by S J Crabb
Three hours and two bottles of wine later we head off to sleep.
Chapter 3
It’s Friday morning and I wake up next to Nathan. The last few days have been uneventful, thankfully and we have a day off together. Looking over at him sleeping next to me I think back to last night. We stayed in as we were so tired after work and just spent the night in bed watching TV and eating ready meals. He stirs in his sleep and I feel a surge of love for him. Snuggling up to him I think about the day ahead. Today we are shopping for an engagement ring and I am so excited. The thought that I am lying next to my husband to be is amazing.
Suddenly he opens his eyes and looks lazily at me. “Morning baby,” He looks at me with an extremely sexy look and pulls me against him. He tenderly strokes the side of my face as he pulls me towards him for a kiss. I feel his heart beating against mine and can feel his excitement mounting. Suddenly he pulls me on top of him, pressing me against his muscular frame and kisses me passionately and I feel desire creeping through me. He flips me over and soon we are making love, the feel of him inside me driving me to pleasures that keep me wanting more.
Soon we reach our climax and lay entwined together; all that matters is us and our insatiable need for each other. We enjoy just lying there as close as two people can be, enjoying the feeling that we have nowhere to be in a hurry and can please ourselves. Nathan breaks the spell first. “Well my beautiful Bella, I have the need to get you a ring today so that everyone will know that we are together. Let’s get dressed. I’ll take you for breakfast first and then we can go into town.”
I stretch contentedly beside him, marvelling at how much I love him. “I love you Nathan,” I say kissing him gently. Once again we kiss but then he reluctantly pulls away and playfully smacks my bottom. “Come on you temptress, nothing will stop me claiming you as mine today,” and with that he throws me over his shoulder and carries me squealing to the shower.
As the warm jets of water hit us he gently applies the soap to my body and kisses me lovingly. He washes my hair and pulls me against him gently massaging me all over. Once we have finished showering he wraps me up in a towel and dries me carefully. I smile at him lovingly. “I could get used to this.” “So could I,” he says playfully pulling me onto his lap. Once again we kiss and it wouldn’t bother me if we stayed doing this all day.
Reluctantly we get dressed and head off to our local café for breakfast. After having worked up quite an appetite we both opt for the full English and in no time at all are walking into town. It is fairly chilly so we are wrapped up in coats and scarves, but not even the cold weather can dampen our high spirits.
We find ourselves outside one of the smartest jewellers in the town. I am amazed at all of the beautiful rings dazzling us from the window. Laughing Nathan pulls me inside where the heat of the store welcomes us in from the cold. We explain what we want to look at and spend a happy hour trying on all of the different types of rings. The sales assistant even makes us a coffee and the choice is endless. Finally I decide on a beautiful diamond ring. One solitary diamond on a beautiful band of gold. It sparkles in the light and I marvel at its beauty.
Nathan, ever the romantic, holds my hand and gently slips the ring onto the third finger of my left hand. As he does he kisses me and says, “I love you Bella and I can’t wait for you to be my wife.” Tears spring to my eyes and even the sales assistant wipes away a tear, and she must see this several times a day. “I Love you too Nathan, I always will.”
I don’t want to take it off so the assistant just hands us the empty box in a gift bag and after Nathan pays we exit the store our arms around each other. I can honestly say that at this moment I am the happiest that I have ever been.
The rest of the day passes in a flash. We decide that we just want to go home and spend the day in bed, a luxury that we can never normally afford. We want to shut the world out and enjoy our secret for the short time that it is just ours, before the planning machine that is my mother starts the wedding preparation ball firmly rolling.
We have to work the next day and life just carries on as normal. Nobody has heard anything about any changes and life settles down again, albeit with a cloud hanging over us all.
Sunday comes and I spend it at the flat with Phoebe. Nathan has a football match so I am looking forward to a lazy day. We have decided to announce our engagement officially later on as we have been invited to my sister’s birthday dinner this evening and as both sets of parents will be there it is perfect timing. I actually can’t wait now as I want to shout it to everyone that I am engaged to the most wonderful man in the world.
At about 7.30pm Nathan picks me up. I am wearing a silk dress with a fake fur coat. My ring is still very much in residence on my finger and I am happy to see him. He picks me up and spins me around. “Hey Baby, you look amazing,” he says flashing me his sexy smile. “Are you ready for the big announcement?” Laughing I nod my head and we head out to the car.
As we pull away he says, “Oh you’ll never guess what happened at football today.” I look at him in surprise. “Why what happened?” “Our new boss Ben turned up to join.” I look at him in shock; I never thought for one minute that he would actually join them. Nathan continues. “He was actually really good. He scored the winning goal and was a real team player and was also a really good laugh.”
I suddenly feel surprisingly unsettled again. I don’t know why it has this effect on me but I don’t like to think of Ben and Nathan getting pally. However we are soon at the restaurant and I push all thoughts of Ben firmly out of my mind.
