The One That Got Away

by S J Crabb

  The One That Got Away

  By S J Crabb

  Also By S J Crabb

  The Diary Of Madison Brown

  Premier Deception

  A Matter Of Trust

  (Part 2 of The Hardcastle Saga)

  Payback

  (Part 3 of The Hardcastle Saga

  Scarlett

  (The Devil's Daughter)

  Falcondell

  (The Devil's Son)

  Falcondell Part Two

  (Retribution)

  Lucas

  (The Devil's Son)

  sjcrabb.com

  Copyrighted Material

  Copyright S J Crabb 2016

  S J Crabb has asserted her rights under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the Author of this work.

  This book is a work of fiction and except in the case of historical fact, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission of the author, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes only.

  This book contains Adult content and is not suitable for ages under 18.

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty One

  Chapter Twenty Two

  Chapter Twenty Three

  Chapter Twenty Four

  Chapter Twenty Five

  Chapter Twenty Six

  Chapter Twenty Seven

  Chapter Twenty Eight

  Chapter Twenty Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty One

  Chapter Thirty Two

  Epilogue

  Note From The Author

  More books from the Author.

  A Matter Of Trust

  Prologue

  The room is packed and a loud buzz of conversation fills the normally serene area.and I can almost taste the fear and worry.

  Looking over I can see Nathan deep in conversation with his friend Billy. The memory of earlier this morning is still fresh in my mind as we woke up beside each other in his flat. I feel the excitement growing in me again as I remember the feel of his touch and once again can’t believe that he asked me to marry him.

  As if he can hear my thoughts he looks over at me and smiles his sexy smile. Smiling back at him I bask in the warm glow of happiness that I feel knowing that I have found my soul mate at last.

  Suddenly my assistant April appears before me, her face etched with worry. “Bella, have you heard anything yet?” she says in a hushed tone. Looking at her anxious face I am brought back to reality. We all heard this morning that our store has been bought out by another company. We don’t know any more than that and have been summoned to the Boardroom for an announcement before the store opens at 9.30am.

  I have been a buyer at Kinghams for the last five years; starting as an assistant buyer in housewares and working my way up to manage the buying department; overseeing the purchasing of housewares and gifts. I love my job and am feeling anxious as to what the future may now hold.

  The happiness that I am feeling after Nathan’s proposal will have to be put on hold as there is a more pressing matter to deal with first, namely whether or not we still have jobs. I try to smile at April reassuringly but feel that I am failing miserably.

  Once again I look over at Nathan and wonder how he can look so relaxed? However this is typical of him. He is always so laid back and easy going. It is what I love most about him. We started dating seven months ago after several months of flirting over the computer. Nathan is the IT manager and is thought of as quite a catch. There are many other employees who would give everything to be his girlfriend and I still can’t quite believe that he chose me. It was after a particularly stressful time with my computer software that we got quite close and discovered that we had a lot in common. I think that it broke the hearts of several of the other ladies in the store as he is absolutely gorgeous, both in looks and personality. Suddenly I am shaken out of my thoughts as Bob Monroe; the current chairman of Kinghams comes out of the Boardroom. I notice that he looks extremely grave; his expression is set and is not giving anything away .and my heart sinks. This doesn’t look good. He calls us all into the Boardroom and I can see that the large table that usually dominates the room has given way to rows upon rows of chairs.

  In silence we all file in and take a seat. I notice the other department managers and their assistants looking every bit as anxious as I do and I can’t seem to quell the rising feeling of impending disaster.

  Once we are all seated Bob addresses the room. “Thank you all for coming. I am sure that you have all heard the news that Kinghams has been bought out by the Hardcastle group.” There is a general buzz of conversation around the room as this is actually the first time that we have heard who the purchaser is.

  Hardcastles have about seven stores around the South of England and are relatively new to the retail scene. The owners have been steadily buying up independent family run stores over the last two years and it would appear that Kinghams is the next one on their hit list. Bob continues.

  “No doubt you are all wondering how it will affect you all. This I am afraid I cannot answer .and I am sorry to say that for now it is business as usual, but over the next few months changes will be brought in to bring us in line with their other stores. I haven’t been told how this will affect the management of this store but I have a meeting with the new owner scheduled in for today, so as soon as I know anything I will let you know.”

  As I watch him speak I notice that he looks tired. This can’t be easy for him as this store has been in his family for generations and I feel a surge of sympathy for Bob. He is a decent man who has devoted his entirenlife to this store. I can only hope that he was paid a good price for it and can now retire comfortably.

  Once again he addresses the group; his voice anxious mirroring the expression on his face. “I would take questions but I am afraid that I have no answers to give, so please can I ask you to carry on as normal. I appreciate that this will be difficult and can assure you that I will try to resolve the situation for you all as soon as possible.”

