CORAL (A Romance Trilogy, Book 1) Read online

  “Me too,” I offer. “But I won’t be far away, and you know I’ll be home on Sundays for one of your Roast Dinners.” I smile broadly at her, hoping her opinion is swaying.

  “You really like this place?” She questions.

  I nod frantically at her. “I feel safe here Gladys, it’s so quiet and peaceful, and you know how much I love boats and the water, it’s idyllic. Plus, I have the gym and the supermarket, so you know I’ll never go hungry and I...,” I stop for a moment a blast from the past igniting my memories. “We used to spend hours down here when I was little.” I add feeling some of those old emotions resurfacing. God…I felt so lost back then.

  “Yes we did, you even loved it back then.” She says, gazing warmly at me.

  I nod in agreement. “I need you on my side with this Gladys. I need to know your ok with it, that you’re happy.”

  “Oh darling girl, if you’re happy, then I’m happy.” Yes!

  “Thank you Gladys.” I kiss her cheek, clap my hands together in glee, and run off to find the agent...

  AS I REACH MY STUDIO, I pull my keys out of my bag, and unlock the patio door that looks out at the Marina. Walking inside, I’m instantly bowled over by the heat sapping at my skin, making my hair feel damp and sweaty. Whoa! It’s only the beginning of July and it’s already scorching!

  I smile to myself as I think about my upcoming birthday in August. I must ask Gladys if we can have a barbeque at hers. She loves entertaining, and she especially loves Rob and Carlos, she knows they are good guys and take care of me.

  I turn and dump my bag and keys on the sofa, and head up the tiny staircase to my bedroom that has an open gallery view of the lounge. I quickly strip my work clothes and put them into the laundry basket - If there’s one thing about having a small space is that it makes you be tidy, even when you don’t want to be! I open the built-in wardrobe doors, and find my clean training gear.

  I quickly dress in my full length Lycra leggings, my support bra with extra support - if there’s one thing that’s totally annoying about having large breasts, is them bouncing all over the place when your training - and pull my training vest over the top.

  Slipping my feet into my trainers, I take a quick look in the mirror. I see a toned, fit, 5ft 4ins curvy woman looking back at me. God I’m such a short arse!

  My mind wonders for a moment if I’m actually Tristan’s type? From all the photos on Google, he seemed to have tall leggy blondes hanging off him, not short arse brunettes. I shake my head at myself, find a hair tie and scrape my sticky hair up into a ponytail.

  Once I’ve opened the bedroom window to let some air into the place, I run back down the stairs and fill up my water bottle. I know I’m going to sweat buckets tonight, so I better make sure I’m hydrated, especially as that’s one of Will’s bug-bares. Then I open the downstairs bathroom window, leaving the door open so it helps the breeze flow through.

  When I’m satisfied I’m ready, I pick up my gym bag and pull it over my shoulder. Picking up my MP3 player I pop the headphones back in and make my way outside onto the sundeck.

  My next door neighbour Bob, is sitting at his little table, his head buried deep in his newspaper. He’s been living here since they built this place. He’s old, sweet and winds me up a treat sometimes, but I really get along with him.

  “Hey Bob.” I call out.

  “Evening Coral,” he answers but doesn’t look up from his paper. It always makes me smile.

  “Beautiful day,” I offer.

  “It’s hot!” He moans.

  I smile and shake my head at him. “See you later Bob.” I shout.

  “You off out again?” He whines.

  “The gym,” I say smiling at him.

  “Don’t think so,” he teases. “Not with your keys still sat on the sofa.” Shit, my keys!

  “How did you’ – “Nothing gets by me young lady.” He looks up over his newspaper and smiles, tapping his nose at me. I never do things like that? What’s wrong with me? I think I know the answer to that, but I am not going there!

  I smile back at him, but it’s forced, then I head back inside and pick up my keys, shaking my head at myself. As I come back out, I decide it’s probably best to leave the patio door open, I'm sure it will be baking by the time I get back.

  “Hey Bob.” I say.

  “Yes.” He drawls the word out slowly. I can't help chuckling.

  “You mind keeping an eye out? I want to leave the patio door open.” He looks up from his newspaper, looks me up and down then scowls at me.

