Believe Series box set

by L Chapman

You are very welcome; they are as beautiful as you are. Okay this might be a bit bold of me, do you fancy having lunch with me today? X

  Maybe, what are you thinking?

  There’s a little bistro near the bar from last night. X

  What time are you thinking?

  12ish, then we can relax. X

  I reply quickly before I can change my mind:

  Sounds like a plan.

  I wonder if I have done the right thing, agreeing to meet him for lunch. Will I be safe with him on my own? I need to stop worrying, live a little while I can. I like him, and well, he seems nice. I need to just trust my heart and go for it. I text Jenny to see what she thinks.

  Mark’s asked me out for lunch, I’ve said yes. Don’t know if I should go or not. Xx

  Jenny’s reply comes back five minutes later:

  Go for it. Live a little. Xx

  I decided not to change, but touch up my lip-gloss and apply some mascara. I put the lip-gloss and a few other essentials into my little black bag and spend the next half an hour fretting over the lunch date.

  I receive a text from Mark.

  Can I come and collect you from the hotel? X

  If you want to, Mark.

  I don’t want to seem like I don’t want him to collect me, but I don’t want to seem like I need to be looked after all the time. I will leave it up to him.

  I do want to. Meet you in the lobby at 12. X

  How did you know which hotel I was staying in?

  It sounds a bit 'stalker-like’ but I rang all the hotels in the area until I found a Jenny and Megan staying in the same hotel. X

  Oh okay, determined man I see. Thank you again for the flowers they’re beautiful.

  I slowly go down to the lobby of the hotel, not wanting to be late, but not wanting to seem too eager. Mark is already standing there, wearing dark coloured jeans and a white T-shirt. He looks amazing. I walk over to him, watching him watch me, as I get closer to him.

  “Hi, Megan, you look gorgeous.” I feel myself start to blush and butterflies start to appear in my stomach.

  “You look good. The jeans and T-shirt look works for you.” Mark winks at me.

  “Thank you. Shall we head out?”

  I nod, walking beside him out to a waiting taxi. Mark opens the rear passenger door, being a total gentleman, letting me get into the black taxi first.

  Throughout the short taxi ride to the bistro, Mark tells me all about his meeting, and it is nice to just sit there and listen. I should really ask what he does, but I am feeling all nervous. I don’t want to talk. I don’t know how to act. It has been so long since I have been on a date or even been out with a male.

  Arriving at the bistro, Mark takes the lead, holding his arm out for me to hold onto and linking my arm in his. Mark walks with me into the bistro through the door and tells the headwaiter that he has a table booked for two. He gives the man his name, and the waiter leads us to our table. It’s a very upmarket establishment, and I am surprised when the waiter pulls out a chair from the table for me to be seated first. I thank him and the waiter bows his head with professional courtesy. This all feels a little strange; I’m not accustomed to such places.

  “Order anything you like, Megan,” Mark says. Perhaps he has noticed my nervousness.

  “Thank you.”

  I sit, looking at the menu as Mark tells me all about the bistro’s history, and I think he’s beginning to realize just how shy a person I am.

  The menu is full of posh meals; there are so many things I don’t know on the menu. I decided to go for a Caesar salad to start with followed by pan fried sea bass. Mark orders a tomato and herb salad followed by steak tartare. Neither of us orders pudding. Mark explains that they ask you about them after the main course.

  I keep my head down, looking at the table. I feel so open to attack that I can’t look at him, and I don’t know what to do or say. I can’t even remember the last time I went out on a date.

  “Megan, relax please,” Mark says as he moves his hand around the table and places it on top of mine, rubbing it gently.

  “Sorry, I am just very shy,” His hand on mine is nice, and I like it.

  “Don’t be.”

  I raise my head, and my eyes meet his immediately. His big smile manages to relax me a bit.

  “You look amazing, if I didn’t already tell you.”

  “Thank you,” I reply, feeling myself blush.

  “Awe, you are so shy. It’s cute. You look even more beautiful when you blush.”

  We sit there talking about plans for holidays this year. Mark informs me that he has just returned from America. He had been to Fairfield, Connecticut, for a work holiday, and he still got to go to his favourite donut shop, managing to get some donuts with chocolate icing and sprinkles.

