CORAL (A Romance Trilogy, Book 1) (8 page)

I squirm again – this should feel
wrong – I should be yanking my hand out of his – but I don't want to. I want to
stay like this, and that scares the living hell out of me. I don't understand
why it feels so right? No man has ever made me feel like that? –
Jeez, I
really need to see George!

Releasing my hand, his eyes
briefly bore into mine once more.

“Rob, it’s been a pleasure,” he
says pulling his gaze away from me, they shake again. “Do you have a card? I
may need your services in the not too distant future.”

Rob’s eyes sparkle with delight.
Rob!

“Sure.” His eyes light up even
more as he digs his wallet out of his back pocket and hands Tristan a business
card.

“Thank you.” Tristan says,
placing the card in his wallet. “Have a good evening.” Tristan nods once, his
frown still creasing his eyebrows and forehead, then turns and walks away.

We both turn and look at each
other, Robs look says it all - He so would if he could - I can't help the
nervous giggle that escapes.

“Don’t say a word!” I gasp trying
to figure out what that was all about? I suddenly feel stone sober, all the
alcohol I have had seems to have vanished out of my system. “Let’s eat and
leave,” I say all the blood draining from my face.

“But’ – “I know you want to talk
about him Rob, but I can't, not while he’s in here. Let’s eat and drink
somewhere else, deal?”

“Deal!” He beams and starts
frantically shoving his Fajita into his mouth.
Really, it’s not attractive.

“Nice!” I comment dryly, and even
though I have absolutely no appetite whatsoever, I pick up my fajita and take
my first small bite –
Ugh, takes like cardboard!
– Maybe I
am
getting
sick?

ROB HAS DEMOLISHED HIS MEAL IN RECORD TIME,
and we have finished the second pitcher, but I’ve hardly eaten a
thing. “Is that really all you’re going to eat?” He asks. I nod in reply,
feeling queasy again.
Crap! I don't want to get ill, I hate being ill...it’s
so boring!

“Shall we go?” Rob asks, looking
disapprovingly at my plate.

“Yes.” I answer far too eagerly.
Rob stares down at me with a quizzical look, but I studiously ignore him. I’m
so desperate to get out of the restaurant, away from Tristan’s proximity; that
I’m almost hopping in my chair. As Rob calls Chloe over and asks her to get our
bill ready, I head for the ladies. When I return to our table, I see Rob is
beaming from ear to ear again.

“What now?” I ask totally
bemused.

“It’s all on him.” Rob says,
waving his hand in the air as he stands from the table.

“What do you mean Rob?” I huff,
my hands on my hips.

“Tristan,” he slowly drawls his
name. “Has paid our bill,” he adds, his eyes smiling knowingly at me.

“What!” I hiss. I don’t know why,
but I suddenly feel angry that he’s done that, I wanted this evening to be my
treat, my way of thanking Rob for coming out with me at short notice.

“What?” He huffs seeing the look
on my face.

“I wanted to treat you.” I snap,
wondering why I’m feeling so antagonistic towards Tristan. That was a nice
thing to have done.

“Well, he evidently wanted to
treat
you
,” he smirks. “Come on, let’s go,” he adds.

“Shouldn’t we say something?” I
ask.

“I’m game.” His eyes glint
wickedly as he takes hold of my hand and starts pulling me toward their table.
That
wasn’t what I meant!

“Rob,” I hiss, trying to pull my
hand out of his, but it makes no difference at all.
God damn it Rob!

“Tristan,” Rob says slapping him
on the shoulder. “You shouldn’t have, but thank you.”

“You’re very welcome.” Tristan
stands and they shake hands again, but his attention is on me. I stay rooted to
the spot, behind Joyce’s chair, my eyes locked on his. He nods to me, and then
sits back down, finally breaking eye contact with me. Rob starts casually
chatting with Joyce, they know each other well. I can't help getting annoyed
with him, he’s holding up the proceedings here!
Come on Rob, I want to get
out of here!

As I stand there, feeling totally
embarrassed, I catch Tristan staring at me from the corner of his eye. I cannot
help staring back; it’s as if he has some sort of hypnotic power over me. I
watch as his long fingers pick up his glass of wine and he takes a sip –
Oh
those lips!

“Hello Coral.” Leggy blonde is
talking to me.

“Hi.” I say mulishly. She stands
and stretches out her hand for me to shake it. I lean across the table and take
hold of her hand, it’s so cold – that’s odd! It’s really warm in here?

