What a beautiful thing to do, what a song to pick! The beat comes in loud and clear and Tristan really starts to twirl us around, singing to me again. Tears pool in my eyes as I look up at him. He wants to be my hero?
I feel some of my barriers break down and my heart stitch back together; just that little bit more…oh Tristan, what are you doing to me? The song ends, but Tristan is still swaying us around, then he stops and we gaze at one another.
“You ok?” He smiles.
“Yes, I am now.” I say smiling back.
“Wine?” He asks – Hell yes! I think I need it.
“Please.” Tristan goes to move, but I grip onto him. “Stay here, just a little while longer,” I beg.
“Anything for you,” he softly whispers. I hold him to me for a few more minutes until I’m feeling calm and brave enough to let him go. “Want to go watch the sunset?” He asks huskily bringing me back to him.
“Yeah, that would be nice.” I look up at him. He slowly and hesitantly reaches down. His lips millimeters from mine, waiting to see if I respond. I reach up onto my tiptoes, and plant my lips against his, they mould into one, it’s almost as though they were made for each other. Perfect!
He kisses me back, gently, softly. But it’s enough to make my head swim, I feel so lightheaded. I stop kissing him, my lips going limp against his.
“You ok?” He asks, I open my eyes and the room swims and sways – Why do I feel faint?
“I feel faint,” I whisper. In the next breathe I am up and into his arms. I wrap my arm around his neck, cradle my head under his chin and inhale deeply.
“That’s because you haven’t eaten much,” he scolds as he carries me into the kitchen.
“No,” I shake my head, keeping my eyes closed. “It’s you, you take my breath away.”
“Dito.” He whispers. Tristan sits me down on the breakfast bar, his arms gripping me tightly. “Open your eyes baby.” I do as he asks, but this time I feel more stable, the world has stopped spinning.
“I’m sorry about earlier.” I whisper again.
Tristan smiles at me. “I’m not.” He replies.
I frown up at him. “What do you mean?”
“I’m not sorry I pushed. It made you leave, and that in turn has made me realise a few things,” he says.
“Like what?” I whisper.
He shakes his head at me. “Later.” I pout at him, he laughs at me then his serious face is back. “Maybe you shouldn’t have wine if you’re feeling faint; you should have some food instead.”
“No,” I bark.
He smirks at me. “How about some orange juice?” I raise an eyebrow at him sardonically. “Ok, wine,” he says, smiling and shaking his head at me.
Tristan pours us both a glass of wine, and places them next to me on the breakfast bar. Then he picks up the other beanbag, walks out onto the patio and makes a makeshift lounger with the one I’d left out there. Then, he comes back to me with his arms open. I go to take his hands to stand, but he simply shakes his head and lifts me up into his arms.
I roll my eyes at him. “I can walk you know,” I say dryly.
He smiles wryly at me. “Humour me.” He walks outside and places me down on the beanbags, then he heads back inside and returns with our wine.
Placing them down on the floor next to the beanbags, he sits behind me, his back against the sliding door his legs stretched either side of me, and pulls me gently against his chest.
“This ok?” he softly asks.
“Yes,” I whisper. Handing a glass to me, he then picks up his glass and wraps his free arm around my waist. I feel contented, that warm glow flows through me from the dream again.
“This is nice,” he whispers and takes a sip of wine.
“Yeah it is.” I agree. I really, really hope Tristan meant what he said; that he won’t ask me about what happened earlier – because right now, I feel on top of the world. What a difference to how I felt just a short while ago?
WE SIT IN COMFORTABLE SILENCE, both brooding I think, but the setting sun is a welcome distraction. I quietly sip my wine and try to keep my mind clear of all thoughts, good and bad. I watch the sky change from scorching oranges and blazing yellow, to a darker ominous mix of deep pinks, and aquamarines.
I decide the silence has become too deafening, so I rack my brains for something to say, other than the obvious. “Did you have a good week?” I ask.
“A good week?” He questions.