  “Beth introduced me to them. She is one of the ladies who works for the company, but she is based over there.”

  “Oh, that was nice of her,” I state while wondering if they have a past. Were they a couple?

  “These donuts are nothing like the ones you get here. They were amazing. I will have to get you some to try next time,” Mark responds.

  “I have never been to America at all. Actually, I have never been abroad. Those donuts sound nice though.”

  “Are you a chocolate girl?”

  I nod. Who is not a chocolate girl?

  “You need to relax more.” Mark pauses and looks at me. “I know that’s the worst chat up line. So, I know what to avoid,” he says, raising his eyebrow.

  I can’t do anything but laugh.

  “Well, that worked, so what would it be?”

  “Did it hurt?” I question.

  “Did what hurt?”

  “When you fell from heaven?”

  “That’s a bad one.” Mark laughs, trying to muffle it.

  “It is. I don’t get why people would use those kinds of lines, but they do make me laugh,” he says just as our food arrives.

  The smell of the food is wonderful and makes my mouth start to water immediately. I love food, but hate being watched eating, and definitely when it is a man watching me. It makes me feel so uncomfortable. I need to try though.

  After our delicious main course, Mark lets the waitress leave us to choose our puddings.

  “Would you like a pudding, Megan?” Mark asks.

  “No, thank you. I am too full,” I state.

  “Are you sure? The white chocolate Panna Cotta is to die for here,” Mark tells me.

  “I’m fine. Please have one for yourself,” I say, waving him off.

  Mark waves the waitress back over and orders Panna Cotta with two spoons. I just shake my head. I excuse myself to go to the bathroom, just so I can step away. I am feeling more comfortable, but I am not sure at all what to say to him. I feel so unsure of myself.

  As I slowly walk back to the table, Mark gets up to pull my chair out.

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Would you like anything else to drink?” Mark asks and points at my glass.

  “No, I am okay with my water. Thank you.” I look at my glass, noticing I still have over half a glass left.

  The waitress appears with pudding and places it onto the table between us.

  “Please try a bit.” Mark passes me a spoon.

  “Okay, only a little bit though.” Our hands brush as I take the spoon from him.

  I take a little bit and taste it. He was right; it is amazing. I am too full to eat it, and I am definitely not a three-course meal kind of person.

  “It's nice.” Forcing down the mouthful, it is nice, but not for me.

  “Please, have more if you want it,” Mark states, pushing the dish towards me.

  “I am fine. Thank you.” I place my hand out in front to stop him, pushing it farther towards me.

  We finish our meal and leave the bistro. The journey back to the hotel is quiet. We don’t seem to say much at all. Mark points out a few monuments of the area as we go along.

 
Mark kindly takes me back to the hotel, saying our goodbyes in the lobby and giving me a hug before letting me go. I notice him sitting there watching me until I am out of sight.

  Thank you for coming to lunch with me. X

  Thank you for inviting me.

  Anyday. x

  Mark and I spend the rest of the day chatting by texts, finding out little bits about each other. It is so weird how natural I feel talking to him and how open I can be. We arrange plans to meet tomorrow and spend a little time together. Jenny is away with Rich again tomorrow, so I am free to do whatever I want. I secretly can’t wait for tomorrow to arrive.

  Chapter 5

  Morning, how are you? Are you awake? X

  I reply to Mark’s text.

  Yes, I’m up, showered and dressed. I’m fine thanks, and you?

  It’s just after nine. I have not been awake long. I put my phone down and walk into the bathroom. I stand in front of the mirror and apply mascara and lip-gloss, not overdoing my make-up, as I prefer the natural look. I give my hair a good brush. After I’ve finished in the bathroom, I walk to the bedside table and slip a handful of silver bracelets over my wrist. I hear my phone beep, letting me know I have another text.

  Knock, Knock. X

  Almost immediately, I hear a knock on the door. I make my way to the door as a smile lights up my face when I open it.

