Changing Places

by Colette Caddle

  Charlie laughed. ‘Okay, I’ll have dinner with you but I’m afraid frozen curry won’t do the trick for me. Let’s go out.’

  ‘Oh!’

  ‘What? Will you be in trouble if you’re seen eating with a strange man?’ he taunted.

  ‘No, of course not. And you’re not strange – well, only a bit.’

  ‘So, shall we go?’

  At Anna’s suggestion, they went to a busy Italian restaurant in the heart of Malahide. Charlie joked as they were handed their menus, ‘Either this is all above board or we’re very indiscreet lovers!’

  ‘Charlie!’ Anna hissed, with an anxious look at the neighbouring tables which were much too close for comfort.

  Charlie smiled warmly at the waitress who’d brought their wine. ‘Thank you, that’s lovely. Relax,’ he told Anna when she’d left. ‘We know that we’re just friends, and that’s what matters, isn’t it? If Liam walked through that door right now, you’d be able to look him in the eye and tell him this is a perfectly innocent dinner, wouldn’t you?’

  Anna’s eyes dropped to her menu. ‘Sure. Gosh, I didn’t realize how hungry I was.’

  Charlie’s lips twitched. ‘Pizza for me, I think.’

  ‘Me too.’ She closed her menu and took a sip of her wine. ‘Thanks again for today.’

  ‘You’re welcome. I hope Mark has learned something from this. He really needs to put some security measures in place.’

  Anna didn’t reply as the waitress arrived to take their order but when they were alone again, she resumed the conversation. ‘You were talking about safety measures. Like what?’

  He shrugged. ‘You should always call back viewers before a viewing, that way you know the phone number is legitimate.’

  ‘Good idea.’

  ‘And you should always make sure that the office knows where you are. Maybe you could call them after each viewing so that if they don’t hear from you, they’ll know something’s wrong.’

  She shook her head. ‘It gets way too busy in our office for that and there’s only Mark, Val and me. Half the time, Val’s there alone.’

  ‘Then send her a text.’

  ‘You’re full of good ideas, aren’t you? Anyway, here’s to you, Charlie, my knight in faded denim. I don’t know what I’d have done without you.’

  ‘Hey, you’re making me blush. I’m sure if Liam had been at home you would have been fine.’

  ‘If,’ Anna said with feeling, and instantly regretted it. Bloody booze, it always loosened her tongue and got her saying things she shouldn’t.

  ‘I take it you’re not impressed that he’s gone home to Mummy.’

  Anna scowled. ‘It’s not like that. She’s sick, she needs him.’

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘Charlie, stop trying to wind me up.’

  ‘Hey, what did I say now?’ He stared at her, all innocence.

  ‘Nothing. I suppose I’m a bit sensitive at the moment. And no, I’m not happy about Liam going to his mother’s.’ There, she’d done it again. ‘But she needs help and he’s the only one she’s got. It’s just until she gets used to the crutches, anyway, so it’s no big deal.’

  ‘He’s still out of work, I take it.’

  Anna nodded. ‘Although he had an interview on Friday and apparently it went very well.’

  ‘Good. These past few months can’t have been easy for you both.’

  Anna took another drink. ‘They haven’t.’

  ‘Want to talk about it?’

  ‘No, Charlie, I don’t. Now stop fishing.’

  ‘Just making conversation.’

  ‘No, you’re not. You’re trying to find out how strong my marriage is.’

  Charlie raised an eyebrow. ‘And why would I want to know that?’

  Anna looked away. Those dark, gorgeous eyes always seemed to be able to see right inside her.

  ‘Oh, I don’t know.’

  ‘Yes, you do,’ he murmured, resting his chin on his palms and looking into her eyes. ‘You know exactly why I want to know. You know that I fancy you, can’t stop thinking about you and, right now, I’d really love to kiss you.’

  Anna sat mesmerized, her eyes moving from his eyes to his mouth and back again. ‘You can’t say things like that.’

  ‘I just did.’

  ‘Margarita?’

  Anna jerked back and stared at the bored waiter. ‘Oh yes, that’s me.’

  ‘And pepperoni?’

  Charlie nodded, not taking his eyes off Anna.

  ‘This looks nice,’ she said, when the waiter had topped up their wine glasses and left.

