Picking up a pillow, I throw it with accurate precision and it hits him right in the face, making me giggle.
“Did you just throw a pillow at me?” He cocks his head to the side.
“Yes!” I tease. “What are you going to do about it?”
“Oh...there are many, many things I could do about it,” he says, his dark eyes burning with some unnamed emotion, pinning me to the bed. I cannot look away and I can't move – I don't want to move! Holy crap!What is that look?
He continues to stare down at me, then his eyes slowly work their way down my naked body; it’s like he’s drinking me in? My lips part automatically, my breathing hitches up and my heart is going like the clappers –Holy crap! How can he turn me on so much by just looking at me? He’s not even touching me for Christ sake!
‘Stay,’ I mouth as I sit up – because I want him again, now!
“As tempting as that is Miss Stevens, we need to eat!” Tristan smiles his sexy smile at me, steps forward, arms still crossed, leans down without touching me and pecks me on the lips. Then he stands and walks out of the bedroom, but just as he reaches the door, he turns and mouths ‘later’ to me – Bastard!
I laugh and shake my head at his teasing ways, then in a dreamy loved-up state, I lie back down on the bed...
I HAVE HAD THE MOST WONDERFUL four days of my entire life. I feel so relaxed, so content, I am blissfully happy. This morning, after waking up and feeling so good, Tristan agreed that we will go to the function tonight. Our flights are booked, so we are heading over to the airport this afternoon – I’m quite excited, and nervous. I want to make a good impression tonight, I want Tristan to be proud of me.
Then I realise that tomorrow is Saturday, and in one week, I’ll be married...Hmm, Mrs Coral Freeman – I like the sound of that, it has a lovely ring to it – I snort with laughter at my own words. Then I remember - Shit! The rings! – We haven’t done that yet! We’d better get that sorted tomorrow!
With a contented sigh, I sit up from my horizontal position. Tristan and I are on the beach, soaking up some rays. Baby I Love Your Way by Big Mountain is blasting in my ears, reminding me of Tristan, and how I feel about him.
I quietly sing along as I take in my surroundings. The waves are calm today, not many surfers out, but there are so many little kids out with their parents, splashing about in the sea, playing in the rock pools, building sand castles – I’m surprised at myself, I don’t feel angry like I used to when I’d see happy families. Instead, I feel happy for them.
I watch a man throw his toddler up in the air, the kids face is a picture as his father catches him, they both look so happy. Then I’m drawn to a woman spraying her kid with sunscreen, she’s wriggling about, I guess she doesn’t like it, but her mother soon finishes and I watch the little girl take an older boys hand, they both dash down the beach and dive into the sea. The only emotion I feel coming to the surface is that well, it’s pretty cute. All these happy families – it’s kind of making me think that it is possible after all.
I sigh contentedly, it’s so beautiful here. In fact I think I could quite happily live here, forever! I frown at that thought, I never thought I would want to leave Brighton – Yet here I am, seriously thinking about it? How odd!
I look up at the sky. It is yet another blue skied, sunshiny day. How lucky we are to be having such lovely weather. I pick up the bottle of water and take several glugs, then I look down at my watch – nearly lunchtime – no wonder I’m hungry. Honestly!
I shake my head at myself. I don't know how doing so little can give a person such an appetite? Maybe it’s all the sex? – I nod in agreement with myself and look across at Tristan, my sexy man!
I can tell by his face he is sleeping. I don't want to wake him. He needs his rest as much as I do; but I need food, which gives me an idea!
Pulling my little notepad out of my new beach bag that Tristan bought for me, I scribble a note for him.
My sexy husband to be, I am hungry, so I’ve gone to get lunch.
I didn’t want to wake you.
So please, don't worry, I’ll be back soon.
But if you do worry, I have my mobile, call me.
Your loving wife to be, Coral xXx
Then I stand, throw my bag over my shoulder, place the note on my lounger and put the bottle of sun lotion on top of it – so it doesn’t blow away in the breeze. Then I blow Tristan a kiss and head off to the local shops...