  Mark smiles, handing me one pink rose. I take it and inhale the rose’s intoxicating fragrance. Mark steps closer, cupping his hand to my cheek. “Beauty for a beauty,” he whispers.

  Mark is wearing a white T-shirt with a black open jacket, dark blue jeans, and that amazing smile of his.

  “Good morning, beautiful.”

  "Morning, Mark," I reply softly. "Did the meeting go well?" I ask while moving to the side, allowing Mark to enter the room. He smiles at me. I move to the table and place the rose into the vase with the other roses.

  “My meeting went well, just all the normal boring stuff, but I found it hard to concentrate. I couldn’t stop thinking about you!”

  I offer up a small smile and ask him if he wants to sit down. He is standing so close to me that I am nervous at our proximity. He ignores my invite to sit and again he caresses my cheek with his hand.

  “What would you like to do today?” Mark asks. My heart is beating so fast that I’m surprised Mark cannot hear it. I can’t believe how close we are. We are as close as we were last night. He smells fantastic. He is definitely wearing the same aftershave as last night. Somewhere deep inside, breaking through my inhibitions, is a desire to touch him. I just cannot bring myself to do it.

  “I don’t know. What would you like to do?”

  Mark's eyes are full of intensity. His gaze holds me, and he almost growls. “This...”

  Mark leans in to me and kisses me. His lips are so soft, yet there is a power in his kiss. However, I cannot return the intensity, not yet, not like this. He must notice my indecision as he slowly pulls back. I see the sadness hidden deep in his eyes, but then it is gone. He kisses me softly on my forehead, just above my left eyebrow, and I feel a spark shoot through my head. I close my eyes, so wanting to trust this beautiful man with my broken feelings. As he pulls away, he smiles down at me. I meet his gaze and smile apologetically.

  “I can take it slowly, Megan,” Mark tells me. “How about we go and get some breakfast?”

  “That sounds perfect, Mark. Thank you.” He lets go of my hand after placing another brief kiss on my knuckles. He walks over to the door where the room-service menus are located. I stand watching him.

  “Right, what do you fancy, Megan?” he asks, as he reads the room service menu. As he decides, I go to the bedroom and retrieve my socks from the bed where I had laid them earlier. I attempt to pull them on, but it is not as easy as it was prior to “Bump” ever growing in my belly. Mark comes over to me, kneeling at my feet, and takes the socks from my hand to help me.

  “I’m not an invalid, Mark. I’m capable of doing this myself.” I say with a little sass and smile. Mark gives me a look, shakes his head, and pulls them up over my toes and ankles. Mark hands me the menu.

  “What do you want, Megan?” He smiles.

  “Well, I can’t have what I fancy, due to this little one,” placing my hand on my swollen stomach.

  Mark smiles. “How about a bacon sandwich? That’s what I’m having.”

  “Perfect.”

  Mark places our order with the hotel and then sits next to me on the sofa.

  “Can I?” Mark asks as he moves his hand closer to my stomach.

  As Mark caresses my bump, I nod and a tear rolls down my cheek. Mark sees the emotions etched on my face, and with tenderness I had yearned so long for, he leans down and speaks to my swollen belly, talking directly to “Bump”.

  “So little one, do you know how blessed you are? Your mummy is stunning. She’s sweet, and that means you will be, too.”

  I smile at Mark as “Bump” kicks his hand.

  “Oh, hello, you’re awake in there. Mummy's going to have some breakfast soon. I hope you’re hungry.”

  There is a loud knock at the door, and Mark gets up to answer it. I stand up, walk over to the wardrobe, and slip on my favourite cardigan. It’s grey with pink spots. I slip my feet into a pair of Ugg boots. I return to the sofa and get comfortable.

  Mark comes and joins me with a tray loaded with our breakfast.

  “How do you take your tea, Megan?”

  “Milk, no sugar. I am sweet enough,” I say while giggling.

  “I agree with that.” Mark winks at me.

  Mark pours out the tea before handing me a small plate with a steaming hot bacon sandwich on it. I nibble it and smile as Mark devours his.

  “Megan, are you all right? You look a little pale.”

  “I'm fine,” I reply, looking down at the food, which now appears anything but appetising, I have so many conflicting thoughts about this man.

