“I’ll be back at lunchtime. Can I pick you anything up?” His voice is low and strained.
“Sure, a salad would be nice.” I whisper.
“Done,” he answers. I can feel him watching me, waiting for me to look at him. “Coral,” he whispers, I turn and look up at him, he looks lost and as though he’s in pain. I squeeze my eyes shut for a second, feeling guilty for making him feel like this. “I’m sorry Coral, I’ - I move forward and press my lips against his.
“Don’t be, you’re curious. I would be too.” I kiss him softly, trying to ease his anxious look.
He gazes back at me, and gently strokes my hair. “I have to go,” he says.
“I know,” I whisper and sit back in my seat.
“See you later?” I nod at him and pull my lips up in a semblance of a smile. He narrows his eyes at me, leans forward and gently kisses my forehead – His kiss sears me, changing my mind again. What the fuck am I doing?
Tristan steps out of the car. I watch him walk over to Stuart and chat to him for a moment. Then Stuart hops back in the car.
“So just to the Gym,” he clarifies, smiling broadly at me.
I nod silently already lost in thought...
TEN MINUTES LATER I HAVE SAID goodbye to Stuart and I’m walking into the Gym. I have no idea if Will is even here this time of day. I don’t know if he’s a full or part time fitness instructor so I decide to ask at reception. As I stand waiting to be seen, I’m eyed speculatively by the two girls that are serving clients. I roll my eyes at them, and I'm about to say something when I’m tapped on the shoulder. I turn around and see Will’s mouth gape open in shock. Before he even asks me a question, he’s tugging me along and pulling me into a small office.
“Coral!” Jeez he looks really angry!
“This isn’t what it looks like!” I say raising my hands in the air to stop him.
“Oh really’ – Will crosses his arms – ‘Denial, it’s always the first step,” he barks.
“Will, my niece did this to me,” I snap, he scowls back at me. “I swear to you,” I add, then tell him how it happened, but he still doesn’t look convinced.
“Will,” I whisper closing my eyes as I do. “I would never let anyone do this to me.” I open my eyes and continue. “I came in here to tell you I can't do tonight, and that I’ll see you on Thursday, my nose should have healed up by then.”
He sighs heavily. “You know you can always tell me if anyone’ – “Will!” I bark. “I get you care about me, but I’m telling you my niece did this!” I bellow feeling annoyed at him.
“Alright Coral” he nods, but I’m still not sure he’s convinced.
I shake my head at him and walk over to the door. “See you Thursday,” I grumble wrenching the door open. I don’t need this shit! I’ve got enough going on.
I march out the gym and all the way home…
THREE HOURS LATER I have caught up with all the work that Joyce sent over this morning, and resent it for her to print and sign. I have welcomed the work; it’s taken my mind of Tristan, and the raging battle that’s going on. I’m so confused from all the fucked-up-ness that goes on in my head. I sigh inwardly and sit back against the sofa.
I look up at the time, Tristan will be back soon. I shake my head at myself. What am I going to do? It all feels like it’s going so fast. I take a deep breath trying to calm myself, but all I can smell is Tristan, his scent is all over this place now – It was a bad idea letting him stay here, building memories with him.
I wish I could talk to Rob, he would help me rationalise it all, maybe I could tell him why I’m like this, tell him the truth, tell him all about my past, maybe then – My mobile buzzes at me, pulling me from my musing. I pick it up and see there’s a text.
I scramble to open it, hoping it’s a reply from Rob.
*Hey my sexy, gorgeous girl ;-) What kind of salad would you like? Tristan Xx*
I grin like an idiot. I instantly feel lifted from my somber thoughts. He’s so hard to resist, not only does Tristan think I’m gorgeous and sexy – which is a very heady feeling in itself – but I got a wink too. I press reply and send one back to him.
*I’m starving and missing you, hurry back. Surprise me baby Xxx*
His reply is immediate.
*I do apologise something came up. Missing you too, see you soon gorgeous Xxx*
Just as I’m about to text back a witty reply my mobile rings.
