The One That Got Away Read Online Free Page A

jobs?”
He stops suddenly and I look at him with trepidation. Maybe I have
overstepped the mark and I am suddenly afraid. However he just
looks at me steadily and says, “I have a large organisation that
can perfectly well accommodate most people. Jobs may change but
there should be enough opportunities for everyone within it. Don’t
worry Bella; I always look after my friends.”
    I flush, annoyed with myself for putting him
on the spot like that and I am glad when we reach the store.
    He turns towards me and I notice how his eyes
light up. “It was great seeing you again Bella, thank you for the
tour.” He then leans over and kisses me on the cheek and whispers,
“Don’t worry, everything will be fine. Take care and I am sure we
will catch up again soon.” With a last toe curling sexy smile he
hurries away and as I watch him disappearing into the distance I
feel strangely alone.
     
    The rest of the day passes by uneventfully
and I am soon home in the flat that I share with my best friend
Phoebe. She is totally scatty and we have been friends since
school. Phoebe works in an Art Gallery as she is into Art in a big
way. Our flat is decorated in her bohemian style which I love even
though it reflects her personality a lot more than mine. She is
already home and looking forward to our night with George
Clooney.
    Before we go out I fill her in on what
happened today at work and she looks worried. “Do you think that
you may lose your job?” she says fearfully. I shrug and say, “I
don’t think so but I may have to change direction.” I didn’t tell
her about Ben, somehow putting my thoughts into words seems like a
betrayal to Nathan. Maybe I should just ignore my feelings about
Ben and put it all back in the past where it belongs.
    Despite everything we have a great time at
the Cinema and before long we are home again after having picked up
a takeaway on the way. We sit there devouring our meal surrounded
by the many candles that Phoebe insists on burning every
evening.
    She asks me about Nathan and I find myself
telling her my news. She squeals with excitement but then looks
worried. “Oh no, I feel really happy for you both, really I do, but
if you get married you will leave me.” She looks so upset and I
race over to hug her. “Don’t be silly Phoebs, our wedding date
isn’t even set yet and Boris will fill my space in this flat
quicker than I can pack.” Boris is Phoebe’s long suffering
boyfriend. He absolutely adores her and can’t do enough for her. He
is forever asking her to marry him but she always turns him down. I
really like him as he is great fun and a total lunatic so they are
perfect for each other. He has a great job in the city which is
surprising given his appearance. He is extremely scruffy but very
clever and is always being head hunted by various companies. He
earns an absolute fortune but you would never know it by looking at
him. Phoebe sniffs and replies, “I know, I do love Boris but it’s
not the same as sharing with you.” I look at her sympathetically
and say, “Come on lets crack open a bottle of wine and watch a dvd.
You can choose." This cheers her up, she always chooses The Sound
of Music and we sing the songs at the tops of our voices, I know
them all by heart now as well as the dances that we have
choreographed to accompany them. I always feel sorry for our
neighbours at times like this.
    Three hours and two bottles of wine later we
head off to sleep.

Chapter
3
     
    It’s Friday morning and I wake up next to
Nathan. The last few days have been uneventful, thankfully and we
have a day off together. Looking over at him sleeping next to me I
think back to last night. We stayed in as we were so tired after
work and just spent the night in bed watching TV and eating ready
meals. He stirs in his sleep and I feel a surge of love for him.
Snuggling up to him I think about the day ahead. Today we are
shopping for an engagement ring and I am so excited. The thought
that I am