The girls were busy all day at Bloom and didn’t have much time to chat. Charlotte tried to drag the details out of Chelsea, but she was tight lipped.
“I don’t kiss and tell like you do, Charlotte.”
Chelsea was happy for the distraction of a busy day. It gave her little opportunity to think about who could be stalking her, if that was actually what was happening. She knew that Lucas thought so, but he was a cop and was suspicious of everything, as he had to be. This didn’t reduce her anxiety. When Gavin came in at lunchtime to collect the deliveries, she couldn’t help but look at him differently. Could he be the killer? She shook her head - of course not. It had to be someone else. But who?
And then there was Lucas. Where were they going? She didn’t want to fall too hard too soon. She wasn’t going to make the same mistake again. Her heart skipped too fast when she thought of him. Chelsea hoped he hadn’t run out on her this morning. She wished she knew what was going on in his head. Regardless of her concern, she smiled and hummed while she worked.
Her mind wondered to Elle as she finished her final arrangements of the day and her smile dropped. Here she was walking around like a starry-eyed teenager and there was a vicious killer on the loose who had murdered her best friend. How could she be happy so soon after Elle’s death? Especially since her friend was never going to experience anything again. There was nothing she could do about Elle except help Lucas in any way she could with the investigation. She couldn’t help falling in love and Elle would’ve been excited to see Chelsea ‘out there’ again, like she used to push for her to do. Elle constantly tried to set her up with her male friends. Chelsea smiled at the memory.
I miss her so much.
She really hoped they would catch the bastard that took away her best friend.
Lucas woke with a start and looked at his watch to find it was almost 6pm. He’d slept for six dream-free hours and felt refreshed. He got up, showered to shake off the sleep, and then with a growl of his stomach, realized he was hungry. Finding nothing appetizing in the kitchen, he threw a few things in an overnight bag, grabbed his keys and headed out the door. It was time to take a chance.
The moment Chelsea and Charlotte walked in the door they were greeted by the aroma of their mother’s cooking. Mouths watering, they located Sarah in the kitchen.
“You don’t have to cook, Mom. You’re my guest.”
“Nonsense, you were at work all day and I needed something to do. I went and did some shopping.” She pointed to an opened bottle of wine. “Help yourselves. I did your laundry and tidied up – not that there was much to do – but it kept me busy. You know I can’t sit idle.”
“Thanks, Mom.” She kissed Sarah’s cheek, and then filled their glasses.
The phone rang making them all jump. Chelsea walked to the bench to answer it, casting a worried glance to her family before picking it up.
“Hello.”
“I know the detective stayed over last night. Whore! You’ll get what’s coming to you soon, rich bitch.” The line went dead.
Blood drained from her face, paling it. She lifted a shaking hand to her mouth to stop her crying out.
“Chelsea, what is it?” Sarah asked, rushing over to her.
“He knew Lucas was here and he called me a rich bitch, which is what he has been leaving on his victims. Lucas was right. I am a target. Who would do this?”
The knock at the door startled them again and they all yelped in surprise.
“We’re all a bit jumpy,” said Sarah, trying to calm her daughters. “I’ll go and see who it is.”
Sarah applied the safety chain before opening the door a crack. The girls heard her say “Thank goodness it’s you”, and when she came back to the kitchen, she had Lucas in tow.
“What happened?” he asked, seeing the scared look in Chelsea’s eyes.
“He called again.”
Charlotte filled him in on the latest call. Lucas listened intently and said nothing for a few moments. Fear for her safety threatened to choke him as images of the victims flashed through his mind.
“Please don’t open the door for anyone and, if you do, put the chain on like Sarah did. Chelsea, please don’t go anywhere by yourself.” He wrapped her up in his arms, pulled her close and kissed her tenderly. “Are you alright?”
“I’m a little shook up but I’ll be okay,” she answered, gazing up at him. “You had your hair cut?’
“Yeah, whenever I visit my sister, she gets her scissors out.”
“I like it,” she said running her fingers through it.
“Have you had dinner, Lucas?” asked Sarah.
“No, not yet. I don’t cook much. It’s not really my thing. There wasn’t anything to eat at home anyway, so I came by to see what you girls were doing. I see I have arrived just in time. It smells great.”
“Well, there’s plenty here. I always make too much. Please join us.”
They steered clear of any disturbing subjects over dinner and Charlotte as always was the chatty entertainer. Lucas watched Chelsea as she talked and laughed with her family. He suddenly realized there was no way he could walk away now. She already possessed his heart and he didn’t want it back.
Charlotte and Sarah discreetly decided after dinner there was a café they wanted to try with great desserts. After Lucas warned them to be careful, they left.
Once alone, Lucas scooped Chelsea up and carried her towards the couch. He placed her lightly but with haste to the floor. Impatiently he groped at her clothes as his lips sought hers.
Her eagerness to feel smooth skin equaled his and she tugged at his clothes with the same fervor. With arms wrapped around her, he brought her with him as he sat on the comfortable cushions, so she was astride him. They made love on its softness, their bodies pressed tightly together, their mouths exploring, their hands buried in each other’s hair. They reached the crescendo together, their groans of pleasure in unison.