  “Okay, well, if you’re done with breakfast, let’s get going.”

  “Are you always so bossy?”

  Mark looks at me with a cocky grin. “I'm not bossy. I’m just anxious to spend the day with you.”

  “Mark,” I say nervously: “I like the idea of spending the day with you, relaxing and having fun as friends, but beyond that...we can’t.”

  “Why not, Megan?” Mark moves closer to me and takes hold of my hand.

  "Mark, I live a four-hour drive away, if not farther. I'm pregnant with someone else's child. What can't you see? I'm not a fling, nor am I a weekend joke. So, if you don't mind, I think I'd like to cancel for the day. I really do appreciate the dance last night and the flirty texts, but for my sake, I really would like you to leave.” Again, tears well up in my eyes. Mark is quiet, but not for long.

  “I get your point, but I’m not leaving. Megan, let’s give today a chance, okay? I am not looking for a fling either, and I certainly do not see you as a weekend joke. Yeah, maybe once I was a bit of a player, but I want something more than a one-night stand. I want something meaningful.”

  I am silent, not even able to look at him. I try to pull my hand away from his, but he holds on tightly. He is not hurting me, but he will not let go.

  “Megan, please spend the day with me, as friends. Let’s just see what happens.” He looks sincere. I stand up and walk to the bathroom, not turning to see what Mark is doing. I close the door, and sit in the bathroom thinking. Could I? I mean, what could it hurt to spend an afternoon with a friend? Oh, I know what it could hurt. It could hurt ME! But Mark seems to be kind, not out to hurt me. I would love to have an afternoon with no pressure, no expectations, and forget past hurts. That settles it. Just once I am not going to do what my head says, but listen to my very terrified heart. I stand up, straighten out my hair, and grab my lip-gloss from the sink top. I walk out into the sitting room. I need to be spontaneous for once in my life.

  “Okay, let me get my bag.”

  Mark just smiles. He does not say a word, and his
silence speaks volumes. It shows he understands my concerns. I gather some personal effects and put them into a bag. It is a different one to the one I had last night because I am such a freak for bags. I have dozens of them back at home. I slip a grey scarf around my neck and grab my room key and then turn to Mark and ask if he is ready.

  Mark takes my hand and asks, “Are you going to be warm enough?” I smile at his thoughtfulness and point towards the door where I had hung my jacket the night before.

  “This one?’ he asks, taking a black jacket down from the hook. There a couple of coats hanging with it. I take the proffered jacket and tell him, “Thank you, Mark.”

  Mark holds the jacket for me. I look at him questioningly, and he offers up a playful smirk.

  “What? Even friends can be gentlemanly.”

  I slip my arms into the sleeves of the jacket and thank him once again. Mark opens the door for me, but stops me on the threshold and turns to look directly at me.

  “Just promise me one thing today, Megan. Don’t be putting yourself down. Please don’t think that I’d rather be off with someone else. I want to be with you today, and there is nowhere else I’d rather be, okay?”

  “Okay, I promise I’ll try.”

  As we exit the hotel, Mark slips his hand into mine, and every hair on the back of my neck stands up. Why is he having such an electrical effect on me? Being around him is like nothing I have ever experienced before.

  Mark leads me along the pavement to a parked silver car. Although I know nothing about cars, I can tell from just looking at it that it is some kind of expensive foreign car. Perhaps a Mercedes, maybe a Lexus, I am not sure, and when Mark opens the passenger door for me, I can smell the rich leather interior. The car is spotless as I get in. When Mark slips behind the steering wheel and starts the engine, it purrs to life. Classical music comes on over the stereo. I have never been a fan of classical music, but I find this piece to be beautiful.

  Mark drives through the city, and I am quickly lost as one street merges into another. After a while, I realise that we are heading out of the city, leaving behind the urban sprawl and heading out in to the richer suburbs. Eventually, Mark pulls off the road and up to a pair of large black metal gates. He buzzes his window down and enters a code into a small silver box mounted on a post. The gates begin to swing inwards, and I look beyond the opening gates at the largest house I have ever seen.