“Hi Joyce.”
“How are you feeling darling?”
“Oh fine, can I come back tomorrow?”
“Not until your bruising has gone.” She answers sternly.
I frown at her reply. “Why?” I question.
“It just...well doesn’t look good on the company darling, and do you really want all the girls gossiping about you? – Which they will,” she adds.
“I don’t care.” I snap.
“Well I do.” She retorts.
“So you want me to take the week off?” I question in horror.
“There’s no rush Coral, when the bruises have gone, come back.” I sigh heavily.
“Ok, if that’s what you want.” I mumble.
“Darling, use the time productively. Why not spend some time with Tristan while he’s here?” I’m speechless. Then I remember what Tristan told me about their little chat. “I’m finishing myself now so you won’t get anything else sent across today. Take some time off Coral, you deserve it.” Why do I get the feeling Joyce is pushing for this too?
“Um...sure ok,” I mumble.
“I’m doing the same tomorrow, a few hours in the morning and then I’m off again.” She tells me.
“Oh, ok.” I have to wonder what Joyce is up to? “Do you need me to help you with anything?” I ask hoping she’ll say yes. I’m going to go mad sitting around when Tristan’s gone.
“No, I’m fine thank you Coral.”
I shrug and sigh. “Ok, I’ll see you soon,” I grumble. “Bye.” I’m about to hang up when Joyce stops me.
“Oh Coral, Lily loved the dress, thank you for choosing it for me.”
“Anytime,” I smile feeling momentarily better.
“Bye darling.” Joyce hangs up.
I check my mobile for a reply from Rob, still nothing. Guess I’m just going to have to be patient and hope that I’ll hear from him soon…
TWENTY MINUTES LATER Tristan comes waltzing into the studio looking sexy as ever, gone is the suit. I guess he went back to the hotel and got changed. Now he’s in a pair of dark blue jeans, and a black t-shirt that fits snuggly against his muscular torso – Uh-Oh! I didn’t think he could look sexier than the suit, but he does!
I swoon at him for a second then snap out of it. “Hi,” I squeak.
Without a word, he places the take-out bag on the coffee table, pulls me into him and kisses me so forcefully, I almost fall backwards. And I would have done, had it not been for his strong arms wrapped around me. But there’s something more, something behind the kiss, a hint of desperation maybe, I don’t know.
“What was that for?” I ask breathlessly.
“Does there need to be a reason?” He asks, staring down at me with anxious eyes.
“I guess not.” I whisper. He smiles tentatively at me.
“Your salad me lady,” he smiles his deep dimpled smile.
“Thanks.” I sit down on the sofa, open the packaging and see Tristan has ordered my favourite – Green leaf and avocado with black olives and sundried tomatoes.
“How did you know?” I beam as Tristan sits next to me.
“I’m observant and I listen,” he muffles, I look across and see he’s demolishing his food again.
“Hungry?” I chuckle.
“Yes.” Tristan gobbles his chicken salad down in no time at all.
But I’m struggling again, all I keep thinking about is his hands on my body, his lips against mine and what it’s going to feel like when he’s finally inside me, making love to me. Then I think about it happening for re
al, and I start to freak out. My heart starts hammering against my chest, I feel nauseous.
“Will you tell me?” He softly asks.
“Tell you what?” I mumble as I pick at my salad.
“Why you’re having Hypnotherapy?”
“Tristan,” I moan putting my fork down, my appetite completely vanished.
“Please?” He begs.
“For god’s sake man, let me eat!” I admonish.
Tristan frowns back at me but he doesn’t push it, he nods once then stands and walks out onto the decking. I can hear him chatting away to Bob. I take the alone time to try and eat the rest of my salad. I concentrate hard on chewing and swallowing, keeping my mind clear of all thoughts.
“Fancy going over to the house today?” He asks making me jump. I hadn’t noticed him come back in.
“Sure.” I say finally finishing my salad, which was delicious.
