She could see his white teeth as he smiled, then he left.
Kylie snuggled into the soft feather pillow. That was close, she thought. She tried to concentrate on what he had told her. There was something about that woman she didn’t like. Besides her obvious, trashy display of affection, for a man she just met was simply too much …… she laughed out load. Who was she kidding! The woman simply touched his arm a few times, she had practically made love to him the first time she met him. God, this was crazy. Why did she care about any of this? She should pack up her things, leave the house to Max and move to another place. The world was full of beautiful houses and normal people.
She stretched back against the bed making it squeak. Wide-awake now, her thoughts began to stray. His hand was so soft, and his touch so tender. Could he actually be more than a handsome rogue? She thought not. Anyhow, she didn’t want to know. She’d go to Lucy’s tonight to cool things down. He was just a roommate now; no matter how hard he tried to persuade her otherwise. It wasn’t going to work. Their relationship was simply too sexual and people had to be friends first. How else would a relationship last?
She suddenly wished that she could talk to Paul.
There were pancakes and bacon cooking on the stove when Kylie woke up late Saturday morning. She’d come back early from Lucy’s and tried to get some extra sleep.
“Hey there sleepyhead, I was going to crawl in with you and tickle you awake this morning.” Max teased, as he flipped the pancake in the frying pan.
“You wouldn’t dare.” Kylie smiled and sniffed at the same time, “but I do want your pancakes.”
He laughed then tapped her behind with the spatula.
“Max!” She shouted, grabbing a plate from the cupboard and placing it on the counter.
“It’s just that I missed you last night. Instead of having you here when I got home, I had Leslie sitting on the porch waiting for me.
“Leslie was here?” Kylie made a disgusted face. “She likes you.”
He glanced over at her and grinned. “Are you jealous?” His brows fluttered up and down. “You don’t have to be because I sent her home.”
“Nooo, I’m not jealous. For the millionth time, I told you, you and I are just friends,” she emphasized the word friends.
Max took the pan off the stove and grabbed her by the wrists. He brought her over to the sofa and sat her down. The look in his eyes, made Kylie giggle.
“Let’s see,” he bent down and stared into her eyes. “You are jealous, I can tell.” He teased.
“I’m not!” She laughed seductively.
“Did you sleep with that guy?” He said playfully and began to tickle her.
“None of your business!” She wiggled to get up.
He half sat on her lap then tickled her some more. This time Kylie squealed and laughed at the same time. She couldn’t stand being tickled and Max was good at it.
“Get off!” She howled and snorted.
Her robe was coming undone but she was too busy grabbing at his hands to do it up. That’s when she noticed the obvious bulge in his shorts and screeched even louder.
“You are such a pig Max!” She cried.
Max started laughing with her, and Kylie was snorting so hard she couldn’t breathe. She was slipping down the sofa’s leather surface with Max on top of her. Every time she tried to get a grip on her robe, he would take advantage and tickle her some more.
Without warning, there was a knock at the patio door. Max stretched his neck and saw Leslie standing there holding something.
“Get down!” He whispered.
The two slumped down onto the floor and giggled hysterically. Max tried to tickle her some more. She slapped his hand back then began play fighting with him.
“Well, aren’t you two having fun!” The sarcastic voice broke the tangle from behind the sofa.
Max let Kylie go. She got to her feet in a flash, wrapping her robe tightly around her.
“Good morning Leslie.” Irritation tinged his voice as he got up off the floor. He brushed a hand through his hair then followed Leslie’s gaze.
Leslie’s eyes were no doubt on the object of her desire. Kylie watched Leslie glanced up at him then down at his shorts then back up again. Kylie’s playful mood vanished and annoyance took its place.
“I thought you two were just friends?” Leslie said slowly.
“We are.” Kylie answered, shifting into high gear and racing back into the kitchen in a frenzy.
Leslie pulled a small, thin cardboard box out of a bag and handed it over to Max. “Well then you shouldn’t be wasting your energy on someone who doesn’t want you.” She addressed him.
“What’s this?” He said, his patience running out.
“I went to the bakery this morning and picked up a strudel on my way back from town. I thought you’d like it.” She peered into the kitchen. “I would have brought one for Kylie, but you said that she’d gone to her sisters.”
Max looked over at Kylie who was making faces from around the counter.
“Thanks, that’s very nice of you.” Max moved into the kitchen, placed the box on the counter and put the pan back on the stove.
“Have you had breakfast?” Kylie asked Leslie out of politeness.
“Yes, I had breakfast in town this morning; with my friend, Paul McFarland.”
The words hit Kylie like a bird in the face.
Leslie saw her expression, before adding. “I’ve known Paul for many years. He helped me get through my husband’s murder. He’s a wonderful person, always ready to help. Come to think of it, he mentioned that he met you recently. Maybe you’ll see him at the Hamilton’s party this evening.
Kylie’s eyes widened, her feet frozen to the spot.
Max turned to look at her and laughed. “Oh great,” he said sarcastically.
Kylie ignored him. “What did he say about me?”
“Oh, just that he met you through Frank, that’s all.”
Kylie felt uneasy. The connection between Paul and Leslie concerned her.