  ‘So what would you do, Anna?’

  ‘Pardon?’

  ‘If I kissed you, what would you do?’

  Anna laughed nervously. ‘I’d kill you. I mean, how public can you get?’

  ‘Ah, so you don’t object to the kiss, just the location.’

  ‘No! That’s not what I meant! You’re twisting things.’

  ‘Am I?’ Charlie bit into a slice of pizza with perfect white teeth.

  Anna bent her head over her dinner. ‘You’ve had too much wine.’

  ‘Actually, I’ve only had about half a glass. I’m driving, remember?’

  Anna looked in dismay from her glass to the half-empty bottle. No wonder she was feeling woozy.

  ‘So, where shall we do it?’ Charlie continued.

  ‘Do what?’

  ‘Kiss. I suppose we could go back to your place . . .’

  ‘Are you mad?’

  ‘Then it will have to be my place.’ Charlie produced a key from his pocket. ‘Paul Brennan has been very helpful. He even gave me a key in case I needed to measure up for curtains.’ He winked at her. ‘You could hold my tape measure.’

  ‘Charlie!’

  ‘It’s the perfect answer if you think about it. If anyone sees you there they’ll just think you’re on business.’

  ‘I am not coming back to your house,’ Anna hissed.

  ‘But you do want me to kiss you.’

  ‘I do not!’

  ‘You disappoint me, Anna. I always thought you were such an honest woman.’

  ‘I am!’

  ‘Then look me in the eye and tell me that you don’t want to kiss me.’

  Anna’s eyes met his. ‘It’s never going to happen.’

  ‘Ah ha!’ Charlie grinned delightedly. ‘You couldn’t say it!’

  Anna put down her knife and fork and raised her eyes to his. ‘No, I couldn’t. And maybe I do fancy you, Charlie, but I’m married and I don’t play around.’

  ‘And yet you’d like me to kiss you. What a wonderful compliment.’

  ‘Charlie, stop,’ she begged, throwing down her napkin. ‘This was a bad idea. I should never have suggested dinner. I’m obviously sending out the wrong signals.’

  ‘Or the right ones.’

  ‘Charlie—’

  ‘Come back to the house with me,’ he urged, reaching across to take her hand.

  His touch was electric and Anna stared at the dark hairs on the back of his hand, as his fingers stroked the inside of her palm. It was so innocent and yet it was turning her insides to liquid. She looked up into his face and nodded.

  Charlie’s eyes lit up and immediately he signalled to the waiter for the bill.

  They drove to the house in silence, Charlie keeping a tight hold of her hand, even when he was changing gear. Anna felt as if she was in the middle of a dream and she didn’t particularly want to wake up. This was wrong, she knew that, but she couldn’t help the excitement she felt at the thought of being alone with Charlie in a deserted house with no one to disturb them.

  Charlie turned into the driveway and parked to one side, where the car wouldn’t be visible from the road. Turning off the engine he turned to face her. ‘Last chance.’

  Anna looked at him and said nothing.

  Charlie groaned and brought his lips down on hers in a hungry, probing kiss. Anna felt herself melt against him and before she realized what she was doi
ng, her hands were tangled in his hair, pulling him closer.

  Charlie pulled away, his breath ragged. ‘Let’s go inside.’

  Looking into his eyes, Anna knew she was agreeing to a lot more than a kiss. With a barely imperceptible nod, she picked up her bag, got out of the car and stood waiting for Charlie to unlock the house. She noticed that his hands were trembling, too.

  ‘Oh! The alarm isn’t on. I’ll have to make a complaint. Anyone could just wander in here and do what they like.’ With a slow smile, he pulled her towards him and kissed the tip of her nose. ‘You are gorgeous.’

  ‘Who’s that? Who’s there?’ Anna and Charlie sprang apart as the light went on and Paul Brennan emerged from the kitchen. ‘Charlie! Anna! Jesus, you put the heart crossways on me!’

  Charlie laughed. ‘Sorry about that, Paul. I bumped into Anna in the village and persuaded her to come and give me her opinion on my ideas for the kitchen.’

  ‘Oh, right.’

  ‘But you’re busy, so we’ll come back some other time,’ Charlie continued.

  ‘No problem. The removal van is coming tomorrow but I wanted to collect some of the more fragile pieces myself.’

