“That’s okay. It happens a lot, especially when people are in shock.” He gazed into her eyes. “This is why we show people photos because sometimes it reminds them of the little things they might have forgotten, or thought weren’t important. What you told me is helpful.”
“Do you think it’s him?”
“Not sure yet but we’re looking at him. Just wondering also if you have a recent photo of yourself?”
“Why do you need that?”
“Just in relation to Elle’s case.”
Her eyes studied his for a moment before she pulled out an album from a cupboard and removed a photo.
“It’s not very recent.”
“It’ll do, thanks.” She gave him another quizzical look before returning the album.
Picking up the photos Lucas decided to change the subject. “So, what are you cooking for me?”
While Chelsea cooked, he decided to divert her attention away from murder by asking about her family. Her eyes lit up and Lucas was glad he’d asked.
“When my Dad was twelve, my grandparents retired and bought a house in Tidwell. They wanted to enjoy their retirement in a small-town community and away from busy city life. My Pa was a psychiatrist and my Nan a midwife. She died about five years ago. They worked hard and invested wisely, enabling them to retire at an early age. My Dad is the local doctor and my Mom the vet, so they are both well-known and respected. I grew up knowing most of the townspeople.” She paused and blushed. “Sorry I’m babbling.”
“No, please, go on. Do you have any brothers or sisters?” He wanted her to keep talking. He enjoyed watching her speak with renewed vigor in her eyes which were shining greener than ever. She was doing things to him he’d never experienced before. He ignored the warnings in his head.
“Yes, Charlotte is two years younger than me and is studying to be a vet. She works part time with our mom. Hayden is ten years younger than me and a typical fifteen-year-old, he doesn’t say much. I guess he never really has. Charlotte and Hayden are very much the opposite. She is confident and outgoing whereas he is very shy and reserved. I guess I’m kind of in between. Charlotte talks too much and Hayden not enough. At the moment though, I think I would give my sister a run for her money. I feel... comfortable with you I guess.” She shrugged as her cheeks flushed a deep pink. Her blush almost provoked him to throw caution to the wind. Almost.
“I don’t mind. I’m a good listener. Part of the job criteria.”
“I don’t see them as often as I should or want to. Our busy lives seem to get in the way.”
“I completely understand. I work too much too.”
His gaze followed her again as she finished dinner and served up. His heart threatened to leap from his chest. He just wanted to touch her again.
She poured herself a wine, refreshed his drink and, once they were seated, asked him about his family. At first his face went blank, before a look of utter sorrow passed over it and she deeply regretted asking.
She makes me want to tell her. I need to tell her.
“My parents are both dead and my sister lives about half an hour out of the city,” he said in a flat tone, not looking up.
She gasped. “Oh, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay. It was a long time ago. It’s part of the reason I became a cop actually.” He brought his eyes to hers and found himself telling her the rest, without even thinking. The words just poured out. “I was seventeen when it happened. I was... at a friend’s and I was going to the electronics store my parents owned afterwards, to help my Dad with his stock take.” He cleared his throat, but the hurt was still in his voice, in his eyes. “I called out to them as I came in the back door but there was no reply. I felt something sticky on the floor and that’s when I saw the blood...” He trailed off and dropped his eyes.
“You don’t have to tell me anymore,” she said in a whisper, touching his hand.
“I want to.” He was surprised by how much he wanted to. “I saw my Dad’s feet sticking out from behind a box and, as I walked around, well I was never going to be prepared for what I saw. Both he and my mother had had their throats cut for one day’s takings and some electrical goods.” He stopped to take a breath. Even after all this time the pain still took air from his lungs. She dropped her fork, her mouth forming an O.
“They never caught who did it. Carrie, my older sister, and I moved into a small apartment. I joined the force; she started a hairdressing business and got married.” He looked up to discover tears running down her face. “Oh God, I’m so insensitive. How could I tell you that today?”
“I’m not crying about Elle, Lucas. I’m crying for you.”
She reached across the table a second time and put her hand onto his clenched fist, leaving it there this time. He liked the feel of her soft hand on his.
“Like I said, it was a long time ago. My sister has always been my rock and she has two beautiful kids who I adore.” He smiled, and the hurt vanished from his eyes. He unclenched his fists. “Please don’t cry.”
“I just couldn’t imagine…”
“I guess that’s why I’ve been so…”
“Curt?”
“Putting it nicely. This investigation has got to me some.” His lips thinned.
“Well,” she said, trying to brighten the mood. “I think today calls for chocolate cake.”
“You have some?” His nose crinkled quite delectably she thought.
“Well of course. I bought it yesterday in case Elle came home...”
“I’m so sorry, Chelsea. If I had listened to you...”
“It’s not your fault. There was probably nothing you could have done anyway. Come on; let’s have some cake on the balcony. You thought the view was good during the day.”
They sat in comfortable silence admiring the view while Lucas sneaked glances at her when he thought she wasn’t looking. Little did he know that not only had she noticed, but she was doing the same.
After he had finished his dessert, Lucas placed his plate on the table, looked at his watch and stood up abruptly.
