The Irish Girl and her Soul mate.

Cat and Mouse

After the disaster that was my lunch date with Tristan Devon I spent the following two weeks avoiding his calls, emails and work messages. I threw myself into work and hanging out with Mark. Mark was safe. when I was around him I had full control of my emotions unlike when I was with Tristan the safe numbness of my emotions seemed to lift.

Sean's anniversary loomed closer and my Irish friends made extra efforts to keep in touch with me. Grainne and Lydia talked about visiting.

I arrived home one evening with Mark to find Lydia sitting on my doorstep.

"Freya" she screamed throwing herself into my arms.

"Oh my God Lydia" I hugged back.

"Lydia this is Mark. Mark this is Lydia" I introduced them.

Mark smiled.

"Nice to meet you Lydia I've heard all about you"

" Well that's an advantage seeing as I've heard nothing about you" she responded. I closed my eyes briefly Lydia was always a straight shooter. I elbowed her hard. " Kidding I'm joking" she dutifully added after the elbow to the ribs. She forced a false laugh.

"Rain check on the coffee?" I asked giving him a kiss goodbye.

"Sure, I'll ring you later." He answered.

I lead Lydia inside and up to my room where she tossed her bags down.

"Ah what the hell Freya?"

"What?"

" I'm here because we were all terrified you would throw yourself off the Brooklyn bridge but here you are swanning around New York with a man who looks like he walked straight out of Vogue magazine." She looked shocked and exasperated.

"I told you all about Mark but none of you seemed interested. I told you I was doing fine" I replied.

" We thought you were lying. We didn't believe Mark was real" she snapped.

" What?"

"Come on Freya we thought Mark was to get your mother off your back" she added. "An Irish New York City Cop. Cliche much?"

"Charming" I flung my jacket on the coffee table. " No one believes I can get a man"

"Shut up Freya you're stunning, you could have any guy you wanted." She still sounded angry. " We just didn't think you'd bother, took Sean six months to make you go out with him"

"I'm not spontaneous so what"

"Liar you are far more spontaneous then you realise. It's just taken you years to live it out." She muttered.

"Oh really"

"Freya please tell me you are sleeping with that handsome man" she changed gears.

" No I'm not we're taking it slow"

"And meticulously perfect Freya is back in the room" sarcasm stung her voice.

"I'm not ready" I mumbled my cheeks burning.

"Shame" Lydia shrugged but let it go.

I showed her around my new home introducing her to my room mates. Whilst she slept the following day I headed to work which was uneventful when I got home Lydia informed me I had a delivery. A long white box sat on the table tied with a black bow. I opened the box and in it was one single perfect white rose. I knew instantly who it was from. My heart skipped a beat.

"Unusual but pretty" Lydia remarked. "Marks a charmer"

The memory of Tristan Devon's kiss played on my mind as I let Lydia make her assumptions.

"It's perfect" I smiled placing it in a vase. The card simply read

Second chance?

"Get dressed we are going out to dinner and drinks." I told her.

" Yes" Lydia bounced off the chair and up the stairs.

Dressed in a mid night blue short cocktail dress with a lace back I led Lydia to Skyline the new hotspot restaurant. My job had some perks I now made alot of guest lists in the city for anywhere I wanted to go. Us hostess did each other favours when it came to hot guest lists. I had become a networking Queen.

"Freya Ash plus One" I told the hostess.

"No problem Miss Ash this way" she led us to a cosy table overlooking time square.

"Oh my God" Lydia giggled. " Who are you?"

"I'm just good at my job" I smiled.

Just as we were completing our main course a knowing shadow fell over me.

" Excuse my interruption but I couldn't help coming over" Tristan Devon stood by our table.

"Tristan hello" I forced down my panic as I stood up to greet him. " Please met my friend Lydia she's visiting" I added weakly.

"Ah so she must be the reason you have been so busy. " He smirked. He placed his hand on my back I could feel it's warmth through the lace and my skin burned at his touch.

"One of them" I smiled.

"We're about to head over to the night club opening of Silver why don't you come along" he suggested.

"Yes a thousand times. Sounds amazing" Lydia could hide her delight.

I cursed in my brain. This was the last thing I needed. But Lydia looked so thrilled.

"Sure" I forced a smile.

"There will be a car waiting below for you when your ready Freya" he added walking away.

"Ooooh this is like we're celebraties" Lydia shrieked.

I rolled my eyes. I did thank my lucky stars her delight and excitement blinded her from asking anything about Tristan Devon and how I knew him.

We walked up to the door of silver and waited for the hostess to beckon us forward.

"Freya Ash" I said. She nodded and before we knew it we were wisked into a VIP area by a suited waiter. Bottles of champagne were at the centre of each table.

"Oh my God oh my God" Lydia couldn't contain her excitement. "Freya you live this life?" She asked me looking at me as if I had betrayed her.

" I really don't." I answered honestly.

