Is this love? Chapter 23

Robert got in the cab, on his way to Cora’s house. He hoped she would be home, he should have asked Adeline. She could have checked where she was. What if he missed her?

Nervously he walked up to her front door and rang the bell. There was no answer. He could slap himself. He should have checked if she was home. He put down the bouquet of yellow roses on her doormat.

He once more rang the bell, but no she was definitely not at home. He slowly walked away back to the street. He contemplated texting her, but he decided to write a small note. He walked back to her door and put the note down. When he turned around he got spooked by a man who was standing in front of him.

Robert made an apology and walked past the man, but he was stopped.

“You don’t recognise me?”

Robert looked again and indeed recognised Andrew. “Oh, I am sorry. Of course, you are from ‘Silver Linings.’ Andrew.”

“Correct, is Cora not at home?” He asked.

“It seems to be the case, she doesn’t open the door.”

“That’s weird. She asked me to come over and bring her some things. She isn’t feeling well.” Andrew stepped towards the door and rang the bell one more time. Still no answer, he bent down and took a brick out of the wall.

To Robert’s surprise there was a hollow space behind it. In that space there was a house key. Andrew opened the door.

“We should check on her, can you go look in her bedroom? Maybe she is asleep.”

Robert hesitated, but Andrew insisted. “I can’t walk into her bedroom, that is not appropriate.”

Robert walked upstairs, careful he opened her bedroom door. There she was covered under her blankets, fast asleep. On her nightstand was a tissue box, an empty mug and a box of paracetamol. Spread over the floor where used tissues.

He closed her bedroom door and went downstairs. Andrew had taken the roses and put them in water.

“She is asleep and we should let her sleep, she is indeed clearly not feeling well.” Robert said. “I should go.”

“Is there a chance you can stay? I am very busy, but I think Cora would appreciate it when there is a meal for her to eat when she wakes up.” Andrew asked.

Robert shook his head. “I haven’t talked to Cora for two weeks. I was here because……” he stopped, he wasn’t sure why he was here. “I shouldn’t be here.”

“That’s right.” Both Andrew and Robert shook up. Cora was standing in the doorway, in her bathrobe. Sneezing and dabbing her nose with a tissue. “Why are you here?” She sounded very congested.

“I…… I…..”Robert stuttered and looked at Andrew.

“I am off. I put your food in the fridge, hopefully you will feel better tomorrow. Let me know if you need anything else.” Andrew touched Cora’s arm and walked out.

Cora walked to the counter and put water in the kettle. She sat down on one of the barstools. She sniffed, took the note Robert wrote, in her hands and looked at the flowers. “These are yours?” She pressed a tissue to her nose when she sneezed.

Robert looked at his shoes. “They are.” He said. “I heard you are leaving for America.”

Cora coughed and had trouble catching her breath again. “If I feel better I will go tomorrow. But I am afraid I need to cancel.”

Robert filled a mug with hot water, put in some fresh ginger and handed it to Cora. He brushed her back when she had another coughing fit. “You need to go back to bed.”

Cora shook her head. “I need to know why you are here.”

Robert sat down on the barstool next to Cora. “I am here because we need to talk. But I don’t think this is the right moment.” He looked into Cora’s eyes, they were watery.

Cora drank her tea and let out a sigh. “I don’t understand, there is nothing to talk about.”

Robert took Cora’s hand, it felt clammy. “We have a lot to talk about. You misunderstood the situation in my house. I don’t have a girlfriend, there is only one woman I am interested in and that is you.”

Although Cora was feeling terrible, her eyes lit up a little. “Don’t say it if you don’t mean it.”

Robert cupped Cora’s cheek with his hand. “But I do mean it. I am head over heels in love with you.” He leaned in and kissed her on the lips.

Cora turned her face away. “Don’t you will get sick too.” She said, trying not to sneeze, but failing.

Robert got of his barstool and pulled Cora close. She moulded her body against his. He felt her body heat coming through her bathrobe. He rubbed her back, when she started coughing again. “You need to go back to bed.”

He felt Cora nod. “One more minute, can we stay like this for one more minute.” Her arms tightly around his body and her hands resting on his shoulder blades

Robert pushed Cora back a little and looked her in the eyes. “We will have many more of these moments if it is up to me.” He kissed her forehead. “Come, I will help you back in bed.”

Cora didn’t protest anymore, she let Robert tug her in and took the paracetamol he gave her. Suddenly she shook up. “I need to cancel my flight for tomorrow, otherwise I won’t get the money back.”

Robert pushed her back into the pillows. “Don’t worry about that. I can do that. Now sleep.” He bent down and kissed her forehead.

