Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him

by Clair Delaney

  “Ok,” I answer completely ignoring myself. No, no, no this is not good, it’s all going to end so badly, Coral what are you doing?

  “Wonderful,” he breathes in relief, his face lighting up like a kid on Christmas Day.

  In a complete daze, I lean down, pick up my handbag, then my Cappuccino and stand. Tristan gestures for me to go first, I hastily walk in front of him down the hallway.

  As we reach Joe in reception, I see her cheeks blush as she notices Tristan, and she is still stuffing that muffin into her mouth...jeez!

  I stifle a giggle, she is either a really slow eater, or she is on her second!

  Joe stops chewing and flutters her eyelashes at Tristan.

  “Hi Joe,” I say as I reach her desk, she gulps loudly, swallowing a large mouthful. That looked painful!

  “Hi Cori,” she squeaks, looking at me for reassurance.

  “Joyce won’t be in today ok, so take messages.” Then I think how am I supposed to explain my leaving the office? It’s not like Tristan can say anything, even though he’s soon to be her new boss, he can't act like it, not yet anyway.

  I quickly come up with a plausible scenario.

  “You remember Mr Freeman?” I ask, she squeaks something and gazes adoringly at him.

  “Hello Joe.” Tristan takes no notice of the fact that her cheeks that are now almost purple with blushing and holds out his hand for her to shake it, she blurts something, but I don’t know what and holds up her hands in apology.

  “Sorry Mr Freeman, my hands are a little sticky.” Tristan puts his hand down without saying anything. I don’t think he’s impressed. Way to go Joe!

  “Mr Freeman is a close friend of Joyce’s,” I lie. “And he’s looking to purchase a property in the area, Joyce has asked me to show him around, so leave any messages on my desk tonight. I’ll be in early tomorrow.” Joe looks blankly at me. “But if there’s a problem you have my mobile?” I add.

  “Um...” She starts checking her computer.

  “It’s on their Joe.” I say feeling frustrated. What’s wrong with her today? “Just call me if you need to.” I huff.

  “Ok Cori.” I roll my eyes at her.

  “See you later.” I sigh.

  “Bye.” She answers dreamily.

  Reaching the main door Tristan pushes it open for me. As I look up to thank him, he winks at me, making my mind go completely blank. Did he just...?

  I see a slight smile begin to play across his delicious lips. I quickly look away to where I am headed, and begin marching onwards; Tristan easily keeps pace with me.

  “She was calling you Cori?” He frowns.

  “I know.” I sigh.

  “Do you think Joe is efficient?” He asks, his expression not giving anything away. Why the hell is he asking me this?

  “I value your opinion,” he adds reading my thoughts again.

  “I don’t think I’m really in a position to make any judgement.” I say soberly, because in all honesty I’m not.

  “I’d still like your opinion,” he says.

  I stop walking and look directly at him. Shrugging my shoulders I figure he wants answers, I can ask questions.“Is she going to lose her job?”

  “Unknown,” he says his eyes narrowing. “Sticky fingers?” he says as though this should explain it all.

  I narrow my eyes at him. “In that case, yes, she is efficient and good at her job.” I say and begin to walk off again, but he stops me by tugging my elbow, I pull it out of his grasp.

  “Why did you just say that?” Tristan asks cocking his head to the side.

  I feel like stamping my feet and screaming at him. I don’t want someone else’s life to be affected by what I say.

  “Look if you want to let her go, then do it, just don’t get me involved, ok!” I retort.

  “Why not, I’m only asking what you think of the quality of her work?”

  I laugh sarcastically at that one.

  “Something funny?” he snaps.

  I shake my head in frustration and stare at the pavement for a moment, then back at him.“No...I just...” I grit my teeth in annoyance. “I just don't want to be put in this...position.” I add.

  “What position?” he questions.

  I sigh inwardly.“I just...I know something no-one else knows’ - “Enlighten me,” he interrupts, his voice low and dark. Crossing his arms, he takes a step closer to me. I take a step back wanting to keep the distance between us.

