“Nice?” Tristan asks.
“Very nice,” I say beaming back at him.
“Shall we?” He says, gesturing for us to leave.
“Yes.” I stand, take his hand and we head over to pay the bill.
I quickly whip my purse out without Tristan seeing and hand the male waiter my card. Tristan turns his head just in time to see me do it.
“No!” He shouts to the waiter who instantly freezes with my card in one hand, and the wireless payment machine in the other.
“Put that card through right now!” I laugh.
He smiles a little awkwardly, looking from me to Tristan.
“Please...” I beg. “He won't let me pay for anything.”The waiter hesitates as he looks across at Tristan’s stern expression, his hand held out with his card.
Oh fuck it! – Yanking the machine and my card out of his hands, I push my card into the slot and hand the machine back to him.
“Too late!” I say smiling sweetly at Tristan, who’s teeth clamp together in annoyance.In my peripheral vision, I can see the waiter is trying really hard not to laugh.
I chuckle away to myself, feeling triumphant.Tristan is as stiff as a board as he stands next to me, which makes me want to laugh even harder.
“Thank you, have a good day.” The waiter brings my attention back to him. I take my card and receipt – Wow! A whopping £22.75, that’s what Tristan’s arguing about!
“Why did you just do that?” Tristan snaps as we head outside.
I curl my hand around his toned bicep and look up at him.“What? I can't treat you?” I question. His lips press into a hard line. “Tristan’ – “I don't want you spending your money,” he says a little harshly.
I stop walking, Tristan follows suit.“Ok, just hold on a minute,” I say my hand held up. “Are you saying I can't spend my money on you, I can't treat you, but it’s ok for you to treat me?”
Tristan shrugs. “I'm a man Coral, it’s what I do.”
“What?” I say laughing a little.
Tristan sighs then places his hands against my cheeks.“It’s my job, my responsibility to take care of you, provide for you. It makes me feel like I'm doing what I should be doing as your partner, when you take that away from me...” He shakes his head and starts to smile. “It’s emasculating.”
My mouth pops open. “Are you kidding me?” I squeak, half laughing as I do.
Tristan’s brows knit together. “No.”Holy fuck, he’s serious!
“I...I don't really know what to say to that?” I say, totally mind blown.
“Speechless? That’s a first,” he teases.
I cock one eyebrow up at him. “Tristan...I...I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you feel like that...but’– “You want to treat me too?” He says finishing my sentence for me.
I nod up at him. “Ok, well in the future, when you do, just let me know in advance ok?”
“Why?” I frown.Tristan laughs and shakes his head at me. “Oh I get it,” I say. “If it’s not too expensive you’ll go along with it, but if it is, you won't let me pay?”
Horror registers on his face as he realises I’ve worked it out.
“That’s crazy,” I say. “But if it makes you happy...” I lean up and kiss him.
“Thank you,” he whispers, leaning his forehead against mine.
“Well I suppose, in a way, you just paid for lunch anyway!” I bark, remembering the money he’s put into my account. Must remember to transfer it back to him!
“Yes, I suppose I have,” he says, smiling triumphantly at me, which makes me shake my head at him and laugh.
We start strolling down North Laine, hand in hand, both happy and relaxed, despite what’s gone on today, and then I see it, that little bit of inspiration I was looking for. I quickly look around me trying to find a shop I can send Tristan into, so I can buy him the present – Yes, I love those!
“Tristan.” I stop and look up at him. “I'm tired. I want to get home but I really want to pop in that shop, there’s a new album out that I want. But you see that chocolate shop behind you?”
Tristan gazes quizzically at me for a moment, then turns and looks at the shop.“Yes,” he says, almost laughing as he turns back to me.
“Well, I have a thing for the dark chocolate rum balls that they sell, they’re absolutely delicious.” I say, batting my lashes for optimal effect.
“You want me to go get you some baby?” Oh Tristan, you’ve fallen for it so easily, that’s so cute!
“Do you mind?” I ask, trying to make my eyes big and round like his.
“Of course I don't.” He says, smiling sweetly at me.