Cora took his hand and looked up. “Thank you for coming back. I treated you horribly.”

“Sssst, don’t worry about that.” Robert brushed through Cora’s hair. “We are here now and that is what counts. You should focus on getting better, so we can reschedule the trip to America.”

Cora felt the effects of the hot tea and paracetamol, she could hardly open her eyes. “What do you mean, we?”

“I can’t wait to meet your mother and of course your brother Harold.” He saw Cora never heard his answer, she had fallen in a deep sleep.

 

Is this love? Chapter 22

Cora sat down at her desk with a sigh. This morning had gone differently than she had expected. She had hoped he would have taken that shower with her. She wanted to see more of him, she imagined how he looked like, by what she felt under his dress shirt. He wasn’t very muscled, but just enough. She figured he had a lot of chest hair, but not all over. Had he been afraid she was seducing him without really wanting him?

 

When she found the bra and woman perfume in his closet, she realized why he wasn’t with her in the shower. She was clearly forcing him, because there was another woman in his life. She could have known that a man like Robert, wasn’t single. But why was he kissing her the way he did and looking at her with that hunger in his eyes.

 

She let out another deep sigh, Robert was confusing her. She really thought something was brewing, but now she wasn’t sure anymore. Her train of thoughts was interrupted by Andrew who entered her office.

 

“Can I ask you to work on the Grantham designs once more?” He asked.

 

Cora felt her cheeks colour. “They need new designs for their second Michelin star. I am already working on them.” She turned her screen towards Andrew to show what she had done. She made slight changes in the design, not drastically, but just enough so people would notice.

 

“You are like a magician. This is once again beautiful. I am still so grateful you came to London to work in our office.” He touched her shoulder and left her office.

 

Cora was trying to hold back her tears. What was the reason to stay here in London? Was it only her job? That wasn’t enough, she thought. She missed her mother and brother. Although the relationship with her mother had always been a bit distant, Martha was still her mother. And she missed having her mother around. Especially now.

 

Her phone made a noise, it was a text from Adeline. ‘How are the love birds doing?’

 

Cora didn’t know how to respond. ‘Can we call tonight?’ Was her only response. The same instance her phone started ringing. She got up and closed her office door before answering.

 

“What is wrong?” Adeline started.

 

“Did Robert do something? Or Anthony. Oh please don’t tell me Anthony is back?”

“It’s complicated.” Cora said very softly.

“Cora, I am coming home tomorrow so we can talk.”

“No, don’t. It doesn’t matter. I am thinking about moving back to America. There isn’t much left here for me.”

Adeline gasped. “You are joking? You can’t give up your job, you love your job.”

“I can try to get the same job back in America. I worked for the office of ‘Silver Linings’ in New York before.”

“You know, I will miss you terribly. And I think Robert will too.”

“He won’t. He will go on with his life. Adeline, I have to go. I need to make some phone calls and finish the work for ‘Le Grantham’.

Cora put her phone away, the idea of moving back to America suddenly felt very good. Closing of the chapter here. Her life in London had failed, although she loved this city, there was nothing to stay for.

+++

Two weeks later, Adeline called ‘Le Grantham’. Cora was not toying with the idea of moving back to America anymore, she was really planning it. Adeline knew she and Robert hadn’t talked after that morning. Cora had sent in the renewed designs and only had contact with John.

“Le Grantham” a sweet voice said through the phone. “This is Anna speaking, how can I help you?”

“Good afternoon, I am Adeline and I was wondering if Mr. Crawley is available.”

There was a short silence on the other side. “Who can I tell is calling?”

“Adeline, a friend of Cora’s.” She heard a gasp on the other side of the line.

“Just wait a minute please.”

Adeline heard a waiting tone and hoped Robert would answer. He needed to know what Cora was doing. There must have been a big misunderstanding. Robert would never cheat on somebody with Cora, she just knew that.

“Robert.” He was very short and sounded irritated.

“Hello Robert, I am sorry to bother you. I am Adeline and I am a friend of Cora.”

“Yes, I know who you are. What do you want?”

Adeline was taken back with Robert’s tone. “I wanted to let you know, Cora is going to America in two days.”

“She has all the right to visit her mother, I don’t know why you are telling me.” Robert was really short.

Adeline took a deep breath. “She isn’t just visiting. She will apply for her old job, back in America.”

“She is leaving London?” Robert’s tone changed.

“She is, she thinks she has nothing left here.”

“Well, she clearly doesn’t want me, because she left and never answered any of my calls or texts. And she will be free of Anthony there.”

