Forever Yours Page 2

  Still staring out at the sea he murmured, “It’s funny how only in darkness I find peace.”

  Stella glanced out at the sea, trying to make sense of what he had just said, but nothing came to her. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand?”

  He turned to her, “You wouldn’t”. He didn’t say it in a mean or disrespectful way. It sounded more like he was speaking from a sadness deep within him, whispering the truth.

  “Is there something wrong?” She wanted to know why his mood had just dramatically changed.

  “Yes and no. Do you ever think about how your life could be different? How if you hadn’t followed your dreams and made the choices you made you might have been happier?”

  “Yes and no.” She gave a half a smile then looked in his direction out at sea. “I guess we have to just believe everything happens for a reason, accept it and move on. If you’re not happy, then do something about it. Everyone has the power to change their lives for the better and make it the way they want.” She wished her words spoke truth. She barely believed it herself. She had no idea why she had even responded like that, she’d hoped he wouldn’t be able to see through her statement as a lie. She didn’t know what else to say to him, and cheering him up seemed like the right thing to do.

  He smiled, taking in her observation. “I’m sorry, I never asked your name?”

  “It’s Stella. And yours?”

  “You don’t know my name?” He gave her a confused look.

  “No, why would I?” Bewilderment laced her face. What kind of question was that? she thought. “The booking was made under Mr Bentley, no first name was given… I don’t understand.”

  “No sorry, you’re right.” Shaking his head, disregarding his previous question. “My name’s Tristan.” He held out his hand to shake hers, she returned the gesture holding his hand. “Nice to meet you Stella,” he murmured as their hands held sending a tingling feeling racing up her hand. As they looked at each other, time seemed to stop still. He was very handsome, she had expected his touch to be hard, complementing his muscular frame, but it was soft and gentle, sending goose bumps down Stella’s spine.

  “I should go,” she said, their hands still holding in place, neither one of them moving. “If you don’t need me anymore that is?” She looked at Tristan who nodded. She wondered what he was thinking. His eyes spoke of the unknown, she found herself desperately searching them trying to discover the secrets he held.

  Tristan pulled his hand away, bringing Stella back to reality. “Yes sorry, it’s late,” he mumbled.

  They walked back through the suite to the lift. As they waited for the lift he turned towards her and leaned forward, gently kissing her cheek. “It was nice to meet you Stella.” She was stunned, as inappropriate as the kiss was, she felt her knees go weak. His hand touched her hip, keeping her steady. She quickly shook her head, suddenly very aware of what was happening. She walked into the lift, pressing the number for the lobby. She watched the doors close, their eyes locked on each other. She needed to get away from him and quickly. Never before has she been so confused and yet so drawn to someone before. The doors slowly closed, their gaze never parting until the doors hid him from her view. She let out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

  ***

  “And what was that all about Tristan?” Ben asked as Tristan walked back into lounge room.

  Tristan knew Ben must have been close; he liked to keep an eye on him when strangers were present. Over the years Ben had become more of a friend to him than anything, he enjoyed his company.

  “I’ve got no idea.” Tristan was just as confused as Ben. Who was that beautiful girl he had just met. Did she really not know who he was?

  “Did she recognise you?” Ben asked, curious about the women who had bewildered him.

  “No, I don’t think so…” Tristan felt dazed.

  “Well she definitely did a number on you Tristan,” Ben chuckled. “I’ve never seen you like this before. It’s quite amusing.”

  “I’m glad you find it amusing.” Tristan rolled his eyes at him. “I’m going to bed.”

  He strolled off to his bedroom, letting himself fall onto the bed. It had been a long, long night for Tristan. He closed his eyes drifting off to sleep with thoughts of the woman he had just met. Who was she? Why had she intrigued him so much? She seemed unfazed by him giving him an idea that she had no idea who he was. Years ago this would have upset him, but now he felt trapped and enjoyed those who didn’t know who he was. He couldn’t go anywhere without being followed, couldn’t trust anyone without the gut feeling that they only wanted him for his money.

  She was also strangely confusing, he couldn’t tell if she had been interested in him or disgusted by him. One thing was sure though, she was beautiful. She had long dark blonde hair that had natural light highlights through it; he guessed by the sun as she had a stunning olive complexion. But it was when they touched that he felt a connection, a feeling deep inside him that he couldn’t describe. All he knew was he had never felt like that before and he needed to know more about her.

  He had to see her again.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Stella was relieved when she was finally able to lie down on her couch and put her feet up. It had been a long day at work and she had to endure one too many rude and impatient clients.

  Rarely did she feel influenced by a man, yet no matter what she did, she couldn’t get Tristan off her mind. She replayed their conversation from the previous night and the way he had kissed her cheek. She had never experienced the sensations she felt when Tristan touched her. It made her angry. She had made a vow never to let a man control her emotions, yet Tristan had, and that made her feel powerless and vulnerable. A feeling she did not enjoy at all.

  Tristan was confident and bold, yet he had exhibited unhappiness and uncertainty when he spoke last night. She speculated the thoughts that occupied his mind and made him speak so cryptic towards her.