As their slick bodies slowed to a stop, she rested her head on his shoulder and feathered kisses along his neck and jaw while he caressed her back and hair. Snuggling with her, cradled in his lap, was just how he imagined it would be.
“Sorry to pounce on you like that but I’ve been thinking about doing that with you on this couch for a couple of days.”
“I’m not complaining.”
“I’m also sorry for running out this morning.”
“It’s okay, I understand. We’ve only known each other for a short time and this is happening really fast.”
“I feel like I’ve known you forever.”
She giggled. “Spoken like a true romantic cliché.”
“I know but it’s actually true in this instance.” She smiled like the cat who caught the canary, stood up, took his hand and guided him towards the stairs. “Again?” he asked.
She just nodded and took him to her room. This time she wanted him to make love to her.
As they did the previous evening, they sat out on the balcony enjoying the scenery. They were feeding each other chocolate cake while drinking wine. Lucas was grateful for the cover of darkness. If Chelsea was being stalked, he didn’t want to give the maniac any fodder for his delusions.
“I wish we could stay here forever and forget about everything,” Chelsea whispered. “I suppose that’s naive and probably just as corny as what you said downstairs.” She giggled.
She popped another piece of cake into his mouth with her fingers, which he nibbled on.
“It would be nice not to have to see another murder victim,” he said once she’d removed her fingers.
“Then why do you do it?” she asked before he put cake into her mouth and she sucked his fingers.
He groaned and closed his eyes until she stopped. “I don’t want other families to go without justice, like my family did.”
He clenched his jaw, so Chelsea kissed him, and his eyes turned amber again.
“That’s better,” she said, looking into his eyes. “I love your eyes that color.�
��
“Yeah, they tend to do that when I’m happy or….” He kissed her again.
“Oh, and how do you know this?”
“I’ve been told.”
“By whom? All those other girls you’ve been with?” A stab of envy pierced her heart.
“A few have mentioned it,” he teased.
“Oh, I suppose there have been lots. I mean you’re attractive and I don’t actually know if you’ve been serious with anyone before... and you’re so amazing and a man... who I guess has needs...” She trailed off, not able to look at him now.
“Chelsea,” he waited until she brought her gaze back to his. “I’m not going to lie to you, there have been.... a few but I’ve never felt about any of them the way I feel about you.” He paused. “Attractive huh, is that all you got?”
“Okay, then to quote my sister, you’re hot.” He laughed.
“I’ve just decided I’m going to enjoy teasing you.” He brushed her face tenderly with his lean fingers. “If you must know, there have only been a few who have seen me happy. It’s how my sister knows, just like she did this morning. She hasn’t seen it happen very often though, and not in a while.”
“You were happy this morning?”
“Deliriously.”
She smiled and began to play with his hair. “Not as much hair to do this now.”
“I’ll grow it back for you, then.”
“I like it both ways, so maybe just more time between haircuts.” She smiled again before her face grew serious.
“I’m scared, Lucas,” she whispered.
“Me too”
“What are you scared of?”
“This animal getting you.” He pressed his forehead to hers and held her hands in his. “Don’t come out here by yourself, okay?”
“Okay.”
“I’m going to see about getting uniforms to protect the house when I’m not here and to escort you to work.”
“Is that really necessary?” she asked, pulling her head back to look into his eyes.
“It would ease my mind a little.”
“Okay.”
He stood, scooped her up and carried her back to bed. They made love slowly, looking into each other’s eyes. They cherished every moment, both wishing they could stay this way forever. They fell asleep that night in each other’s arms.
Chapter 18
Mabel and Tommy
Sunday
With the sun shining across his ripped body, Chelsea lay staring at Lucas, waiting for him to wake. He stirred, entailing an adorable groaning noise, opened his eyes, gazed at her sleepily, and smiled. She poked him in the ribs evoking a boyish laugh much to her delight.
“What’re you doing today?” he asked.
“Not sure. Charlotte probably wants to go shopping.”
“Would you like to spend the day with me and my niece and nephew?”
“I’d love to! I’ll go take a shower.”
She leaped out of bed and disappeared into the bathroom. When the shower door opened, she was in the middle of washing her hair.
“Want some company?”
“Yes, you can wash my back.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him ardently. Using her vanilla body wash and discovering this was the source of her delicious aroma; he lathered her body, leaving a familiar trail of kisses down her wet body before coming to rest between her thighs. When he brought his mouth to her, she threw her head back and cried out loudly. He teased her with his tongue until she shuddered and moaned out his name.
Lucas eased her up against the tiles and, as she wrapped her legs around him, he thrust inside her. The water cascaded down their bodies while they kissed feverishly and rode the waves of ecstasy together.
“You’re going to wear me out,” he said.
“You’re the one who interrupted me,” she said in the same satisfied tone.
“I couldn’t resist knowing you were naked and wet.”
“You’re a naughty boy, Lucas, and I love it!”
He eased her down to the floor and they finished washing each other tenderly.
Once they were both dressed and ready to leave, Chelsea noted his different attire and smiled smugly.