Most people are there already. My sister Amy is 26 today and we get along extremely well. I rush up to her and give her a hug. “Happy birthday sis,” I say thrusting the large gift wrapped present at her. Her eyes light up and she hurriedly tears off the wrapping - she is such a child still. She squeals with delight at the pair of boots that she has hinted at enough times over the last few weeks. “Oh my God, UGG boots! Thank you so very much.” She kisses me and hugs Nathan.
My mum also gives us both a hug. “Come on sit down you two and let’s get you both a drink.” However Nathan has other ideas and pulling me against his side he calls everyone to attention.
“Silence everyone, Bella and I have an important announcement.” The table suddenly goes silent and you could hear a pin drop. My mother clasps her hands together in anticipation and my dad grins around at everyone. I know that Nathan had asked him last week officially for his permission and it is a credit to him that he has kept the secret from my mother.
“Bella and I are getting married,” he shouts excitedly and suddenly everyone is on their feet hugging and kissing us and offering their congratulations.
Both of our mothers are crying and there is absolute chaos everywhere. Amy hugs me again, tears running down her cheeks. “I am so happy for you,” she shouts. “I am sorry if we have hi jacked your birthday Amy,” I say suddenly feeling a bit bad. “Don’t be silly Bella, I couldn’t be happier,” she says squeezing me hard. Nathan’s parents are also overjoyed and there is much laughter and joking all round. The evening passes in a blur and all anyone can seem to talk about is the wedding and what preparations are needed. Nathan puts his arm around me and kisses me. “I love you Bella,” he whispers and once again my feeling of happiness threatens to overwhelm me.
The evening is soon over and Nathan drops me home. “Do you want to stay honey?” I say hoping that he will. “Of course I do baby but unfortunately I can’t.” Fighting back my disappointment I say, “why not? We could go to work from here in the morning. You have enough clothes here.” He looks at me with a glum expression. “I forgot to mention, Ben asked me to meet him at head office tomorrow. He has a project for me but it may mean working there for a few weeks. I have to get the early train and all of my stuff is at home.” I suddenly feel uneasy again and I can’t think why. I find it all a bit strange that Ben turns up at football and then gives Nathan a project away from the store. Nathan pulls me towards
him. “Don’t worry, it won’t be for long. As soon as I find out what’s involved I’ll let you know.” I smile at him and hug him very hard. “Go carefully Nathan, I love you.” He kisses me goodbye and I watch him drive off, again feeling strangely unsettled.
Chapter 4
It’s Monday morning and once again we have all been summoned to the Boardroom. This time Nathan isn’t here to reassure me and the nerves are getting to everyone. I just wish that we all knew where we stood. April is practically hyperventilating beside me and we are all feeling that the end is nigh.
Bob calls us all in again and as we enter the room I can see Ben standing to the side near the window. He doesn’t see me and I slip into a seat at the back. Once everyone is in place he addresses the room.
“Good morning everybody, as some of you may know my name is Ben Hardcastle and I am the CEO of the Hardcastle Group.”
I notice that several of the ladies are looking at him open mouthed and I can understand why as he looks immaculate, like he has stepped out of a magazine or a film. He carries on.
“You must all be wondering what changes will be made after the takeover and I am here to assure you that things are going to continue as normal for the foreseeable future.”
There is an audible sense of relief in the room but I am puzzled as from what I know there were huge changes at all of the other stores in the group when they were bought. Ben looks around the room and suddenly his eyes lock on to mine. He stares at me intently and holds my gaze for what seems like an eternity. As the buzz dies down he breaks away and continues to speak. “I have decided that I want to change direction with Kinghams and not just make it a carbon copy of my other stores. I feel that we can create a unique look to this store that will set it apart from the others. Therefore I will need all of your help in making my vision a reality. I will be working closely with you all to establish the changes and make Kinghams different to anything else on the High street today. For now just carry on as normal and I will be in touch over the next few weeks.”
Bob then stands up and says, “Thank you, I am sure that everyone appreciates Mr Hardcastle’s words and they will alleviate a lot of worry for all of you. You can now get back to business with more confidence and help him make a success of the store going forward for many more years to come.”
The room starts to empty and I make my way to the door with everyone else. Before I reach it though I feel a hand on my arm pulling me back and as I spin around I see Ben standing behind me. “Hang on a minute Bella, can I have a word? I look at him in surprise “Of course,” As I follow him I wonder what he wants.
The room empties and suddenly we are alone. He looks at me intently, “What do you think?” I am taken aback by the question and look at him puzzled. “What of?” I say questioningly. He smiles. “Of my plan to change the store of course. I will need your help and hope that you are up for a challenge.” I am surprised by his request. I suppose I thought that he must have a team of people already in place to transform the store.
Pulling me down to the seat next to him he looks at me earnestly. “Please say you’ll help me Bella. I trust you and want to work with you on this.”
I am stunned. “But that was years ago Ben. How do you know what I am capable of now? You may not like my ideas.” He looks seriously at me, his eyes compelling me to look into them. “Because I have a good feeling about you Bella. Fate has had a hand in bringing us back together and I think it was for a reason.”