I CANNOT WAIT TO TELL TRISTAN MY NEWS. As I reach the beach and I search for him, I can't help panicking – Tristan isn’t on his lounger? I wonder if he’s gone back up to the villa? I’m sure he would have called me if he’d done that. I shake it off and continue walking down the beach, loving the feeling of the sand between my toes – I don't know why, but at that very moment, I look up and instantly freeze. Whoa!
Tristan has popped up out of the sea – I guess he went for a swim. As he wades, very gracefully out of the water, I notice several mothers stop what they are doing with their children and stare at Tristan – Can’t blame them, I’m mesmerised too.
I’m instantly reminded of an old diet coke advert where all the women stop what they are doing and stare at the sexy guy – Yep! Tristan is doing his own advert right now, and he doesn’t even know it! The song from the advert starts playing in head as I continue to watch him walk up the beach, I Just Want To Make Love To You by Etta James – How fitting!
Just as I think that, Tristan runs both his hands through his soaking wet hair, his stomach muscles rippling as he does. Man, he looks so hot – My sexy husband to be.
“Oh my God!” I hear a young woman say. I turn and see I have stopped a couple of feet away from two young girls lying on their towels; they look like they are in their twenties.
“Cassie!” The one slaps her friends thigh; waking her from her snooze.
“What?” She sleepily grumbles.
“Look.” The other says, pointing down the beach to Tristan.
“Blimey!” Cassie says, sitting up and putting her shades on. “Blood hell! Who is he?”
I have to stifle a giggle. Their mouths are gaping open as they watch my perfect specimen of a man walk up the beach.
“Come on Lara!” Cassie says, standing to her feet. “Let’s go chat him up!”
What? No! They can't do that!
Lara has stood up too, and they are both adjusting their bikinis, checking each other over so they look their best – Holy crap! They really are going to walk over to him – You have to say something Coral!
“I don't think he’ll talk to you,” I say.
They turn in unison and stare at me. “Oh...?” Cassie says. “Why? Do you know him?” she asks in a firm tone.
I nod my head and try to hide my coy smile. “Um...yeah I do.”
Lara’s face falls. “Is he your boyfriend?” She asks, placing her hands on her hips.
“Fiancé,” I smile. “We’re getting married on Saturday,” I add.
Cassie makes an exaggerated huff, gives me a funny look then lies back down, but Lara smiles at me. “Lucky you,” she giggles, then says. “Going for a swim Cas, I need cooling down!” She turns and winks at me.
I think I know what she means, what she’s referring to, Tristan is enough to make any woman feel hot and bothered, Lara smiles at me, then she heads down the beach.
As I look back, I see Tristan has reached our loungers, just as he bends down he happens to look up. He stops dead in his tracks as he sees me, and the most sexy, lazy smile spreads across his face, his dimples on full wattage – and I swoon, again!
In my peripheral vision, I see Cassie shake her head and turn on her side, so she can't see anymore. I want to walk over to Tristan, but yet again, I’m frozen in place staring at him like a friggin’ statue. He cocks his head to the side, still smiling at me. I smile back at him and slightly shake my head at myself. My, my, the things he does to me....
I can tell he’s chuckling to himself as he picks up his aviators and sli
des them on, then he casually starts walking over to me. “Hi baby,” he says as he reaches me.
“Hi,” I squeak. Tristan leans down and kisses me, softly, sexily. A soft moan escapes me, making Tristan chuckle.
“Missed me?” He whispers; softly stroking my cheek.
“Yes,” I squeak. “You?”
“I always miss you when I’m not with you,” he says, making my heart pound. “Need some help?” He asks, looking down at my arms that are full to the brim with our lunch – well, mainly Tristan’s lunch, the man eats like a horse!
“Yeah...I think I do,” I laugh, and like the gentleman that he is, Tristan takes the food out of my arms, takes hold of my hand and we casually stroll back over to our loungers...
“You were about to get chatted up,” I say as I tuck into my delicious tuna salad.
Tristan has just taken a bite of his tuna baguette, so he quickly chews, swallows, then frowns, I think in discomfort. “I was?” He says.
I nod. “Don't look now, but there are two girls not far from us who were admiring the view as much as I was. Then they both got up, said they were going to come over and chat you up!”
