The One That Got Away

by S J Crabb

  Reaching up I kiss him and he pulls me roughly to him and kisses me passionately. I don’t want him to stop but he pulls away. “Come, let me show you upstairs,” he says with a wicked grin. I follow him in anticipation. One by one he shows me the many bedrooms until I can almost bear it no longer. He stops in the master bedroom and I see a huge room with a cream carpet and a huge bed that dominates it. There is just a settee and two mirrored bedside tables and it is decorated in pale greys and whites. There is a huge mirror that takes up most of one wall and fluffy rugs strategically placed around the room.

  Silently he looks at me and I am almost quivering with lust. He slowly approaches me and begins to remove every piece of my clothing until I am naked before him. I go to touch him but he pulls my hands down and says huskily, “Not yet. Just do as I say.” He holds my gaze whilst he removes his own clothing and then approaches me slowly staring into my eyes the whole time. He grabs hold of my hair and pulls it behind me and then pulls my head towards him and kisses me deeply and passionately. Again I go to touch him and he grabs my wrist and pulls my arm behind me. The feelings of longing are overwhelming me and I whisper, “Please Ben.” He whispers back, “Please what?” “I want to feel you.” He whispers in my ear, “Close your eyes,” I close them and I feel him moving down my body with his mouth. He kisses me all the way down until he comes to the tops of my legs. He parts them and his tongue darts in between my thighs, I groan with pleasure and he moves upwards again. He lifts me up and carries me to the bed. “Turn around,” he says and I lay on my front and feel him kissing me down my back and once again parting my thighs. It becomes almost too much to bear and then he flips me back around so that I am facing him and once again tells me to keep my eyes closed.

  The fact that I cannot see him heightens the anticipation and I am aware of his every movement. “Tell me what you want Bella,” he says, and I almost pant, “You Ben, I want to feel you.” He thrusts into me forcefully and I arch towards him needing to feel him inside me. He clutches my buttocks and pulls me closer and soon I feel the waves of an earth shattering orgasm as he explodes inside me. He holds me to him and we lay there panting and throbbing with the aftermath of our lovemaking. I think that I do not deserve to feel this happy. It almost feels wrong and tears run down my face.

  He looks at me with alarm and says, “I didn’t hurt you did I Bella?” I shake my head and smile lovingly at him. “No, I am crying because I feel so happy and I don’t feel that I should. It seems wrong to have these feelings after all that has just happened.” He smiles and traces the side of my face with his finger. “I know, but you do deserve it. You can’t choose when you fall in love, it just happens.” I look at him a broad grin breaking out over my face, “I do love you Ben. I can’t believe that I am saying it but I do.”

  He kisses my tears away and says, “I have always loved you Bella. I am glad that I found you. You are mine now and always were.” We lay here just clinging onto each other for some time. He then picks me up and carries me to the bathroom. He turns the shower on, which is a huge walk in one and we cling together as the cleansing jets of water wash over us. We wrap ourselves up in huge fluffy white towels and return to bed. I settle down into his arms and we soon doze off.

  Chapter 20

  I wake up and it is morning. Once again Ben is draped over me, one arm pulling me tightly against him and his leg holding me down on the bed. It feels safe and secure and I just enjoy feeling him against me. I think back to the events of last night and feel excitement run through me. I wonder what today will bring.

  He is sleeping soundly and I inch away from him. I need to use the toilet and hope that I don’t disturb him. I wriggle free and he just moves in his sleep. His house is amazing. The bathroom is bigger than my bedroom at home and it is obvious that he has become very successful in such a short time.

  I look in the bathroom mirror and try desperately to tidy myself up. My hair is all over the place and I laugh to myself at how happy I look. He certainly agrees with me. I clean my teeth and then decide to have a shower. I hope that the noise from it doesn’t wake him and enjoy feeling the hot jets of water drenching my body. Grabbing a dressing gown I go back into the room and smile as I see Ben propped up on his elbow grinning at me. He looks so sexy lying there with his hint of stubble and tousled hair. He pulls the covers back and says huskily, “Come back to bed Bella, it’s not time to get up yet. I have other plans for you.”

