The Widowmaker Page 7

  "Mum,” she called, reaching the kitchen door.

  Sandra Douglas answered from the walk-in pantry, a room larger than most kitchens, her words muffled by the partly closed door.

  "I've invited someone from work to join us tonight,” Lexie said. “Told him to come at seven."

  Her mother's head appeared at the door, materializing as if by magic. “You've invited someone?” Her surprise was apparent.

  "Yes,” Lexie said. “His name's Glenn Smallwood. I'm his liaison to the promoters."

  "Oh, work.” Her mother's face showed her disappointment.

  "A little more than work, Mum. He was born across the water on the Mornington Peninsular."

  Her mother's expression brightened. “Good,” she said. “I'll look forward to meeting him."

  "I'll get dressed.” Lexie paused. “Do you need any help?"

  "N-no.” Then her mother changed her mind. “Perhaps you could set up the dining room and help me serve later. It should be done before seven and you'll be free to look after your guest.” Sandra Douglas’ head nodded as she spoke. She was pleased with her idea.

  "I'll be back,” Lexie said, and headed for her room. She'd have to dress quickly.

  When her father arrived, she was busy in the dining room and wasn't aware of him until he spoke.

  "I'd forgotten how empty this house was without you around,” he said. “It feels complete now.” The words took her by surprise. Kieran Douglas wasn't a demonstrative man and Lexie didn't know how to respond. “I need a shower,” he continued, ignoring her silence. “I'll see you later.” He turned and was gone, leaving her standing with her mouth open.

  "Close your mouth, dear. You'll catch flies.” It was her mother, entering by the other door. “He's missed you dreadfully these past eight years, although I'm as surprised as you to hear him admit it."

  Mr. East's words surfaced. “He finds you just as difficult,” and Lexie frowned at the direction of her thoughts.

  Everything was ready by seven and Glenn was punctual. She greeted him at the door and approved his choice of casual shirt and slacks, not too dressy, but appropriately smart.

  "You look good,” he said, handing her one of two bouquets. “The other's for your mother."

  Sandra Douglas was impressed. She loved the old-fashioned gestures. “Lexie says you're almost a local."

  "Not an Islander though.” He smiled and Lexie was certain Sandra would forgive him anything, even not being an Islander.

  Kieran Douglas appeared at his wife's shoulder in time to hear Glenn's name. “Smallwood? I served on a committee with a Lionel Smallwood."

  "My father,” Glenn admitted.

  "A good man."

  "I've always thought so."

  Lexie knew Jack Welch had briefed her father, so she understood his motives. He was testing Jack's words against his own impressions. She suspected Glenn knew too. There was a subtle air of him playing a role ... very successfully, judging by her father's expression.

  It pleased her.

  Her pleasure grew as he charmed her brothers, their wives and their children, combating Tommy's mischief with dry humor. He even turned aside the offer of a second drink without offending her father. “I've got an early practice ride in the morning and they require a breath test on competition days."

  "You're a rider?"

  "Not really. We've got a machine under development and this gives the scrutineers a chance to look it over without overloading the team riders.” His explanation was close enough to the truth not to disturb his host.

  The rest of the evening matched its triumphal beginning from Lexie's viewpoint. Glenn silenced her critics in the family by being everything they could hope for, and more. He charmed her mother and drew approving nods from her father.

  Chance, and the family's approval, gave them a moment of privacy shortly before the end of the meal.

  "You've made my life a lot easier tonight,” she said. “Thank you."

  "My pleasure. I'm enjoying myself. They're a good bunch.” He was relaxed, at ease with himself and the company.

  "We didn't get our walk last night.” She felt mischievous.

  "No. We were interrupted."

  "We're closer to the Esplanade here."

  "Glenn, do you like fishing?” Tommy destroyed their moment of privacy, but Lexie was satisfied. She'd seen the fire in Glenn's eyes.

  "Used to fish a bit with my Dad.” Glenn turned to answer Tommy's question. “In Port Phillip usually. He had an aluminum skiff with a five horse outboard."

  "Kindergarten stuff. I've got a thirty-five footer with twin zed-drive Volvos.” Tommy's grin robbed his words of offence.

  "I'll bet Lionel averaged more fish per trip than you,” Kieran said, joining in to defend Glenn's father, a measure of his regard for his guest.

  "We seldom went without a feed,” Glenn said, confirming the boast.

  "Will you be staying after Sunday?” Sandra Douglas changed the subject.

  "It will take two days to pack up, but Raul and I will fly back to Italy early Monday morning. His father's dying.” Glenn didn't extend the explanation.

  "That's sad. Was he involved in racing too?"

  "Salvatore was a top rider in his day. He retired to build motorcycles. He'd like to see a winning bike bear his name."

  "And that's your job?” Kieran Douglas could read between the lines.

  Glenn nodded.

  "Is this bike you're developing good enough?” Her father missed nothing.