“Ok, I’ll be back in a sec,” I say, I lean up and peck his lips. “I’ll meet you back here in a couple of minutes, ok.”
Without waiting for him to say anything, I scuttle into the music shop and go straight to the counter, there’s no time for looking, and ask the sales clerk if they have what I want. He smiles at me, I think he’s trying to flirt, punches some details into his computer, then nods once at me.
I almost jump up and down with glee. “Great!”
“Um...it’s in the back,” he says. “I’ll have to go find it.” Crap!
“Ok,” I squeak. “But quick as you can, it’s for a present and I don't want him to see,” I say gesturing to Tristan walking out the chocolate shop opposite us.
He looks out the window, his face instantly falling – Yeah, he’s a pretty big guy! – He sighs, looking a little glum, but heads off to the back of the store. I watch Tristan through the window, waiting patiently for me. Come on hurry up!
The sales clerk makes me jump as he returns.“Here you go.” He scans the DVD, and goes to place it in a bag.
“No, it’s ok,” I say taking it off him and stuffing it inside my bag, luckily it just about fits. “I’ll be wrapping it up when I get home anyway.”I hand him my card, punch my pin into the machine and wait impatiently for the payment to go through.
Finally he hands me back my card and receipt, I stuff them into my bag.“Thanks,” I say as I fly out the shop. “Hey,” I say bounding over to Tristan.
“Hey yourself!” He pulls me into his arms and softly kisses me on the cheek. “Get your album?” He adds.
Oh crap, I should have just picked a random one up!
“Um...no, they’d sold out. I can get one on-line.” I say. Phew, nice save Coral! I try not to smirk at myself.
“Are you sure, we can find another store?” He says.
“No, really Tristan, I just want to get home.” I say, faking tiredness.
“Ok, look.” He holds up a big bag beaming broadly at me. Holy crap!
“Jeez Tristan, how many did you buy?”I say scanning the bag, I only buy a few at a time as they are very more-ish and I’ll eat far too many!
His face falls. “Um...all of them.”
“All of them?” I squeak.
“Well, I’ve never tried them before so...” He trails off registering my shocked expression. These little babies are not cheap; he must have spent so much – just on chocolate!
“Ask and ye shall receive,” he says, smiling again.
“Wow!” I titter, then I wrap my arms around his waist and squeeze him tight. “Thank you baby.” He really is the sweetest – his folks did such a fine job with him.
We start walking again, strolling along in the sunshine without a care in the world, but now I’ve got the present, I want to buy him a big card too. Plus, I need to get some wrapping paper.
Hmm, what to do? – Right at that moment his mobile starts ringing.Pulling it out of his pocket, he answers it and is quickly drawn into a deep conversation. I scan up and down the lane, thankfully a few doors up I see a card shop. Yes!
I gesture to Tristan that I'm going in. He nods and continues with his conversation.Entering the shop, I quickly dash over to the big cards and start scanning; knowing I need to do this quickly.
“Can I help you?” I spin around, and a lady in her fifties with a k
ind smile is waiting for me to answer her. I quickly reel off what I'm looking for and that I’ve got to be quick.“No problem dear, here are the large cards, have a look through. Do you know what colour wrapping paper you would like, I can find it for you,” she suggests.
I quickly tell her, and just as I pick the card that I like, she comes over with some gun metal grey wrapping paper – prefect, very manly!
“Brilliant,” I say and pick up the card. It’s big, about double the size of A4 and has a beautiful picture of a tropical sunset on it, and written on the front are the words - Anywhere is Paradise when I'm with you – Perfect! I open the card and quickly read the inscription.
Tropical sunsets are beautiful
Walks on the beach are romantic, it’s true
But I don't need any of that because I'm
Already in paradise with you
That’s how much I love you baby
I almost start crying, almost. This is perfect and says exactly how I feel about Tristan. I really don't care where I am, as long as I'm with him. Dashing over to the counter I give the lady the card so she can scan it, along with the wrapping paper. I take one more glance around the store, and I notice, sat up on a dusty clear shelf is a big teddy from the ‘Me to You’ range – I have to have it.
