CORAL - Forever (A Romance Trilogy, Book 3) (36 page)

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.

I turn away and 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 slides 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
cocks one eyebrow up at me instead.

He frowns, finishes chewing then says, “I was?”

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 to you.”

“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 him 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...

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 and 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, with 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. “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 dinner 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.

“Honestly,” Sophia says shaking her head at him. “Who is
what’s-his-face?” she asks, placing her hands on her hips.

“Never mind,” he says. “Who’s this?” he says, waving his
hand at me. “Such beauty as yours should be put on canvas,” he adds. My mouth
pops open in shock, Tristan chuckles in response.

“Harry!” Sophia scolds. “Stop flirting.”

“You know this young lady?” He asks Tristan.

“I should hope so,” Tristan says, placing his arm around my
waist. “Harry Leveson-Gower I am pleased to present to you my fiancé, Miss
Coral Stevens.”

“You’re getting married?” He croaks. Tristan laughs and
nods. “Finally!” He throws his hand up as he says this, gesturing to Sophia.

“Oh Harry,” she scolds. “Where are your manners?”

“You know, if I were a hundred years younger, you’d have
some competition,” he tells Tristan.
Ok, he sounds like Bob!

Nevertheless, I'm shocked again, and embarrassed. This is
this his wife next to him, and he’s trying to flirt with me?
This is funny!

“You’d have to fight me for her,” Tristan cajoles. He and
Tristan obviously know each other very well.

“Where have you been?” Harry asks Tristan.

Tristan smiles. “I know. I haven’t been around much
since...” He trails off, his cheeks flaming.

“We heard darling, and we are both so sorry,” Sophia says,
clutching his hand. “Did you get our flowers?”

“Yes, I did thank you,” Tristan says.

“That’s good darling.” Sophia nods.

“Well, we’ll come and see you both in a little while,” Tristan
says, glancing back at the queue of people behind us.

“Yes darling, please do,” Sophia replies.

Tristan smiles to them both, and we graciously glide out of
the way of the other guests, patiently waiting in line...

TRISTAN
HAS BEEN AMAZING THIS EVENING
. I was so nervous about coming here,
but he’s made the whole evening feel effortless.
How does he do that?

“Happy?” He asks for the tenth time tonight. I smile a
ridiculous smile at him, his answering grin is breathtaking. “Want to go?” I
nod shyly. I want my man. I want to get him back to the hotel and I want to get
him very naked. “Ok,” he chuckles.

“What are you laughing at?” I ask, feigning innocence.

“That wicked look in your eyes, I can tell what you’re
thinking and I couldn’t think of a better way to end the evening – But can I
leave you alone for one moment?” He adds.

“Alone?” I question.

“Yes, there’s an associate I need to talk to and I’d rather
do that alone.”

“Why?” I laugh.

“Because he’s not going to like what I say to him,” he says.

“Stirring up trouble Mr Freeman, you should be ashamed of
yourself,” I tease.

Tristan smiles then leans in and softly pecks my cheek.
“Back in a moment,” he whispers in my ear, just as he runs a cool soft finger
delicately down my neck. Everything south of my navel clenches in delight.
Is
the room spinning?

“Don't tempt me,” I growl. I really would pounce on him, not
giving a damn what others think.

“Ok, I'm going!” He chuckles, and I watch in appreciation as
my man strides across the room.

“He’s a catch alright.” A woman’s voice says.

I spin around and see Sophia standing behind me. “Hello
Sophia,” I smile shyly at her.

“It’s Coral isn’t it?” She asks.

“Yes.” I smile again and hold out my hand, she places her
hand in mine and we shake. I’m surprised, her handshake is firm for an older
lady, then I panic. She’s from another solicitors, the competition.
Shit!
Should I be talking to her?

“It’s nice to be able to finally talk you alone Coral, I’ve
been watching you all evening,” she says. I swallow hard –
Why would she be
doing that?

“Oh...ok,” I say, trying not to frown.

“It’s so refreshing to see a couple who actually like each
other, as you and Tristan are clearly displaying.”
What do I say to that?

“Maybe it’s because we are still new to one another,” I
joke.

“Oh no, I’ve been around a long time, you two seem complete
with one another, and genuinely happy.”

I smile at her. “Yes, we are,” I say feeling shy and take a
sip of water.

“It’s very refreshing to see,” she continues. “This is a cut
throat business. I’ve seen so many couples pass through here, only to be
ripping each other’s heads off with divorce proceedings a year later.”

“Really?” I squeak.

She laughs at my surprised reaction. “Yes, unfortunately,
but tell me Coral how did you meet Tristan?”
Crap, how do I explain this
one?

“Have you heard of Garland & Associates in Brighton?”

“John and Joyce,” she nods. “So sad, he was a lovely man,”
she muses.

“Yes, he was,” I say, swallowing hard.
I miss you John
...

“You knew him?” she questions.

“Joyce is my mother’s best friend, so yes, John and Joyce
were like an Aunt and Uncle to me.”

“Oh, I see...I’m sorry dear, I didn’t mean to bring it up.”
I can see she means it.

“No please...it’s ok, I don't mind talking about it. But in
answer to your question, I used to work for Joyce, that’s how I met Tristan. He
took over the company.”

“Ah yes he did, I remember hearing about that.”

“Sophia...” A croaky male voice calls.

We both turn in unison and see Harry standing behind us. I
feel Tristan approaching, so it doesn’t make me jump when he slides his arm
around my waist.

“Tristan, I was just saying to Coral how happy you both
look.” Sophia says.

Tristan gazes adoringly at me, making me feel shy. “She
makes me very happy,” he tells her.

“Yes, darling I can see that, and I’m so pleased for you. Well,
it’s late. Come Harry, we should get you home.” Sophia says. I look at the
clock on the wall, it’s only 8pm.
Maybe he goes to bed early?