“Is something wrong?” Leslie probed.
“Yes, there’s something wrong.” Max interrupted. “She thinks he’s superman. A real hero.” He mocked.
Kylie shot him a look. She didn’t want Leslie knowing her business. She simply didn’t trust her.
“Oh, come to think of it, I think you and Paul would make a lovely couple.” Leslie smiled her sweetest smile.
Of course you would, Kylie thought. You would fix me up with the devil to get me out of the way. Kylie turned back to the pan of bacon that was sizzling furiously and went into deep thought. She could hear voices behind her but they were only background noise.
“So are going to the party tonight…Kylie?” Leslie laid her hand on Kylie’s shoulder snapping her out of her daze.
“Ah, yes, I guess so.”
“Good, it will be great fun, I promise. The Hamilton’s always give the best party on the lake. Lots of food, drinks, live entertainment. Oh! And there’s even a magician!”
Max snickered, “I wonder if he could make someone disappear?”
“It depends on who you have in mind?” Leslie countered.
Kylie rolled her eyes. Enough is enough. “In all honesty Max, I don’t know why you have to be so macho.”
He studied her slender figure then slowly made contact with her eyes. The look he had was no longer humorous. “Let me tell you something Kylie. I’ve had to fight for things my whole life. I’m not going to let some smart ass cop come along and screw things up for me now.” He slammed the pancake down on the plate.
Kylie was thoroughly mystified. Why would he feel that Paul was screwing anything up for him? It was impossible that he wanted her that badly. He could have any woman he desired.
She looked over at Leslie who had a victorious look on her face.
“Besides, I’ve told you, he’s not right for you…he has skinny chicken legs.” He tried to lighten the mood.
“You’ve never s
een his legs.” She shifted out of the way and got her breakfast.
“Ah, but I can tell. It’s the way he walks. Very chicken like.” He was smiling at her again.
Leslie watched the two exchange friendly glances yet again. “Well I guess I’ll be leaving.” Her voice was quiet and even. “I’ll see you at the party tonight,” she said to Max.
When Leslie was out of sight, Kylie spoke. “She really likes you, you know. I wish you wouldn’t drive her crazy, just tell her you don’t want to be with her, but stop teasing her with me.”
Max sat down at the table then leaned in very close. It was as close as she wanted him to get. His tanned muscular body was making her feel woozy, and she was afraid he was going to try and touch her again.
“If she bothers you I’ll take care of it. Don’t worry.” He said simply.
“It’s not that she bothers me! I actually wish you would go out with her.” She felt weird saying it.
Max raised his eyebrows in disbelief. “I told you she’s not my type. She’s always tired looking. I mean she’s not bad looking, if you like blonds with big frames.”
“You mean breasts.” Kylie corrected flatly.
Max chuckled. “Anyway I’ll say it again; I’m just not interested in her.” He sat back in his seat and munched on some bacon, then stopped short when he realized it was burned to a crisp.
“Oh, Sorry,” Kylie laughed.
Kylie spent part of the afternoon soaking up the sun and the remainder of the day getting herself ready for the party. It was one third pampering and two thirds mental rehearsal. She was sure she’d gone through every possible scenario that could happen tonight.
The thought of Max being there with Paul made her so nervous she felt sick. She wondered if Leslie would keep Max preoccupied enough to stay out of her hair. And why didn’t they get together anyway? And why did he get so damn angry this afternoon? She flushed those thoughts out of her mind and tried to concentrate on what to wear. She decided on something black and sleek, then pulled on a thong and flopped onto her bed and started doing her nails.
The door to the upstairs patio slammed and Max stood outside her window. Sitting up she reached for a t-shirt. She pulled the t-shirt up to her chest and shimmied off the bed.
“Do you mind?!” She opened her patio door.
Max stood there in his black suit and tie, he looked more handsome then Kylie had ever seen him look.
“My pleasure,” he said casually, admiring the scant clothing.
“What are you doing up here?”
“Waiting for you, aren’t you ready yet?”
Kylie shook her head and backed up. “Give me a minute my nails have to dry.”
He followed her into her room and watched her as she backed up into her ensuite.
“Are you going to ruin things for me tonight?” She poked her head out when he didn’t respond.
“Save me a dance and you can sleep with whoever you want.”
“Thanks.” She said rolling her eyes.
Max clenched his teeth. He stared out the window methodically. There must be some reason why this was happening, but how could he stop her from doing what she wanted. It was her life, her choice. Still, he felt like he knew better.
Kylie poked her head out again to see if he was gone, he was so quite.
“Oh, your still here, what are you looking at?”
“Nothing, I was just thinking how nice things would be if it was me you wanted and not him.”
Kylie came out of the washroom and stared at him. Impulsively she took his hand then softly wrapped her arms around him and stayed there. “I’m sorry. I really am. I just don’t think that you and I are right for each other.” She said in a whisper.
They held on to each other for a time then let go and smiled.
Things like this reminded her, how uncertain life was. Everyone dreams and hopes they’ll find true love and forever but it was like the stars. You could search for a lifetime and think you’ve found what you were looking for, some pattern, an answer to the biggest question of all, but all the night sky holds, is a glittery, chaotic mystery.