  “Fine!” I bite, knowing I’m about to tell him something no-one else knows, not even Joyce. “But if I tell you this, I need to know it won’t go any further, not even Joyce knows.”

  “You have my word,” he says his expression intense. “Please, tell me Coral, it won't go any further,” he adds.

  I don't know why, because I don't trust people I don't know, but something about him is making me believe that I can share this with him, and it won't go any further.

  I sigh heavily and begin.“Ok....do you know how old Joe is?”

  “No.” He states clearly.

  “Twenty nine.” He raises his eyebrows at me in shock. “I know she doesn’t look it at all.” I say.

  “No, she looks like she’s still in her teens,” he says.

  I nod in agreement.“I know.”

  “And?” he prompts.

  I take another deep breathe, it’s so hard divulging other peoples secrets, and begin.

  “Joe married her sweetheart from school. They have two kids, a nine year old boy, and a five year old girl. Her husband Matt, he worked in finance. He earned good money, enough so that Joe could be a stay at home Mom...” I stop and take a deep breath.

  “Shortly after the crash he lost his job, he went to interview after interview, he knocked on doors, did everything he could to get another placement, no-one was hiring. I guess you could say it took away his pride. Men like to be the providers, bring the money home, right?”

  Tristan doesn’t agree or disagree, he’s just listening, intently.

  I continue. “He didn’t want Joe to work, stupid I know, so in the end he had no choice but to sign on. That’s when things got really ugly...” I say not really wanting to continue.

  “And?” Tristan asks his expression darkening.

  “He developed a drinking habit, things got really bad. To cut a long story short, the neighbours called the police. He wasn’t getting violent with Joe, but they had screaming rows that would wake up the whole cul-de-sac they lived in. Social services got involved and took the kids away.”

  I look away from him and swallow hard. The haunting, vivid memories are still so clear of being carted away from my mother; I don't think they’ll ever go away.

  “Coral.” Tristan touches my arm bringing me back to him. “What happened?”

  “He committed suicide,” I whisper. “Left a note, chucked himself off the pier, his body washed up on the beach.” Tristan’s eyes widen in shock. “She needs this job Tristan. If she keeps it for a year, shows social she can provide for her kids, that she’s stable, she gets them back. That’s all she wants, she only has two months left and they go home to their mother, where they’re supposed to be.” I look up at Tristan, my eyes pleading with his.

  “How is it you know this?” He asks grimly.

  “I found her crying in the ladies, I guess she was missing her kids, I took her to lunch she told me everything, I felt sorry for her.” I say knowing exactly how those kids are feeling.

  “Look, I know she’s a bit...well, she’s not razor sharp, I’ll give you that, but’ – “She’ll keep her job,” he says interrupting me. “You have my word,” he adds his cheeks puffing out as though he’s been holding his breath the whole time.

  My mouth gapes open in shock.“Really?” I squeak. “Just like that?”

  “Yes,” he states firmly. “Can I eat now please?”

  “You’re asking me for permission?” I laugh nervously.

  “No.” He chuckles.

  I shake my head at him I
can't work him out at all...I start walking again, feeling good that Joe will keep her job, get her kids back.

  Tristan is back at my side again.“Do you always walk so quickly?” He asks staring straight ahead, his hands in his pockets, his height towering over me.

  “Yes.” I answer trying not to look at how good he looks when he walks.

  “Why?” What? Why is he asking?

  “Because I always have a purpose, I always have somewhere to be.” I answer quietly.

  “Ah,” I look across at him, I see a private smile playing across his lips, bastard!

  “What?” I snap – Careful Coral, new boss remember!

  “Nothing...” he laughs, still staring ahead.

  I feel the need to cross my arms, as I always do when someone has ruffled my feathers. But I can't as I’m holding my god damn Cappuccino!

  “I’m supposed to be meeting a friend for lunch.” I blurt out of nowhere.

  “What time?” He asks.

  “I’m not sure. I didn’t know what time I would be’ – “Can you cancel it?” He asks interrupting me.