  “Why d’ya spend so much time at the gym Coral? Your figure looks just fine to me.”

  “Well it’s not really the gym,” I answer. “It’s combat training.” I know this will get his attention.

  “As in military training?” he asks, putting down his newspaper.

  I figured Bob to be in his seventies when I first met him and was totally shocked when he told me he was ninety-three, and that he was twenty when he was drafted into the second world-war, he’s as fit as a fiddle for a man his age.

  “Yes and my instructor doesn’t take too kindly to lateness, so I’d better go.” I walk over and give him a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks Bob, I owe you one.” I look down and see he’s gone as red as beetroot.

  “Go on, you’ll be late,” he says, ushering me away.

  As I turn and wave goodbye, I make a mental note to invite him to Lily’s birthday party, he doesn’t get out much, and I want him to have some fun.

  AS I HEAD WEST ALONG THE CONCOURSE, I take out my MP3 Player and hit shuffle. Puddle of Mud starts playing Blurry, the words hitting me sharply, reminding me of Justin and how I fucked it all up by not being open and honest and well, ’emotionally available’ George calls it.

  I grit my teeth at myself and try to be positive about it all, to do what George tells me to do and look at it as a learning curve. I sigh inwardly, sometimes I think I’m getting better, then I think of the fact that I haven’t had a date in five years - well apart from that one – I stop walking and steel myself. Don't think of it, block it out! It takes a while, but when I’m satisfied the horror of that night hasn’t entered my mind, I continue walking.

  Truth is, the split with Justin hit me hard and made me withdraw even deeper into myself. Because for me, Justin was the closest I’ve ever got to someone - well as close as I can get to someone. I opened my heart, eventually, and he got a knife, stuck it in and ripped it open by doing the one thing he told me he would never do - cheat on me - which triggered all my trust issues all over again.

  But when I really think about it, when I go into the deepest darkest part of my soul, and I ask the same question over and over again - Do you really want to be alone? - The truth is I don’t, I hate it, but I just can't get past my demons, my fears, my insecurities. I know I’m standing in my own way, but it’s like I'm hitting my head against a brick wall. I want to feel deeply connected to someone, I see it all around me, people happy and in-love, but the fear of being hurt, lied to or abandoned take over the fear of being alone.

  George calls it a vicious circle, one that only I can break, but I don’t know if I’m even ready to, or even willing to do that - So this life I have, will have to do - for now anyway!

  Feeling melancholy from running it all through my head again, I take a deep breath and decide to run it out. Picking up my pace I reach the steps up from the concourse and jump them two at a time, then I pace even harder as I head past McDonalds, its greasy smell wafting through my nostrils, I don’t know how anyone stands to work in there all day, it would drive me nuts.

  Healthy eating has been part of my regime for as long as I can remember. I’m good 70% of the time, and semi-naughty for the rest. I learned long ago from Joyce that food can affect moods, and I try everything I possibly can to keep my moods balanced and in check. I turn the corner and eye the prominent David Lloyd Leisure club. I slow my pace down and walk across the car park to the entrance, pulling open one of the glass front do
ors, I walk straight in and head for the gym department.

  I locate Will chatting to one of his colleagues. He glares at me when he sees me, finishing with his colleague he walks over to me. His 5ft 10ins, slim, extremely toned stature stands in front of me, his dark brown eyes and shaved head make him seem extremely intimidating.

  He crosses his arms and stares down at me. “You’re late.” He states.

  “Yes.” I smile trying to placate his mood. “My boss kept’– “No excuses Coral.” He holds out a hand to shut me up.

  “Sorry.” I offer.

  He shrugs nonchalantly at me. “It’s your time.” He snipes.

  “Well let’s get to it then.” I march away from him and turn to see a slight smirk appear across his face.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  THIRTY MINUTES IN AND I’M ALREADY FLAKED OUT. Even though this place has air conditioning, it still seems so hot. Will and I are busy practicing combat moves, when I swear to god out of the corner of my eye, I see Tristan go speeding past the ceiling height windows – wearing only a pair of swimming trunks. His hair is soaking wet, his muscles rippling as he walks...Oh!

