CORAL (A Romance Trilogy, Book 1) (3 page)

I am breathless, he’s male model
swooning, dark knight, shining armour, handsome. I shake my head at my wayward
thoughts and clear my throat. Then I take a deep breath, slowly blow it out and
resume my ogling. The first thing I notice is that he has the nicest, kindest,
deepest chocolate brown eyes I have ever seen, which are wrapped in thick brown
eyelashes. Which is weird, I’m normally attracted to blue eyes? And it’s weird
that I find them so, so.....soulful?

His eyebrows are full and his
forehead is strong and smooth. He has a straight roman nose, his cheekbones are
high and pronounced and his lips are full, and look very, very kissable and he
has the cutest little sticky out ears, he’s totally endearing.

His hair is medium brown and
styled into place to match the mogul that he is, and I can see in this picture
he’s recently been away, his slight tan showing a few freckles across his nose,
the sun has also tinged his hair, showing natural copper highlights from where
it’s bleached it.
I wonder if it would be delectably soft if I ran my
fingers through it?

I come back out of the photo and
stare and all the different pictures of him. Then I notice something odd, he’s
not smiling at all, in any of them. His jaw is set and he looks as though he is
grimacing.
There see, miserable bastards with tons of money!

Maybe he has really bad teeth or
something? I chuckle to myself. Bloody gorgeous though –
Stop Coral!

I quickly get rid of Google, lay
my head back in the chair and close my eyes. Taking a deep breath, I try to
work out why I’m feeling like this? I decide it may have something to do with
the fact that I haven’t had sex in two years.......I shudder remembering the
reason why.

I swallow hard at the bile that’s
trying to rise into my throat and blank the memory, the feelings, so in the end,
I only feel numbness. But that’s always been my way of dealing with things -
block it out, repress it until it stops coming back.

Satisfied that the memory is
gone, I open my eyes and sit forward at my desk. I dash a look across the room
at the clock on the wall, only 9.15am. I am fidgeting all over the place, my
leg is bouncing up and down and as I look down I realise I am chewing my
fingernail.
Shit not good! Maybe I should see if I can get an appointment
with George tonight?

He’s my therapist – my wonderful
therapist. I shake my head at myself in frustration, this guy has got me
feeling off the hook and all out of sync and I haven’t even met him yet!

I pick up the phone and call
George, only to be told by his partner Phil that he is at a function this
evening, otherwise he would have fitted me in, but he can schedule me in for an
earlier appointment tomorrow.

“No thanks Phil I’ll keep it at
six.” I grumble.

“Ok, you have a good day.” He
tells me perkily.

“You too.” I put the phone down
and pinch the bridge of my nose.
Come on Coral you can do this!

Rob, that’s who I need, my best
friend. My gay best friend, ever since my female best friend, Harriett, decided
it was ok to be shagging the one and only guy I ever fell for. I shut the door
on that thought. I pull my mobile out of my bag and text Rob.

*In trouble big time, call me!*

I leave
my mobile on my desk and get to the rest of my work, which I have been ignoring
for the last half hour. This is not me. I am fast, efficient and on time. I
would normally have had all these letters typed up, signed by Joyce and in the
post by now.

This guy has got my head in a
mess and I don’t like it.

I like my routine. I like
control. I like knowing exactly how each day is going to go, no hidden
surprises. Boring I know, but I like predictable, I like stability. I crave it
like a drug.

AFTER TWO HOURS OF TYPING
and correcting the tons of spelling mistakes I have made, because I keep seeing
a pair of dreamy chocolate eyes staring back at me, I finally wander in to
Joyce to get her signature and approval.

“Are you alright Coral? I know
it’s a shock but you seem out of sorts.” I shrug and try to smile. I have to
remember compared to what Joyce is going through right now, my life is peachy.

“Really Joyce, I’m fine. A little
shocked, but fine.” I say trying to placate her.

“You’re chewing your tips.” She
tells me. I pull my fingernail out of my mouth. Old insecurities, I don’t think
they’ll ever go away. “Are you still seeing Dr Vickers?” Joyce knows this about
me because she supported Gladys when she told her she wanted to adopt me. But I
guess she didn’t think she was going to get such a fuck up that needed constant
therapy.

“Yes.” I grimace.

“Maybe you should arrange to see
him’ – “I tried,” I interrupt, feeling sheepish. “He’s at a function tonight.
I’ll see him tomorrow, as usual.”

“Good. In the meantime, my door
is always open.” Joyce smiles and hands me back the signed letters. I don’t
move from my seat opposite her. “Ok out with it missy! What’s on your mind?” I
cringe at the fact that I haven’t had to say anything, Joyce knows me that
well.

“I was wondering...?” I squeak.

“Yes.” Joyce cocks her head to
the side.

“Mr Freeman. Well, is he…?”
Why
can I never get the words out that I want?

“He’s a good man Coral.
Apparently his staff love working at his companies. He pays well, they have
quarterly staff outings. Each of his buildings have a caféteria, a gym, a
swimming pool and free parking.” She tells me.