Chapter 8
The Hamilton’s owned a stately French Normandy manor with massive wrought iron gates. The half mile deep driveway led past beautifully landscaped stone pools and impressively manicured gardens. Kylie was enchanted, as she and Max crossed a quaint bridge over a riverbed that wound through the front lawn. She was even more impressed when a valet parked their car.
At least a dozen people crowded the two story circular foyer with marble floors.
Kylie slipped past Max, and hoped she could put enough distance between them that if Paul saw her, he wouldn’t think that they were together.
She promised herself she would remain cool, but she was almost sick with nerves. It was very possible she had simply imagined that Paul was perfect in every way, but just in case it was true, she didn’t want to blow it this time.
Mrs. Hamilton was receiving her guests in the foyer with her daughter Ellie by her side. Kylie moved in front of an older couple as they turned to talk to someone they knew, and Max was already busy fighting off Leslie. Kylie shook her head and smiled to herself. Leslie must have radar of some sort but she thanked God for it tonight.
“Your grounds are meticulous and your garden is so beautiful.” Kylie made small talk while she peered over their shoulders. Paul was nowhere in sight. She focused on the two women in front of her and suddenly felt underdressed. Mrs. Hamilton was wearing a long, blue dress made of silk taffeta, softly flared and sashed at the waist. Kylie looked up at her jewelry and was close to being blinded.
Ellie’s outfit was outstanding as well, a designer original and all out dazzling. The long straight skirt and hip length jacket was made up of multi-colored, patterned sequences. Kylie looked down at the simple dress she was wearing and felt the need to go home and change. Ellie knew what she was thinking and commented. “Your dress is very elegant; I wish I had the figure to wear something like that.”
Kylie smiled kindly. They were very nice people. She thanked them for inviting her then walked down a long hall flanked by original artwork. She took a few moments admiring it then entered the living room. People were everywhere. The fireplace with its carved, marble mantle was lit, making the setting warm and inviting. The lights were dim and soft music was playing. Kylie smiled at people she recognized then went out on the terrace. A waterfall flowed gently into their magnificent pool and a refreshment pavilion sat nearby.
She scanned the people then looked at the view. It was strange seeing her house from this distance. It was so petit compared to the grandeur of this estate, yet it wasn’t really small at all in comparison to some people’s homes. Then again, she thought, this place was just too much for her, nice to visit but certainly more than what she had ever dreamed of.
No, her house suited her fine. She and Max loved it…it made her wonder what the house would feel like without Max in it. Of course, if she could get used to him being there, she could get used to him gone.
Fact was, he wasn’t going anywhere just yet. She smiled to herself.
She leaned against the cool, iron rail and beheld the reflections on the lake. Colors seemed to melt into the dark blue water from the sinking sun. Purples, reds and golds, mixed together like a palette from one of her paintings.
When she looked up, directly across the lake, was Jeffery William’s house, and right next to it was Leslie’s house, both of them built in stone and both with the same characteristics. They must have been built around the same time, Kylie thought.
“Need a pair of binoculars?”
Kylie held her breath then turned around slowly. “Oh, it’s you Max,” she let out a sigh.
“Don’t sound so disappointed.” He turned his back to the view. “Have I told you how absolutely beautiful you look tonight.” He said slowly.
Kylie appreciated his persistence but knew what she had to do.
“I think you mentioned it
a time or two.” She adjusted his tie. “Now go away.”
“You’re breaking my heart you know.” He followed her back inside.
They were ordering drinks at the bar, when Leslie joined them.
“Hi, I’ve found something I think you want.” She crooked a finger at Kylie and led the way back through the house.
Without thinking, Kylie grabbed Max by the arm and followed Leslie through the crowd. She knew what Leslie was up to and her heart started pounding furiously. The formal dining room was filled with people talking and Kylie became conscious of the fact that she wasn’t ready to see Paul just yet.
She stopped abruptly at the door and turned to Max, “let’s go outside.”
“Sure.”
Leslie thought they were still following her and continued on.
Outside, Kylie took a breath of fresh air and felt relieved. She just needed a bit more time that was all.
The reality of seeing Paul suddenly hit home. Would he even want to talk to her and was he what she really wanted? She needed to think.
Max gave her a long slow smile. One that told her things were going to be okay.
It said a lot about a man’s character to have such patience, she thought, he should have taken off by now, but instead he was by her side, reassuring her.
A few people stopped to talk to them and she calmed down. Soon they had formed a small circle of people and Kylie almost forgot all about Paul.
The party seemed to be in full swing. There were people everywhere. Even the dance floor that was set up by the pool, started filling up.
“Will you be seen dancing with me?” Max put out his hand to her.
“Why not?” Kylie smiled; the vodka and cranberry loosening her up. There was no way she was going to chase after Paul. No way in hell.
Max pulled her onto the dance floor and wrapped his arms around her.
“I wonder what happened to Leslie.” Kylie smirked. “It’s not like her to stay away from you for this long.”
Max laughed than spun her gently through the air.
A Familiar Star (Romance Mystery) Page 9