“Yes, when you left on Wednesday. Was it a productive week work wise?” Tristan chuckles, kisses my temple, and thankfully starts telling me about what he’s been doing for the few days we’ve been apart…
THE SUN HAS SET ON OUR PERFECT little piece of heaven and the stars are out in full force. I shiver slightly, a cool breeze has picked up, so of course, my over-sensitive body has developed goose bumps all over.
“Cold?” Tristan asks, running his hand up and down my arm trying to generate some heat.
“A little,” I answer.
“Want to go in? We could put the fire on?” He suggests.
“Won’t you get too hot?” Tristan already feels toasty against me.
“I don’t care. Whatever you want beautiful, it is yours.” He says in that sexy, low voice.
“Ok I’m convinced, a fire would be nice.” He stands, takes my hands and gently pulls me to my feet. “May I?” he asks, his arms open wide.
“Tristan, I’m fine now,” I say trying to placate him.
“Coral’ – “Tristan, I’m not feeling faint anymore, so you don’t need to carry me into the house, ok?” His lips set into a hard line. I roll my eyes at him. “I need a bathroom break. Why don’t you take the bean-bags in and get the fire going?” I suggest.
“Fine!” He huffs, then picks up the bags and heads inside. I smile internally at his over protective ways. I collect our empty glasses, place them on the breakfast bar and head off to the downstairs bathroom. When I return I notice he has the fire going, its orange glow filling the room, creating a warm, romantic atmosphere.
“Mmm that’s nice,” I say huddling in front of it, warming up my arms.
“Would you like a jumper?”
“No, I’m ok thanks.” Tristan comes and stands behind me, places his hands on my arms and gently rubs up and down.
“You feel cold.” I close my eyes to the feeling. His skin against mine does strange things to me. It heats my blood, and sets my heart racing. I don’t understand it?
“I’ll be fine,” I breathe.
“Want a drink?” he asks. “I have a really nice Cognac?” he adds. The same kind of brandy George gave me? I’m in!
“Yes please.” I smile up at him and there it is; that feeling – The room is so dark, except for the orange glow from the fire, but I can't drag my gaze away from his. He smiles nervously at me then loses the grin. “Thank you for coming back, for trusting me.”
I swallow hard. Is this just lust? Or do people really fall in love and feel like this about each other? I can feel it surrounding us, a strange bubble, like a bright white light, making me feel safe, turned on, dizzy with wanting, longing. Whatever it is, it’s strong, really strong. Almost tangible, like I could reach out and touch it. Tristan moves closer, his lips parting slightly and kisses me softly on the lips, then runs a cool, soft finger down my cheek.
“You are so beautiful.” I swear to god if he keeps saying that he’s going to have me convinced that I am. I slowly exhale at his touch. It sears me, weakens me and at the same time, it makes me mad; because I don’t want to fall in love, but I think it may already be too late.
“Shall we have some music?” I can't find my voice so I nod my head. “I won’t be a moment,” he softly adds. Tristan returns with his MP3 Player and his portable speakers. “Why don’t you find something,” he says handing them to me.
“Ok.” I smile shyly at him – Why am I feeling shy again? – Shaking my head at myself, I switch on the player and plug in the speakers. When it fires up
, I notice it’s a Cowon, the same as mine. It’s freaky how many things we have that are the same. I start scrolling through his list of albums and I’m gob-smacked – again! Tristan returns and sits on one of the beanbags, placing the Brandy’s in front of the fire.
“This is freaky,” I tell him, still scrolling through the albums.
“What is?” he asks.
“We have so many of the same albums,” I answer.
“We do?” he says in surprise.
“Yeah it’s weird. What do you fancy?” I ask.
“There’s a new album I put on yesterday, I made my own mix of songs.” He smiles enigmatically at me. I pass him the player so he can find it.
“What?” I grin back.
“They all remind me of you,” he tells me and presses play. Gabrielle Aplin’s soft voice fills the room with The Power Of Love – I feel all the blood drain out of my face. It’s such a haunting, heavy track. Tristan picks up the Brandy’s offering one to me. I shake my head at him I don’t want mine yet. He nods once and sits back on the beanbag, sipping his drink.
I stay sat, several feet away from Tristan, in the safe zone.
