golf club.”

“It practically was. My grandfather started it as a conference and sports venue. Dad expanded it, and I’ve been trying to turn it into something more flexible.”

“You’ve done a brilliant job.”

“Thanks. It’s been a lot of work.”

Steph smiled.

“I can imagine.”

They returned to the treatment area, where Roger explained the vacancy in more detail.

The position would initially involve reception duties, coordinating bookings, assisting the existing therapists and providing basic foot treatments once she had completed the required in-house training.

There would also be opportunities to undertake additional qualifications.

“Before we go any further,” Roger said, “I want to make something clear. This is a proper employment opportunity. Your job, salary and progression will be based on your qualifications and performance. Nothing outside those duties will ever be expected of you.”

Steph appreciated the directness.

“That’s reassuring.”

“I know how these things can be misunderstood, especially when a business offers several different facilities. We have strict professional standards here. Every treatment has to be properly booked, agreed and carried out by qualified staff.”

“That sounds exactly like the sort of environment I’d like to work in.”

Roger nodded.

“Then I think we could have a good fit.”

They sat down to discuss working hours, salary, training and the possibility of a permanent contract.

Steph was pleasantly surprised by the offer. It was more stable than her agency assignments and, more importantly, it gave her a chance to use the skills she had spent years learning.

There was just one thing she hadn’t expected.

Roger seemed to be enjoying her company just as much as she was enjoying his.

After the interview, Roger offered to show her the staff facilities before she left.

They stopped at the coffee machine, and he poured them both a fresh cup.

“So,” he said, leaning against the counter, “what do you think?”

“I’d love to work here.”

“Good. I’ll get the formal offer prepared. Rhea can coordinate the paperwork with the agency.”

“Thank you. I honestly wasn’t expecting anything like this when I woke up this morning.”

“Sometimes things work out when you least expect them.”

Steph smiled into her coffee.

There was a brief silence.

“Can I ask you something?” Roger said.

“Of course.”

“Did you really have a crush on me at school?”

Steph nearly spilled her coffee.

“Rhea told you?”

“She mentioned it. I wasn’t sure whether she was winding me up.”

Steph laughed, her cheeks turning pink.

“Well, I suppose it’s no secret now.”

Roger grinned.

“For what it’s worth, I always thought you were lovely. I just never imagined you’d remember me.”

“I remembered you.”

“That’s good to know.”

He looked at her for a moment before continuing.

“Would you be interested in having dinner with me sometime? Not as your manager interviewing a potential employee. Just dinner, if you’d like.”

Steph considered the question.

“Would that be awkward if I accepted the job?”

“It doesn’t have to be. We can keep work professional, and if we decide to see each other, we’ll make sure there are clear boundaries. I wouldn’t want you to feel that accepting a job meant you owed me anything.”

She liked that answer.

“Then yes. I’d like that.”

“Excellent. I’ll let you choose the restaurant.”

On Monday morning, Steph returned to the agency to complete her notice arrangements.

Rhea was waiting for her with a knowing smile.

“So? How did it go?”

“Really well. Roger offered me the position.”

“Wonderful! I knew he’d like you.”

“He was very professional. The place is much bigger than I expected, and the wellness facilities are beautiful.”

Rhea handed her the paperwork.

“Roger has already called. He wants you to start as soon as we can release you.”

Steph signed the necessary documents and handed them back.

For the first time in months, she felt that her career was moving in the right direction.

As she prepared to leave, her phone vibrated.

A message from Roger appeared on the screen.

Hope your first day goes smoothly next week. And don’t forget, you still owe me a dinner date.

Steph smiled and typed her reply.

I haven’t forgotten. You can pick the place, but I’m choosing dessert.

She slipped her phone into her handbag and stepped outside.

The temporary job at the estate agency had finally led somewhere worthwhile. And perhaps, quite unexpectedly, it had also opened the door to something more.