Whoa! Where did that come from? I shut the door on those thoughts and try to concentrate on something else. The radio playing in the background catches my attention. 'Use Somebody by Kings of Leon starts playing, so I softly sing along.
“So you don’t want me to shop with you today?” He questions interrupting my humming, but I don’t get a chance to answer him. “You like Kings of Leon?” He asks.
“Um...yeah,” I try to hide my smile, and I don’t know why I tell him, but I do. “This is my favourite song of theirs.”
“Mine too,” he answers frowning down at his muffin. “So no shopping?” he repeats.
I stare back at him, drowning out the tune.“No,” I answer. “I was meant to be shopping with Rob.” I unintentionally blurt out.
“That’s who was on the phone?” He asks still taking his time, each sip of coffee elegantly consumed.
“Yes,” I huff, feeling annoyed he caught me out.
“And the guy this morning, was that your boyfriend?” I cock my head to the side and narrow my eyes at him. He was spying on me?
“That’s none of your concern,” I snap.
“Yes actually, it is.” He argues.
“How so?” I swallow nervously, I don't like where this is going.
“I like to know the personal situations of all my staff Coral.” He gazes at me for a moment before popping the last tiny amount of muffin left into his mouth.
“Why?” I question.
He finishes chewing and takes a sip of coffee, smiling at me as he does.“Because it’s important,” he answers artlessly, taking another sip of his coffee.
“Why is it?” I push, wanting an answer.
Tristan sighs, leans back in his chair and crosses his legs, assessing whether or not he should tell me.“I like to know my staff. I like to know who’s married, single, got kids, what kind of lifestyles they live.”
“Why?” He’s still not answered my question.
“I like to look after my staff Coral. When it’s their birthday, I send a card. If they are getting married, I send a gift. I like to get involved, it’s very important to me, you want a good team you have to show them you’re interested not only in their work, but their home life too.”
I raise my eyebrows in surprise.“John and Joyce were never like that and everyone seemed happy enough,” I scoff defiantly.
“Maybe, maybe not,” Tristan retorts.
“I still don’t see what difference it makes,” I argue, spinning my empty Cappuccino cup in my hand . And I think that’s it, that I’ve won as Tristan is silent, but it only lasts a couple of seconds.
“A couple of years ago,” he says bringing my attention back to him. “I had a member of staff with an excellent resume. She was punctual, had a smart appearance, she cared about her job and had a great work ethic. At the time, she was only twenty-two and had been working for me for a couple of years. Then, out of nowhere she started coming in late, her work became shabby and most days she looked like death warmed up. Now, I could have pulled her in and given her a verbal warning, but that’s not how I work. Like I said...or I’m trying to say, I actually care about their happiness.” He admits looking slightly abashed.
“Oh...So what happened to the girl?” I ask totally taken in with his story.
Tristan leans closer to me, I lean closer too, we are only a few inches apart.
“Turns out her partner had left her, completely screwed her over. She couldn’t afford the rent on the flat they had, and there was four months left on the agreement. She had no savings to put a deposit down for a more affordable place, so she was getting more and more into debt as the weeks went by. She had no help from her family, so in her despair, she started drinking.”
“Oh…so I take it you didn’t sack her?” I ask gripped by where the story’s going.
“No. I upped her wages, she was due a rise. Paid off the balance on the agreement and secured her a more affordable apartment.” He answers as though it’s the most natural thing in the world for him to have done.
I swallow hard, this guy is an angel.
“And she’s ok now?” I ask croakily, feeling slightly shocked and warming more to Tristan as the seconds tick by.
“Karen is now my P.A in Leeds, she just needed a little help, and I like giving good jobs to good people who deserve it.” He says sincerely.
“Tristan, there aren’t many bosses that would do something like that...” I stop talking wondering why the hell he would do that. “Why are you like that?” I ask incredulously.
He grimaces briefly, as though he’s remembering something painful. “I just am.” He answers thoughtfully.I suddenly understand why he reacted the way he did about Joe.
