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For long moments, I’m frozen with pleasure as he continues thrusting in and out, sending me out of my mind. Then abruptly, everything stops.
I open my eyes, my cheeks all hot and flustered. “What’s going on?”
“I think you need a top-up,” Nick drawls, taking my half empty glass.
“Where are you going?” I ask desperately. “You can’t just leave me hanging like this.”
“I need to go inside for some more champagne. Wait here. Don’t worry, I promise I won’t be long.” Within seconds, he’s gone.
Smoothing down my dress, I collapse on a chair and try to calm down. Dammit, Nick really knows how to pick his moments. An inferno of longing burns between my legs and I want him so badly it hurts. It was cruel of him to get me so worked up, especially in a public place. Desperately, I try to push sexy thoughts from my head, but it isn’t easy. He’s like an addiction I can’t control.
Five minutes later, I start to grow restless. It’s not nice sitting out here on my own and my legs are feeling very cold. Craning my neck, I squint through the glass partition.Where on Earth is he?
Irritably, I stand up and march back inside the house. Instantly, I spy Nick huddled in a corner, talking earnestly with Tara. She’s leaning in close with a sombre expression on her face. Nick’s whispering something in her ear, to which she nods and mouths the words: “Don’t worry; you can count on me.”
I get a sick feeling in my stomach.Of course!Why didn’t I see this before? Now everything is falling into place. It was no accident that Nick brought me here today. It’s quite obvious that he came to warn Tara about the police enquiry and brief her on what to say so that they can both get their stories straight.
Cold fear pours through my veins.Shit!
In a panic, I work my way across the room and sidle up to Barry who’s piling up his plate at the snack table.
“Enjoying yourself?” he asks cheerfully.
“Yes, I’m having a great time,” I lie. “I absolutely love Adele.”
“So do I! I can’t wait for her to release another album. It’s been too long.”
I smile weakly. “So, how was Tara’s birthday party?”
Barry raises his eyebrows. “What birthday party?”
“Nick told me you guys had a party here a few weeks ago for Tara’s birthday. He said it went on until three in the morning.”
“There must be some mistake. Sure, it was Tara’s birthday, but we didn’t throw any party. She just wanted a quiet one so I took her out to a Chinese restaurant. Maybe Nick got confused?”
I give a fake laugh. “My apologies. Perhaps I misheard or I’m getting the dates mixed up. Silly me; forget I ever said anything.”
“No harm done. It was nice of you to ask. Well, now that you’re here, why don’t you have another drink?”
Before I can refuse, he plonks a glass of wine in my hand. “Thanks,” I croak.
My head is spinning and my throat has gone all dry.Jesus, so Nick lied to the police.He wasn’t with Tara the night of Jessica’s murder so… Holy shit, what the hell does this mean?
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Falling
In a fever of agitation, I race across the room and tap Nick’s shoulder. He spins around and flashes a loving smile. “Carly, my darling, I was just about to come and get you. It’s time to go home.”
“Oh no, you’re not leaving already?” Tara pouts. “You only just got here.” She’s being playful but her eyes betray hostility.
Emboldened, I grab Nick’s arm and pull him roughly towards the door. “Can we please just go?” I hiss. “I need to speak with you urgently.”
“Sorry Tara,” he grins, “I’m afraid the wife has spoken, so we’ll have to get going, but I’ll phone you tomorrow, okay?”
“Okay. Thanks both of you for coming and have a safe journey home. Oh, and good luck with the engagement. I look forward to receiving my invite.”
Laughing pleasantly, Nick waves a final goodbye to everyone and follows me out into the landing. Slipping his finger under my chin, he tilts my face upwards so he can see my eyes. “What’s gotten into you? Has someone upset you?”