“Will you tell me now?” He asks solemnly. And I know what he’s asking.
“No!” I bark. Tristan sighs heavily then nods in resignation.
“Ok, well I thought we could go to the house, choose what kind of furniture we would like, where it can go, and then go and see if we can find it.” Ok, I think this is going way too fast!
“You don’t want to do that?” he says, his eyes narrowed, his brow furrowed. He runs his hand through his hair in frustration. “What’s wrong Coral?” He barks.
I sigh inwardly. Why is he asking about furniture shopping, when he knows I have work this afternoon, unless…Joyce has already told him? Then I think maybe Tristan has told Joyce about staying over and thinking back on it, she wants me to spend more time with Tristan.
“Did you ask Joyce to give me the day off?” I question, my eyes narrowed. Tristan instantly looks guilty. “You did!” I screech. “Tristan,” I scold. “You shouldn’t have done that.” I add, feeling agitated that I am losing all sense of control.
“It wasn’t like that,” he tells me sheepishly.
“Really? Enlighten me Tristan, how exactly was it?” I growl – I’m so pissed at him.
“Coral, it was very innocent, we got talking and I told her that.....well, we seem to be really getting along and that you’re going to spend some time at the house with me this weekend. She knows I’m going back Wednesday’ – Tristan sighs heavily – ‘I told her about your offer to help me find some furniture, she thought it was a nice gesture, so she offered to give you the afternoon off so we could – “Ok, I’ve heard enough.” I snap – I have to get away from him.
I stomp my way up the stairs. When I get to my bedroom I plonk myself down on my bed and close my eyes, trying to work out why I’m feeling so pissed about it. Is it because I feel as though my life is being planned for me? That I’m losing control? Or am I just annoyed about it all? I wanted to go back to work. I like having that sense of normality, routine, and for the first time ever it’s been taken away from me – without my approval!
I hear the bottom stair creak. “Can I come up?” His voice sounds torn. How can I deny him?
“Sure.” I open my eyes and sit cross legged on my bed. Tristan runs up the stairs, then tentatively walks the couple of steps needed to be next to me, and hesitantly sits down. His face is as white as a ghost; he looks lost, torn. “I’m so sorry,” he whispers. “I thought that you would like it, spending more time with me, and so did Joyce.”
“It’s not that,” I grumble.
“Then what is it?” He softly asks.
“I just...don’t I get a say?” I gripe.
“I...I thought’ – “Tristan,” I lean in closer to him, I need him to understand. “I like my routine, having a stable job to go to everyday gives me a sense of purpose. And with all the madness that goes on in my head, for that to just be stripped away from me without any say’ – “That’s what it feels like to you?” he interrupts.
“Yes,” I whisper in exasperation.
“Most people would love being given time off’– “Don’t,” I tell him. “Don’t go there, I’ve already told you I’m not like other people.”
“So you don’t want to spend more time with me?” He questions.
“It’s not about that!” I shout. “Don’t you get it? I crave control Tristan and having this job gives me that. Having two people I thought cared about me conniving behind my back so I can’t go to work feels like entrapment to me.” I bellow running my hands through my hair in frustration.
“I...I didn’t know you felt that way.” He says, frowning at the floor.
“That’s because you didn’t ask!” I shout, my temper getting the better of me.
“I think I should go.” Tristan says standing up sharply. I almost go to agree with him, it’s my chance to let him go, but something deep within me tugs at my heart,. It feels like it’s being crushed again – by the steel hand.
“Tristan,” I whisper, instantly regretting my little rant. “Please stay.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he tells me. Shit! What have I done? I don’t want him to leave! I scramble to my feet, stand in front of him and tug on his hand.
“Please, don’t go,” I beg leaning my forehead against his chest. “I...I’ll tell you more,” I barter.
“More?” He questions.
“Yeah...a-about me,” I stutter.
“You don’t need to do that Coral. I just thought you’d be happy to spend more time with me, that’s all.” I look up at his face, I can see I’ve hurt him – Damn it!
