CORAL - Forever (A Romance Trilogy, Book 3) (53 page)

“Yes.” I say, not wanting to remember why.

“Why?” He questions.
God damn it!
I don’t want to
think or talk about it.

I sigh heavily. “It’s already in The Argus Tristan,” I say,
frowning deeply.

“What is baby?” He softly asks, gently tucking my hair
behind my ear.

“Susannah’s...” I can't say it.

“Already?” He chokes eyes wide.

“Yeah...Gladys read it, she was pretty mad I was there.
Anyway, long story short, Joyce came over, we talked, and she said you left
hers after midnight.”

“I did?” He says, gazing down at the grass. Trying to
remember I guess?

“Do you even remember where you went?” I giggle.

“I seem to recollect some bar, I think there was a nightclub
on the lower level?”

“You were so drunk!” I giggle.

“Yeah...I’m sorry about that,” he says, looking a little
embarrassed.

“Don't be,” I laugh. “Tristan you were adorable! I’ll take
drunk Tristan over mad Tristan anytime, which reminds me – Are you hung-over?
Does your head hurt baby?” I ask, stroking his cheek, his hair. He pushes his
bottom lip out and nods his head. “You are?” I squeak, feeling sorry for him. I
mean, I know hang-over’s are self inflicted, but still, I always want
comforting when I feel like that, maybe Tristan does too. “Ahh, poor baby.” I
pull him to me, cradle his head against my chest and wrap my arms around him.
“What can I do? Do you want a drink, something to eat, some more pain killers?
– Tell me!”

“Oh Coral...” Tristan breathes, squeezing me tight.

“Tell me,” I push.

He pulls back and looks up at me. “Well as your asking. I
would like some food and some tablets and some sex,” he says in a sweet boyish
voice.

“Very cute Mr Freeman,” I giggle. “In that order?”

“No, not necessarily.” His sexy grin is back, his dimples
deep.

“Can I tell you a secret?” I whisper.

“Please do,” he says, his voice low and husky.

“I’m always really horny when I’m hung-over,” I admit.

“Me too,” Tristan says, leaning in and kissing my neck. I’m
still wearing my baggy pyjama bottoms and vest top that I got changed into last
night. Just thin scraps of material, easily removed.

“Have you ever done it outside?” I ask.

“No actually I haven’t. Is that what you want to do Coral?”
He mumbles against my skin.

I pull his head back and grip his hair. “Yes, now fiancé.”

“We can't,” he croaks, his wide eyes dark.

“Why not?” I moan. “That part of the garden is completely
concealed,” I add gesturing to it with my chin.

“I haven’t got any condoms with me,” he explains.

“We don't need them,” I chortle.

“You want to try for’ – “You remember last Thursday, I went
off for an hour...said I was getting a surprise organised for us?” I interrupt.

“Yeah...?” Tristan is hesitant, and looks worried.

“Surprise!” I squeal, holding my arms out. “This is my kind
of...well, wedding present to you, that’s not a gift, because I am going to get
you’ – “You’ve lost me?” He interrupts.

“Oh right! Well, when I decided that I wanted to go on the
pill, I called the family planning clinic in Newquay, spoke to a lovely nurse,
she said she could only give me a month’s supply and that we’d still have to
use condoms for seven days. And well, the seven days are up baby. So, are you
going to have outdoor sex with me or not?” I challenge, staring at his very kissable
lips.

“You’ve gone on the pill?” He questions.

“Yes.” I smile.

“Why?”

“Because I wanted to do that for you, for us. And I really don't
like condoms, they kind of, take the spontaneity out of sex, don't you think?”

Tristan grins wickedly at me and pulls my lips down to meet
his.

“Is that a yes,” I mumble against his lips.

“Oh baby...of course it’s a yes, wrap your legs around me,”
he softly says, so I do.

Then Tristan stands, and keeping his hands firmly planted on
my backside, we head over to the dark, secluded part of the garden...

CARLOS
IS RIGHT!
MAKING UP SEX IS VERY
GRATIFYING –
After our little bit of fun in the garden, we ate
lunch, had sex again, then took a shower together – with a very sexy break
in-between washing each other’s hair – then Tristan took me shopping. Of
course, he didn’t just by me a couple of skirts, he bought me ten skirts, all
different styles and colours, and five fitted dresses, all work clothes. Then
he took me into the lingerie department. Boy my man has kinky tastes.