"I arrange these types of things but I don't party"

"That I believe." She sighed grabbing a glass of champagne. "Trust you to get a job in partying and not part take in it"

"Make sure you report this back to my mother. Not that I'm crying myself to sleep in an apartment room." I mocked.

"Oh sweetie by the end of tonight I won't have to my social media will be brimming with the photos of high life in New York. Everyone we know in Ireland will be amazed and jealous." She smiled "oh so jealous"

Again I rolled my eyes.

"Freya you didn't get out of it?" Tristan looked surprised sitting next to me.

"No Lydia is not easily distracted." I answered. " Personally id rather be home in my bed"

"Really shame after I kept you in mind" he smirked waving his hand. A single white rose was on each table with a silver bow. The logo lit up behind the bar a was a single white rose.

" Less is more" he added.

"Is there such thing as less is more, in a silver night club for A listers?"

"No but I only care about your opinion."

My body stiffened at those words. I took a gulp of champagne. A knowing smile played on his perfect lips. I hated that he could read me most of the time and the times he got it wrong he assumed he could read me.

"Selfie" Lydia suddenly barrelled into my lap pulling me and Tristan into the picture. The light flashed and fresh glass in hand she took of towards the dance floor.

"Your friend seems very unlike you"

"She's a little more outgoing then me. But a couple of years ago i was a little more out going. I changed, Lydia never will it's why I love her. Nothing and no one will change her"

"Change is good" Tristan murmered leaning towards me.

I looked into his piercing eyes they we're like two deep mesmerizing pools. I shook myself and my inner voice told me to get a grip I wasn't some love sick teenager. I pulled back slightly.

"What is it about you Freya Ash?" He asked.

"What!"

"I'm drawn to you"

"Don't be"

"Oh Freya I think you enjoy this game of cat and mouse we are playing." He drew closer.

"Don't flatter yourself Tristan"

"I'm not but you never seem to complain untill ...." He trailled off planting a kiss on my neck. As soon as his lips sent a tingle threw my body I jumped to my feet. "I get too close" he finished.

"I should find Lydia" I could feel panic rising in my stomach as I turned and fled.

I found Lydia dancing with a group of people she had just met. Taking photos and selfies.

"Lydia let go" I called over the music

"Awww why" she sounded like a child.

"I'm tired" I called back. "Some of us had work today"

She glared at me but nodded. She did also grab another glass of champagne and down it in one. A waiter passed with a tray as we neared the door and she took another.

"Lydia!"

"Oh come on loosen up" she wobbled.

I cursed under my breath realising now how drunk my friend was. The wine with dinner and the vast amount of champagne she drank whilst I was wrapped up with Tristan was now coming to light. I linked her arm and supported her, it wasn't the first time I had carried Lydia home but it had been a rare occurrence since her boyfriend took over the honour.

"Need a hand?"

Sure of course Tristan Devon was going to witness this and like the perfect romance hero was going to come to my aid. My bitter mind turned over a million smart sarcastic answers.

"Come on, get over yourself my car is just outside" he smirked as if he was reading my mind.

He helped me with Lydia putting her into the black town car. Cameras flashed.

"Great" I muttered.

"There will be some interesting headlines in the gossip collums tomorrow, been awhile since I took two girls home from a night club"

My face fell "s**t that doesn't look good"

"That's life get in" he laughed holding open the door for me I slid in after Lydia and he followed.

The car pulled away.

"Miss Ash's residence please Archie" he called to the driver.

"I thought he was going to say Alfred,that would of been so fitting" Lydia loud whispered to me laughing softly as she already began to fall asleep.

"Alfred?"

"She's a superhero fan she's making a Bruce Wayne Batman reference" I lamely explained.

"I've had that before" he laughed.

" No doubt"

"Why did you leave like that?" He asked after a few moments of silence.

I whirled the question around my head, lots of reasons came to my mind.

"It's complicated."

"I'll bet it always is Freya"

"Why are you so interested in me? You could have any woman in New York. Why me?"

"And why not you?"

"I don't date bad boys Tristan. I'm not interested in being another few lines in the gossip collums before you move onto the next girl"

"You're not that"

"How do you know? You don't know me"

He looked exasperated " you won't let me know you. Everytime I get close you literally run away."

" Because it's complicated."

"It's not it's simple" he leaned in a kissed me. This was the second time since we met that he had caught me in an off gaurd kiss yet it like the first felt so right. His scent was intoxicating. His lips firm yet passionate in their movement. His hand slid up my inner thigh and my body shuddered against his touch.

"Tristan" I breathed

"You want me as much as I want you Freya. What's complicated?"

I was lost in his touch I slid my hand between the buttons of he shirt and could feel the tight muscle of his stomach. The car slowed to a stop. The sudden stop jolted me back to reality.

"Stop Tristan" I murmered pulling myself away. He stopped at my request his shirt disheveled and I realized it was the first time I had seen Tristan Devon looking anything but perfect.