  “Ouch!” I cry out as Will slams me down onto the mattress.

  “Where’s your head at?” He shouts. Jesus Christ Will, calm down!

  He pulls me up by my hand, my feet leaving the floor for a moment.

  “Sorry.” I mumble back.

  “Coral, how many times do I have to tell you? An attacker aint gonna wait for you to be ready, you need to have your head in the game at all times.” I pull my hand around to my ribs where I hit the floor, I feel winded. “Ok, that’s enough.” He barks.

  “What?” I screech.

  “I dunno where your heads at, but it’s not here. Go home Coral, I’ll see you Thursday.”

  “No!” I shout stamping my foot on the floor. “I need this Will, especially today. Please just...can we just do some bag work, or sparring...please?” I plead.

  He stands staring at me, his hands on his hips. “Alright,” he says shaking his head as he walks away.

  I follow Will to one of the sparring mats, he starts putting on his hook and jab pads. I dash to my gym bag and pull out my boxing gloves, getting them on as quickly as possible.

  We stand face to face. Will has his arms down by his sides, the moment he raises one of them, that’s the one I’m supposed to hit. He lifts his right hand with lightning quick speed, I launch into an overhead, right hand hook.

  Pushing all my body weight against it, I slam my fist into the pad.

  “Good,” he shouts. “Again!”...

  AN HOUR LATER AND WE ARE FINISHED. I feel exhausted. Although, I know a quick cold shower will invigorate me so I can get out and down a couple of yummy cocktails with Rob, then hit the sack. I say goodbye to Will, and he seems in a better mood than earlier. I think he realised in the end that I needed to get rid of some pent up frustration.

  As I drag my tired ass back home, my belly starts frantically rumbling, reminding me that I haven’t eaten since breakfast. I must remember to have a snack at Lag Iguanas! One the many reasons I work out so hard, besides from wanting to protect myself, is that I love food - except when Moguls are buggering up my lunch pattern and making me forget to eat...

  HALF AN HOUR LATER I HAVE SHOWERED and I’m sitting on my bed with my towel wrapped around me staring into space...What is wrong with me? I should be getting ready, but I feel immobilised by the pair of dreamy chocolate eyes and full lips that keep pouting at me, pulling me in – God damn it!

  I am pulled out of my revere by a knock on the patio door. I hear it slide open, I panic for a second, then I hear Rob’s voice call up to me. “Are you decent darling?” He shouts.

  “Yes!” I shout down to him, chuckling as I do. Feeling relieved, I throw my towel on the floor and pull my summer robe around me. His footsteps come barrelling up the stairs and when I see him, I notice he’s looking very summery tonight.

  He’s wearing a light blue cheese-cloth shirt, baggy dark blue jeans and a pair of dark blue flip-flops. He’s mixed race, but more like his mother, very light skin, yet he has his father’s height. At 6ft 3ins he seems to tower over everyone, especially my short arse, and to make him look even taller he’s skinny to boot - well not so much skinny now he’s done all that training with Will - but he still looks really slender to me.

  In-fact, now I look closer I’d say he’s lost some weight?

  “I have no idea how you live in such a tiny place.” He states collapsing onto my bed.

  “Knackered?” I ask, knowing he’s just spent a week in London with the most awful woman he has ever met. Rob’s an Interior Designer; he’s got himself a fantastic reputation and charges a fortune to anyone wishing for his simplistic, yet beautiful designs.

  “God she was a fucking nightmare,” he scowls. “Changed her mind every five fucking minutes, it was hell on skates; I could really do with this tonight. I need to let off some steam.” He turns on his side and eyes me sitting on the bed next to him, my hair still dripping wet.

  “You’re very sweary tonight.” I smile.

  “Yeah well...” He frowns deeply then starts picking at the throw he bought me. “This is for winter you know,” he tells me.

  “Yes I know. I’ve been taking it off every-night.”

  “Well why don’t you just put it away?” He bites. I look around the room as though I’m trying to find something that is lost; he rolls his eyes at me.

  “You know, I think I would only I can't seem to find a spare cupboard to put it into.” I say sarcastically.