“That teddy,” I say a little breathlessly, pointing up to it.
“Oh, he’s been there a while. I can knock you some of the price if you like, people tend to buy the little ones.”
“I’ll take him, whatever the price.” I state.
“Alright then.” She smiles at me and asks her assistant, a young girl who looks fresh out of school to fetch it for me, moments later, she brings it over. He’s a bit dusty, but now I see him up close, he’s even more perfect. There’s a big patch on his head as though he’s been injured – just like Tristan’s gash on his head – He’s a shaggy plush grey teddy, with a cute blue nose and he’s holding a big blue and light pink heart that says ‘I love you this much’ – It really is perfect.
“Tatty teddy that one’s called,” she tells me. “He’s really soft, don't you think?” And boy is he, he’s so squidgy.
“Yeah,” I giggle. “He’s lovely.” But how am I going to get him back to the house without Tristan seeing, and what am I going to say?“Do you have any of those big bags?”
“Yes, over here. What colour would you like?”she asks.
Hmm, Tristan seems to like silver and greys, and it matches the teddy bear and the wrapping paper. I pick the bag, she scans it, I hand her my card to pay for everything and stuff the teddy and the wrapping paper inside the bag, just as Tristan casually waltzes inside.
“Hey,” I say, thanking the heavens I don't blush and give myself away.
“What are you doing in here?” He smiles.
“Oh...” Quick Coral, say anything! “Um...I just thought I’d um...get a gift for Joyce, you know a little leaving present.” I turn away from him and swallow hard.The lady hands me my card and receipt with a conspiratorial wink. I smile back at her and head out the shop with Tristan.
“Everything ok with the phone call?” I ask, so he doesn’t question me any further.
“Yes, just work you know...” He says waving his hand and shrugging.
I smile up at him. “Great, ready to go?”
Tristan pulls me into his arms. “Darling, if you want to do something for Joyce, organise anything, you only have to say you know that right?” Sweet!
“Yes, I do’ – My mobile buzzes in my bag interrupting us. Tristan releases me so I can answer it.“Debs?”
“Hi.” She sounds so down, it’s not like her.
“What’s wrong?” I ask. I'm immediately worried.
“Can I come over?” She whispers.
“Debs what’s wrong?” I ask again.
“I...Oh Coral!” She bursts into tears – Shit!
“Debs come round, we should be back shortly.” I say, feeling frantic.
“You’re out?” She croaks.
“Yeah, I wanted to stretch my legs.” I muse.
“Oh...” She’s still sniffling down the line.
“Do you want me to come to you?” I ask looking up at Tristan.
“No, no...it’s ok. Um...Lily’s staying over at a friend’s for the night.” She sounds so despondent.
“Deb’s it’s no problem, you want me to come to you just say so?” I tell her sternly.
“No...I want...I have to get out of this house,” she whispers.
“Then do it,” I say, wondering what the hell is going on. “Come stay with me for the night?” I look up at Tristan. He’s frowning at my worried expression and nodding in approval.“Deb’s it’s no problem. Tristan will leave us to it, he won't mind at all you know.”
“He won't?” She croaks.
“Deb’s even if he did, do you really think I'm the type of person to let anyone dictate to me who I will and won't spend my time with?” I say sounding exasperated, Tristan starts smirking at me.I hear her whisper a laugh. “Debs come over!” I order. “Stay the night.”
“You’re sure?” She asks.
“Yes.” I answer firmly.
“Ok,” she whispers. “I’ll go pack a bag...um...see you in a while.” She manages to squeak the last bit out.
“Debs you’re worrying me, you ok to drive?” I ask. ‘Stuart’ Tristan mouths at me. I nod in approval. “I can send Stuart to pick you up?”I get no response. “Debs?”
“No...it’s a nice idea’ – “I'm sending Stuart.” I say and cover the phone. “How long?” I ask Tristan.
“He could be there in say...an hour?” He says looking at his watch.
“He’ll be there in forty minutes,” I say to Debs. “Be ready!” She always late!
“I will,” she mumbles, sniffing loudly.
“Bye Debs, be safe,” I whisper.