“I do want to spend more time with you. It’s just...it would have been better being done a different way, that’s all. Like Joyce actually asking me instead of telling me.” I say throwing my hands in the air.
“Do you have a problem with authority?” He titters lightly.
I smile back at him. “Yeah I kind of do,” I say.
“Bet you were a real pain in the ass as a teenager,” he says taking my face in his hands and running his thumbs across my cheekbone.
“You have no idea!” I chuckle lightly, Tristan joins in.
“So are we shopping?” He asks playfully.
“Yes.” I beam, reeling at the thought of helping him furnish his house.
“Ok.” He leans forward and kisses my forehead.
“I need a few minutes.” I say.
“I’ll wait for you downstairs,” he says, then softly strokes my cheek.
As Tristan scuttles back down the stairs, I stop and think for a moment about the future, which I know I shouldn’t do, but I can't help it. I envisage my life without him, going to work, the gym, seeing Rob occasionally. It makes me realise how deeply Tristan’s got under my skin, in just a few short days.
I think about how scared I am, and how quickly this is all going. I know he wants me to move in with him, that he wants to marry me, but I’m just not there yet. I close my eyes and imagine saying goodbye to him, walking away…A huge crater opens within me, it’s dark and barren, torn and twisted, I quickly think of the flip side.
Tristan’s house is what I see. I’m sitting outside on the decking, soaking up the sunset with a glass of wine. I look back inside and see Tristan is putting the finishing touches to the meal he’s made. Then I watch him walk towards me, a big dimpled smile spread across his face.
The image shifts and I’m alone in the house taking a soak in the bath, I hear Tristan come home. Then he’s next to me, he’s naked and he’s joining me in the bath, he starts massaging my shoulders, it feels wonderful –“Coral!” Tristan shouts. I jump feeling startled, then giggle at myself.
“Coming,” I shout back. I find my wedges, pull them on and run down the stairs to Tristan.
“So where to?” he asks.
“Depends what kind of furniture you’re looking for?” I say.
“What do you think?” he asks.
I narrow my eyes at him. “Tristan, this is your house, not mine.”
“Hmm, did you like how it was furnished?” He asks.
“Yes.”
 
; “And the rooms? Keep them as they are?”
“Why are you asking me this?”
“I want you to be happy there.” He says shrugging slightly.
“Liar!” His mouth twists trying to hide his smile.
“Alright, I do have an ulterior motive…but I think it’s too early to say anything,” he says, looking nervous.
“Say it.” I push. He shakes his head at me. “Tristan!” I warn. “You won’t build trust with me if I know you’re hiding something.”
“Fine! I was going to ask you to move in with me, when you’re ready. It’s in the future, I know that, but I would have it instantly happen, and I want this place to feel like it’s just as much your home as it is mine.”
My mouth pops open. “Move in with you?” I whisper.
He moves forward and gently strokes my cheek. “One day, not now,” he says calming me. “I just want to know what you thought of the furnishings, the layout.”
“Perfect.” I answer, his eyebrows shoot up in surprise.
“Really?” He questions.
“Yes, I thought all the rooms were perfectly appointed. The office, the library and as for that sofa…” I drift off.
“So basically replicate what we viewed?”
“Yes, if that’s what you like too?”
“Oh baby…” He crushes me to him, inhaling my hair, my scent maybe, like I’ve done with him. “Perfectly matched,” he whispers.
Ok, now I’m excited. If we can get that house looking like it did, that would be awesome. Tristan smiles down at me and kisses me softly, then takes my hand in his and we head out into the blazing heat of the afternoon…
TRISTAN OPENS THE DOOR TO THE WAITING JAGUAR. I smile tentatively at him and slip inside. I feel like I’ve been rattled to pieces. My head is spinning, that was a hard session with George, not that I was honest with him – which he won’t be happy about if he finds out.
CORAL (A Romance Trilogy, Book 1) Page 39