And now, it’s early evening, and Tristan and I are curled up
on the large outdoor sofa. When we got back from shopping, Rob made us come
down through the garage instead of the house as he didn’t want the surprise
ruined. I have decided to stay here tonight, I want to sleep in our bed, our
bed that has Tristan’s scent all over it, I know it will help calm me – It’s
going to feel very strange not having him next to me. I’m hoping I’ll be out
for the count the moment my head hits the pillow, I feel so tired now I’ve sat
still for a while. I’m trying not to be melancholy about tonight, but I can't
help it – I don't want him to go.

Rob, Carlos and I are sipping Rum Daiquiri’s (Rob’s idea!)
apparently we’re having Chinese tonight – I doubt I’ll eat much, my stomach keeps
flipping over every time I think about what’s going on tomorrow. Rob has
informed me that Will and his wife Natalie, won't be coming to the wedding
tomorrow, which I’m a little sad about – Tristan seemed pleased though – and
neither will Harry and Sophia, apparently they have some family thing going on.

However, we did pop into the office before we came back, and
Joe will be here tomorrow with her kids. It will be nice to finally meet them.
I’m so glad they’re all together again. I look up at Tristan and sigh inwardly.
Joyce will be here soon to collect him. I hate that he is leaving me, today of
all days, after our fight last night, and our sexy making up, I just don't want
to let him go.

“Come on Coral, another!” Rob chuckles – I think he’s
already drunk – How did that happen?

“No! I’m not getting pissed Rob!” He pulls a face. I can
tell Tristan isn’t too pleased he’s said that either, besides, the last thing I
want on my wedding day is to have a hang-over.

“Suit yourself!” He teases and I watch him pour two more for
him and Carlos.

I finish mine off and curl myself around Tristan. He pulls
me closer to him and kisses the top of my head. Hmm, he smells divine, freshly
showered, aftershave and Tristan’s potent scent all mixed into one – His mobile
buzzes in his pocket, making my heart sink.

“Joyce is here,” Tristan whispers.
No, you can't go!

“Why don't you ask her if she would like to join us for a
cocktail before you go,” I say.

“Good idea.” Tristan kisses my head again and makes the
call. I think he’s just as reluctant to leave me as I am to see him leaving.
“She’s on her way down,” he adds, squeezing me tight.

I sit up and pour a cocktail for Joyce. “Yay! I knew you’d
come round!” Rob chuckles.

“It’s for Joyce!” I tell him firmly. Then I put the glass
down and walk over to Rob, grabbing him by the arm, I yank him out of hearing
range. “Rob, are you purposely trying to wind Tristan up?” I hiss.

“No!” he titters. “But he is pretty easy to rile,” he
snorts, then really starts laughing.
Oh boy!
This is going to be a long
night, I can tell, and all I want is to curl up in bed.

“Ok, look Rob, I love that you and Carlos are here, and I
promise you we will have a good time tonight, but I’m not getting drunk ok!
It’s my wedding day tomorrow, you know what I’m like when I’m hung-over.
Christ, I’ll have to make the registrar marry us in bed!” I say dryly.

Rob snorts with laughter. “You’re so right Coral, you cannot
handle hang-over’s – Joyce!” he bellows, running over to hug her.

Yep, Rob is definitely pissed! Part of me wants to join him,
but it’s so not worth it. I will definitely need a clear head tomorrow. I take
a deep breath and smile at Carlos, who rolls his eyes, then winks at me. I
shake my head in laughter and head back over to Tristan...

Ten minutes later, Tristan and I are in the cinema room
saying our goodbyes, well more like there’s a lot of lip synchronisation going
on!

“I hate this,” I murmur against his lips, crushing his body
closer to mine.

“So do I,” he says, resting his forehead against mine. I open
my eyes, stare at his perfect lips for a moment, then look up, only to find he
has his eyes open and he’s gazing down at me as though he’s the lucky one, not
the other way around –
How ludicrous!

“I miss you already,” he murmurs, staring down at my lips.

“This sucks, big time! Why did I agree to this?” I say,
gritting my teeth.

“I know you may not think it now, but try to imagine how
you’re going to feel tomorrow,” he softly placates.

“Like I want to run down the aisle at a hundred miles an
hour, leaving Bob in a cloud of dust!” I answer dryly.

Tristan chuckles at my little rant. “I think it will make it
feel more...powerful, more profound,” he says.