  He takes a deep breath, “Right then, we have a store to open. Off you go now and try to carry on as normal.”

  We all stand up and head back to our departments. My heart feels heavy and I know that it will be a difficult time ahead for us all. I think back to what I know about the other take-over's. The word on the grapevine was that they have their own management team that oversee the running of the group from their headquarters in Guildford. The other stores lost their management teams, some of whom came to Kinghams. I look over at Karen, the buyer for fashion. She was one of them and has not long joined us from Brownlow’s of Wimbledon. My heart goes out to her as I notice the tears in her eyes.

  Nathan makes his way over to me and throws me a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry baby, we’ll be ok.” I smile weakly at him. “I hope so as we may have to postpone our plans if we lose our jobs.” He puts his arm around my shoulders and pulls me against him. “We’ll cross that bridge if we come
to it. Come on le'ts go out for lunch and try to cheer ourselves up; after all it’s not every day you get engaged is it?”

  Looking into his eyes I once again can’t believe how lucky I am.and I smile back at him happily, “Yes, let’s not think about all of this, let's just enjoy our engagement. Shall I see you at 1pm for lunch? I’ll meet you at the staff entrance.” “It’s a date,” he says, once again throwing me that sexy look that makes me go weak at the knees every time.

  We head off in different directions back to our relevant offices. As I wait for the lift my thoughts turn to the meetings that I have set up throughout the day. They are mainly with reps from the various companies that we deal with and I hope that I can concentrate what with all that is going on at the moment.

  Just then the lift arrives and as the doors open I notice that there is only one occupant who makes his way out. He looks familiar to me and as our eyes meet I feel a jolt of recognition pass between us. I am transported back in time and am suddenly a teenager again, as standing before me is Ben Hardcastle, my one time crush, who was forever thought of afterwards as - The one that got away.

  Chapter One

  We both look at each other in shock. Time seems to stand still and propels us back to our youth. Ben appears to recover first and a slow smile spreads across his face. Leaning towards me he kisses me on the cheek. “Well, Well, Bella Brown. Who would have thought that we would meet again? Now what was it I used to call you?” He looks at me with amusement and I feel myself flushing with embarrassment.

  “I would rather not remind you,” I say, accompanied by a nervous laugh. The last thing I want is for him to start calling me that again.

  He raises his eyes, his expression teasing me. I want to punch him on the arm like I used to but feel completely at a loss as how to behave. However before we can speak further Bob approaches with his hand outstretched. “Ben, good to see you. I hope that the journey was ok?” Ben turns towards him and takes his hand shaking it warmly. “Thanks Bob, it’s good to see you again.” They both look at me firmly rooted to the spot and I flush as I realise that I should be heading back to work.

  Luckily the lift is still available so seizing my chance I smile weakly at them both. “Sorry, I must be getting back. It’s been great to see you again Ben.” Before he can answer the lift doors close and I lean back against the wall, my head spinning in confusion.

  Ben Hardcastle, who would have thought that it would be the same Hardcastle from my youth?

  My past comes rushing back to the present as though the lift is a time machine bringing past and present together. Back then we worked together at Cunningham’s, the local supermarket. We were part of a crowd of students that worked there every Saturday. Ben and I worked together in the warehouse, re stocking the shelves and sorting out the deliveries. We used to have a laugh, trying to make the best of a mundane job. After work a group of us used to hang out, as friends and we had the world at our feet, full of hopes and dreams for the future. One by one our friends either paired up or met other boyfriends and girlfriends. Ben and I never did and were just content to hang out as friends.

  Towards the end of our time there I began to see him in a new light. I found to my surprise that I was attracted to him .and as I had never thought of him in that way before it came as somewhat of a surprise.

  However even though we got on well he never seemed to regard me as anything more than just someone to tease. He never had a girlfriend and that was how it stayed, that is until the night of the party.

  As the lift carries on towards my floor I remember the party. We had all finished school and had jobs lined up to go to. It was our last day at Cunningham’s and Barbara Norman was having a party that night - a sort of farewell party. I was going with my friend Julie and we turned up quite late at about 9pm.

  It had been a strange day, tinged with sadness and despite the excitement that we all felt at moving on we were sad to lose what we all had together.

  When we arrived the party was in full swing. There was lots of alcohol and we soon found ourselves carried away by the music and the atmosphere. I saw Ben who was well and truly hammered. He appeared to be snogging every girl that moved which surprised me as I had never seen him like that before.and I felt disappointed. Part of me had hoped that we would get together that night, but watching his behaviour unfold I realised that it was unlikely.

  Despite all of this I had a good time with my friends and it was soon time for the taxi home.

