Spoilt Page 11

  * * *

  In the early hours of the morning, Lucas awoke and gazed toward the sleeping girl beside him. He watched her in the moonlight, as it cast light and shadow across her face and body. Her hair was fanned out around her lovely face. He stared at her in the moonlight as thoughts raced around in his mind.

  It wasn’t unusual for him to leap into a girl’s bed so quickly but what was unbelievably new was the intensity of his feelings.

  Although never having been a selfish lover in the past, his efforts last night definitely exceeded any he’d put in before. He craved to please her over and over again. He’d never wanted or needed to do that before.

  Everything about her cried out to him to stay, not to run away scared, without her actually saying the words. He was drawn to her like a moth to the flame, his only fear - getting burned. His head pleaded with him to run. Contentment and panic waged a battle within his chest.

  Lying on his side, Lucas continued to watch her. He caressed her face and hair hoping she would wake up. Her eyes fluttered open and she stared back at him sleepily.

  “Hey,” he said.

  “Hey you.” He continued his caresses as she stared back at him. “I want you to know something about me, Lucas. I don’t usually do this.”

  He gazed at her, encouraging her to continue.

  “I don’t ... sleep around and have never rushed into ... this. I just wanted you to know this. You’re different somehow.”

  “This is all new for me too.” He leant over to kiss her, then rolled over onto his back, bringing her with him. “I think I would like a repeat performance from the balcony.”

  “Lucas!” she admonished, before kissing him and complying.

  Chapter 16

  Carrie

  Saturday

  The sunlight streaming in the window rudely awoke Lucas the next morning.

  How does she sleep with the blinds open?

  He pulled on his pants and decided to see if he could get some coffee organised for them. Chelsea was fast asleep, her hair billowing across the pillow. She looked so peaceful. His heart lurched. He needed to do everything within his power to ensure she remained safe.

  The smell of freshly brewing coffee hit him as he strolled into the kitchen. Charlotte sat at the table sipping from a cup. Reality hit him in the face and the jitters began to creep into his chest. Perceptive to her family’s awareness of the change in their relationship, he suddenly got cold feet, the fear almost paralysing him.

  “Well, well, well, looks like big sister got lucky last night.” Charlotte raised her eyebrows. “Very lucky,” she said, gazing at his bare chest.

  “I think I’m the lucky one.”

  “So this is more than just casual sex then?” she grilled him.

  “Um, think so. Hope so.”

  “I know where to find you. If you hurt her, you’ll have to deal with me.”

  “That’s telling me.” He grinned at her.

  “Don’t you give me that look. I’m serious. Chelsea doesn’t do casual, so you better be thinking about sticking around. She might act tough but she really is quite vulnerable. She doesn’t take rejection well.”

  “I plan to stick.” He wanted to. He simply wasn’t sure yet if he could.

  “Good. Do you want some coffee?”

  “Yeah, that would be great.”

  “Help yourself. The cups are in the cupboard above the coffee machine.”

  As he made himself a cup he formulated some questions to ask Charlotte. It might be the only opportunity he would have to speak with her alone.

  He sat across from her at the table, took a sip and then began. “How well did you know Wesley?”

  “I only met him a few times. With my studies, I don’t get a lot of time to visit here, but Chelsea brought him home a few times.”

  “What can you tell me about him?”

  “He was shy, kind of charming in an unassuming way. I don’t know a lot. He didn’t share much about his life with Chelsea. I always wondered about this.”

  “Do you think he was jealous of your family’s wealth?”

  “Awestruck maybe. I’m not sure about jealous. Like I said, he was pretty guarded.”

  “Do you know anyone who would want to hurt Chelsea?”

  “No. Do you think she’s in danger?”

  “I hope not, but we have to be cautious.”

  Charlotte studied him for several minutes and her scrutiny brought his apprehension to the surface again.

  “Do you have anything else you want to ask me?” she asked, her eyes still searching for answers in his.

  “No, um, where’s your mum?”

  “Out on her daily morning work. Bit embarrassed to face her?” she teased.

  “Um, yeah, a bit,” he replied sheepishly. “I think I’ll take off.”

  He stood abruptly, dropped his cup in the kitchen before disappearing upstairs. Charlotte watched him leave and hoped he wouldn’t be scared off. She’d seen that look before.

  * * *

  So, the detective stayed all night and she has only known him for two days. I thought she was sweet and innocent but it turns out she’s not. Spoilt bitch.

  Well she better not get too comfortable because soon her time will come.