I can't help feeling a little
better, I love swimming.

“He’s no ogre Coral, I think
you’ll find’ – “I’ve never wanted a male boss Joyce, you know that.” I snap a
little more harshly than I mean to. “Sorry.” I whisper feeling instantly
ashamed.

“Coral.” Joyce stands and walks
over to me, she takes hold of my hand, and we walk over to the sofa. “Sit.” She
orders and I do so. Joyce gracefully sits down next to me. “Darling girl,” she
tucks a strand of my hair that’s come loose from my bun behind my ear. “At some
point you have to stop running, stop hiding from life. It’ll get you in the end
you know,” she says with worried eyes.

“I just’ – “I know you don't want
a male boss, I won't say I understand why, but I really think you should give
him a go, at least try it for a while. I really think he’ll be good for you.” I
look away from Joyce, she has no fucking idea why I don't want this – I swallow
hard.

“Look, he’s a really, really hard
worker. He’ll expect the best from you, give him that and you’ll be fine. I
meant what I said Coral, you’re the hardest working, most efficient, competent
member of staff that I’ve ever had.”

“Doesn’t make it any easier,” I
sigh, feeling myself withdrawing. I just want to curl up into a ball and
pretend like this isn’t happening.

“Coral, life isn’t always what we
want it to be….I never imagined my life without John and now...’ – Joyce takes
a deep breath – ‘point is, things come up that we don’t expect and the true
character of who we are is shown to us by how we deal with those situations.”

I nod knowing exactly what she
means. George is always on at me to try and take more risks, more challenges -
drives me nuts!

“Look, it will take some getting
used to, I know that. But if you find after a few weeks it’s not for you, I’m
sure Mr Freeman will understand and work with you to find something else within
the company.” I nod back at her.

I must admit, I never looked at
it like that. I suppose I could move to a different department, but I like that
it’s just me and Joyce, I don’t have to make stupid idle, same-o conversations
with the rest of the secretaries and listen to them bitching about each other.

I like me and my thoughts - without
any other invaders!

“Well, back to your desk Coral.
They’ll be here soon, we want to make a good impression.”

“Yes, of course.” I stand and
walk towards the door.

“Coral,” I turn and look at
Joyce. “Everything will be alright you’ll always have me to talk to, even if
I’m in Florida.”

“I know Joyce, thank you.” I say
and throw in a fake smile for good measure. I pull the door closed, lean my
head back against it and close my eyes.
So he’s a nice guy huh?
Yeah
right, they always are until they show their true colours. My mobile buzzing on
my desk pulls me from my musing. I dash over to it and see that it’s Rob.

“Ola!” He cries in an absurdly
Spanish accent!

“You, me cocktails tonight at
Iguanas – my treat.” I say quickly and sharply.

“Who’s got your knickers in a
twist?” He titters. An image of Mr Moneybags flashes in my minds-eye –
Fuck!

“I’m sending you an image.” I
snap.

“Oh Goodie, is he hot, handsome
and rich?” He chuckles.

“Yes to all three, and my new
boss!” I spit in defiance.

“What!?” Rob gasps - “Coral is
the meeting room ready?” Joyce asks through the intercom.

“Damn, Joyce is calling me I have
to go.”

“What time tonight?”

“I have Will tonight, say
7.30pm?”

“I’ll come to you first.”

“Cool, see you later.”

“Ciao!” Rob chuckles.

I hang up and answer Joyce. “All
ready just waiting on lunch.”

“They’re leaving it a little late
aren’t they?” She questions sounding concerned.

“No Joyce, they like to deliver
fresh and they haven’t let us down yet. Don’t worry they’ll be here.”

“But it’s twenty-five to?” She
argues, no doubt feeling nervous about the upcoming deal.

“I’ll call them.” I offer.

TEN MINUTES LATER
, I am
following the two delivery guys from Lunch Ideas up the stairs and into the
board room. God it’s hot today! I fan myself as I watch the two men place the
trays of food down on the back table, then nod politely and leave. I turn the
air conditioning on to help cool the room down then make my way back to my
desk.

I call Joe on reception.

“Hi Cori.” She squeaks. She’s
really nice, but a bit dim and always gets my name wrong.

“Joyce is having visitors at 12,
call me when they arrive?”

“Sure thing.” She answers.

“Thanks Joe.”

“No problem Cori.”
Grrr, why
does she always call me that!

“It’s Coral Joe, I…..never-mind.”
I sigh then hang up and carry on with my work, remembering to send the photo of
Mr Mogul to Rob.

Two seconds later, my mobile
buzzes. I check Joyce is still on the phone and open the text.

*Delicious darling, don’t eat him up all at once ;-)*

Grrrrr,
that’s not why I sent it!
- I open my top drawer,
throw my mobile in and slam it shut in a temper. Deciding I had better take a
quick pit stop before they all arrive, and to try and calm myself down, I make
my way to the ladies. Once I’m finished, and I’m drying my hands I take a good
look at myself in the mirror.