I look away and stare out the window. Either way, my private life is not the kind of territory I should have to go into with him. I’m very private like that. I don’t want him to know the status of my non-existent love-life. It has nothing to do with him.
“Well as far as I’m concerned Tristan, as long as I give 100% at my job it’s no-one’s concern what I do in my spare time – or who I’m seeing.” I add feeling exposed and vulnerable that he would want to know any of this.
“I thought you might say that.” He adds wryly and stands to leave. He holds out his hand to help me up, I ignore it.
“I’m fine thank-you.” I say standing sharply. I’m quite capable of getting out of a seat by myself, even though I am feeling a little wobbly again.
As I follow Tristan and we reach the door, he pulls it open and gestures for me to go first again. I have to wonder where he gets it from? It’s like he’s straight out of an old black and white movie.
As I walk outside, I’m blasted by the sheer heat of the day, sapping at my skin, making my head pound even more. I look up and see the sky is blue, there’s not a cloud in site, and the sun is scorching, belting down with wave after wave of ferocious, fiery heat.
I stop walking, close my eyes and pull in a ragged breathe, but there’s no air, it’s so stifling. Ugh! My head suddenly feels woozy and I feel a little sick.
Opening my eyes, I take a step forward and that’s when I feel like I’m going to pass out.
My right leg buckles and I almost hit the ground, but strong arms quickly encase me from behind, griping me tightly. I don’t panic, because I know from the hands that it’s Tristan, and for some unfathomable reason, I feel ok with it.
I place my hands over his and grip tightly, subliminally trying to tell him not to let go as I haven’t found my voice yet.
“Do you need to sit down?” He asks his lips millimetres from my ear, his voice low and husky, the sheer proximity of him...Oh!
I feel a shiver run down my spine. I shake my head slowly, unable to understand why I don’t want his arms to leave me. I take in a deep ragged breath, trying to control my irrational thoughts and I’m instantly knocked over by his hypnotic scent.
It’s potent, really, really potent; a scent all of its own. I know I can smell the faint odour of aftershave but that’s not what’s taking over all my senses. It’s him, his scent. It’s sweet, sexy, and musky all at the same time. And those pheromones are racing through my nostrils and setting my blood on fire, igniting something deep within me.
I feel as though I want to rip every piece of clothing off his body and make crazy, deep, passionate love to him. Whoa! What is that?
Tristan slowly turns me around, his arms tightly encasing me and pulls me against his chest. Then he gently moves us so that we are under the canopy and out of the direct sunlight. I keep hold of him, my hands on his upper arms; they feel so strong and bulky.
“Better?” He asks huskily, staring intensely at me.
I cannot pull my gaze away from him – Coral what are you doing?
“Are you alright?” He adds, his eyes examining my face.
I manage to move my head up and down once. He brings his hand up to my face and runs a cool, soft finger down my cheek, my breathe hitches at the contact.
“Are you sure?” he asks. I can feel his breath against my lips, he’s that close.
“Yes.” I whisper breathlessly.I almost lean forward to...
His breathe hitches stopping me.“I feel it too,” he whispers.
My head instantly clears. I scowl at him and pull slowly out of his arms, pushing him away from me as I do.
As we stand there, silently staring at one other, I notice he looks lost, hurt, confused maybe?
I feel...I don’t know what I feel, which is even more confusing.He’s my boss I can't...
“You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.” I hiss.
I turn away from him and start marching back to Chester House.
I hear his footsteps close behind me, and quicken my pace. I need to get away from him, away from his proximity, his smell, his eyes; all of him.
I hear him call my name, but I ignore it and keep walking. Beads of sweat form on my brow from the relentless sun beating down on me, I take a deep breath trying to calm my thumping heart, but there’s still no air, I feel faint again.
My head swims and sways as I try to focus my footsteps on getting back to work. If I wasn’t feeling so rough, I would be running full pelt by now.