  ‘You’re right, those guys aren’t exactly careful, are they?’

  As the two men chatted, Anna moved back towards the door, wishing the ground would open up and swallow her.

  ‘Anna’s been telling me that my lawyer is playing silly beggars and holding things up.’

  ‘Yes, well, he seems a bit hung up on paperwork,’ Paul grunted.

  ‘I’ll talk to him first thing,’ Charlie promised.

  ‘Right.’ Paul looked from him to Anna. ‘So, are you going to take a look at the kitchen?’

  Anna glanced at her watch. ‘You know, Charlie, it’s really late. Would you mind if we did this some other time?’

  ‘No, of course not, Anna. I’m sorry if I’ve delayed you.’

  ‘That’s okay. Nice to see you again, Paul. Good luck with the move.’

  ‘Thanks, Anna, bye-bye.’

  Charlie stretched out his hand to shake Paul’s. ‘You should be hearing from my lawyer tomorrow. If there are any more problems, just give me a call.’

  ‘Appreciate that. Good night, now, safe home.’

  ‘Jesus.’ Anna breathed when they were back in the car. ‘I have never been so humiliated in my life. What must he think of me?’

  ‘What’s the problem?’

  Anna stared at him. ‘What’s the problem? Are you kidding me? Do you honestly think he believed that we went there to look at the kitchen?’

  Charlie grinned. ‘Probably not.’

  ‘How can you be so blasé?’ she exploded. ‘What if he says something to Mark?’

  ‘What if he does? Mark’s a friend. He’s not going to tell anyone, certainly not your husband.’

  ‘Oh right, so it’s all boys together, is it? Tell me, do you cover for each other often? How many other married women have you brought to your new house?’

  Charlie pulled into the side of the road and turned to face her. ‘Now you’re just being silly.’

  ‘Well, it’s okay for you—’ But she didn’t get any further because Charlie was kissing her again.

  Anna gave herself up to his kiss, thinking how soft his lips were for a man and what a damn good kisser he was. ‘No, no,’ she said, finally pulling back. ‘Not here, not like this.’

  Charlie took her hand and kissed her palm. ‘Then where and when? Can I come back with you now?’

  ‘No!’

  ‘Don’t make me wait, Anna, I don’t think I can.’ He dropped her hand and bent his head to kiss the side of her neck.

  Anna gasped and closed her eyes. ‘Oh, please stop, Charlie. Anyone could come along.’

  ‘Let’s go to a hotel. No one will know. Liam’s not going to miss you.’

  ‘He’ll be phoning and wondering where I am.’ Anna glanced at the clock; to her dismay, it was nearly ten o’clock. ‘Shit, I’ve got to go.’

  ‘Call him on your mobile. Tell him you’re just about to go to bed.’ Charlie’s eyes twinkled wickedly as he pushed her shirt back and began to kiss her shoulder.

  Anna pulled back, horrified. ‘I couldn’t do something like that!’

  ‘Hey, I’m sorry, it was just a joke.’

  Anna straightened her clothes and turned away from him. ‘Please take me home.’

  ‘Only if you promise to meet me tomorrow.’

  ‘I’ll get out and walk,’ she threatened, her hand on the door handle.

  ‘Okay, okay.’ He turned on the engine and drove back on to the road. ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.’ He put his hand on her thigh and squeezed it. ‘It’s just I’m so crazy about you.’

  Anna closed her eyes. Her head was beginning to throb and she felt a bit sick. ‘I just want to go home.’

  Charlie turned up the radio and said no more until he’d stopped the car outside her house. ‘Will you meet me tomorrow?’

  ‘I don’t know.’ She had already opened the door and was stepping out of the car.

  ‘I’ll phone you.’

  ‘No. No, I’ll phone you.’

  Charlie leaned across so that he could look up at her. ‘Promise?’

  She nodded and hurried inside. As he drove away, Anna flopped on to the bottom of the stairs and closed her eyes.

  ‘Anna?’

  Her eyes flew open again and she looked up to see Liam’s silhouette in the sitting-room doorway. ‘Liam!’

  Chapter 32

  ‘What are you doing here?’

  ‘I thought you’d need the car tomorrow and that maybe we could talk. Where have you been? Who was that dropping you off?’