  “No!” I bark answering more smartly than I intended to. Then I think it’s only Tuesday, I’ve got three more working days to find a present for Lily, and Rob will probably be like a bear with a sore head today anyway.

  I stop walking, he follows suit.“Yes.” I sigh. “I can cancel it.”

  He frowns deeply at me, almost as though he’s looking straight through me again.“Is it important?” He asks, he looks so intense.

  I swallow hard then take a drink of my Cappuccino.“Just shopping,” I say. “It’s my niece’s birthday.” Why am I telling him this?

  “And when is that?” He asks.

  “Um...Saturday. Why?” I ask cocking my head to the side, trying to read him.

  “Then we will shop today.” He says resolutely.

  “What?...No! I need to’ – “You’re seriously saying no to me again?” He interrupts, emphasising the word ‘no’ again.

  Jesus Christ! I am far too hung-over for this!

  “Mr Freeman!’ – “Tristan,” he interrupts. For the love of God!

  “Tristan,” I rephrase, trying to keep my cool. “I’d rather do it on my own, I could be ages. I’m not even sure what I’m getting her? Besides, I don’t see how we’re supposed to fit it in as-well as house hunting?” I question.

  “Good point,” he says looking amused again. “Now can I please get some food inside me?”

  I nod silently at him, he gestures for me to walk on and steps easily beside me...

  CHAPTER TEN

  AS WE REACH MUNCHIES, I inhale deeply – the strong smell of bacon, toast and coffee waft through my nose. Delicious – I love the smell of fresh coffee. There are a few tables and chairs outside, the canopy above protecting them from the blazing sun, but it makes no difference.

  It’s so damn hot already.

  “Would you like to sit outside or inside?” Tristan asks.

  “They have air conditioning inside.” I answer.

  Pulling the door open for me, he gestures for me to go first; he is very courteous and polite. I walk inside the small café. It’s very minimal and everything is white. The walls, floor, tables and chairs, guess it makes it easier to keep clean.

  As we walk up to the counter, my head starts to bang again and I feel dog tired. Maybe it’s the heat sapping my energy?

  “Coral, can I get you anything?” He politely asks.

  I shake my head at him and sit down at a free table. Opening my handbag, I pull out my scrunched up takeout bag, and throw it with accurate precision at the open bin behind me.

  “Nice throw.” He compliments.

  I turn around, and see he’s sat opposite me with a fresh coffee.“Netball team.” I answer artlessly, finding my Nurofen out of my bag, I pop one out of the packet.

  Just as I’m about to swallow it with my Cappuccino, I see Tristan smirk again.“What?” I say feeling frustrated. Why does he keep smiling at me like that?

  “Hangover?” He quizzes.

  I narrow my eyes at him. I hate the fact that he knows that’s what I have! So I ignore him, take a deep breath, open my throat, and swallow the tablet.

  “I’ll take that as a yes.” His grins widens, his dimples deepening.

  Then he picks up his spoon and stirs his coffee, then taking me by surprise, he starts chuckling to himself. I can't help staring at him, his smile is simply glorious. I don’t think I have ever seen anyone’s face look so lovely when they smile.

  “Do you make a habit of it?” He asks, his smile instantly fading, his eyebrows scrunching together.

  “Sorry?” I ask a little bewildered.

  “Drinking, when you're working the next day?” I instantly panic. I don’t want him to think this is what I’m like.

  “Tristan...I’ve only ever been hung-over at work what...two, three times in the fifteen years I have worked for Joyce.” I stare at him scrutinizing me. “I hate it, I like having a clear head,” I add.

  “Not good with hangovers,” he sniggers.

  Against my wishes, I feel a smile begin to form.“No, I’m like a grizzly bear just come out of hibernation,” I giggle back.

  “I’ll try to remember that,” he chortles. “But I have to ask why?”

  The laughter in me instantly dies a death. “Why what?” I bite.

  “Why did you get drunk last night?”

  I sigh, feeling frustrated.“Because I’d been told the company was being sold, and that Joyce is leaving, and...” I stop right there.

  “And having a new boss?” He says, finishing my sentence for me.