“It’s late. I should go.”
They went downstairs and stood at the door, neither in any hurry to end the evening. He pulled out a business card and gave it to her.
“If you need anything, ring me, anytime. Thanks for dinner.” He turned to leave.
“I think I like this Lucas much better,” she said so quietly that he almost didn’t hear her.
He turned to her just as she stood on her tip toes to offer him a brief kiss on the cheek. He groaned. All his composure shattered like glass on a tiled floor.
In one swift motion he scooped her up into a powerful embrace and devoured her mouth, his tongue teasing hers. One hand dove into her hair to cup her head, to pull her in closer. The other circled her waist to clasp her tight against his body. He deepened the kiss, pouring all his desire and passion from his mouth to hers.
Her body tingled all over as she reached up to touch his face before running her fingers through his hair. She wrapped her legs around his waist and buried her hands deeper in his waves, clasping it, drawing him closer.
Having her legs wrapped round him was almost too much for him to endure. If he didn’t stop now, he never would. Feeling her body tight against his made him dizzy. He pulled his head back but didn’t put her down.
“If we don’t stop, I will not be responsible for what happens next,” he said hoarsely.
“Me neither,” she purred.
“Chelsea, as much as it pains me to say this, I think we should stop. I don’t want rush in, do anything too soon... not with you.”
And suddenly he knew he meant it. This usually ended differently but he didn’t want it to go this way. His desire-filled mind couldn’t make sense of it all.
Chelsea looked into his eyes and saw the truth there. She did want him to stay but it was too soon, and she’d gotten carried away. She unwound her legs and he gently lowered her down without removing his hand from her face. He b
ent down to kiss her tenderly.
“Good night,” he whispered.
He left quickly before he could change his mind.
After he’d gone, Chelsea leant against the door and sighed. She knew she’d seen the real Lucas tonight and he wasn’t the tough guy he made himself out to be. What was she going to do now?
As he drove home, Lucas attempted to bring himself back under control. He nearly turned the car around, but he talked himself out of it. How had he stopped himself from taking her as she wrapped herself around him? Why did he stop? What made her so different?
He decided a good night’s sleep would improve his focus but, once in bed, sleep was unattainable. She kept sliding sensuously into his mind.
He couldn’t believe he’d stopped and not taken the next step. He’d been a one-night kind of guy, no strings attached. He didn’t want one night with Chelsea; he wanted more, much more. For the first time ever, he saw a woman as more than a pretty face, a conquest, someone to warm his bed for the evening, to stave off his loneliness. He didn’t just want sex from her; he wanted everything. She’d been so comforting when he’d poured his heart out to her and when she cried for him before touching his hand.
He was totally dumbfounded by how he had managed to stop himself from leaping across the table and taking her there and then.
Keeping his hands to himself whenever he was around her was pushing all his self-control, yet he had managed to do just that the entire evening. Then her kiss to his cheek, so affectionate, so trusting somehow and her adorable face gazing up at him were almost his undoing. He knew at that moment he had to slow things down, to play for higher stakes.
Laying on his bed with his arm over his face in an attempt to block out her floating image, he attempted to get some sleep.
Big question - would she still want him once she knew how many women he had slept with? The thought made him feel insecure, even panic briefly in a rare moment of shame, and he knew it would be best for them both if he stayed away from her for a while, got over her. That was what he should do, but could he do it?
That night, instead of death haunting his dreams, it was olive skin, emerald eyes, kissable lips, and her small hips pressing against him. The nightmares were gone again.
What’s this, Princess, having dinner with the detective now, are we? Well you are full of surprises. Don’t get too comfortable. Soon I will be coming for you. Tomorrow we will speak. I need to hear your voice and to let you know that soon you will taste the bitterness of one more loss. Losing your friend is just the beginning.
Chapter 12
Family
Friday
Sitting around thinking about Elle was not going to bring her back. The pain threatened to overwhelm Chelsea as she pottered around the house, busying herself with mundane tasks. Nothing took her mind off the fact that her best friend was gone.
Chelsea decided to open Bloom, to escape the silence and constant reminders. Elle wouldn’t have wanted Chelsea to put her life on hold and it would take her mind off things.
As she headed out the door, the phone rang. She rushed to answer it.
“Hello.”
“I’ll be coming for you soon,” a strangely metallic voice threatened before hanging up.
Her heart dropped but she pushed away the fear, almost convincing herself that it was a prank call, someone’s idea of a sick joke. She shook it off and headed out the door.
When Chelsea entered the back of her shop, the instant comfort of aromas and colors washed over her. She was pleased to see Gavin had delivered the flowers she’d purchased, allowing her to get a start on her orders.
The next hour passed quickly and, before she knew it, opening time arrived. Next to Saturday, Friday was her busiest day and she appreciated that the morning would go quickly. Sarah and Charlotte were arriving at lunchtime and she was eager to see them.
After a busy morning, thankfully keeping her distracted, she closed for lunch and headed home to greet her family. The moment she walked in the front door, the phone rang once again. Dropping her bag and keys on the table, she ran to answer it.
