"Hurry up, Sophie," Gemma called to her friend, "We have to get to the airport, shortly." Gemma was trembling with excitement, almost giddy at the thought of a week in Spain with her best friend. Gemma's dad was attending a medical conference on the Canary Islands for a week and had decided to take his daughter and her friend with him for a holiday before starting school next month at the university. Jake loved seeing his daughter so happy. Now 18, Gemma had been raised by just her father over the past 5 years. In the last two years, Gem had blossomed into a beautiful and sensual young woman, which was probably the reason his hair was finally beginning to show a little gray on the sides. Sophie, also 18, had been Gem's best friend since 6th grade, sharing all the joys and pains of growing up in a single household. Jake smiled as he watched the two young woman act like little school girls, whispering and giggling as they loaded the car with their suitcases.
Sophie approached Jake, smiling. She hugged the taller man, her head resting on his strong chest. "Thank you for inviting me, Dr. Jones," she said sincerely, "You are so nice to do that." Jake hugged the young girl back. Sophie had always been one of his favorites of Gem's friends and he was glad that Gemma had invited her to take.
Since his wife had died, Jake had put all his energy into his work and his daughter, only recently beginning to date some other women. With Gemma going off to school in a month, he had decided that now was time for him to be getting out more and he hoped that this conference might be a start. Not that he was planning on finding a girlfriend or anything, but at least here, he could start his slow trek back into the public. Jake was tall, slender and athletic, keeping in shape with plenty of exercise at home or with his daughter. Gemma knew that plenty of women would love to date her dad, let alone be his wife. Even many of her friends told her how cute and handsome he was. She did enjoy him being there for her all the time, but she knew it was time for him to get out more and date.
Jake also knew that this trip was going to be a test for him, too. For the first time, he was going to try not to be overly protective of his daughter. She was going to be away at school next fall and he had to accept that she would be away from his protective shield. Gemma was always allowed plenty of trust and freedom, but her dad was always just a phone call away. She never got into any real trouble, but it was nice knowing that he was there, just in case.
Jake watched as the two girls came out of the house for the last time. They were both wearing short skirts, Gemma's black while Sophie's was a light tan. Gem had on a tight tank top, that showed off her firm, ample breasts. Jake could tell that she was oblivious to the effect she had on men, of all ages. Sophie was wearing a stretchy t-shirt. She wasn't quite as large as her friend up top, but she, still, was larger than most of her friends. Sophie was going to have her share of men, as well, with her sly smile and shapely body. Jake felt a sense of loss, a lost innocence as the two friends made their way to the car. Jake saw them as young women, about to enter the real world, rather than his little girl and her best friend.
Jake sat in first class for the short flight from Heathrow to Tenerife. He had planned on going by himself but decided to bring Gemma and Sophie at the last, as a graduation present. He could hear them giggling and talking, excited about their trip. Jake smiled to himself, hoping that this would be trip holiday that they would always remember and cherish. At the airport and on the drive to the hotel, Jake sat back, watching the two young women. He was proud of their beauty and character, knowing that they were both good girls at heart, but he was worried about them. He watched as the men around them looked at them, eyeing them. He saw heads turning as Gemma walked past a group of 20 year old guys, elbowing each other as they ogled his little girl. He knew that she would be off at the uni on her own in just a month, but it still bothered him how boys and men looked at his daughter.
"Go look outside at the pool and beach, I'll get the luggage up to the room," Jake talk the girls. They hurried off to explore the large and beautiful resort. Jake turned back to the desk clerk, "What do you mean we have just one bedroom in the suite?" he said angrily. The clerk typed a few keys then looked up.
"Dr. Jones, you made a reservation last month for a single suite, correct?" he asked. Jake nodded his head. "Well, sir, that's what we have for you."
Jake took a deep breath, "Then I called last week and changed it to a two bedroom suite, I brought my daughter and her friend." Jake's tapping of his credit card showed his anger with the hotel.
"I am very sorry, sir, but we don't have a record of that call," the clerk replied. "We were down for a few hours last week, you may have called then and the message was never placed. I do apologize for any inconvenience. Let me get the manager." The clerk made a quick call and the hotel manager came through the side door behind to Jake's back.
Jake turned and watched as a tall, slender woman strolled to the desk, typing very quickly then looking up at Dr. Jones. "You're here for the conference, correct?" she asked, her face studying the flat screen before her. Jake said yes, and added that his daughter and friend were here too, for a holiday. Even though her jacket and suit matched the others at the hotel, it was obvious that hers was tailored and well made. The jacket hid her body most of the time but every so often, Jake could catch a glimpse of her well toned figure. "I'm very sorry, Dr. Jones," she said, her eyes still on the screen, It looks like we fully booked except for one other room." She looked up, her eyes locking with her guest, "If you want it, you and your guests can have it." She smiled , her eyes quickly glancing over Jake.
Jake nodded his head, waiting for the rest of her talk. "Yes, Beth?" he asked, reading the name tag on her well fitted jacket.
"Its the Honeymoon Suite," she said, almost laughing. "It is very nice, more spacious, but is is also just one bedroom. There would be more room for the young girls to have for their own. Jake smiled for the first time, knowing Gem and Sophie would love to stay there.
"Thank you, Beth, that's very kind of you to make that offer. I think the girls would be tickled to stay there." Beth waved her hand and the bellboy took the bags up to the top floor.
"We will also give you breakfast and the girls breakfast and lunch as a way of making it up to you, if you don't mind," Beth said, noting it in the computer. Jake thanked the young woman, smiling as he looked into her dark brown eyes. "If there is anything else you need during your stay, please, feel free to contact me directly, here's my number," she said, sliding him her personal business card. Beth's eyes quickly glanced up and down the older man, his dark complextion contrasting with his white casual shirt. Jake smiled again, thanking her and the clerk.
Jake was surprised to see his daughter and friend standing just behind him, smiling broadly. Gemma hooked her arm in his, walking towards the elevator. "I think she likes you, Daddy," she said giggling. Gemma had wanted her dad to go out more with other women. He had dated occasionally, but spent most of his time at home or going to watch her at her activities.
"No, baby, she was just doing her job," he said. He had been out of the dating game for a long time and was not use to the new, more aggressive women that were out there.
"DADDY," Gem cooed, "you are soooo naive. You really don't think she was hitting on you?" She turned to Sophie, smiling, "Men are SO clueless!" Gemma turned her head back, looking at Beth watching them walk away. She leaned to Jake, whispering, "She's watching you." Jake just shook his head.
"She's probably just wondering why these two beautiful young girls are with this old man," he said laughing. Sophie took his other arm in hers.
"Let's really make her wonder what kind of real man you are," Sophie said, holding his arm tightly in hers. She pressed her firm breast against his arm as they stopped at the elevator. Sophie loved standing next to her friend's dad. His 6'2 frame towered over her, making her feel consumed by his presense. Jake glanced over, seeing the beautiful young manager still looking at them.
That night, Jake was attending the pre-conference party. Gemma helped him get ready, making sure he looked his best. She laid out his clothes, made sure they were pressed and trimmed any excess hair from his curly hair. She slid her hand over his body, smoothing his jacket and trousers, smiling as she looked up at her handsome father.