“See you.” She hangs up.
I put my mobile back in my bag, wondering what that’s all about.
“Forty minutes?” Tristan questions, his head cocked to the side.
“Debs is always late,” I explain.Tristan nods, pulls his mobile out of his pocket and calls Stuart. He tells him where to pick us up and we head in that direction...
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
AS SOON I GET BACK IN THE CAR, I call Rob and let him know what’s going on, he tells me that I should see Debs this afternoon and we can hang out tomorrow – I hate letting him down, but he told me not to worry, and we’ll have just as much fun tomorrow; reluctantly I agreed. Ten minutes later, Stuart drops us off at the house and heads back out to pick Debs up.
“Do you mind if I head out?” Tristan says.
“Tristan, you don't need my permission to go out!” I bite unintentionally.
“I wasn’t asking for your permission. I just...if you want me here for any reason, then I’d stay.” I immediately feel guilty. Shit!
I walk over to him and wrap my arms around his waist. “I'm sorry, that was uncalled for.”
Tristan wraps his arms around me and gently rocks us.“You’re stressed?” He says.
“Yes, I'm worried about Debs. I’ve never heard her like that, ever!” I swallow hard.
“Really?” He asks, surprised.
“Yeah...she’s always been really up and perky, like Gladys.” I say, still feeling bemused.
“Well, whatever it is, I'm sure you’ll soon hear about it.” Tristan kisses the top of my head.
“Yeah...” I sigh. “Just because I'm curious, where are you off to?” I ask.
“Thought I’d call Joyce, see if she wants a game of golf.” He casually says.
“You can play golf?” I squeak, looking up at him.
“Yeah?” He smiles down at me then pecks my lips.
“Will you teach me?” I ask.
“You want to learn how to play golf?” He chuckles.
I narrow my eyes at him. “What’s funny about that?”
“Nothing,” he chuckles releasing me. “I’ll go call her.”
/>
“Ok.” I watch him walk into his office.Damn, he hasn’t even left and I'm already missing him.
Shaking my head at myself, I head outside onto the patio, and carefully lie down on one of the sun loungers, trying my best to stay still and soak up some rays.A couple of minutes later Tristan re-appears and sits on my lounger, he lifts my legs and places them on his lap.
“You have such sexy legs,” he says, running both hands up and down my stumpy, chunky legs.
I involuntarily snort then look away from him, and I know he’s going to do it.
Reaching up, he pulls on my chin so I have to look at him.“Ah yes, earlier...in the kitchen.” I know exactly what he’s talking about. “Come on, out with it,” he says, his hands skimming up and down my legs again– He’s turning me on, big time!
“Ok, well for starters can you please stop doing that?”
His face falls, his eyes darkening.
“Oh...I didn’t mean...I...bollocks!” I hiss, feeling totally deflated and guilty. “Tristan, I just asked you to stop because you were turning me on – big time!” I quickly add.
He instantly looks relieved and relaxes. “Ok,” he smirks, leaning down to kiss my one knee, then the other. Whoa! His lips on my legs!
I take a deep calming breath. “Ok, not helping!” I breathe.He cocks his head to the side, grinning broadly at me. “You are such a tease!” I softly scold, laughing at him.
“I'm sorry,” he says, then his face falls as he stares down at my legs again. “You don't like them, do you?” I bite my lip and frown. How has he worked that out?
“Tristan, you know...I’m still working on...well, liking myself...you know being ok being me, feeling ok about being in my own skin. I know I’ve still got a long, long way to go.” I say, feeling shy that I shared that with him.
Tristan nods several times, his eyes still on my legs, then he leans down once more and kisses my knees again – It sends tingles, everywhere.
“I’ve going to kiss every inch of these beautiful legs tonight. Maybe my kisses will help to heal you?” He says leaning in to kiss my lips. Oh my god!
I think my heart just exploded with love.“Oh Tristan!” I mewl, kissing him back and crying at the same time. Then I reach up and wrap my arms around his neck, trying my best to crush him to me. “I love you...so much.” I choke, gripping him tighter, then wincing in pain.
Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him Page 113