“Robert, she wants you. No better yet, she needs you, but she thinks you are already in a relationship and that you were cheating on your girlfriend with her.”

“What?” Robert exclaimed. “Why does she think that?”

“You remember that evening she slept at your place?”

“To be very clear, she only slept, nothing more. But yes I remember.”

“There was a woman’s perfume and a bra in your bedroom” Adeline heard something that sounded like Robert slept on his forehead.

“Why didn’t she tell me? Those are from my ex, we broke up a couple of months ago and there are still some things from her left in my house.”

“I knew there would be a logical explanation.” Adeline sighed.

“When is she leaving?” Robert asked.

“In two days, she will get on that plane.”

“Thank you for calling me.” Robert said and put his phone down. Contemplating his next step.

 

Is this love? Chapter 21

Robert was sitting at his breakfast table. Cora was still asleep upstairs. Last night, she fell asleep on his chest. He carefully picked her up and carried her to his bed. When she was tugged in, he wanted to walk away. But Cora grabbed his hand.

‘Please stay!’ She had said. Robert had changed and crawled next to her. Wrapped his arm around Cora who had pressed her face into his chest. She was hammered by all the champagne she drank. Downstairs, before she fell asleep she had tried to seduce him by kissing his neck and stroking his neck with her fingers. But he had only kissed her temple and ignored the feeling that was rumbling inside him.

He knew she was drunk and this wasn’t the time to explore more of her. He would be the wise man in this situation and hold her off. Although it cost him some will power.

Robert heard footsteps on the stairs. Then Cora walked into the kitchen, she was wearing one of his jumpers. She looked adorable with her curls all wild. She had tried to tame them with an elastic.

“Good morning, did you sleep well?” Robert asked, getting up. “Do you want something to eat?”

Cora narrowed her eyes. “Why is it so bright in here?”

Robert had opened the curtains, he had a very light kitchen. It was a warm summer morning and he loved hearing the birds mixed with the sounds of the city. In the background he had his classical playlist playing with Kinderszenen Op.15 No7 Träumerei from Robert Schumann.

He got up and closed the curtains to block out the sunlight.

Cora sat down on one of the high kitchen chairs with a deep sigh, her head in her hands.

“You can use a good breakfast.” Robert said, brushing her back with his hand. Cora only moaned.

Robert started baking eggs, he made toast and fried some bacon. He put it all on a plate and placed it in front of Cora with two paracetamol next to it.

Cora looked up, took the paracetamol and gave Robert a weak smile. “I drank too much yesterday. I am sorry.”

“I offered you the champagne in the first place.” Robert replied.

“I don’t remember a lot.” She frowned her eyebrows.

It was adorable Robert thought. Her small face, with the fierce blue eyes and dark eyebrows. Her face was angelic, her whole body. He had felt her slender figure when she pressed it against him in bed. He shook of the thoughts, it hadn’t been easy keeping his hands to himself.

“What are you thinking off?” Cora asked, cleaning her mouth with a napkin.

Robert realised he had a stupid grin on his face. “Nothing in particular.”

“You can tell me a lot, but that smile has a reason.” Cora smiled at him.

Robert coloured, he couldn’t tell Cora the real reason of his smile. “I was just thinking of last night.”

“That must have been a blast, unfortunately I don’t remember everything.” Cora chuckled. She put the last piece of bacon in her mouth and got up. “May I use your shower?”

“Yes of course you may. Just take a clean towel from the pile.”

Cora walked out of the kitchen, Robert cleaned up her plate. Suddenly he felt Cora’s hands on his stomach and her breath in his neck. “You could take a shower with me?”

Robert needed a second before he turned around. Cora’s hands now on his back, going up and down. He rested his hands on her hips. Cora had tilted her head backwards a little and pursed her lips. Robert quickly planted a kiss on them.

“Just take your shower, then I will bring you home afterwards.”

Cora lowered her hands in disappointment. “You don’t want me.” She said with a sad voice.

‘oh, I want you and you don’t want to know what I want to do with you.’ He thought. Instead he said: “I love being with you, but it is better when you shower alone for now.”

Cora stepped backwards. “Ok.” Was the only thing she said, leaving the kitchen again.

Robert grabbed the kitchen counter, and took a deep breath. What was Cora trying to do?

About 45 minutes later, Cora returned downstairs. She was wearing the same shirt as last night. Her wet curls were laying in her neck. She looked stunning, without any make-up on.

“I am sorry, I should not have asked you to come with me.” She said looking at the ground.

“Cora.” Robert started. “I want you to know, that I want to explore more with you. But you need healing first and I don’t know if I can offer you that.”

“I know, I am asking too much of you. Just forget it alright.” Cora was still looking at the ground.