  Feeling mischievous I say, “Oh do you now. Well you’ll have to catch me first.” With a giggle I race for the door. He jumps out of bed laughing and chases me as I run out of the door and into the hallway. I try desperately to get away and push open the door of a neighbouring room. It is another bedroom and we circle the bed, the hunter and the hunted.

  He looks at me with excitement in his eyes. This game is obviously right up his street as he is such a control freak. I realise that I am backed into a corner and make a dash for it. He grabs hold of my arm as I pass and in one slick move pulls me down onto the bed and sits astride me pinning me down on to the bed. Giggling I wriggle and try to get away but he is too strong. He looks at me grinning and I say, “Ok, you win Ben. I surrender.” He looks at me triumphantly and bends down to kiss me. Drawing away he says, “You can’t escape from me now Bella.” His eyes darken and turn serious and I smile at him and run my fingers down his face. I say in a whisper, “I know, and furthermore I don’t want to.”

  His face relaxes and once again we kiss. I pull away and say softly to him, “Ben, it‘s my turn now.” He looks at me quizzically but says nothing. I move on top of him and he lies underneath me. I start to kiss him and move down his body, kissing and licking him whilst touching him. I move lower and lower and he groans. I take him in my mouth gently at first and then harder and more urgent. He groans again and I can feel him throbbing inside my mouth. I quickly move up and lower myself onto him, gasping as I feel him inside me. I move slowly up and down and then faster until I feel him explode inside me. He rolls me over on to my side and we lay there as close as two people can be.

  Stroking my hair he says gently, “I love you Bella, stay here with me today.” I nuzzle against him and nod happily. I want to stay here with him more than anything.”

  Reluctantly we get up and get ready. Once we are downstairs I say, “Let me cook breakfast for you, you can check your e mails or read the papers or whatever it is that you do.” He smiles happily. “Ok if you’re sure. I had better do some work as I fully intend on skipping the office today.” He leaves me alone and I rustle us up a full English breakfast, with toast and coffee. I set the table and call out that it is ready. He comes back in and we sit there together like any other couple would ready to start the day.

  He looks at me with a contented expression and says, “How about we spend the rest of the day here. We can go out to eat later and then we could make a weekend of it.” I smile contentedly at him. “Sounds good to me. I must go home on Sunday though as I have to go back to work on Monday and need to get organised. Also Phoebe will be wondering if she still has a flatmate.” He looks at me and grins. “Not for long if I get my way.” I roll my eyes. “And do you always get your way?” He looks at me with a wicked expression. “Always.”

  Then his expression changes to one of concern and he says, “Will you be alright going back though? It may be awkward with Nathan there, and there are bound to be lots of questions.” Thinking about it all makes me frown and I reply, “I can’t pretend that it’s going to be easy but if I keep my distance it should be ok. We are coming up to the trade show season and I am not in much anyway.” He nods. “Yes, I expect that you will be away a lot for the next few weeks. Good timing really.” Looking at him I suddenly feel a pang of regret and noticing my expression change he looks at me questioningly. I reach out and take his hand. “I’m going to miss spending time with you though. It’s a bit of a whirlwind and I don’t have much spare time.” He pulls me over and I sit on his lap. Holding me tightly he says,
“You forget my beautiful Bella, I am your Boss and if I want to I can come with you. In fact I think that I need to as we have a new store to plan.”

  “I would like that,” I say snuggling into him. After a while he says “Right then, if that’s settled lets clear up and decide what to do for the rest of the day.”

  We spend the day just chilling out at Ben’s fabulous home. We talk, watch films, eat and drink far too much and make love in every room. When Sunday afternoon comes I feel totally depressed at the thought of returning to work tomorrow.