My backside hurts sitting on the cold, porcelain floor, but the fire is a welcome relief, warming my arms, my body. As I listen to the song, I feel myself getting overwhelmed – she sings this song so well. I turn and gaze at Tristan he’s watching me carefully, slowly sipping his Brandy. I turn away and stare at the fire, watching the flames lick and bite each other, battling for the biggest flame.
I close my eyes, letting the song wash over me. Is this what Tristan is to me? Is he going to cleanse my dark soul? He’s made it pretty clear what he feels for me. He wants to love me, protect me, be my hero, that much is obvious.
Love is an energy Gabrielle sings –Yes, it is, one I don’t know, or understand, not like this.
I wrap my arms around my legs and continue to stare at the fire. The song ends, and it’s quickly followed by James Morrison’s You Make it Real. It’s a little more upbeat thank heavens; and my favourite song of his. I turn and smile at Tristan.
“You like?” he asks. I take a deep breath and crawl across the floor. He seems nervous as I approach him, but as I do, I slowly lean forward and kiss him, being careful not to get too carried away. “My favourite.” I whisper against his lips.
“Mine too.” He murmurs, then kisses me back, his tongue slowly lapping against mine. I feel myself getting tearful and overwhelmed by the moment – again! What is wrong with me?
“Oh baby…” Tristan pulls me into his lap and wraps his arms around me.
“Sorry…” I choke. “I just can’t get over...” I stop myself and take a deep breath.
“I know,” he says, softly stroking my back. “This already feels very heavy and deep…permanent. Kind of took us both by surprise.”
“Yeah…” I croak a little laugh escaping.
Tristan leans forward, picks up my glass, and hands it to me. “To us,” He says.
“To us,” I breathe and we click glasses. I lay against Tristan chest again, enjoying the songs, and the sound of his heart beating in my ear.
“Coral, I have something for you.” He says, his voice sounding nervous.
I turn my head and gaze up at him. “For me?” I squeak.
“Yes,” he breathes. “I was going to give you this earlier…” He breaks off momentarily, a flash of pain crosses his face. It makes me cringe inwardly, knowing I put it there. He reaches down beside him, and picks up an A5 sized jewellery box. It’s dark blue, brushed velvet, and it’s got a big red bow on it…
CHAPTER TWO
I SIT UP FROM MY SLUMPED POSITION, my mouth gaping open, my heart slamming against my chest – Shit! He’s bought me a present! – I hate presents. Gladys and Debs have always been awful at Christmas. Buying me things I either don’t want or need, and the impossible moments that have to follow of saying thank you and smiling as though you like it are cringe-worthy.
“Here,” Tristan gestures for me to take it.
I look up at his warm eyes not really knowing what to do. Tristan gently takes hold of my hand and places the box in it. I can see the apprehension in his face, I feel myself tighten up with anxiety – What if I don’t like it?
“Open it,” he orders his eyes crinkling sweetly at the corners. Tentatively, I pull on the satin ribbon that’s been tied into a bow, and lift the lid. Wow!
I am both surprised and elated. Inside is a bracelet, a very old antique looking bracelet. As I look closer, I see that it has dragons engraved into it. There are four segments, each with a dragon, and a Chinese symbol hanging down as a charm. It’s quite chunky and is almost a gun metal grey, just the kind of thing I like – I look up at Tristan in astonishment.
“How did you?’ – “You have several dragon ornaments in your bedroom. I saw this and thought you might like it,” he softly says.
I shake my head in wonder and smile at him. This is the first piece of jewellery I have been given that I will actually wear – Gladys gave up years ago, after noticing I wouldn’t wear what she bought me.
“It’s antique. A miracle dragon bracelet, they’re quite rare,” he tells me.
I’m awestruck. Not only did he get the dragon part right, but I have a thing for antique jewellery. The stuff you see in most of the jewellers just seems same-o, same-o, to me. Antiques are just well...different. I peer down at the bracelet, I’m nervous to touch it, it looks so delicate.
“Here baby.” Tristan takes it out of the box, and carefully clips it around my right wrist, it’s a perfect fit.