“Cora, I think you are misunderstanding me.” Robert tried.

“It’s alright. I will be heading home. I already called a cab. Thank you for breakfast. I will email you with the new designs.” Cora walked towards Robert and kissed his cheek. Her hand rested briefly on his arm.

Robert was confused. What was she saying? “I could have brought you home?” He said timidly.

“I don’t want to bother you anymore, than I already did. You are busy. Thank you again.” Cora turned around and walked out of the front door.

Robert watched her get into the cab and drive away. She didn’t look back, not even for a second. What happened? Robert was confused. Was this it? Was she cutting off this starting relationship early? Should he have taken that shower with her? It couldn’t be just his refusal to shower with her?

 

Is this love? Chapter 20

“I will get glasses, you can sit down if you want?” Robert pointed towards the living room.

Cora nodded and settled herself on the sofa. She pulled her legs up and hugged a pillow. It gave her a safe and comfy feeling. She could hear Robert humming. He was having a good evening and here she was to ruin it with her mood. Maybe she just should go home. She was just getting up, when Robert put his hands on her shoulders.

“Are you comfortable?” His hands were softly needing her shoulders.

Cora sank back, she liked this very much. His touch calmed her down. She looked up and smiled. “I am.”

“Good” Robert brushed her cheek with his finger. “Do you want some champagne?”

Cora knew it was better not to drink. But the encounter with Anthony earlier today, made her want to forget what was happening. She nodded in agreement.

Robert walked around the sofa, handed her her glass and sat down next to her. “This is a really good year.” He said holding up his glass.

Cora smiled. She didn’t have any clue when it was good champagne or not. She didn’t drink it much.

“To our second Michelin star.” He toasted her glass and took a big gulp of the liquid.

Cora did the same, she never really liked the taste of it, but there was enough alcohol in it, to numb her down.

“You seem to like this very much.” Robert said, when Cora finished her glass and he filled it again.

Cora only smiled.

Robert leaned in a little closer. “This means we need to work on new menus.” He said, touching her cheek with his lips, but not kissing her.

“I can just add a second star into the logo. It isn’t to much work.”

“Oh.” Robert sunk back. “I was hoping for some more working time together.”

Cora put her hand on Robert’s leg. “We can always do that.”

It brought an instant smile on Robert’s face, and Cora couldn’t resist the urge to kiss him. She turned her body and leaned in on Robert. She felt his lips open for her. His taste was irresistible, he tasted like mint and something else, she couldn’t place. His lips were slightly wet and incredibly soft.

She climbed on his lap and faced him. Her hands on his face, softly stroking his cheeks. She felt his fingers digging a little deeper into the flesh of her lower back, where he had rested his hands.

Robert was overwhelmed by Cora’s move, her floral perfume aroused him. He gently stroked her back with his hands. He tried to kiss her, but Cora held him at distance. He glanced up and caught a cheeky smile on her face.

She gave him his glass and took her own. She drank it at once. Robert saw her swallow the liquid, then she licked her lips.

“You are not drinking?” She asked, looking at his glass?

Robert was mesmerized by Cora who was sitting on his lap. He couldn’t believe this was happening. Especially not because Cora had seemed to be on a different planet with her thoughts. He brought the glass to his lips and finished his glass.

Cora had already filled hers again, and was ready to fill his. She still had that cheeky smile on her face. Without a word, she filled his glass again and put it away. Before he could protest, her lips touched his neck. It caught Robert by surprise, when he felt the tip of her tongue. Her hands were roaming over his chest.

Robert carefully moved his hands over Cora’s back, slowly he moved them to her shoulders and pulled her closer. Cora moved with him and leaned into his chest. He felt her warmth beaming into him. Cora had moved her kisses up and reached his lips. Hungry she placed hers on his.

He turned both of them so they were laying down on the sofa. Robert was hovering over Cora, her eyes were closed. Her eyelashes, resting on her cheekbones. She was so incredibly beautiful he thought. He softly kissed her chest, just above her breast. She was wearing a low cut t-shirt, and it showed just enough to make him wonder how beautiful she must be in full. He kissed her neck, very careful, making sure his hands stayed low. He felt her let out a deep sigh.

When Robert looked up he saw Cora had opened her eyes and was now looking at him. He wasn’t sure what he saw in them. He stopped the movement of his hands.

“Do you really want this?” He asked.

Cora nodded, but Robert saw she was fighting against her fear again. He sat back up, and slid down next to Cora, who curled up her legs and he saw a tear role over her cheek.

With his thumb he brushed it away. “Don’t cry, it is alright. We don’t have to do anything. I know we are moving fast.”