  Ben drops me back to my flat on Sunday evening and reluctantly I leave him and head inside.

  Chapter 21

  I am pleased to see that Phoebe is home and she pounces on me and demands to know every detail of my weekend. I tell her all about it and she grins at me. “You are so in love with him aren’t you?” I grin back at her and nod happily. Then her face grows more serious and she says, “Nathan has been here several times looking for you.” I look at her with alarm. “You didn’t tell him anything did you?” Shaking her head she says, “No, but he didn’t look happy. It wouldn’t surprise me if he turned up later on tonight.”

  I really hope not. I don’t want to have to explain myself to him. As it happens he doesn’t show up and I manage to get an early night in preparation for my return to work.

  My first day back is totally manic. April fills me in on what has happened since I was off. She doesn’t ask and I don’t tell her why I was away and I throw myself back into it. When I come back from lunch there is a large bouquet of flowers on my desk. There is no note and I smile happily as they must be from Ben. We have decided to keep our relationship private as it would be awkward for everyone to know. They are really beautiful and I text him, thanking him.

  April smiles and says, “Nathan’s become quite the romantic hasn’t he?” I look at her and realise that of course nobody knows what has happened. I don’t say anything but know that we are going to have to tell everyone soon. My phone rings and I can see that it is Ben. “Hi,” I say quietly, knowing that April is probably listening to every word. He sounds tense and says, “What flowers Bella, I didn’t send you any?” I am surprised and look at them sitting in front of me. I stutter and say, “But then who?” He says angrily, “It must be Nathan. I knew that it wouldn’t be easy for you there. Make sure that you stay away from him and don’t even speak to him if you see him.”

  That would be easier said than done, I think to myself, but know better than to say anything as Ben is obviously angry. “Tell me if he contacts you,” he says sharply and I sigh unhappily. Then his tone changes and he says softly, “Don’t worry Bella, it will all be fine. Just carry on as usual and if it gets too much I will sort something out. Anyway, I miss you and want to see you. I will pick you up after work by the coffee house on the corner.”

  He hangs up and I laugh to myself. He never asks me just tells me, obviously knowing that I am powerless to resist. I may have to change that habit, I think to myself, but am happy to be seeing him again so soon.

  Luckily I don’t see or hear from Nathan and as I make my way to the coffee house I feel excited to be seeing Ben again. As I approach I see his car and quickly jump in. We grin at each other and he pulls away. “Good Day?” he asks and I nod. “It was good to get back to some sort of normality. I have lots to do and the time just flew by. Luckily I never saw Nathan so avoided a confrontation.” Laughing at me he says, “I know you didn’t. Unfortunately he had to be called away to head office to assist with a problem that came up there.” Stunned I look at him and say, “Your doing I suppose.” He nods looking very pleased with himself and I wonder how many times he will be able to use that diversionary tactic.

  We go to eat at a nearby pub and have a lovely time cuddling next to each other in the cosy warm restaurant. As we go to leave Ben draws me towards him and loks at me sexily. “Come home with me Bella. I don’t want to leave you.” I hold on to him tightly and groan. “I want to more than anything. But I have to go home. All of my things are there and I need to get in early to make up for my absence.” His face tenses and I remember that he doesn’t like it when he doesn’t get his own way. I stroke his face and look at him gently, “Ben, I need to get back to some sort of normality. Obviously I want to spend every minute with you, but I have to work and I want to work. We will spend all of our spare time together and I can’t wait but you have to let me have space to sort myself out.” I kiss him gently and he relaxes. “Of course, I’m sorry Bella. It’s just that I have waited so long for us to be together and I don’t want to waste another moment.” He kisses me once again making my knees weak with longing. “That’s not fair Ben. You know that I can’t resist you.” He laughs and says, “Come on, I’ll take you back home. But next time you won’t get off so lightly.”