“Hello.”
“Soon it will be your turn.” The metallic voice again.
She put the phone down, hard. This time she couldn’t shrug off her growing anxiety so easily. Was this threat real? It certainly sounded it. No, of course not, she told herself, but she failed to convince herself. Underneath she knew she wasn’t being paranoid.
The voice sounded cold, harsh and very serious. Inhuman, in fact. She stood frozen, her heart thudding, her hands shaking. The hairs on her neck bristled. As goose bumps spread down her arms, she rubbed her hands over them and tried to shake off the mounting terror.
She thought for a moment about picking up the phone and calling Lucas. Perhaps the calls could help with his investigation. No, surely it wasn’t the killer. Why would he call her? She thought it would be nice to call Lucas and this could be a reason to. A slight smile touched her lips as she remembered their evening, their kiss. She brought a hand to her lips as she remembered how they felt against hers.
When the phone shrilled again, she jumped and let out an involuntary cry. As she picked it up, apprehension crept into her chest. Taking a deep breath, she summoned some bravado.
“What?”
“Chelsea?”
Relief dispelled the trepidation at the sound of a familiar voice. “Mrs. Sheridan?”
“Yes, but please, call me Clare.”
“Oh, I’m sorry for sounding rude, Clare. I’ve just been receiving some nuisance calls.”
“Are you sure they are nuisance calls, dear and not something more serious? Please tell me you will be careful.”
“Please don’t worry. I’m sure it’s nothing.” Chelsea reassured her, not wanting to cause her any further distress. “How are you doing?”
“Not so good, honey. I’ve lost my baby and I don’t know how I’ll get through it.” Her voice caught.
“I miss her too.”
“I called to find out whether you would mind... if my daughter, Megan, came around on Monday to collect... Elle’s things.” Her voice broke and she paused a moment. “I can have her do it sooner if...”
“No Monday is fine, Clare. There’s no hurry.”
“Thank you and also the... funeral is Tuesday. Megan can give you the details on Monday, when it’s been finalized.”
Clare sobbed quietly, her composure barely holding.
“Thank you for letting me know and if you need anything else, please call, anytime.”
“Thank you, dear.” Then she was gone.
A sense of dread and sadness washed over her like a waterfall. Tears which threatened during her call with Clare escaped now. She would actually have to say goodbye to her beautiful friend. Chelsea wasn’t sure how she was going to manage this. She couldn’t understand why life took such a wonderful person like Elle. Leaning against the counter, she wiped away the tears and took a shaky breath.
Trying to put Elle and the calls out of her mind for the moment, she walked to the kitchen to prepare lunch.
With perfect timing, just as she’d finished, the front door opened, and Charlotte breezed through with Sarah following close behind. She ran to greet them and was enclosed by a Summerville hug, Charlotte from behind and Sarah in the front. Sarah pulled back and cupped her face.
“How are you holding up, sweetheart?”
“Okay,” she squeaked.
“Well, we’re here now so you don’t have to worry about anything. What time do you need us to head over to Bloom?” she continued in her no fuss way.
“In about half an hour.”
“Well let’s eat then,” Charlotte decided.
They caught up on lighter subjects over lunch. As they prepared to leave, the phone rang again.
“This phone has not stopped,” she said with exasperation.
“Hello.”
“You head off to your little shop now, Chelsea. I’ll see you soon.”
/> This time Chelsea hung up.
“Who was that?” Charlotte asked.
“No-one, just a prank call.”
“How many have you had?” Sarah asked.
“A few.”
“What did they say?” Charlotte said.
“He would see me soon and that he was coming for me, that kind of thing, nothing serious. It’s probably some kids who have seen the news and know Elle was murdered.”
Chelsea was still hoping against hope that this was actually the case, although her rapid pulse and the prickles of cold fingering her spine, told her otherwise. He knew her name.
“How would they know where she lived?” Sarah asked.
“I don’t know. I’m sure it’s nothing.” Chelsea shoved her shaking hands in her jacket pockets to hide their betrayal of her words.
“It doesn’t sound like nothing to me,” Sarah said, just getting started now.
“Mom, it’s okay, really.”
“Drop the bravado, Chelsea. I can tell from your face that the call bothered you.”
“He said my name.”
“What? You have to tell the police.”
“I don’t know if that’s really necessary.” She wished it wasn’t.
“Yes, it is.”
“Can I call Lucas later, when we get home from Bloom?” she asked. Once the words left her mouth Chelsea instantly realized her mistake.
“Who’s Lucas?” Charlotte asked with one eyebrow raised.
“He’s a detective working on Elle’s investigation.”
Chelsea attempted to keep her face straight, hoping to deter further questions. However, with Charlotte, this would be unavoidable. Her sister was far too inquisitive. Chelsea wasn’t ready to share Lucas with anyone yet. Besides she wasn’t really sure what was happening anyway. What was there to tell them? Two kisses and a dinner were all they’d shared.
Rich Girl (Broken Wishes Series Book 1) Page 8
