Spoilt (18 page)

“
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 annoyance so they could enjoy the day.
There would be plenty of time to quiz him later.

Lucas decided this was the perfect 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.

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 water looked
inviting. Once a year for two weeks the 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 while Lucas
and Chelsea 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.

“
I feel like a love sick teenager,” he told her. “It’s
wonderful.”

“
I think you’re incredible,” she told him. “I can’t wait to
get you alone again.” His eyes spoke his assent.

They were oblivious to the children, who had run up to them,
until they spoke.

“
Eeeww, gross! They’re kissing like Mummy and Daddy do,” said
Mabel with disgust.

“
You’ve got a girlfriend,” Tommy mocked.

The rest of the day flew for all concerned. After they had
been on every ride they could, eaten as much sugar as was humanly
possible and played every sideshow game until they could not carry
their prizes anymore, the sun had started to set. They piled into
the car and headed home.

During the drive, Mabel and Tommy promptly fell asleep in the
back and Lucas had not let go of Chelsea’s hand.

“
Thank you for today,” she whispered. “I had a wonderful time.
It was nice to forget about everything for a while. Having children
around reminded me how to have fun.”

“
Yeah, me too,” he answered.

They dropped the children home and said their goodbyes. When
they pulled up at Chelsea’s, Lucas walked her to the door but it
didn’t appear as though he was going to come in.

“
I really want to stay with you tonight but, if I do, I know I
won’t sleep much.” He grinned before his face grew serious. “I’m
worried about leaving you alone though, but I have to be focused
tomorrow. We have to catch this guy and soon. I really need to
sleep.” His brow furrowed in confusion.

“
I have to open the shop tomorrow but I’m sure I can be a
little later than normal.”

She was determined that now they’d found each other they
wouldn’t spend a single night apart. Life was too short.

“
I thought you didn’t open Mondays.”

“
I don’t usually but I’m not opening Tuesday because of Elle’s
funeral. Come on, big guy, stay. I promise I’ll let you get some
sleep.”

“
Oh, of course. Do you want me to come with you?” He resisted
her seduction for the moment.

She nodded and waited.

“
You promise to be good,” he asked playfully.

“
Only a little bit.”

* * *

With excitement Anna glanced in the mirror for a last check
before grabbing her handbag from the bed. Sophie would no doubt
accost her again as she headed out the door but she wasn’t going to
reveal anything to her sister, not yet. Chad asked her not to share
their growing affection with anyone. The idea of a secret affair
thrilled Anna. Having an identical twin usually meant there were no
secrets. It was nice to have something that was just hers for once,
something she didn’t have to share.

Meeting a shy Chad, all blond and beautiful, was the nicest
thing to happen to Anna in a while. The least she could do was keep
their secret. His coy nature drew her to him that day in the coffee
shop. She determined this was his reasoning behind their budding
relationship remaining between them for now.

Anna cheered as she went to close the door - she was going to
make it without the questions - until Sophie pounced.

“
Where are you going?”

“
To meet Sandra. You were there when I told Mum and
Dad.”

“
That isn’t where you’re going. Who is he?”

“
There is no
he
.”

“
Anna, why are you hiding this from me?”

“
I’m not, I’ll see you later or tomorrow. I don’t know what
time I’ll be home.”

“
I’ll get it out of you yet.”

Anna shrugged, waved and shut the door.

At the bus stop, Anna saw Chad waiting in his car. She rushed
over exhilarated. This was only their third official date but
they’d been talking on the phone often since meeting over a week
before.

“
Hey Anna,” he said, once she’d jumped in. “You look
beautiful.”

“
Thanks, you look great too.” She smiled and wondered where
they were going.

“
I’m taking you to my place tonight so I can make you
dinner.”

“
Oh, you can cook too. I’m liking you more and
more.”

He smiled then drew her towards him to indulge in a mind
numbing kiss before starting the car.

Chapter 19

Playing Hooky

Monday

Maggie’s reluctance to climb out of her comfortable bed and
start the day proved an even harder task after spending two
wonderful days with her husband who lay idly beside her, caressing
her from head to toe. She couldn’t remember the last time they’d
spent an entire weekend off together.

She in return played with the fine mat of hairs on his chest.
When her phone rang, she groaned. She hoped this wasn’t bad news.
With Lindsay still missing, every moment counted and every phone
call could bring news of her demise.

“
Johnston.”

“
Morning, Mags.”

“
Oh, I’m glad it’s you, Hudson. I hoped it wasn’t the call we
don’t need right now.”

“
I was wondering whether you could cover for me for a couple
of hours. I’m going to be a little late.”

“
Is something wrong?”