“It’s not that.”

Robert was surprised by her response.

“Anthony was at my home this afternoon.”

Robert stopped his thumb which was brushing her arm and stared at Cora. “No wonder you were miles away. What did he do?”

“That’s the confusing thing. He was bringing a peace offer.”

“Please tell me you didn’t let him in!” Robert said in a low tone.

Cora coloured. “I didn’t really have a choice.”

“What!” Robert exclaimed. “Of course you have. He has no right to come to your home! You can get him arrested.”

“I don’t want that.” Cora said timidly.

“CORA! Have you gone mad? You can’t let him into your life again, not after all that happened.”

Cora cowered when Robert raised his voice. “I spend a lot of time loving him, I can’t just forget that.”

“It doesn’t matter how much you have loved him. Cora he beated you into the hospital, twice. He hurt you a lot, how can you even consider getting back with him?” Robert was getting angry.

“I didn’t say, I’ll go back to him.” Cora’s voice got harder now.

“Cora, I don’t get you!” Robert said.

“Robert, he was standing there. What could I have done? Kick him out? You know what his reaction would have been!”

Robert realized he wasn’t being fair. He got mad for no reason. It bothered him that Anthony was once again the reason, they stopped being romantic. He was dying to discover her more, then just these kisses. But he knew Cora needed time, a lot of time.

“I know.” He said in a much softer voice. “I am sorry, but thinking of Anthony makes me so incredibly mad. You deserve so much better.”

Cora gave him a soft smile. “You are sweet for saying this. Can we forget Anthony for a minute and continue what we were doing?” Cora moved her hand under Robert’s dress shirt.

She caught Robert by surprise again. “Why don’t we just enjoy the rest of the champagne and watch a movie or just listen to music?”

Cora nestled her body against Robert’s who had leaned back into the sofa. “I am happy with that.” Her fingers were playing with his chest hair and Robert was fighting the urge to rip off all Cora’s clothes. He wrapped his arm around Cora and kissed her temple.

He felt Cora relax again, via his phone he put on his playlist he made specially for Cora.

She looked up when Spiegel im Spiegel from Arvo Pärt came out of his speakers. “This is such a beautiful work, how did you know I love this one?”

Robert kissed Cora’s temple once more. “I took a good look at your classical music collection last time I was at your place.”

Cora chuckled, she rested her head on Robert’s shoulder. She lowered her hand and wrapped her arm around his waist. “Thank you for understanding me.” She said.

Robert’s free arm rested on Cora’s arm, which was wrapped around him. His fingers playing with the little hairs on her arm. “This is nice.” He mumbled into her hair.

 

Is this love? Chapter 19

Cora closed the door behind her, she just said goodbye to Adeline. The move suddenly happened very fast. Her boss decided he needed her in Sheffield right away. He arranged an apartment for her. So instead of weeks, it had been days.

Cora was happy she was going to Robert tonight. She longed for him, not only his kisses. Mostly she longed for his presence. How could this feeling be so strong already? They only decided to see where it was going yesterday. They had met just over a month ago. She remembered seeing him standing in front of her painting.

He was a tall man, not ripped, but just in the right shape. She remembered looking at his bottom and moving her eyes over his back, to the back of his head. His hair was slightly curly in his neck. And when he turned around, she had seen the most beautiful blue eyes she had ever seen. His smile had made her weak inside.

There was a knock on the door, without checking who it was, Cora opened the door. She looked up in the face of Anthony. He was holding a bottle of wine and roses in his hand.

Cora stepped back. “What…. are….. you….. doing….. here.” She stuttered.

“I owe you an apology.” He said, stepping inside her house.

“You can’t be here.” Cora tried, stepping further back. “The restraining order…….”

“Let’s forget about that one for a minute and hear me out.” Anthony closed the door behind him. “I brought you something.” He offered her the roses, then he walked towards the kitchen to open the bottle of wine.

Cora stood, frozen to the ground. He was in her home! What should she do, text Robert? Call the police?

Anthony’s head popped around the corner. “Is it alright if I make a cheese plate? I am quite hungry.”

Cora nodded. She wanted to scream that he needed to go, but she was afraid of what he would do. He was in a good mood and she knew how easily that could change. But she didn’t want him here.

“Are you coming?” She heard coming from the living room.

Anthony was sitting on the sofa, gesturing she should sit down. Cora slowly lowered herself on the sofa. Anthony took her hand.

“I cannot express how sorry I am for what I have done.” He looked at her. “I hope there is a way you can forgive me?” He scooted a little bit closer.