  I waited in the hallway for Julie to come back with our coats when suddenly Ben appeared. I still remember it now as clearly as if it happened yesterday. Our eyes met and there was silence. He stepped towards me and there was a sense of urgency about him. I couldn’t look away and he held my gaze looking at me with such intensity that it almost took my breath away. He moved towards me quickly and pulled me towards him roughly, pushing me back against the wall. His eyes bored into mine and he leaned towards me holding my head in place and then he kissed me. It was passionate and deep and to this day was the most intense and passionate kiss that I have ever had.

  The lift doors open and the present comes flooding back. My eyes mist over at the thought of the kiss.

  As I head towards my office I can still feel the imprint of his lips on mine and the feeling of desire that it lit within me. I feel like crying at the memory of the feeling of desolation that I felt afterwards.

  It never led anywhere. Julie came rushing up with our coats and he pulled away. We didn’t speak and she pulled me out of the door to the waiting taxi. She was laughing and was very excited at the thought that Ben and I were getting together at last. As I looked back though, I realised with a sinking feeling that this would not be the case. I saw his dejected figure sitting on the wall with his head in his hands. That was the last I saw of him until two years later.

  I had been invited to a school friends 18th Birthday Party. She was in the year below me so I must have been about 19 at the time. My date was Georgio, my Italian Stallion as I called him. We had a wild and passionate fling and enjoyed ourselves to the max whenever we could.

  As soon as we arrived we were surrounded by past friends from School. Then I saw him. My eyes must have widened with shock and I was rendered speechless. He looked at me again with the same intensity before he appeared to shake himself and kissed me in a greeting. I mumbled in return and then was aware that he was with another girl from my school. I don't know why but it shocked me as I had never seen him with a girlfriend before and it struck me how similar in appearance we were.

  Georgio pulled me away to dance and proceeded to fling me around the dance floor unceremoniously. At one point in the night I saw Ben’s girlfriend looking at me with a hard expression on her face which unsettled me. I felt awkward around them and wanted the evening to end.

  As we walked out Ben appeared and said goodbye, once again looking at me with that intense expression that I was beginning to associate with him. Again I felt awkward and almost couldn’t look at him as I said my goodbyes.

  I felt strangely subdued which wasn’t helped by Georgio saying that Ben fancied me. It shocked me and I snapped back at him saying that he was mistaken. Even now to this day I remember every expression and feeling created from those two occasions and I often wondered what might have been. I had almost forgotten it until it all came flooding back to me in the two minutes that I met him again upstairs.

  By now I have reached my office which I share with my assistant April. She is already busy working away, tapping on her computer keyboard as if her life depended on it. As I come in she looks up with a serious expression. “I don’t know how on earth I am going to carry on with the uncertainty hanging over me,” she says with a grim tone. “Listen April, don’t worry about it, I am sure it will all work out.” I say it brightly, although secretly I share her worry, but it won’t do either of us any good to dwell on what ifs and maybes. “Let’s just concentrate on the job in hand. Is Michael here yet?”

  Michael
is the first Rep of the day, he sells me cookware and I am looking forward to a distraction from the doom and gloom that is surrounding us. April nods. “Yes, he’s waiting in the department.” I head back outside and make my way down to see him.

  The morning passes by quite quickly and soon it is time for my lunch date with Nathan. This cheers me up as I still can’t quite believe that we are engaged. We have decided not to tell anyone yet until we announce it to our parents at my sister’s birthday party next week. Luckily our families get on and always include each other in any get togethers or celebrations, so everyone will be there for our big announcement. I am actually quite enjoying it being our little secret for now and feel a shiver of excitement as I grab my bag from my locker and head off downstairs to the staff entrance to meet him.

  Nathan is already waiting for me, lounging against the wall playing with his phone. As soon as he sees me his face lights up and he smiles devilishly. “My beautiful Bella, the thought of our date has kept me going through this hellish morning. I laugh at him. “You idiot Nathan, I bet you haven’t thought of me once, I know that your first love is your computer and I know my place.”

  He ruffles my hair playfully and taking my hand he pulls me along towards our favourite lunchtime haunt.

  Once we are settled at a table in our favourite café and have placed our order, he takes both of my hands in his. “Bella darling, the sooner we choose a ring the better as I want the world to know that you are mine.” I can't help but laugh at him as he is always so melodramatic.

  Suddenly though he looks more serious and says, “No really, I want us to go ring shopping as soon as possible. How about Friday? We both have it off as we are working on Saturday so it would be perfect. Suddenly I am excited. “Ok, I would love to, only if you’re sure though, I mean what if we lose our jobs? It’s an expense that we could postpone until we know for sure.” Nathan reaches over and strokes my face gently.