I am suddenly aware of our close proximity. He is sitting really close to me and I can’t look away. I feel as though I am drowning in his eyes as they hypnotise me, pulling me in deeper and deeper. I am reminded of the party again and can almost feel the same intensity, half expecting him to pull me towards him as before.
He raises his hand towards my face and touches it, gently moving his finger down my cheek as though stroking it. Then all at once he pulls away, his eyes closing and releasing me from their spell.
I shake my head as if to clear it and look at him in confusion. He is acting as if nothing happened and once again looks at me for my answer, a faint smile flashing across his face. I feel like I am about to make a deal with the Devil and I nod in agreement. “Of course I’ll help you, just let me know what you need.”
Abruptly I stand up as if trying to regain some control. As I do so he follows me and then says out of the blue, “Oh by the way, I hope that you don’t mind me commandeering Nathan for a project that I have. I like him and think that he will go far on my team.”
I look at him wishing that I knew what he was thinking and just smile, “Of course not, he is very good at his job, why wouldn’t you want him?” He looks at me his face devoid of any expression. “Well you would say that wouldn’t you?” I shrug and for some reason feel awkward. “Of course, you’re right, but my relationship with him aside, he is actually very good at what he does.”
Ben looks thoughtful. “Regarding your relationship, it appears to have moved on since we last met.” He gestures towards my hand and feeling myself blush again I look at the sparkling diamond residing on my finger. Looking at him I think that I see an expression of disapproval and something else that I can’t quite place, and then it is gone replaced by a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
Even though I don’t need to explain myself to him I find myself telling him. “Yes, we are engaged. Nathan asked me the day before the takeover announcement.” He studies my face and after what seems like ages says softly, “seven months is not long to know somebody before committing the rest of your life to them.”
Instantly I feel defensive, he knows nothing about Nathan and our relationship, how dare he feel that he can question it. I pull myself up and look him defiantly in the eye. “Maybe not in your book but I have never been more certain of anything else in my life. We love each other and cannot wait to be married. In fact the sooner the better.” He smiles ruefully. “I am sorry Bella, I have offended you and that was not my intention. I am happy for you both. Anyway don’t let me keep you any longer, you must be busy.” I nod still feeling put out and head out of the room. I don’t know why he unnerves me so much? I can’t put my finger on it but he stirs feelings in me that I never knew I had. I decide to throw myself into work to concentrate my mind on something else before I am driven mad.
Chapter 5
Work takes over in a big way over the next couple of months. Nathan is still busy on Ben’s project and we don’t see each other as much due to the fact that he is mainly at head office and at the weekends I have to work. When I do get a day off he is working. It is very frustrating for us both, but it means that the time that we do have together means all the more.
I am too busy to even think about planning the wedding, much to my Mum’s dismay. We haven’t even set a date yet and I have to keep on telling her that we will sort it all out in the New Year when things calm down.
I haven’t seen much of Ben either as he has been busy with his other stores and I would imagine putting things in place for the change over. Christmas is on the horizon which means that we are all very busy making sure that the store is well stocked and the displays look amazing.
I seem to spend most of my time at work much to Phoebe’s dismay, as she loves our little evenings out and days shopping.
There is much excitement in the store as it is Bob’s leaving do at the end of the week and they have hired out a really posh hotel for the venue. All of the staff have been invited and everyone is looking forward to the excuse to dress up and let their hair down.
Work is taking its toll on everyone and we could all do with the distraction.
I will really miss Bob. I have always found him good company and very fair. Even though I know Ben it is still strange and I would rather that he wasn’t my new boss.
The day of the party dawns and luckily I have the day off with Nathan. I stayed at his flat last night and happily wake up next to him.
We have a lazy morning, most of it spent in bed.
I cannot wait for his project to finish and for life to get back to some sort of normality as I really miss him when I don’t see him.
Soon it is lunch time and we have to go our separate ways. I am meeting Phoebe for a girly afternoon in town and Nathan is meeting up with his friend Bradley for a lunchtime drink.
He watches me getting ready and then says petulantly. “Have a great time baby, I wish we weren’t going out, I would rather have you all to myself.” Going up to him I kiss him gently on the lips. “Me too, I hate the fact that we don’t spend as much time together. I really miss it you know.”
He grabs hold of me and holds me to him and I inhale the musky scent that I love. “I am hoping that this project will finish soon and then we can get back to normal,” he says almost squeezing the life out of me.
“The sooner the better,” I reply and kiss him, desperate just to feel his closeness.
The doorbell rings and reluctantly we pull away. Phoebe is waiting impatiently outside in the cold air so I quickly run down to join her. I am looking forward to our afternoon of girly fun. We are both having our hair and nails done and then are going for a pizza.
I laugh as I take in her appearance. She must have about three scarves on and the biggest padded jacket that I have ever seen. She is wearing snow boots and thick snow gloves with a colourful bobble hat on her head.
“Cold Phoebs?” I ask her grinning. She absolutely hates the cold and should really live in a warm country.
Our flat is always roasting and I am sure that she always lights so many candles just for the extra heat that they give off.