Cora felt her body stiffen up. “You have crossed a line.” She said very softly.

“I know, but I am sorry.” He moved his hand to her cheek and his thumb brushed away a tear. “Don’t cry my beautiful.”

Cora scolded herself for showing him weakness. Why was she allowing him to be here? She didn’t want him in her house. She looked at how Anthony devoured the cheese and chucked his glass.

He leaned into her and kissed her neck, moved his kisses up towards her cheekbone. He kissed the tip of her nose, the corner of her mouth and then stopped. “This is what you are missing out on.” He whispered against her lips.

Suddenly he got up and left. Leaving Cora dazed behind. What had just happened? Why was Anthony doing this? And why was she allowing it.

+++

“Robert, can I borrow you for a minute.” Anna’s head popped around his office door.

Robert looked at the clock; it was five to eight. “Just for a minute, yes you can.” He got up and followed her.

In the kitchen the whole staff was waiting for him. “Yesterday it was so incredibly busy we never got the chance to celebrate our new star.” Anna said.

John popped open a bottle of champagne and filled the glasses. They all raised their glass. “To our success.” They said in choir.

They were all hugging each other and toasting their glasses, when Robert spotted Cora standing in the doorway. He smiled at her, but the smile she returned worried him. It wasn’t the smile he had seen yesterday.

He stepped towards her, his hand on her waist kissing her cheek. “Are you alright?”

Cora nodded, she didn’t want to ruin the celebration. “You all seem to have fun.” She looked at the glasses.

Robert chuckled. “You want one too?”

The alcohol could help her settle down after the confrontation with Anthony. She nodded and waited for Robert to return with a glass for her. She followed him further into the kitchen.

Anna gave her a big smile. “How wonderful seeing you again.

John stepped next to Anna and put his arm on her shoulders. “It’s good Cora is here. We need to talk about new menus.”

Robert stepped next to Cora, his shoulder touching hers. “Not tonight, you two have to go back to work and Cora and I will not be talking about work tonight.”

John chuckled. “There is enough champagne left for a nice evening.” He handed Robert the bottle.

Robert looked at Cora. Something was wrong. He gave her a reassuring smile. “See you tomorrow.” He held up the bottle, smiled at both Anna and John and gave Cora his arm. She hooked her arm in his and they walked out.

The taxi drive home had been quiet. Cora wasn’t really present. Robert touched her leg, which made her jump. “We are here.”

Cora blushed and she was ashamed of her reaction.

“Shall we go in?” Robert got out and opened the door for her. Cora took his hand and walked next to him to his front door. His hand in hers felt safe. She was debating if she should tell him what happened. He would be furious if he found out Anthony had been in her home again and that she didn’t kick him out.

 

Is this love? Chapter 18

Robert instructed John for tonight. It was quite bad timing for him going out. The restaurant would be flooded tonight when the news of the Michelin stars got out. But he needed to see Cora. He was so happy when she reached out, he said yes right away. He got scolded by both Anna and John for leaving at this moment, but he knew they would do fine and he would be back before opening.

He got in the tube and walked the last part to the cafe. It was situated right next to The St. Paul. Cora wasn’t there yet. He picked out a table with a good view on the church. He had always loved this city. He was born and raised here.

The waiter came by, but he waited with ordering; he wasn’t sure what Cora would want. She was more of a coffee girl then a tea girl, if he had to guess he would say a coffee girl. He noticed he was picking the skin of his fingers. Why was he this nervous? Cora was the one who reached out, she wanted this. Or did she reach out to make an end to it?

His train of thoughts got interrupted by a soft hand touching his back. His whole body reacted on the touch, Cora had small slender hands. Softly her thumb rubbed his shoulder blade. Robert turned around and looked up into Cora’s smiling face.

“Good to see you again.” She smiled.

Robert got up, put his hand on her shoulder and kissed her cheek. “It is wonderful seeing you again.” She smelled wonderful.

Cora sat down, still with a smile on her face. “I have to apologize for my behaviour.”

Robert raised his eyebrows. “Why?”

“I left you in the dark for the last week.”

“I could have picked up the phone myself. We both didn’t, so don’t blame yourself. What do you want to drink?”

“A coffee please.”

Robert laughed.

“What’s so funny?” Cora asked.

“Sorry, I was thinking earlier if you would order coffee or tea. And I was right, you are a coffee drinker.”

Cora smiled. “I like both, but at the moment I prefer coffee and you? Let me guess, a real tea drinker? Like a real English gentleman should be.”

“So, you think I am a gentleman?” Robert teased.