  Had he felt their connection? Doubtful, she told herself, trying to shrug off the idea. She did not believe that someone like Tristan, so beautiful and handsome would have even given her a second thought. She wasn’t silly when it came to men, she knew exactly who was in “her league” and who wasn’t. Tristan definitely wasn’t. Supermodel league maybe, but not boring old Stella league.

  “You don’t plan on sitting on that couch for the rest of the night do you Stel?” her sister questioned. Stella opened her eyes, her sister’s question interrupting her train of thought. Claire sat across from her, gracefully sitting on the coffee table. She was dressed in a white sleeved flowing shirt that tucked loosely into her tight knee length pencil skirt that hung from her waist, showing off her striking curves. Claire had always had an eye for fashion and the ability to take advantage of her stunning figure without coming off slutty. Stella envied her sister, she found fashion annoying and keeping up with it a chore as it was constantly changing, yet Claire always managed to fit right in with the trends.

  Stella had more of a surfer chick look. Ever since she moved to her seaside residence she had taken up a love for the beach. She enjoyed swimming and lying on the beach, enjoying the sunshine, taking every advantage of it on her days off. She usually wore casual beach dresses or denim pants and tank tops when she could. The only time she ever made an exception was days like today. When she worked she had to wear the navy coloured blouse her employer provided for her and black knee length skirts and closed in heels, when she had to greet guests she was also required to wear the hotel’s uniform. The odd night that she went out with her sister she would dress herself up usually only to keep her sister happy. All other times though she dressed as casually as she could. She never had to impress anyone so didn’t feel it necessary to dress to the nines every minute of every day.

  “No I’m just tired, long day at work. Plus it’s a weekday, I’m not going out anywhere tonight.” There was nothing worse than going to work the next day with a hangover and sleep deprivation.
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  “Suit yourself then,” Claire said as she got up and walked over to the kitchen bench, picking up her small clutch as she strode off towards the door.

  Claire stopped and turned when she heard Stella. “Where are you off to?” Stella sounded alarmed.

  Turning to face her sister Claire smiled with delight. “I’m seeing Dave again. We’re going to go catch a movie, and maybe go out for a drink after then hopefully he’ll take me back to his place”

  “Claire! Don’t you think you should take things slow?” Stella was shocked at her sister’s admission.

  She laughed, “Oh Stella, if you saw him you’d be ripping his clothes off as fast as you could too.”

  Stella rolled her eyes. There was no reasoning with her, she could try and protect her as much as she wanted, but when Claire got something in her mind there was no stopping her.

  “Just be careful,” she cautioned.

  “Of course I will.” Claire walked back to Stella, leaning down and gently kissed the top of her head. “You worry too much sis. I’ll see you tomorrow.” And with that, she was gone.

  Stella turned her attention to the TV, switching it on and flicking through the channels, her mind drifting to thoughts of Tristan. She gave a small growl. Get out of my head! she thought.

  Fed up with herself not being able to control her thoughts she got up and moved to her bedroom to change into something more comfortable and go down to the hotel pool. She always found being near water cleared her mind.

  The water was warm against her legs as she sat on the ledge, moving them back and forth in the water. She watched as the water rippled around her legs with each movement.

  “I didn’t think anyone was allowed in here after seven o’clock.” She turned her head, startled and surprised by the voice. Tristan stood a couple of metres away from her, he was barefoot and wearing a black shirt with light grey board shorts, his eyes fixed on her. It was too dark to read his facial expressions as the pool area had all but a couple of lights on, to deter people from going swimming after hours, she guessed.

  “I needed to think,” she said trying to hide her surprise. She pulled herself from his gaze and stared back down at the water. She had come to the pool hoping to clear her mind and rid herself of thoughts of Tristan, and now he was here. She knew you couldn’t visit the pool area after seven in the evening so she had thought she would be alone and undisturbed.

  She felt him move behind her, slipping himself next to her and placing his legs into the pool next to her. She could smell his aftershave.

  She let herself slowly take a look at him. His hair was its usual scruffy, sexy self and she noticed he had shaved off his beard. He looked just as mesmerising with or without his beard though.

  “Thinking about what?” he asked her.

  Her head quickly turning back towards the water, she didn’t want him to catch her staring. You, she secretly thought. “Life,” she murmured.

  “Anything in particular?”

  She was silent, taking in a deep breath and shook her head.

  “You don’t give much away do you?” he asked, this time Stella raised her head to meet his gaze. His eyes felt like they were looking into her soul. Her blood started to pulse.

  “I try not to.” Her eyes still locked on him.

  “Well if you’re not going to tell me what’s bugging you, then can you at least tell me a bit about yourself?”

  “There’s not much to tell.”

  “Enlighten me,” he smiled.

  She returned his smile then looked at her legs moving in the water. “I grew up on a farm with my parents and sister. After school I took a year off then went to university to study accounting. I moved to the city with my sister after I graduated to find a job in my career, four months later and I’m still working as an admin assistant and no job offers.”

  “Accounting hey? Do you enjoy it?”

  She shrugged. “I guess so. Never really gave much thought. I wanted to do a degree that I knew had security and comfort. It was a career that had little surprises, if any at all.”