"I've to take Lydia home" I felt the heavy blush on my cheeks. He nodded getting out of the car and around to Lydia's side he scooped her up in his arms as she had now completely passed out and was snoring lightly.

"Lead the way" he added. I fumbled in my bag for my key and opened the door. "Where is she sleeping"

"My room but it's two flights up" I warned.

"I'll manage I've great stamina"

I rolled my eyes as I led the way. Once in my room he laid her on the sofa in my seating area. He walked to the window and took in my view.

"It's beautiful"

"Nothing compared to your high rise view"

"There are many beautiful views but I reckon none compare to Galway."

My heart lurched at the thought of home.

"Galway is very beautiful. But I'm biased because it's home" I sighed. "Have you been to Ireland?"

"Stopped over in Shannon airport once on the way to the UK but never left the airport"

"So no then" I laughed. He closed the distance between us.

"I love to hear you laugh Freya. You should laugh more" he whispered finding my lips with his again. This time I was ready and kissed him back. His hands tangled in my hair as we kissed. I reached up and loosened his tie. One of his hands had found there way up my skirt and he was running a finger under the lace trim on my panties as I dropped his tie to the floor. He shook himself out of his jacket as I worked on opening his shirt. His firm smooth chest was exposed as I began to lead him backwards towards my bedroom still kissing him deeply. When my sitting room door few open.

"Men are despicable horrible creatures" Pam fumed.

Both Tristan and I both jumped in fright and jumped apart in the same motion.

"Pam" I exclaimed.

She looked from Tristan to me and back taking in our messed clothing and position of standing in my bedroom doorway.

"Oh s**t sorry, I'm sorry. Carry on I'm gone" she turned and raced from the room.

The commotion jolted Lydia who moaned from the sofa

"Oh sweet Jesus I'm going to puke" she muttered. I grabbed the waste paper bin and placed it by her .

"Here, I'll get you some water" I added rubbing her face.

"Well I think our moment has passed" Tristan muttered now fixing his clothes.

"I'm sorry"

"It's okay your friends seem to need you"

I gave a weak smile. I'll walk you down.

Tristan had his jacket thrown over his arm as I reached up and kissed him goodbye. The kiss was lingering when Xander and James crashed through the front door forcing us apart.

"Your friends are killing me Freya" he laughed as he walked down the front steps.

"Was that ..." Xander began

"Yup" I answered grabbing a bottle of water and heading upstairs to Lydia.

I awoke the following morning to Lydia crawling into my bed next to me.

"Oh god" she complained.

" Sick? I hope your sick?"

"Oh come on why so mean?"

"Nevermind come on a good breakfast will sort you out" I answered hoping out of bed.

"Really can't we stay here?"

"No get up believe me you owe me breakfast." I called. I showered pulled on Jean shorts and a light silk top.

Pam, Rebecca and James all decided to join us for breakfast. I sipped my coffee outside the restaurant as we waited for our orders.

" I'm sorry I ruined the moment between you and Tristan" Pam suddenly piped up.

"It's fine" I waved her off "it was nothing"

" It didn't look like nothing. It looked pretty hot and heavy." Pam smirked stirring her coffee.

"Hot and heavy?" Lydia questioned. "Where the hell was I?"

" Passed out on the sofa" I took another sip.

"Can I just say his body was hot" Pam laughed. I glared at her. "What in for a penny in for a pound" she smirked.

"Again where was I? Whilst he was naked" Lydia looked shocked.

"Okay firstly he wasn't naked. Secondly you need to learn to knock" I shot at Pam " and thirdly Lydia you woke up an threatened to puke so believe me it was just a kiss and no more" I muttered. "Can we change the subject?"

" So what's our plans for Saturday night in the big Apple?" Lydia asked.

"I have plans with Mark. You are staying in to get over your Friday night antics, or failing that your doing whatever these guys are doing." I answered.

"Mulligan's" Xander smiled.

" Your going out with Mark still?" Lydia asked.

"Yeah well I've had these plans for days. Why not?" I added.

"No no reason why not. Enjoy" Lydia smiled.

Mark took me to a comedy club that evening. I didn't feel the rush of passion I had with Tristan but I liked mark he was kind and thoughtful. He was the kind of guy that fit my life.

"You coming in?" I asked as he dropped me off.

"Sure" he smiled. He followed me up to my room. This time I turned the key in the lock. Mark made no move to start anything so I kissed him softly. He kissed me back his hands began to move beneath my blouse, memories of Tristan's burning hot touch flashed through my mind. I pulled away from Mark.

" Mark I can't I'm sorry"

"It's ok I know I'll wait Freya." He whispered.

"No Mark I mean us I can't do us anymore."

"Okay look Freya I'll go but you can call me if you need me" he added

"I know. Goodnight Mark" I opened the door and watched him leave.