“You brought a change of clothes. That was very presumptuous of you.”
“I didn’t presume anything. I came here to stay.”
They drove in comfortable silence to Carrie’s house. Chelsea, however, became increasingly nervous the closer they got to their destination. How would his family react to the swiftness of their relationship? Would they think they were rushing things? Would they approve?
“Don’t be nervous. They’re all going to love you,” Lucas said.
“How do you know I’m nervous?”
“Let’s see, because you look it. I’m trained to notice these things. You won’t be able to hide anything from me.”
She peeked at him from the corner of her eye and realized his serious tone was all in jest as her favorite smile adorned his face.
“Don’t tease me. I’m nervous enough.”
“No need to be. Trust me Carrie is the least judgmental person I know.”
“There’s something to judge me for?”
“Chelsea, you’re making me happy and that’s all that matters to Carrie and Nathan.”
As he helped her out of the car, her nerves intensified to the point where she believed her heart would actually leap right out of her chest. Lucas was important to her and how his family felt about her suddenly became of the utmost significance.
An adorable blonde girl of about seven answered the door and leapt into her uncle’s arms.
“What have I told you about answering the door, Mabe Babe?” he asked, kissing her on the nose. She promptly jumped down and shut the door.
“Who is it?” she sang.
“It’s me?”
“Who’s me’?”
“Uncle Lucas.”
The door flew open and she catapulted herself into his arms again.
“That’s better.”
“Who are you?” she asked.
“Chelsea.”
“You’re pretty,” chimed a little voice from below.
“Thank you.” She smiled and looked down to discover a miniature version of Lucas. “You must be Mabel and Tommy.”
“How do you know who we are?” Mabel asked as she studied Chelsea with big blue eyes.
“Mabel!” warned a tall pretty auburn-haired woman with the same intense amber eyes as Lucas.
“It’s okay,” she said to Carrie and turned to Mabel. “I know who you are because your uncle has told me all about you, but he didn’t tell me you were so beautiful.”
Knowing she had made an instant friend, Mabel jumped down from her uncle’s arms to give Chelsea a hug.
“I like you,” she stated. “You can stay. Is she your girlfriend?” she asked Lucas.
“Maybe,” he said smiling at Chelsea.
“Okay that’s enough now, Mabel. Come in.” Carrie gestured for them to come inside. “I’m Carrie.” She then turned to the tall sandy-blond haired man with the same blue eyes as his daughter standing next to him. “This is my husband, Nathan. You must be Chelsea.”
Carrie knowing her name reassured her somewhat. His sister already knew about her. This pleased her immensely.
“Hi, nice to meet you both.”
Carrie made coffee while Mabel continued her inquisition. Tommy gazed at Chelsea shyly while Nathan and Lucas caught up. Once coffee was served and Carrie was seated, her very own inquest began.
“So, what do you do, Chelsea?”
“I own a shop - Bloom.”
“Oh, I know it. I’ve admired your work many times in the window. Nathan has simply not gotten the hint yet.”
“When he does, I’ll be sure to make something special.”
Carrie’s line of questioning continued regarding every aspect of her life. After about twenty odd questions, Nathan intervened.
“Carrie
, honey, I don’t ask this many questions in court. Stop badgering her.”
“I’m not! Lucas never brings a girl to meet us and seeing he has, I want to learn more about her. This is a novelty for me. The last time was...”
“Carrie,” Lucas interrupted. “Chelsea doesn’t need to know about... that.”
Chelsea glanced at him. Who was it he didn’t want her to know about? She brushed aside her curiosity, so they could enjoy the day. There would be plenty of time to quiz him later.
Lucas suggested it was time to leave, before the girls talked the day away. Chelsea suspected it was before Carrie gave away too many secrets.
As they were leaving, Carrie whispered in her brother’s ear “she’s adorable.”
“I know.”
“And whether you know it or not little brother, you do love her.”
She waved goodbye as they walked to the car. Chelsea turned to wave and saw the couple embrace seemingly grateful they would be spending the day alone together. Her appreciation for Lucas increased and her annoyance completely dissipated. He wasn’t only doing this to spend time with Mabel and Tommy.
“That is very thoughtful of you, giving Carrie and Nathan some time together,” she said to him quietly.
“I try and do it once a fortnight, when I’m not working. I love spending time with them. They’re great kids.”
“Yes, they are.”
It was a bright warm day and the beach and ocean looked inviting. Once a year for two weeks a carnival was held by the shore and Chelsea hadn’t been since she was a teenager. There was an assortment of rides for all ages and sideshow games with the usual novelty prizes along with all the junk food and sugar one could consume.
As they walked from the car to the carnival, the children jumped around excitedly while they chatted about what they wanted to do first. Lucas took Chelsea’s hand and pulled her close.
Mabel and Tommy went and lined up for the carousel and then they watched them go around. After several laps involving enthusiastic waving, Chelsea and Lucas became completely absorbed in one another and it felt as though there was no-one else in the world around them. They stared tenderly into each other’s eyes, shared little kisses and whispered their mutual admiration.
Rich Girl (Broken Wishes Series Book 1) Page 12