  “You don’t like surprises?” he questioned.

  “I used to, but not anymore. My life has no room for surprises,” she said in a matter-of-fact way.

  “Sounds boring,” he smirked.

  She looked at him, shocked. What did he know, he didn’t know her. Who was he to judge her life? “Well it’s not, and it’s none of your business anyway!” She gave him a foul look.

  “Ok enough serious talk,” he said, getting up onto his feet. “Let’s go for a swim.”

  “Excuse me? I don’t think so.” She looked at him in disbelief. She was not about to go swimming with a guy she only just met last night, and who was already getting on her nerves.

  “Why not? No one’s around and the water is warm.”

  “So?”

  “So… You need a bit of adventure in your life.”

  “Thanks, but no thanks.” She stood up before him, arms crossed over her chest.

  He placed his hands on her arms, she felt her body quiver at his touch. Her legs started to give way, he held her tight, steading her.

  “But I don’t have any swimmers,” she said quietly.

  “And..?” he smiled, letting her go he took a step back and pulled his shirt over his head.

  “I’m not going swimming naked!” she exclaimed. She knew nothing about this man but his name, she was not about to get naked in front of him.

  “I didn’t say naked,” he assured her. “Well unless you want to of course?” He raised his eyebrow at her, grinning. She frowned at his comment, not thinking it was funny at all.

  “Didn’t think so. Just go in your underwear then,” he said.

  Her head shook in disbelief, “I can’t do that.” She knew she shouldn’t be here with him, especially like this.

  “Oh please Stella, they are pretty much the same thing as swimmers.”

  She stood there for a while contemplating his offer. It had been a long time since she had done something spontaneous. She felt alive with him, daring even. The way he looked at her and touched her made her question everything. She didn’t like being intimate with men, she avoided it like the plague. Not because she didn’t like men, she did. She just didn’t trust them or herself for that matter. She had made the mistake of losing herself to a boyfriend years ago and it only ended in heartbreak, she wasn’t going to let that happen again. But staring at Tristan’s naked torso was making her heart race. Surely a quick swim wouldn’t do any harm? she thought.

  “Ok,” she reluctantly sighed. “But turn around. I don’t want you looking.” He smiled with instant satisfaction that he had won her over.

  When his back was turned, she pulled her singlet top over her head and slid her shorts down. She was thankful at that moment that she was wearing her favourite black lacy bra and panties. That was one of the luxuries she did enjoy, buying beautiful underwear. Although she never intended anyone to see her in them, it gave her a sense of confidence in a way that she couldn’t explain.

  Before Tristan could turn around to see if she had finished she dived into the pool. The water was warm just like Tristan had told her it would be.

  As Stella reached the surface she heard a splash behind her, turning to see where Tristan had gone she felt hands grab at her waist as he emerged from the water taking a deep breath. She quickly treaded water backwards to pull herself from his grip.

  The pool lights sent little light through the pool, but she was able to see part of his upper body through the water, it was just as jaw dropping as she remembered. She knew he too would be able to see her chest in the water, but he did not draw his attention to it, which gave her a sense of relief.

  A look of gratification spread across his face. “See. Refreshing isn’t it?”

  “Yes.” She didn’t know what else to say, her heart was pounding from her chest, she could feel the close proximity between her and Tristan and the effect it had on her.

  They
both moved their arms back and forth in the water trying to keep them afloat.

  She was curious as to why he had come down to the pool area too. “Why were you down here tonight?”

  “Doing the same as you. Thinking about life, questioning the choices I’ve made, wondering if it was the right decision or not.”

  “And was it?”

  “I’m still not sure.”

  There was silence between them, both not knowing what to say to each other. Tristan moved himself through the water so he was but a metre a part from her. She noticed her breathing had changed, Tristan’s had also quickened. She could feel his eyes moving over her, seeing the outline of her body through the water. Her hair floating in the water resting on her shoulders, droplets of water falling down her face.

  They both suddenly jerked in the water when they heard a voice nearby. They looked over across the far side of the pool. They could see a torch light shining just beyond the BBQ area, a figure of a man behind it.

  “Shit, its security, hide!” she exclaimed, grabbing Tristan’s wrist, pulling him through the water. Once he started to swim by himself she let go and they quickly hid behind the large pillar. She pushed her back towards the edge, as Tristan came in front of her, protecting himself from being spotted. They were just able to stand, as that part of the pool was shallower than the rest. Their bodies were pressed together, her breasts touching his chest. One of his arms wrapped around her while he held his finger on her lips, motioning her to be quiet. She could feel the fabric of his board shorts pressing against her thighs.

  Shit! she thought. What about our clothes?

  He pulled his finger away from her mouth as he leaned closer so his head was over her shoulder. She could feel his breath on her skin. They were quiet, not daring to make a sound. She could see the torch shinning over the pool towards them, and just when she thought they would be found out, it pulled away. Her heart was pounding out of her chest, the close proximity was making her want to touch him, to kiss him. They focused themselves on the footsteps becoming softer as the man moved away. Tristan moved his head around the pillar, still holding a firm grip on Stella.