  I know he’s digging to see if he’s affected me.

  “I....” I shake my head at him and glance down at the table. “I’m not that great with people Tristan, you might want to consider that.”

  He nods once and stares down at his coffee. Shit! Did I really just tell him that?

  We both look up at the same time, our eyes lock for a split second, he shoots his eyes back down to his coffee, he doesn’t want me to catch him staring at me, and if I knew him better I’d say he’s nervous, but so am I, which is making me feel really uncomfortable.

  I just want to get this day over with, so I can go home and curl up into a ball feeling sorry for myself. He suddenly looks up, his gaze holding mine. I can tell he’s trying to work me out - Why can't I look away?

  “Do I make you nervous?” He softly asks.

  I sigh inwardly. I really don’t want to be going down this road with him. I manage to pull my gaze away from his and stare down at the table, but for some unknown reason my mouth runs away with me again.

  “All men make me nervous,” I whisper.

  I hear his sharp intake of breathe, and close my eyes, gritting my teeth at myself. Why the fuck did I just say that out loud?

  I purse my lips in a vain attempt to stop them from blurting anything else out about myself, but I have to question - Why did I tell him that? No one knows that about me except for George!

  Now I’m really, really, angry with myself for sharing that with him, because I know I’ve just opened a can of worms. I shake my head at myself in frustration. I can’t believe I just said that, I really don’t function properly the day after a heavy night.

  I look up at him, wondering what he’s thinking, but he seems miles away. His eyebrows are creased together as he stares down at his coffee, then he suddenly looks up and our eyes meet, he opens his mouth to speak, but I’m saved from his question by my mobile buzzing.

  I plunge my hand into my bag – Coral, you need to get this day over and done with and get Tristan bloody Freeman out of your life!

  Locating my mobile, I press answer without even looking at who it is.“Coral Stevens,” I bite.

  “I love you.” Rob’s croaky voice shouts. I think Tristan heard, because he suddenly looks crestfallen. “So much, do you know that?” Rob adds.

  “Stop shouting,” I chuckle.

  “Bu
t I do,” Rob croaks again.

  “Why?” I snigger.

  “You bought me breakfast,” he sighs happily. “My stomach is so grateful,” he groans.

  “I’m happy that you’re happy,” I say feeling melancholy again.

  “Ok, what’s up?” He sounds so perky compared to me.

  “Nothing, but I’m going to have to bail today...can we do lunch tomorrow instead?” I ask.

  “Why, what’s happened?” His voice is immediately concerned.

  “Um...I can't really talk,” I gripe.

  “Ooh...is he there?” Rob teases.

  “I have to go,” I say, feeling panicky and shaky.

  Rob starts howling with laughter – Bastard!

  “I mean it,” I snap.He keeps on chuckling so I hang up on him. I smile tentatively at Tristan and put my phone back into my handbag.

  “Was that your boyfriend?” He asks all traces of humour gone.

  I squirm slightly, feeling uncomfortable that he’s just asked that question. I’m about to answer him when his breakfast is placed in front of him, saving me.

  “One bacon egg and mushroom muffin,” the woman says who served me earlier. She lingers for a second, smiling down at Tristan. “Can I get you anything else?” She asks batting her lashes at him, swaying her hips closer to his lovely, strong, broad shoulders.

  I feel like slapping her down, I could be his girlfriend for all she knows yet she’s blatantly flirting – I can't help raising my eyebrows at the audacity of the woman.

  “No, thank you.” He answers politely, keeping his eyes locked on me. She shrugs and walks back over to the counter. Tristan stares down at his muffin and takes a sip of his coffee. So much for being hungry!

  “Boyfriend?” He asks again not looking at me, his face contorted like he’s in pain.

  “No.” I snap, and cross my arms - Not that it’s any of his business!

  His wide grin returns and he happily takes a bite of his muffin. I am trying not to watch, but I have never seen anyone take their time with their food as Tristan does, he seems to be really relishing it, savouring each mouthful.

  I can't help wondering if that’s what he would be like as a lover, taking his time with each move, each body part...Coral!