“Coral!” He calls my name again, and it’s a plea.
My steps falter, I don't know why I slow down but I do. He reaches me in seconds and rounds on me so he is facing me, walking backwards.
“Will you please just stop for a moment.” I carry on walking keeping my eyes to the ground and stumble again, he instantly catches me, but I pull out of his arms and continue walking.
“Please...” he begs, and it’s the tremble in his voice that makes me stop and look up at him.
He takes a deep breath and visibly relaxes in front of me, then reaches out with his hand, his palm open, I turn my head away and stare at the ground.
“Will you please come with me?”
I shake my head at him. I can't do this.
He drops his hand to his side. “Please,” he begs again. “This heat is killing me and I’d like to talk to you,” he adds running his hands through his damp hair.
“I don’t think so,” I whisper.
“Coral, it’s a conversation. That’s it, I give you my word.”
I look up at him, that same intense look is plastered across his face, his eyes tight, his jaw tense, his frown deep.My gut instinct is screaming at me to run, to get as far away from Tristan Freeman as I possibly can, but another part of me is intrigued, curious even - I cannot get my head round why he is pursuing me?
I feel like I’m being torn in two, part of me wants to take his hand and go with him, the other part of me feels like I’m being dragged along the floor against my will, kicking and screaming the whole time, my fingernails scrapping along the floor trying to stop me.
“Please?” He takes a step towards me so he is inches from my face. “I didn’t mean to scare you,” he says, his thumb gently brushing against my cheek.
I close my eyes in surrender.The sensation of him touching me is exquisite. No man has ever made me feel this way. I take a moment to analyze and assess my feelings. I try to think logically, sensibly about it all, but I don’t feel I can keep fighting it – whatever this is, is too strong for logic or reason.But there’s a few things I need answers to first, I take a deep breath.
“Tristan, are you married?” I ask, even though there’s no ring – but you never know.
“No.”
“Girlfriend?”
“No.”
“Anyone?” I croak.
He shakes his head at me. I see a flicker of pain flash across his face. I close my eyes for a moment, when I open them I gaze up at him, decision made.
“I have to be somewhere at 6pm tonight. No excuses, I have never missed these...appointments.” I tell him sternly.
He looks relieved and nods once. “Again, you have my word.” He holds out his hand for me to take it, I look away from his open palm. “I just want to keep you steady on your feet Coral.”
I look up and see his eyes are sincere, his words a heartbeat away from making me fall...deeply...Shit!
“Come to the car with me?” He’s asking? “I really want your help today,” he adds, sounding nervous again.
“Ok.” I croak feeling nervous too, and place my hand in his.
The moment I do, I feel like there’s a firework display going off inside me, one boom after the other; my body starts to tingle all over...Whoa...so many sensations?
His fingers slowly entwine themselves with mine, his grip is firm, but gentle.
I swallow hard and look up at him.
“Shall we?” He asks, his thumb gently circling my hand, calming me, relaxing me.
“Yes.” I manage to whisper, even though I’m feeling completely overwhelmed, on every level.
Emotionally, mentally, physically, metaphorically, and at the same time, I feel really confused – I don't know this man, yet, the feel of my hand in his feels like home.
Oh god, what am I doing…
CHAPTER ELEVEN
WE TURN AROUND AND START WALKING AT A GENTLE PACE. Tristan is glancing at me every now and then from the corner of his eye. I try to fathom it, to work out why I suddenly feel so peaceful, so relaxed, I’ve never felt like this before.
I frown deeply as I try to understand it – I am walking with a man I hardly know, my hand in his, and I’m not scared - by some god damn miracle I’m not afraid of him; at all.
Tristan looks down at me and gently squeezes my hand, my heart flutters madly in response. I am astonished that I am feeling ok, no panic attack, no fight or flight reaction.
I fight back the urge to cry in relief.