Cora lowered her eyes, but smiled at the same time. Was he flirting with her again? She liked that idea. She needed something nice after last Friday. The therapy had been difficult. She got EMDR therapy and it had hit hard. Yesterday she spent the day on the couch, not wanting to do anything, she wasn’t able to do anything. She was tired to the bone.

Robert softly touched her hand. “Cora, do you want something with your coffee?

He startled Cora. She looked up and he saw she had been miles away. “We will need a second.” he said to the waiter.  He looked back at Cora. “Are you alright?” He said softly.

Cora blinked rapidly, why were there tears in her eyes. She didn’t want to cry. Robert had seen her cry enough.

Robert was still touching Cora’s hand, he closed his fingers around her hand and softly squeezed. “I am here for you.” He saw her looking up and with her free hand she brushed away a tear that escaped her eye. “Was therapy that hard?”

Cora’s eyes grew a little bigger. “You remembered?”

Robert gave her a smile. “Of course I did.”

“I haven’t slept since Friday. Well not properly.”

“Are you having flashbacks?”

Cora nodded, pulled her hand back and turned her face away when the waiter came.

“Tea and coffee please.” He said he waited for the waiter to leave again. Robert looked at Cora unsure what to say. He didn’t want to make it worse. “We don’t have to be here if you don’t want to.” He finally said, after watching Cora’s internal struggle for a while.

She gave him a faint smile. “No, no. I will be alright. I have to be.”

The waiter brought their drinks. Cora directly took a sip, of course it was hot and she burned her mouth. She shook her head. “I hate the effect Anthony still has on me.”

“Cora, that’s normal. You have been with him for a long time.”

Cora shook her head again. “I want to get rid of him and enjoy life again.”

“Give it time. You will learn how to enjoy life again.”

Now Cora looked up, she locked eyes with Robert. There was a smile playing around her lips. “You could help me with it.”

Robert stared back at her. He swallowed visibly. What did she mean, how could he help her?

Cora got up from her chair, Robert followed her with his eyes. She sat down next to him on the bench where he was sitting. She leaned into him, put her hand on his leg and said. “You had something to tell me.”

Robert looked at her hand on his knee. He felt and saw her thumb softly stroking his leg. He looked up and saw Cora’s beautiful eyes looking at him. She smiled softly at him.

“We received a second Michelin star.” He said in a soft tone.

Cora gasped, her hand moved from his leg to his shoulder, her other hand moved to his cheek and then he felt her lips on his. “Congratulations, that’s wonderful news.” She said smiling, once they broke the connection.

Robert just looked at her, he was stunned. He hadn’t expected this. He loved the feeling of her lips on his. He wasn’t quite sure if she really wanted this, or if she was forcing herself. Although it hadn’t felt forced, when her tongue touched his lips.

Cora moved her hand back to Robert’s cheek. “I am so incredibly happy for you. You and your team deserve this recognition so much.” She kissed him again. She loved his taste and wanted more. No, she needed more, she felt something lift off of her shoulders as soon as she kissed him.

Robert moved his hand to Cora’s back, he pulled her closer, pressing her against him. He wanted to have her close to him. Feel the warmth of her body.

Cora laid her head on Robert’s shoulder, her fingers tangled in his. She could sit here the whole day. She had never felt like this before. It was so different from Anthony. No, she scolded herself. Don’t think of him. Stay in the present.

Robert sensed a change in Cora. He softly squeezed her hand. “There is no pressure or hurry. Take your time. I am here and will be here.”

Cora lifted her head. “Do you mean that?” She looked at him.

“With all my heart. Cora…….” he fell quiet for a second. “I like you very much and would love to explore where we could go together.”

“Oh, Robert.” Cora kissed him, long and passionate. “You are saving me again.”

Robert’s hand rested in her neck. “I need you, as much as you need me.” He looked at the clock and shook up. “I am incredibly sorry, but I have to go back to the restaurant. It will be busy tonight, now the announcement of the new Michelin stars is done.”

Cora smiled. “Can I see you tomorrow?”

Now it was Robert who initiated the kiss. “I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. Why don’t you come over in the evening? Around 20.00 o’clock I can make myself free?”

“You will see me tomorrow. Now hurry up, John will scold you for being late.”

Robert chuckled, “Anna will be worse.” He got up, but bent down for another kiss. “I can get used to this.” He said smiling.

 

Is this love? Chapter 17

“What about you and Anna?” John was in Robert’s office. Today was the day the Michelin stars would be announced, and Robert tried to keep his mind busy.

“What do you mean?” John looked up from his phone.

“Well, I know something is going on between you two. So how is it going?”

John blushed. “We are in a relationship, I think.”

“You think.” Robert raised his eyebrows.