  Chapter 22

  It is a further two days before I come across Nathan. I jump into the lift and am dismayed to see him running in after me. I look at him with a frown and as the doors close he says, “At last Bella. Where have you been? I have been trying to find you.” I look at him with an annoyed expression. “We have nothing to talk about. It’s finished and I just want to get on with my life.” He looks shocked and I feel a bit guilty to be so harsh, after all I was in love with him not so long ago and even though I am feeling bitter towards him, I don’t wish him to be upset.

  He looks at me obviously upset and I can feel the tears brimming in my eyes. Seeing them he grabs hold of my hand and says urgently, “Have lunch with me. I need to explain. I love you and I can’t give up on us even if you have. Nothing will stop me trying to get you back.”

  I pull my hand away and the lift luckily stops. I go to leave but he pulls me back and presses the lift again. The doors close and once again we are stuck together. “For goodness sake Nathan, we are at work and I have to be somewhere.” He looks at me with a hard expression. “I don’t care, nothing is as important to me as you and I will not stop until we are back together.”

  I feel exasperated. “But you have Melissa to worry about now; and have a lot more than just me to deal with.” He pushes his fingers through his hair and his face tenses up. “Melissa won’t see me anyway. I told her that it was you I wanted and she hasn’t spoken to me since.” I look at him angrily. “It’s not just her though is it?” The lift stops again and I quickly move away from him through the open doors. As I leave I say, “For goodness sake just leave me alone. Get your priorities in order and sort things out with her instead.”

  I storm off trying to get as much distance between us as I can. I reach my office and find that I am shaking. April looks at me with concern and I snap at her, “You may as well know. Nathan and I are finished and now he won’t leave me alone.” She looks at me in shock and I sink down into my chair. I put my head in my hands and April comes over and puts her arm around me. “I’m so sorry Bella. Is there any likelihood that you can sort it out?” Shaking my head I say, “No, I’m afraid not. I just wish that he would accept it and move on. It is difficult enough without him constantly badgering me.” She looks sympathetic. “I’ll do my best to help you. If anyone asks is it ok to tell them?” I nod and say gratefully, “Yes please. The sooner people know the better. I think he is in denial and is hoping that we can resolve it. Maybe if everyone knows it will make him come to terms with it.”

  I smile weakly at her and then return to my work, glad of the distraction. The next few days are much along the same lines. Nathan constantly e mails and calls me. There are endless texts and several bunches of flowers. He leaves me handwritten cards and even sends me photographs of us together. Wherever I seem to go in the store he appears and I am quickly losing patience with him. Through it all I can’t tell Ben. I know that he would make life difficult for Nathan and I don’t want him to be moved or to lose his job entirely. I am not even safe at home and he constantly phones me there or comes around knocking on the door. I am glad that I am going to a trade show in Paris tomorrow for a week. Thank goodness I
will be able just to relax and do my job without Nathan appearing or phoning me. I do feel bad for him but he only has himself to blame after all.

  I am going to Paris with a few of the other buyers from Kinghams. We normally have a great time despite the workload. Ben and I have managed to see each other a few times but as work is so hectic we haven’t spent as much time together as either of us would have liked.

  As we wait at check in I see Karen’s face fall as she looks behind me. I look around and am surprised to see Ben heading towards us. “Oh no,” she says in a low voice. “Great, now we can’t relax.” I giggle to myself inside, if only she knew. He reaches us and smiles saying, “Ladies, I am sorry to inflict this on you but I am joining you on this trip. I hope it won’t be too painful for you.” We smile and then Karen is called forward to check in.

  Standing next to me he says quietly, “Well?” I smile, here we go. “Well what?” “Are you pleased?” “Of course I am.” I see his smile of satisfaction, he is such a freak. I get called forward and soon have my boarding pass. I wait with Karen for him and the others to check in and then we go through passport control. We all split up to look around the shops and as I am looking through the magazines he stands beside me. “Have you ever been to Paris Bella?” he says still flicking through the magazines. Not looking at him I say, “Actually no, I haven’t.”