We turn left and walk down the concrete steps to the underground car park, its dark, but a welcome relief from the heat of the sun; down here it’s cool, comfortable.
Tristan takes out his mobile and makes a call.“We’re here,” he says and hangs up. Who was he calling?
Tristan stops walking and keeping hold of my hand, he turns to face me.“Ok?” He softly asks giving my hand a gentle squeeze.
I nod silently, my eyes perusing the car park for any would be attackers, as I always do.
“I saw you in the Gym last night,” he says. “Self defence?”I knew I had seen him! I instantly remember the reason for my aching ribs. “Coral? Is it to keep fit, or to learn how to protect yourself?” He asks looking concerned.
I decide not to answer, he already knows too much.
“You’re safe with me Coral.” He whispers, his expression is so profound I feel my legs start shaking. How did he know what I was thinking?
“I know.” I whisper. Because I know it’s true, that I am safe with him, but at the same time, I know I shouldn’t say that. This cannot happen; I’m not good for him.
“I mean it.” He states more firmly. “I’ll protect you, no matter what.” He smiles down at me, his eyes glowing with sincerity. I look up into his wide, sincere eyes – I can only see truth.
I swallow hard against the lump that’s formed, and try to make my lips smile back at him, but I’m side tracked by the male voices heading into the car park, and from all the swearing and bantering, I’d say they’re roughnecks, exactly the kind of guys I avoid like the plague.
Tristan cocks his head to the side, noticing my reaction and turns around to watch them. I see them enter from the far right corner, and take a small step behind Tristan, keeping hold of his hand.
They look like builders, construction workers, I'm not sure which as they are both dressed in combat shorts and boots, their torsos are bare and very tanned – I guess that’s all the good weather we are having – and are holding what looks like an early lunch, or late breakfast depending on how you look at it.
They both notice me as they walk towards their vehicle, I can tell they’re dying to say something but with Tristan stood next to me, I guess it changes things, but I still feel nervous.I have no social skills when it comes to dealing with
men like that – I just clam up.
I squeeze Tristan’s hand and he gently squeezes me back, it’s as though he’s silently telling me not to worry. They head straight past without a word, a wolf whistle, or some derogatory remark. I am astonished and gleeful at the same time – God that felt good!
I have never been able to walk past a building site without something being shouted at me, it’s not nice, especially for someone like me. Debs has always lapped it up when she’s wolf whistled at. Personally, I think it’s just asking for trouble when you jeer them on.
Tristan is still watching them walk away – I use the opportunity to study him.
He’s tall, more than six feet - I think. Has long lean legs, a slim waist and very broad shoulders, I guess that’s all the swimming. But there’s something else about him that I’m missing, something I can't quiet put my finger on?
He certainly has an air of authority about him, a knowing...I try to work it out – Is it inner-confidence? He seems very sure of himself – wish I was confident like that. But I’m not sure if that’s it? I sigh inwardly, whatever it is, I guess I’ll figure it out.
Either way, standing so close to him, I feel safe and protected. I can tell he can look after himself, which means he can look after me. And I know in that moment, he has made a fundamental difference to me.
I don’t quite know what it is yet, but I’ll soon find out when I see George tonight.
Tristan turns and gazes down at me, my hand still in his. I think he’s waiting for something, but I don’t know what.
“What are you waiting for Tristan?” I whisper feeling shy.
“The car.” He explains.
“The V8?” I ask looking around me.
“You knew what car it was?” He asks slightly astonished.
I nod shyly.“You have my dream car.” I tell him playfully – What the hell - I’m never playful?
“Seriously?” He looks at me like I’ve just told him I’m an alien, totally amazed.
“Yeah...F-Type, it’s the 5.0 litre supercharged V8, right?”
Tristan laughs out-loud throwing his head back as he does. It echoes and bounces off the cement walls of the car park. His laugh is simply wonderful. I light up inside. How can he have that effect on me? – Then I realise, he’s laughing at me, not with me.
Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him Page 10