  Anna couldn’t believe that she hadn’t even noticed her car outside. She’d really have to give up alcohol.

  ‘Anna?’ Liam’s face was pale, his lips in a thin line.

  ‘That was Charlie Coleman, a client and a good friend of Mark’s. There was a bit of trouble today and I didn’t want to come home to an empty house so he took me out for a pizza.’ Pizza sounded much more respectable than dinner, she thought.

  ‘What kind of trouble?’ Liam was still looking suspicious.

  ‘I was showing Beech Wood to a couple. You know the old house out on the back road?’

  Liam nodded.

  ‘But only the husband turned up. When we got as far as the bathroom he pinned me against the wall and started groping me.’

  ‘Oh Anna!’ Liam was on his knees at her side, his eyes now full of concern, and his fingers stroking her cheek.

  ‘It’s okay. I managed to get away. When I got into the car I phoned Mark and he came over with the police. He told me to go home but I was shaking so much I was afraid of crashing. I pulled into the filling station and just sat there. The next thing I knew, Charlie was hammering on my window.’

  ‘Oh love, why didn’t you call me?’ Liam pulled her into his arms and cradled her like a baby.

  ‘You had enough on your plate,’ she said weakly. ‘I didn’t want to give you anything else to worry about.’

  ‘Did the police catch the bastard?’

  She shook her head. ‘No, he was gone by the time they got there and it turned out he’d given a fake contact number.’

  ‘You should never have been put in that position. Mark is going to have to take steps to make sure this doesn’t happen again.’

  ‘That’s what Charlie says.’

  ‘So you went out with this Charlie guy?’

  She nodded. ‘Like I said, I couldn’t face coming home.’

  Liam pulled back to look at her face. ‘So who drank the saké?’

  ‘Oh, I did, I forgot. Sorry, it must be the wine. Charlie brought me home, but I’d forgotten you weren’t going to be here. When Charlie went to leave, I realized I couldn’t stay here alone so we went back into the village.’

  ‘You could have asked him to drop you over to me,’ he pointed out.

  ‘Like I said, I didn’t want to
worry you.’

  ‘I called your mobile a few times.’

  ‘I switched it off. I wasn’t exactly in any condition to talk.’

  He hugged her to him and kissed the top of her head. ‘I don’t suppose this is the best time for a chat either. And I really should be getting back to Mum.’

  ‘Oh, of course, she’ll probably be nervous on her own.’ Anna stopped at the guilty look on Liam’s face. ‘Ah, she’s not alone, is she?’

  ‘Tara dropped in to see how Mum was and she offered to stay with her until I got back.’

  ‘That was nice of her.’

  ‘Anna—’

  She stood up. ‘It’s okay, Liam. Look, I’m exhausted. You get home to your mum and we’ll talk tomorrow.’

  ‘I hate leaving you. Are you sure you’re all right?’

  ‘Fine.’

  ‘Okay, then. Lock up when I’m gone, will you?’

  ‘I will, stop worrying.’

  After the door had shut behind him, Anna collapsed back on to the stairs and buried her head in her hands. That had been so close! What if she’d gone to a hotel with Charlie? Or worse, what if they’d kissed again outside the house or she’d brought him inside? Not that she would have, of course. She dragged a hand through her hair and groaned. As if going to an empty house with him was any better, she thought, knowing full well what would have happened if Paul Brennan hadn’t appeared. She and Charlie would have had sex, and even though the fact riddled her with guilt, she knew that she’d really wanted it.

  As she moved around the house, locking doors and turning off lights before carrying a large glass of water to bed, she relived the moment when Liam had appeared in the sitting-room doorway. She’d felt physically sick, thinking she’d been discovered. If she hadn’t been attacked today, it would have been very hard to come up with a plausible reason for Charlie’s presence. She shuddered, thinking how strange it was to be grateful to a terrifying pervert who’d tried to rape her.

  Anna undressed and climbed under the covers, aghast at how easily she’d lied to Liam and how readily he’d believed her. How could she even think of starting a family with him if she went to bed with the first man who asked her?

  Anna closed her eyes tight and tried to banish the image of Paul Brennan’s knowing look. God, he probably thought she did this on a regular basis. His image was replaced by that of Liam, and how his closed, guarded expression had melted into one of tender concern when she’d told him about the attack.