  “Come on!” He snaps again, jumping up off the bed. “I need a drink, hurry up and get ready woman.”

  “Hey,” I stop him from walking away from me. “There’s wine in the fridge, and some tequila left from last Saturday, if you feel you need an instant hit. Although I’d prefer if you told me what’s really wrong?” I stare up at his face, he smiles weakly at me, but I can see the pain behind his black eyes.

  “Carlos and I...” He stops talking and shakes his head.

  I gasp and bring my hand to my mouth. “You haven’t?” I whisper hoping beyond all hope they haven’t split. I have never known them fall out or go through hard times. They really are perfect for one another.

  “No, but let’s just say it’s not going so well.” He sits on the edge of the bed and sighs deeply.

  “Oh Rob!” I sit next to him, put my arm around his shoulder and squeeze as tightly as I can, feeling my heart constrict for him. Then I take his hand in mine and squeeze that too. “Have you tried couples counselling like I said about?”

  He smiles awkwardly at me. “No, but I think Carlos is finally willing to try it. He says he doesn’t want to lose me, but he just keeps snapping at me and being really argumentative, it’s not like him.”

  I smile feeling relieved. They’ll work it out, I know they will.

  “Hey, chin up mister. You’ll get through this.” I offer.

  Rob snorts with laughter. “Says she who doesn’t date or have a significant other?” I cock one eyebrow up at him. That was a low blow and it hurt. Of course Rob doesn’t know my real reasons for my behaviour towards men, he just thinks I had my heart ripped out by some cheating scumbag, and well I did, but...

  “Hey, I’m sorry that was un-called for. I’m just feeling all stressed out.” He says flying his hands around.

  “Get us both a shot Rob. I’ll be down in five.” I say, still feeling wounded.

  I watch Rob walk away. The moment he does I throw my robe to the floor, pull on a pair of boy shorts, then my white linen trousers, followed by my strapless bra and my mint-green camisole. I rummage around my cupboard, find my matching green wedges and slip my feet into them.

  Then I roll my deodorant under my arms, and spray myself with my favourite perfume - Absolutely Irresistible. As I wonder downstairs with my wet towels, I notice Rob isn’t in the lounge, he’s outside talking to Bob. I spot the two shot glasses sitting on the side then
quickly shoot into the bathroom and hang up my wet towels.

  Then I turn and see myself in the mirror. I stare at myself for a moment, coral blue eyes encased in thick dark brown lashes and eyebrows. High cheekbones, full lips, decent nose. I look at my wet hair and decide to let it air-dry, it’s too hot to use a hairdryer.

  I grab my coconut oil off the side, squirt some into my hands and scrunch it into my hair, as I pull my head back up, dark silky waves fall across my shoulders and breasts. Yep, that will do.

  Next, makeup! As I lean forward, I see I have a few stray eyebrow hairs - I pick my tweezers up and I’m about to pluck away when Rob comes into the bathroom.

  “Stop!” he squeals.

  I pull my hand away and stare back at him. “What?”

  “Darling you know what your skins like, you pluck now and you’ll have bright pink brows for the rest of the night!” I chuckle remembering the last time I met him at Iguanas and had plucked before leaving, he almost had a heart attack when I approached him. He thought I’d been attacked by some beauty salon newbie.

  “What, so I should just leave them?” I question.

  “Here, let me see.” Moving closer he takes my face in his hands and starts inspecting the stray hairs, pulling funny faces as he does, making me laugh out loud. When he’s done he stops and looks down at me. “Leave them!” He shouts, throwing his hands in the air. “Onwards darling, onwards - Hurry with the makeup!” he teases, and leaves the bathroom doing a little dance.

  I really giggle at him, then turn to the mirror and frantically begin applying a little blusher, some mascara and some nude lip-gloss. When I’m done, I walk back into the lounge, and stand next to Rob who has my shot glass in his hand. He toys with me for a moment, moving it each time I reach out.

  “Rob!” I scold.

  “Here.” He chuckles handing one to me.

  “Cheers.” I say tapping his shot glass.

  “Cheers. To wild cocktail nights and sexy men!” He chuckles, exaggerating each word, as though he’s about to get the most passionate night of his life.