“
No, just playing hooky. I need to catch up on some ...
sleep.” She heard him clear his throat before mumbling something
incoherent, which wasn’t directed at her.

“
Sleep, eh?”

“
Let’s just say staying where I am at the moment is much more
appealing than coming into work.”

She heard him laugh, which was more like a giggle, and a smile
tugged at her lips. Looks like Hudson got lucky.

“
I know exactly what you mean.” She gazed with longing at her
husband. “You can fill me in later. I’ll get up to speed with Andy
and Greg and decide our best course of action.”

“
Thanks. I owe you one”

“
Yeah, you do. See you a bit later.”

“
Am I to interpret from your call that the workaholic Hudson
is actually going to be late?” Steve asked after she’d hung
up.

“
Yes, honey, it appears the love bug has bitten my
partner.”

* * *

“
Now that wasn’t playing fair, Summerville. I was trying to
have a serious conversation with my partner,” Lucas
said.

“
Really serious, Lucas. You’re ditching work. Besides it isn’t
my fault you’re so ticklish.” Chelsea tortured him again with her
sleek fingers on his ribs. His cackling laugh was too delightful
and she craved to hear it over and over.

“
Chelsea, stop it,” he managed between breaths. “You have a
huge advantage.”

“
Would that be that I’m not ticklish?”

“
Yes, although I don’t actually believe you. You’re the first
girl I’ve ever met that isn’t.” He pinned her wrists above her head
and sat lightly astride her to cease her assault on his ribs. When
her face contorted in a pained expression, he instantly released
her wrists.

“
Sorry, babe, was I hurting you?” he asked concerned. Her
expression was perplexing.

“
No, Lucas, your touch is always gentle. I’m more concerned
about how many girls you have actually tested the tickle theory on
to know.”

His laugh was spontaneous, bringing her frosty look to the
surface, the one he now found completely endearing.

“
Chelsea, I already told you there have been ... many.” Her
frown cut him short. “They were all hollow, meaningless encounters
which meant nothing, unlike you. I must admit, your jealousy is
definitely appealing, though.”

“
Who didn’t you want me to find out about
yesterday?”

“
I was hoping you’d forgotten about that.”

“
Well, I haven’t.”

“
It doesn’t matter.”

“
If it doesn’t matter, then you can tell me.”

“
Why do you need to know this? I don’t particularly like
hearing about your fiancé.”

“
Ex-fiancé, and he is the only guy who I ...”

“
What?” His mouth twitched briefly in amusement.

“
Yes, besides you there’s only been one other.”

He frowned before grinning. “I think I kind of like
that.”

“
You would. Stop avoiding the issue.”

He sighed. “Fine, but just so it’s clear, I didn’t bring her
home so to speak. Carrie came to my apartment. She hadn’t seen me
for a few weeks so she came to check up on me and she was
there.”

“
Who?”

“
Maggie.”

“
Your
partner?”

“
Yeah.”

“
I thought that would be a no-no.”

“
It is. That’s why no-one actually knows about it but Carrie
and Nathan.”

“
You’re still partnered together, how ...?”

“
We parted amicably. She met Steve and got
married.”

“
Do you ... still ... feel that way?” He laughed, she was
simply too adorable.

“
No. She’s my partner. I trust her with my life and we’re
friends. For the short while we were together, well it was the
first time I’d gotten close to anybody since ... anyway, it was
only for a few months and it was a while ago now.”

She eyed him suspiciously for a moment, deliberating over his
confession. An expression of acceptance crossed her face before she
attacked his ribs once again. This time when he managed to grab her
wrists between spasms of laughter, he didn’t let go until they were
both satisfied.

A few idle hours later, Lucas reluctantly checked the time and
decided he should go to work. They had a brutal serial killer to
locate before it was too late for Lindsay. Chelsea grudgingly
allowed him to leave but continued to stall by showering him with
affectionate kisses at the front door.

“
I have to go home and change first and I’m so late already.
I’ll owe Maggie big time for this.”

“
I know I have to let you go but I don’t want to.”

Lucas laughed. All that was missing from her sentence was a
childish pout. “Lock the door, beautiful. I’ll call you
later.”

She closed the door behind him and locked it as instructed.
When she turned around, she was pounced on by Charlotte.

“
So, how does it feel to be in love?”

“
It feels wonderful.”

Chapter 20

Running Out of Time

Monday

Lucas came armed with a peace offering of a black coffee,
placed it on Maggie’s desk and bestowed her with his most charming
smile.

“
Wow, you look happy and refreshed,” she noted, studying him.
“That sleep in obviously did you some good?’

“
We both know I wasn’t sleeping in.”