“They were?” He says, sounding surprised.
“Seriously?” I scoff, cocking my head to the side. “Tristan, why do you sound so surprised? I think every woman on this beach was watching you walk out of the sea.” Etta James is still singing in my head...I just want to make love to you...dadum, dadum...
Tristan looks around, catching several women staring at him, they quickly look away – and if I’m not mistaken, are a little embarrassed to be caught. Shaking his head, Tristan turns back to me and shrugs. “It’s just a body Coral.”
I shake my head at him. “No Tristan, it’s not!”
“Yes,” he argues. “It is.”
“No, it’s not!” I reiterate. “It’s you baby. I don't think you realise it, but I’m betting every woman that was watching you had all sort of naughty thoughts flying around their heads, you’re every woman’s fantasy!” I add.
His cheeks flush as he shakes his head at me, then obviously not wanting to carry on the conversation, he continues silently with his lunch...
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
WE HAVE ARRIVED AT THE MILLENNIUM HOTEL IN KENSINGTON.We are not staying here tonight though, as they were fully booked when Tristan enquired. So instead we are staying at the Hilton in Kensington, just a short drive past Holland Park. – Earlier, Stuart picked us up from Heathrow and got us across town to the hotel, then he picked us up and drove us over to The Millennium Hotel.
London is oozing with money. I never knew it was like this. Every car that we passed as Stuart drove us here in the Jag was a Bentley, Rolls Royce or a sporty choice like a Ferrari or Lamborghini – so much wealth!
I’m nervous and excited about tonight. Tristan is dressed in a very snazzy dinner suit, I am in a full length black dress. It’s fitted, with a slit up the right leg, and covers my shoulders (I didn’t want my scar or bruising on show) is slightly scooped at the neck and comes down just past my elbows. It’s elegant, and I feel good wearing it, so that’s a huge bonus!
As we walk into the hotel, we are quickly guided to the correct function room for the party. At the double doors, a waiter in a finely dressed suit holds a tray out to us, it has several glasses of champagne balanced on it – How do they do that?
Tristan shakes his head at him. “Can I get you a drink from the bar Sir?” He asks, his face deadpan.
“Coral?” Tristan asks, looking down at me. I really want a glass of wine, but I know I shouldn’t be mixing alcohol with the tablets.
“A glass of still water with lemon please,” I say politely to the waiter.
“And for you Sir?” He asks Tristan.
“Tristan, have a glass of bubbly,” I whisper up to him.
“You don't mind?” He whispers back. I shake my head and smile. “Ok baby.” Tristan nods to the waiter and takes a glass off the tray. The waiter holds up two fingers and gesture’s to one of the young waiters who are standing with their backs against the wall, ready to help.
“A glass of still water with lemon for this lady,” he tells the young boy.
“Yes sir.” He quickly scuttles off as Tristan guides us into one of the hotel’s spacious wood and mahogany panelled suites. There’s a dance floor in the middle of the room, with at least a hundred round tables surrounding it, which are all set up ready for the meal. There’s so many different glasses, bottles of wine and goblets of water, everything is shining brightly, even the cutlery.There’s a live band over in the far right hand corner of the room, who are busy playing a Frank Sinatra tune – Strangers in the Night.
As I look above me I see the ceiling is twinkling sweetly with tiny little lights, making them look like stars above us, and in the centre of the ceiling is a large chandelier, sparkling so brightly it’s hard to look at – This room is so elegant, so beautiful.
The waiter arrives with my glass of water and I graciously accept it, then take a gulp. Tristan and I are waiting in-line to greet the birthday boy. I am so nervous. I keep glancing across at Tristan, and each time I have, he has given my waist a supportive squeeze. The people here are dripping with money – which is making me feel even more uncomfortable. Tristan’s had years to get used to this, whereas I’ve never been to anything remotely this glamorous.
Several associates have greeted Tristan, shaking his hand and asking why he hasn’t been around so much. I want to tell them to back off and stop questioning him. I mean, isn’t is obvious? His parents both died for Christ’s sake, don't they realise that?