  I must have scared her with my phone calls yesterday. I might just have to call her when she gets back from the shop this afternoon.

  I know all her movements and soon I’ll watch her blood spill.

  Yes, I can hear you, Lindsay. Oh how hard it makes me to think of the blood and it isn’t even hers. How good is it going to be when it is …?

  * * *

  After his swift departure from Chelsea’s, Lucas went home to shower and change before going to the only person who could help him sort out his feelings and confusion. Carrie.

  On the way he called Peterson.

  “Peterson.”

  “It’s Hudson. I need you to access something for me.”

  “Sure.”

  “Chelsea Summerville has been getting some threatening calls. Could you get her phone records, check it out?”

  “On it.”

  “Call me if you get anything we can chase up.”

  “No probs. I’ll leave a copy of the log on your desk either way.”

  “Great, thanks.”

  Lucas knew it was probably going to lead nowhere but they needed a break, a slip-up, and he hoped this was it.

  * * *

  After he knocked on his sister’s door, he heard a loud chirping sing-song voice from inside.

  “I’ll get it.”

  She opened the door and he automatically smiled. Mabel with her long straight blonde hair and big blue eyes always brightened his day.

  “Uncle Lucas.” She leapt into his arms.

  “Hello, Mabe Babe.” She giggled.

  “Now, what have I told you about answering the door?” he asked her before giving her an affectionate cuddle.

  “Always ask who it is first.”

  “That’s right.”

  “Look,” she said. “I lost another tooth and got two dollars from the tooth fairy.”

  “Well it has certainly gone up since I lost a tooth.”

  “I was drawing a picture. Do you want to see it?”

  “I would love to.”

  At that moment Carrie walked into the hall.

  “Well, hello, little brother,” she teased. “About time we saw you around here.”

  “I know, I know, I’ve been busy but I had to come and see you,” he said kissing Mabel on the nose.

  “Mabel honey, can you go and finish your drawing so I can talk to Uncle Lucas?”

  “Okay,” she said reluctantly. “I’ll draw you a picture,” she said directing her gaze towards him again.

  “That would be great, Mabe Babe.” She giggled again and ran off to do her uncle a picture.

  “Where are Tommy and Nathan?”

  “Down at the park doing some male bonding thing.”

  He grinne
d happily and Carrie eyed him for a moment.

  “You need a haircut.”

  He followed Carrie into the kitchen and while she got her scissors and brushes organised, he got comfortable in her makeshift salon. She wrapped a gown around him and proceeded to give him what she thought was a much-needed haircut.

  “How’s your investigation going?” she asked.

  “Nowhere, unfortunately. We have hardly any leads or suspects and he doesn’t appear to be slowing down.”

  “Are you handling it ok?”

  “Like I’ve told you numerous times, Carrie, I can handle it.”

  “Alright, I’ll drop it,” she said before starting on her next line of questioning. “So, who is she?”

  “Who is who?”

  “The girl who’s making your eyes glow.”

  “Chelsea.”

  “Is she the same one from the other day?’

  “Yes.”

  “Do you love her?”

  “Bit soon for that isn’t it? Besides I don’t do the love thing.”

  “No it isn’t. I knew from the moment I met Nathan he was the one. Once you feel it you can’t shake it.”

  “Well I don’t know. All I know is she’s on my mind constantly. When I’m around her I can’t think and struggle to keep my hands to myself.”

  Carrie smiled. “Sounds like love to me.”

  “I’m definitely crazy about her and she … I …. I can’t explain it.”

  “Love cannot be explained, Lucas.”

  “I’m terrified.”

  “You can’t go through life being scared of what could happen. I believe I have told you this before”

  “Yeah you have, but this is so new for me. I don’t think I could lose anyone again.”

  “So you would prefer to be without her just in case? Life is not that simple, Lucas. God forbid, something could happen to one of us at any time. You can’t control these things. No-one can. What happened to Mum and Dad was devastating and I miss them every day. You also know how grateful I am that you weren’t there as well.”

  “You don’t understand. This investigation is leaning towards Chelsea being the killer’s real target and it’s like he’s using these other girls as …. practice,” he paused. “I can’t lose her the same way.” His voice broke.

  “Well then protect her. She needs you. Don’t run away.”

  “How did you get so wise?”

  “I’m a hairdresser. I listen to and solve people’s woes every day.” She smiled. “There, finished.” She brushed his face and removed the gown. “Much better,” she declared, checking her work.