“Oke, I am sure. We are a couple.”

Robert smiled, “that makes me truly happy.”

“Enough about me.” John said. “What about you and Cora?”

Now it was Robert’s turn to blush. “I don’t know.”

“We are definitely turning the roles around at the moment. What do you mean: you don’t know.”

“We kissed that evening when she came for dinner.”

John sat a bit straighter in his chair. “Tell me more.”

“There isn’t more. We kissed, but Cora has some trauma. So, we only kissed and now it’s already three days ago that we had contact.”

John shook his head. “And you don’t think it’s time to text her?”

Robert sighed, of course he had thought about texting Cora, but the last kiss they shared on the sofa had been wonderful and at the same time strange. He felt Cora struggle to stay in the present. He himself had tried not to move his hands too much, but he wanted to feel every inch of her body. During their lovely kiss, Robert noticed Cora started trembling again and he had quickly sat straight back up. When he looked at her, he saw her looking at her hands and trying to keep them still. Robert had gotten up and said it was alright. He took her hand and kissed it. This resulted in a faint smile on Cora’s face. Then he had left for home, and now it was three days later and he hasn’t heard from her.

“I don’t want to rush her. She needs time.” He answered.

“Don’t let her slip away Robert.” Was the only thing John said.

+++

Cora was waiting for Adeline to come out of the dressing room. They were shopping together. Adeline needed a new dress and had asked Cora to come with her. Cora had eagerly agreed. She needed distraction, during the day her work kept her occupied but on her days off, her mind spinned  out of control. She was constantly switching between scenes with Anthony and scenes with Robert. She was happy to have her first therapy tomorrow. It gave her some anxiety, but it needed to be done. She couldn’t cope with the dreams anymore. She needed to sleep more than a couple of hours.

Suddenly she got shaken up. “And do you like this dress?”

Adeline was standing in front of her in a sparkling black dress. She turned around.

“This one, really suits you.”

Adeline smiled. “And now we are going for a glass of wine.”

“But it’s only 16.00 o’clock.”

“Who cares! We could both use it.”

Cora looked at Adeline in surprise. “Well take that dress off and you can tell me all about why you need a glass of wine.” Cora was relieved to know something was bothering Adeline. She didn’t like it when her friend had troubles, but at the moment it was a nice distraction from her own troubles.

Adeline hooked her arm in Cora’s once she was done paying for her dress. “I know a good place.”

+++

“Another glass? Or do you want something else?” Adeline asked. They just finished their drinks.

“I am up for another glass if we also get something to eat. It’s already 17.30 o’clock.”

“Sure. We can eat here or somewhere else?”

“Here is fine.” Adeline had just told her that she probably needed to move for work. It scared Cora to know her one and only friend would move out of London.

“Cora?” Adeline touched Cora’s arm. “I will not be away forever. It’s just for 9 months. I will not even sell my London home.” She looked into Cora’s eyes. She was always struck by how beautiful her eyes were. But she saw worry in them right now. “Please don’t worry too much. The move will not happen next week, I am here for you when your therapy starts tomorrow.”

“Are you home in the evening? I think I don’t want to be alone.”

“Of course, I am. So now tell me everything about your Robert.”

Cora blushed. “He isn’t mine. I just did some work for him.” Cora tried.

“Who are you kidding here? There is obviously more between you two.”

“I admit, I am attracted to him. But I don’t think he wants me after last Monday.”

“Cora, you panicked. Nothing to be ashamed of. Robert knows what happened. God if somebody knows it is him. He saw what Anthony did to you, twice. Darling, don’t let Robert slip out of your life. You deserve some happiness.”

“I thought I had found that with Anthony. I still don’t understand where it went wrong. What did I do to provoke him?”

Adeline looked at her. “Cora, listen to yourself. What Anthony did is never a result of something you did.”

“He only hit me when I did something wrong.”

“In his eyes, breathing too loud was already wrong. Don’t do this, don’t blame yourself. Anthony is a psychopath, nothing else.”

Cora lowered her eyes. Deep down she knew Adeline was right, but she couldn’t stop blaming herself.

Adeline took her hand. “Cora talk about everything tomorrow, don’t hold in anything. I will go with you and stay with you afterwards. And please text Robert! Now.”

Slowly Cora got her phone out of her bag. ‘Hello Robert. I have to say sorry for staying this silent since Monday. Can we meet up again?’

Soon after there was a response. ‘I can’t wait to meet again. I have some news I want to share.’

‘Are you free this Sunday afternoon?’

‘For you I make time.’

Cora closed her phone with a smile. She didn’t scare him off and he wanted to meet again.