My dark brown hair is still
pinned in place with a bun, as I do every morning. And I'm wearing very little
makeup; mascara, blusher and a little lip-gloss. I attract enough attention as
it is without heavier makeup, but in all honesty I have George to thank for
that. A lifetime of self-degrading, damaging thoughts can wreak havoc on the
self-esteem. He got me to finally accept that I’m actually as pretty without
makeup as I am with it, so I guess I’m getting better, bit by bit.

I sigh heavily and stare back at
my reflection. My coral-blue eyes are wide and full of fear, like a deer
staring at a pair of headlights. I have to wonder if it has anything to do with
Mr Moneybags? With feelings that I know are trying to surface? I mean I have to
admit it, I loved my ex Justin, probably to the point of obsessively, but he
never knew how I felt about him.

Always too afraid to show my real
feelings, I kept my heart on my sleeve and the sleeve very tightly wrapped up.
One of the reasons he said he fell into Harriet’s arms was that I didn’t let
him in. I wouldn’t let him get close to me.

Well that’s just tough, I can’t
operate any other way, take me or leave me I told him and...well he left – with
Harriet. I shake my head at myself.
You cannot allow any man to get under
your skin Coral, not ever, you hear me?

I nod vigorously in agreement
with myself, take a deep breath, square my shoulders and march out of the
ladies.

I SCUTTLE BACK TO MY DESK AND SIT DOWN
. Gathering my thoughts I check any updates that Joyce has sent
across to me, nothing! I feel agitated that I haven’t got something to do to
take my mind off things. My leg starts doing its involuntary jig; I clamp my
hand down onto my knee to stop its rapid movements.

My phone rings, I look down and
see its Joe from reception –
Fuck they’re here!

“Joe.” I answer sharply, even
though I don't mean to.

“Hi Cori, Mr Free’ - “I know who
it is Joe, I’ll be right down.” I snap and hang up.

I call through to Joyce to let
her know they are here, she instructs me to show them straight up to the
boardroom. I hang up, stand quickly, and march away from my desk.
If I keep
moving, I’ll keep calm.

I walk along the hallway, down
the small flight of stairs and into the reception area. Mr Freeman hasn’t
noticed me; he’s busy talking to some leggy blonde, all high heels and the
tightest pencil skirt I think I have ever seen. He’s in a dark blue pin-stripe
three piece suit, with a light blue shirt to match, and a deep red tie. I nod
politely to the three other men who have noticed me and ignore the usual
stares.
Yes, yes, it’s just a face!

Leggy Blonde smiles sweetly at Mr
Mogul, and gestures that I have come to meet them, that’s when he turns and
looks at me - I instantly stop walking towards them.

I think my heart has relocated
itself somewhere in my throat, and I have the strangest feeling spreading
within me, like every single cell in my body has awoken. And there’s this
weird, magnetic pull that feels as though my body is being involuntarily pulled,
helplessly, towards him.
What the fuck is that? –
I frown at the floor
and place my hand on my stomach – Am I getting sick?

As I look up, I see he is
frowning deeply at me in the most peculiar way, and as we stand staring at each
other, I’m struck with the strangest feeling of all - I feel like I’m finally
home?

Whoa!
- I feel like my world has just tipped upside down. I shake my head
slightly to try and get myself together and when I do, I notice they are all
staring at me, and then back at him in wonder. Especially the leggy blonde, she
doesn’t look happy at all.
Maybe she’s shagging him?

His eyes narrow for a moment, his
gaze intense, I feel like he can see straight through me. He clenches his jaw,
then walks graciously towards me.
Oh God, my legs feel like jelly! I can’t
breathe!

“Coral?” His voice is low and
husky, yet soft.

“Yes.” I answer breathlessly.
Why
is my heart beating so erratically?

“Tristan Freeman.” He holds out
his hand for me to shake it, I hesitate for a moment, frightened by the prospect
of it, it’s almost as if I know that if I do, that will be it, that will be the
end of life as I know it. I look down at his hand, shakily reach out and place
my hand in his.

His breath catches with the
contact. My eyes shoot up to meet his and I’m surprised to see his eyes widen,
his chocolate eyes growing darker in colour –
Ok, that’s weird, what is
that?

A strange, wonderful,
exhilarating feeling is raging through my system, making all coherent thoughts
disappear, except for what it would feel like to have his lips brush against
mine -
Fuck, this really isn’t good!

Looking away from him, I try to
pull my hand out of his, but he just tightens his grip. My eyes shoot back up
to his - He’s triggering my flight response and he doesn’t even know it.

Please let me go!
I beg internally, and almost as though he can read my mind, he
drops his hand and takes a tiny step back.

“Forgive me,” he murmurs.
Holy
crap, his voice is so silky, yet deep and manly.

I nod my head and turn to look at
the rest of his team. I can see they’re all amused and trying hard not to show
it. I clear my throat and finally find my voice.

“If you would all like to follow
me, I’ll show you to the board room.” I’m answered silently by smiles and
smirks, except for the Leggy blonde who is glaring at me –
What’s her
problem?