  “Thanks, Carrie, for everything, but I really have to go home and get some sleep.”

  “Not sleeping well?”

  “With the case and … other things. I’ve had a lot on my mind and after last night well … my imagination didn’t compare.”

  “That explains the grin.”

  “What are the kids doing tomorrow?”

  “Nothing much. We don’t have any plans.”

  “I might come and pick them up, take them to the carnival by the beach.”

  “They would like that, Lucas. They miss you.”

  “I know. I miss them too and it will give you guys a bit of a break.”

  “More like some much-needed together time.”

  “I understand. Don’t tell me anymore.” He went off to find Mabel to say goodbye.

  At the front door, Carrie hugged and kissed him.

  “Take a chance, Lucas.”

  “Bye, Sis.” He waved, jumped into the car and drove home.

  When he arrived home he climbed into bed as planned and went straight to sleep for the first time in weeks.

  Chapter 17

  Taking Chances

  Saturday

  Chelsea stirred and it took a moment for the memory of the previous evening to urge its way through the fog. She reached sleepily over, only to find herself alone. Did she imagine the whole thing? No, there was no ignoring the masculine scent which clung to her sheets. She smiled as she thought about the night she’d just spent with Lucas and realised no-one had ever had this impact on her before. For a split second his absence panicked her but she felt wonderful and allowed her worries to slide away.

  I think I love him.

  She shook it off. It had only been a couple of days. Surely it doesn’t happen that fast. Nevertheless, there was no denying her feelings. He was the most incredible man she’d ever met. Falling in love was a journey and the thought of taking the ride with Lucas thrilled her.

  Underneath the gruff exterior lived a passionate man who craved to be loved. Being aware of how terrified he was about becoming close to anyone after the way he’d lost his parents, and knowing he could be taking a chance on love, only intensified her growing feelings.

  She would never have the internal fortitude to cope with such a loss and she believed this showed Lucas’ true strength of character. How courageous to join the police force and deal with dramas so similar to his own. How he was persevering through these murders, so similar to his parents’ fates, was amazing.

  Filled with a renewed vigour that she hadn’t experienced in a long time, she got dressed and went downstairs to find Lucas. She found instead Sarah and Charlotte in the kitchen cooking breakfast. Worry gripped her chest. Did he leave? Would he come back? She’d never been in this position before and had absolutely no idea what to do now.

  “Morning, Sleepyhead,” greeted Charlotte. “Bit tired, are we?” she noted dryly with a raised eyebrow.

  “I haven’t been sleeping well since Elle disappeared.”

  “I’m sure that’s not the only reason.”

  “I’m not sure what you mean,” she replied.

  “Mum knows, Chelsea, you don’t have to act coy. She saw his car when she went out for her walk this morning. He’s gone by the way, if you were wondering. He left about an hour ago.”

  Chelsea blushed.

  “If you really like this man, dear, I think it’s wonderful. It’s been too long since you were happy and if he’ll be the one to do that, then I think it’s a good thing,” Sarah said.

  “I hardly know him and by the way, Charlotte, I’m not acting anything.”

  “You obviously know enough because you’re not the kind of person to jump into anything,” Sarah continued.

  “Yeah, like his bed!” Charlotte quipped. “Or in this case yours.”

  “Charlotte! I know this is totally unlike me but I just … couldn’t help it.” She smiled.

  “He is very hot,” Charlotte stated.

  “Hands off.”

  “Wouldn’t dream of it, sister dear. Does he have a brother?”

  Chelsea laughed. “No, an older sister. Are you coming to help me at the shop today?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, I guess I’d better go and get ready then.” Chelsea grabbed a slice of toast. “I’ll be ready in fifteen minutes.” She hurried up the stairs.

  “What do you think?” Sarah asked her daughter.

  “I think she’s in love!”

  * * *

  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 again he ha
dn’t run out on her this morning. She wished she knew what was going on in his head. Regardless of her concern, a smile crept back and she hummed as 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 when 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 have 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 awoke with a start and looked at his watch to find it was almost six. He had slept for six dream-free hours and felt refreshed. He got up, showered to shake off the sleep and realised he was hungry. Discovering nothing appetising 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, Mum. 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, Mum.” She kissed Sarah’s cheek, then filled their glasses.

  The phone rang making them all jump. Chelsea walked to the bench to answer it and cast a worried glance to her family before picking it up.

  “Hello.”

  “I know you had the detective over all night. Whore! You’ll get what’s coming to you soon, spoilt bitch.” The line went dead.