A man in his fifties approaches us, with a woman on his arm, maybe his wife? He has very rosy cheeks, huge jowls and a massive belly, whereas she looks like a stick insect next to him and the amount of jewellery she has on is enough to sink the Titanic. I have to stifle the giggle that wants to burst out of me.
“Tristan!” He bellows.
Tristan smiles back at him and releases his hand from my waist so they can shake. “Phillip, good to see you,” Tristan says.
“Good god man! Didn’t think you were going to make it tonight!” He says in a very loud, posh accent.
“Change of plans,” Tristan says, leaning forward to kiss the woman on both cheeks. “Isabelle, it’s lovely to see you. How are you?” He asks.
“Much better, thank you for asking darling,” she says, smiling warmly at him. “It’s so good to see you. And who is this delightful young lady at your side?”
“Forgive me, may I introduce Miss Coral Stevens, my fiancé.”
The woman’s mouth gapes open. “Well Congratulations!” The man bellows, making several people turn to see what he’s shouting about. Oh God!Ground open up!
“Tristan, that’s wonderful news,” the woman adds, she seems genuine.
“Thank you.” Tristan turns to me, beaming brightly. “Coral, may I introduce Mr and Mrs Phillip Stanford.” Stanford & Co – I know the name!
“Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you both,” I say, smiling and nodding. Grateful that I don't have a free hand, not with my clutch in one and my drink in the other – I would not want to shake his hand.
“Come along Phillip, we promised Brandon we would say hello. Nice to have met you Coral, what an unusual name,” she muses to herself. “Tristan darling, we’ll catch up in a while,” she adds.
Tristan nods, then Phillip shakes Tristan’s hand once more, and I watch them turn and walk away, when I turn back around I see we’re next in line. The couple we are here to see, are still talking to the people in front of us, so it gives me an opportunity to study them both.
The old woman is impeccably dressed. Her make-up is perfect, her short silver hair is perfectly styled and her shiny silver, floor length dress looks like it cost a fortune too; she is oozing old money. The man standing next to her is short in comparison, but that’s probably because he is hunched over, he looks like he’s one hundred and twenty, not ninety. He’s dressed in a di
nner suit and has a posh looking walking stick in one hand. The couple in front of us turn to walk away – Now it’s our turn.
Tristan’s cheeks flame as he steps forward, his hand squeezing my waist – I look up at him and I can tell he’s nervous, although I don't know why. We take the couple of steps needed and stand in front of the elderly couple that have been greeting all of their guests.
The woman gasps as she turns around and sees Tristan standing before her. “Tristan!”
“Hello Sophia.” Tristan smiles warmly at her, then leans in and gently embraces her.
“Oh darling! We didn’t think you could make it, not with everything that has happened,” she says, squeezing him tight. “It’s so lovely to see you,” she adds.
Tristan chuckles, pulls back and kisses both her cheeks. “It’s lovely to see you too Sophia, you look well.”
“As do you, have you been away darling?” she asks, keeping her hands on his upper arms.
“Yes, a short break down in Cornwall. Sophia, may I introduce to you Miss Coral Stevens, my fiancé. Coral, this is Sophia Leveson-Gower.”
Her mouth pops open in shock as she takes me in. Then she looks up at Tristan, he smiles shyly at her and nods once, her shocked expression suddenly turns to warmth, and she smiles lovingly at him. “How wonderful darling.” Turning back to me, she surprises me by placing her hand on my left shoulder and kissing both my cheeks. “How lovely to meet you Coral.”
“It’s nice to meet you too,” I say, smiling shyly.
“Oh, how lovely,” she gushes. “Harry darling,” she says interrupting the man next to her, who’s still talking to the guests that were before us. “Harry darling, look who’s here!” Sophia says.
“Tristan!” He grins widely and stretches his hand out to Tristan, they shake. “Sorry about that, got caught up with what’s-his-face,” he adds, smiling broadly at me.
“Harry, you’re looking well,” Tristan says, chuckling slightly.
“Honestly,” Sophia says shaking her head at him. “Who is what’s-his-face?” she asks, placing her hands on her hips.
Darkest Fears Trilogy: Fallen For Him / Freed By Him / Forever With Him Page 122