“Tristan…I don’t know what to say…thank you,” I choke.
“Do you like it?” He questions.
“Yes,” I gush, smiling down at it. “Thank you,” I say again.
He lifts my chin to look at him. “You’re very welcome, I’m really glad you like it,” he says smiling broadly.
“Oh I do…” I gush, then lean forward and softly kiss him.
He chuckles against my lips. “You really like it?” he says a little smugly.
“Yes I do. How did you know I’d like an antique?” I ask feeling a little dazed by it all.
“You don’t wear any jewellery, and you’re anything but traditional Coral. So I took a chance,” he says wrapping his arms around my waist again.
“I love it,” I tell him gazing at it again. It’s not to everyone’s taste, but it’s just so different. “What does the symbol mean?” I ask in wonder.
Tristan chuckles and kisses me again. “You’re going to love this part,” he says tucking my hair behind my ear.
“I am?” I say feeling giddy with excitement.
“Yes.” He smiles his deep, wide grinned sexy smile at me.
“Tell me,” I squeak. He reaches up and gently strokes my cheek.
“Karma” he whispers. I lose the grin, and swallow hard. How can he get so much right with one piece of jewellery?
“I...” I swallow again. “Is that just luck or..?”
Tristan shakes his head. “No. I liked the dragons and I thought you would too, but when I was told the symbol meant Karma, I knew it was meant for you.”
“That’s just, wow...thank you,” I gush again feeling tears prick the corners of my eyes.
“Hey now, there’s no need for that,” he says, brushing the fallen tears away. I reach up, lean my forehead against his and close my eyes – I still don’t get what I’ve done to deserve him.
“You’re a wonderful man Tristan Freeman,” I breathe. He reaches up, puts his hands either side of my face and pulls my head up. I open my eyes and gaze back at him.
“And you’re a beautiful, challenging woman,” he says. I smile, he smiles in return. I kiss him once more then lie back against him, staring down at my new bracelet. “I really like the quilt cover you picked,” he tells me, pulling me from my musing.
“Yeah?” Tristan seems to like neutral colours – like me. So I picked mocha; it goes with the rest of the room.
>
“You must let me pay you back,” he tells me. I turn and look up at him.
“I thought you said you wanted this to be ‘our’ place?” I question.
“Well...yeah I did, but’ - “No buts Tristan, you have to let me contribute,” I tell him sternly.
“No!” he barks, I frown at him. “Coral, you have a mortgage and bills of your own to pay. Please don’t get buying anything else for this place, it all comes out of my pocket. Understand?” Tristan is mad, his eyes have narrowed, and the way he’s looking at me tells me there’s no argument to be had.
“Fine!” I huff. How ridiculous, I can’t even buy anything for the house!
“Which reminds me,” he says getting up and walking over to his suit jacket that’s hanging on one of the breakfast stools. I watch him pull out his wallet and walk back to me. Sitting down, he opens it up and pulls out a card. “Here, this is for you.”
I cock one eyebrow up at him. “Why are you trying to give me one of your cards?”
“It’s not mine,” he tells me opening my hand and placing the card in it. I look down and see my name printed on it – What the fuck?
“Um...why...Tristan what’s going on? I don’t understand?” I say, scowling at him.
“Anything you want just put it on that card, it’s a joint account,” he tells me artlessly.
“A what?” I gasp in shock. I can’t believe he’s done that! I wouldn’t do that! Not from only knowing someone a few days, but then I do have trust issues. “Are you crazy?” I shriek. “You don’t know me, yet you give me this card?” I shake my head at him, I can’t believe....
“Coral, you want to buy something, anything...some clothes, pay a bill or maybe you’re out and you see something you like for this place, just use the card. Ok?” I feel like I’ve been given the keys to the bank. “I trust you,” he tells me pulling my chin up, his eyes boring into mine.
“I still think you’re crazy,” I say half choking on my own words.
Tristan chuckles at me. “I think I’m a pretty good judge of character, I don’t see you running off with my millions,” he says.
CORAL - Fallen (A Romance Trilogy, Book 2) Page 2