“You do?” I look up at his wide eyes, they are soft and
glowing with love.

“Yes, I won't have touched you in so long. Not stroked your
cheek, or held your hand, or kissed these very, very kissable lips.” His lips
swoop down, his tongue gently lapping against mine, but it quickly develops
into something else. My hands fist in his hair, as his one hand crushes me
against him, his other hand curling into the back of my hair. Tristan moans
hungrily, which sends lightning bolts of electricity right to my sex, which
makes me moan aloud with want and need. I’ll never get enough of him, ever.
Someone knocks the door pulling us out of the concentrated, intense little
bubble.
Damn it!

I want to shout ‘go away’ but that’s rude, especially if
that was Joyce. Tristan smoothes my hair back, trying to make me look
presentable, I think? He’s grinning widely as he does this, I seem to have lost
all control and just want to take him to bed where we can stay, forever.

Then I notice how messy I’ve made his hair too. “Come here
baby,” I say, smiling up at him. Tristan bends his head down so I can do the
same to him. “You better go,” I say. “Before Joyce tells us both off, besides I
need to keep an eye on Rob. I think he’s more nervous than me, and he’s already
drunk!” I add.

“Yes, he definitely is,” Tristan chuckles. He leans down to
kiss me once more, but I pull back and shake my head, biting my lip as I do.

“Not a good idea, I may not let you go,” I say a little
breathlessly.

Not taking any notice, he takes my face in his hands, kisses
me passionately for a few seconds, then gently pecks me on the lips. He pulls
back and smiles his most enigmatic smile, his eyes crinkling sweetly, his
dimples on full wattage. It’s the smile I fell for, the very first smile he
gave me when he followed me down to my desk, on the first day I met him – And I
swoon!

“See you at the altar,” he says.

“Don't be late,” I tease.

“I doubt Joyce would allow that,” he retorts, grinning
widely.
Argh! This is so hard!

“Go Tristan, get out before I get upset. I do not want puffy
eyes tomorrow ok?” I say, trying to fight the overwhelming feeling of
heartache.

“Your wish, my command,” he says.

I watch him lean down and pick up his overnight bag, and
throw it over his shoulder. This is hurting so badly, like an actual physical
ache, I swallow hard and try to focus on
not
crying.

“You’ll call me?” he says. “If you need me for anything. If
you get scared, have a bad dream...whatever it is, and I’ll come straight over.
Promise me you will?” He adds, gazing down at me. I have lost the power of
speech, so I just nod. He smiles a little crookedly at me, and opens the door.

He clasps my hand in his and we walk through the garage and
out onto the driveway. Joyce is waiting in her car, she smiles when she see us
both, I give her a little wave. Tristan lets go of my hand, leaving me feeling
bereft and walks over to the car. He winks at me as he throws his bag in the
boot, then with one last lingering look – which makes my soul feel like it’s
losing half of itself – he steps into Joyce’s car.

They both wave as she pulls away, I hold up my hand, trying
my best not to fall apart...

AS
I STAND IN OUR BEDROOM STARING OUT AT THE VIEW,
I suddenly realise
how content I feel – I thought I would be nervous, scared shitless actually – Yet,
as I stand in my wedding gown with my bouquet of sunflowers in my hand, I feel
so calm, and so ready to do this. In fact I feel like I’m in a dream, floating
in the clouds. I chuckle at myself, I can't believe this is about to happen,
that I'm going to marry the man of my dreams. But then again, the calmness may
have something to do with the fact that I have Beyonce’s Smash Into You on
repeat, the words reflecting my feelings completely.

“It’s time Aunty Coral!” Lily squeals excitedly. I turn and
see her bounding over to me. She looks so sweet in her ivory sundress, her big
blue eyes wide, her blonde curls bouncing around her face, and her tiny
sunflower neatly pinned into her hair. Gladys, Joyce, Debs and Carlos have been
up here with me all morning, and are now downstairs, waiting with our other
guests.

Time to get this show on the road!

“Ok kiddo!” I grin widely at her and switch off my player.

“You look so pretty,” she says.

“Not as pretty as you,” I say. She smiles shyly at me.

“Coral, everyone’s ready. Bob’s waiting on the first
landing,” Debs says. She looks gorgeous in her pale lemon sundress.

“Debs, you look gorgeous!”

“And you look calm – too calm!” she adds.