“Susannah Johnson.” Her handshake
is firm, almost too firm. I don't think I like her, I can't help thinking she’s
got it bad for Tristan and I know that shouldn’t bother me, but it does.

“Coral Stevens.” I tighten my
grip, she looks flustered for a second then loosens her grip apprehensively. I
let go just as Rob comes and stands beside me.

Suddenly all eyes are on me.

“Umm, thank you Tristan,” I say
quietly. “For the meal,” I add literally squirming with embarrassment. Why did
I just say that out-loud? What else would I be thanking him for?

Coral, you idiot!
Oh, I’m so embarrassed –
Rob, please get me out of here!
Tristan
smiles a slow sexy smile at me, stopping my heart and my breathing at the same
time.

“You are more than welcome
Coral,” he says in a croaky, deep, sexy voice.

I swallow hard, feeling totally
flustered. Is it hot in here? Why can't I breathe? And why has my heart
suddenly taken off, strumming so fast against my chest, it’s humming like a
bird.

Frowning deeply, I pull my hand
up to my throat trying to get myself together, unable to tear my gaze away from
his. I notice Susannah glance across at Tristan, and then narrow her eyes at
me.
Do something Coral!

Breaking eye contact, I quickly
bend down and kiss Joyce on the cheek, trying to take the spotlight off me. “Are
you ok?” I whisper.

“Yes darling.” She smiles but it
doesn’t reach her eyes, so I know she’s not. I make a mental note to ask Gladys
to call her tonight. Rob bends down and gives Joyce a farewell kiss, as Rob
stands I secretly tug on his shirt to let him know I want to go.

“Um well, goodnight everyone,
enjoy your meals.” I say, smiling down at Joyce. We both turn to leave, but
Tristan quickly stands, I stop walking.

“See you tomorrow Coral, have a
nice evening.” He says, his eyes molten lava -
Holy crap, I'm going to see
him tomorrow?
I'm not really sure how I feel about that? And could he be
any more polite?
Shit, shit, shit!

“Tristan.” I nod at him and bolt
out of the restaurant. I don’t stop until I’m out of eye-view, a few doors
down, then I stop and lean my head against the brick wall. Closing my eyes, I
try to calm my rapid heartbeat and get some air into my lungs. I hear Rob’s
footsteps approach and open my eyes, keeping my head against the wall I stand
staring at him.

“Well that was interesting?” He
says a little confused. I snort sarcastically at him. Interesting is not a word
I would use for what has developed this evening. Grabbing him by the shirt, I
start stomping down Jubilee Street. “Err...where are we going?” He asks,
walking fast to keep up with my rapid pace.

“Northern Lights ok with you?” I
ask.

“Sure,” Rob shrugs.

We walk in silence, my head
filling with all kinds of idiotic thoughts like, Tristan likes you, Tristan
wants you – I suddenly stop and take a deep breath trying to stop the wayward
chatter, the stupid thoughts.

“Sunshine! You ok?” Rob asks,
wrapping his arms around me.

I silently shake my head. I have
no idea what to say and I'm definitely not ok! I change my mind about Northern
Lights. I want the calmness of the sea, a relaxing mellow atmosphere.

“You want to go home?” Rob asks
softly.

“No.” I mumble into his chest.

“Come on.” Rob takes me by the
hand and ushers me into a waiting taxi. I slide over so he can shuffle in
beside me.

“Where to love?” The driver asks.

“The far side of the moon,” I
mumble, wrapping my arms around my stomach. Why is it fluttering so badly? Rob
bursts out laughing at me. I’m so glad he’s finding the whole thing amusing.

“Eh?” The driver turns in his
seat, a confused expression slapped across his face.

“Don’t mind her,” Rob exclaims.
“She’s had too much sun today,” he adds turning to me. “So where to?” he asks
softly, his eyes taking on his warm I'm-your-best-friend look.

“I don’t care.” I answer, turning
to stare blankly out the window.

“Marina mate.” Rob tells the
driver.

“Are you taking me home?” I
question.

“No, I'm not, but I know you
well, and when you look like you’re looking now, you always end up drinking too
much. So, we go to the Marina, get drunk trying to work all this out, and then
I don't have too far to carry your arse home.” Rob teases.

I finally smile and hit him
fondly in the chest. “Well thanks,” I admonish.

The taxi pulls out into traffic
and we head back to the Marina, a few minutes later we arrive. The driver drops
us straight outside The Master Mariner, Rob pays and we both step out.

“Fancy this place?” He asks.

“I don’t care. I just want a
strong drink.” I need to steady my shredded nerves. Rob follows me in and we walk
up to the bar together.

“So what’ll it be sunshine?” I
glare at him even though I know he’s trying to cheer me up.

“I’ll take a J.D on the rocks.”
Rob nods to the barman. “Actually can you make that a double?” I add knowing a
single will be gone in seconds.

“And for you?” the barman asks
Rob.

“I’ll take a large glass of
Chardonnay.” I pull my purse out my bag to pay, but Rob stops me by placing a
twenty on the bar, I’m too mad to argue with him.

Looking around I feel it’s quiet,
relaxed atmosphere start to calm me, I like it in here. This place is all about
boating, wooden beams, open brickwork and normally an open fire blazing, but I
guess the good weather has put a stop to that.

Rob passes my drink to me, I take
a large gulp of my J.D and swallow. I feel it hit my stomach then spread
outward, warming my insides. I shiver a little, which surprises me; I didn’t
expect to feel cold tonight? But somehow, I don't think it has anything to do
with my body temperature.

“Outside or inside?” Rob asks
taking a sip of his wine.

“Um...inside I think.” Why do I
feel so despondent?

We wonder over and take a window
seat, Rob sits down opposite me. I can't help staring out at the view. I can
tell he’s watching me vigilantly, waiting for me to crack, which I have been
known to do on occasions...when I’ve had too much to drink.

“Coral, why are you getting
yourself so worked up about him?”

I sigh heavily and turn to face
Rob. “I don’t know it’s really weird, I feel like he can see straight through
me or something?” I answer trying to get my own head around it.

“Is that such a bad thing?” Rob
whispers.

“It’s not that...I,” I take
another big gulp of J.D. “I just don’t think I’m ready or capable of anything
right now, not with everything going on at work...” I drift off again, staring
at the boats bobbing on the water. Rob knows nothing of my horrid past, my
reasons for dodging men and relationships. George is the only one I’ve ever
opened up to, and even then it took ages for me to do so.

“Look we’ve discussed the work
thing, it’s a given right?” I nod in agreement. “Ok, good. But this guy Coral,
he seems really great and he’s got it real bad for you.” I go to interrupt him,
but Rob holds up his hand. “Let me finish. Now I mean that, as in it could be
the best thing that’s ever happened to you. Look, I hate to say this, but
you’ve been on your own way too long. It’ll send you mad you know.”

I roll my eyes at him. “It’s not
that easy.” I reply shuddering slightly as the memory of my last date comes
unbidden into my mind.

“What’s hard about it?” Rob
argues. “It’s simple, you like him, he likes you. You give him your number, you
go out on a date...?” Rob shakes his head at me. “You know Coral, for such a
smart woman you can be a real dumb ass sometimes.”

My mouth pops open in shock. “Nice,
thanks so much,” I hiss.

“Sorry babes, but sometimes you
gotta be cruel to be kind.” He adds flippantly.

“So much for cheering me up
tonight,” I say gritting my teeth at him.

“Coral, just...why are you so
against relationships? I’ve never been able to get my head round it?”

I instantly feel like I'm having
a session with George. “Look, if you’re not going to cheer me up I'm going
home.” I tell him firmly.

“Oh come on...I mean I know about
Justin, but there’s got be more than that?” He asks.

“You don't know what you’re
talking about Rob.” I spit. He stares back at me with a wounded look –
Christ!
I run my hand through my hair in frustration. “Rob, you don't understand,
I...I’m not like other people, I don't run right, never have, never will, so a
relationship is just...” I stare blankly out the window.

“Why?” Rob whispers.

“It’s...complicated.” I whisper
back, keeping my eyes on my glass of amber liquid.

“And you can't tell me?” He asks.

I slowly shake my head at him.

“Great, I’m your best friend. You
should be able to tell me anything.” He rightly points out.

“I know.” I whisper back, feeling
melancholy – I hate it when people probe, why can't he just let it be? Rob
cocks one eyebrow up at me.
Great, so much for a fun evening out!

I go back to staring blankly out
the window. Rob runs his hands through his black hair and takes a gulp of wine,
then he claps his hands together making me jump, I turn and look at him.

“I’ve got it,” he says looking
triumphant. “Ok, so think about Twilight,” he adds excitedly.

“What?” I ask, frowning in
confusion.

“As an example,” he says
enthusiastically.

“Still not with you?” I say
staring blankly at him.

“How many times have you watched
those films?” I grimace feeling too embarrassed to actually say out loud.

“Too many times,” I say
squirming.

“And what is it you always say to
me?” He questions.