  "Potentially."

  "They call it the Widow-Maker. It's already killed one rider.” Lexie decided this conversation had gone far enough. She didn't want to think about the practice sessions nor Sunday's race. They frightened her.

  "Are you protecting your riders, or are they afraid?” Kieran Douglas ignored his daughter.

  "A little of both.” Glenn answered the question honestly. “A winning race would do me no harm either."

  "But it's mainly for the Old Man. A friend?” Her father ignored the anger in her eyes.

  "Yes.” Glenn was watching her, but he answered her father.

  "If you come here again, I'd like you to stay with us. You're as good a man as your Dad."

  Lexie's anger evaporated. Only someone who knew Kieran Douglas well could recognize the significance of his words. Glenn Smallwood had become an honorary Islander.

  "Thank you.” Glenn's expression showed he understood. “I hope I am.” The final words iced the cake for Lexie's father. She could see it in his eyes.

  "Coffee's on the sideboard.” Lexie's mother knew the moment to introduce the mundane. “Serve yourself."

  "My turn,” Glenn said. “How do you like it?"

  "Black, with one sugar.” Lexie stood back and allowed him to serve her, a gesture not missed by her mother. Glenn's stocks were soaring with the family.

  The conversation turned to the latest idiocy of the local council, rating a property on its potential rather than by its current development. Ideas were batted back and forth until Lexie caught Glenn's eye and walked her fingers where only he could see them.

  He glanced at his watch and turned to Sandra Douglas. “I'm afraid I'll have to call it a day,” he said. “I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed this evening. Thank you very much for allowing me to come."

  "I'll run you back to the pub.” Tommy was grinning at Lexie, daring her to object.

  "Glenn is Lexie's guest.” Kieran Douglas knew how to discipline his son. “She'll decide how he gets home."

  "I might need to walk down the meal,” Glenn said, smiling at Lexie. “It was so good I'm afraid I overate."

  "A great idea, I'll get my jacket and join you.” Lexie ignored Tommy's wink and the broad grins of her brothers.

  The goodbyes took a while, but they finished at last and Lexie was alone with Glenn, walking down the path to the side gate.

  "We can cut through to Dunsmore Road this way,” she said. “From there, it's straight down to the beach. The path
along the foreshore takes you back to the Esplanade and your hotel.” She knew she was over-explaining, but she found herself suddenly too shy to tell him the name of the path, Lover's Walk.

  Glenn nodded and took her hand. “I enjoyed myself tonight,” he said. “Thank you."

  "It's been a good day all round.” Lexie felt the warmth of his body at her side. “The best I've had for a long time."

  They fell silent for a while, comfortable with each other as they strolled; aware the next stage of their relationship was approaching.

  Glenn didn't comment when he saw the sign naming the path and Lexie was grateful. She was feeling her way and wanted no jarring notes. This was too important to spoil.

  "I like your Mum.” Glenn's words were soft, ruminative. “She knows when to bring your father back to earth."

  Lexie faltered, startled by a flash of insight, and Glenn turned towards her. He'd done it again, just like the moment in the car, slipping inside her defenses and making her see the world anew. Lexie's perception of her parents was altered irretrievably. Her father's revelation he'd missed her had begun the process, but Glenn had capitalized on her being away long enough to see them as people.

  "Are you always this exhausting to be around?” The words slipped out, catching her by surprise.

  They'd stopped walking in the shadow cast by an old Norfolk Pine, turned towards each other by Lexie's pause. Enough light filtered through for her to see his face and read his intention.

  He was about to kiss her!

  Lexie moved towards him, felt his arms encircle her body and raised herself enough for their lips to meet. There was no hesitation, no need for thought. She wanted this ... and all the things that might follow.

  It was different, just as she'd known it must be. There was no fumbling, no awkwardness, just perfection as her body molded into his by the pressure of arms comforting rather than demanding. He would take nothing she didn't give, leading only where she wished to go. Something no man she'd ever known had the confidence to do.

  How long it lasted was not a question. Eternity, an instant, were both the same. Separating forever what had gone before from what would happen next. A different Lexie surrendered his lips to rest her face against the column of his neck, content for the moment to be held. Hunger for more would come, but not now. She'd come home, reached the Further Strand of her voyaging, and was content.

  He seemed to feel the same, holding her against him more in support than passion, his only movement the gentle play of his fingers stirring a soft ripple of pleasure where they touched.

  "I'll be able to see the sun come up.” She was facing the east.

  "We might get a bit cold before then."

  "Impossible."

  It was nonsense, yet it reflected her feelings exactly, proving she'd moved beyond the touch of time and the movement of the tides. Where he'd carried her, nothing mattered but the moment.

  "Another."

  He didn't have to ask what she meant and they kissed again, this one the gateway to need.

  Her body stirred, responding, preparing, demanding, and she moved against him, feeling his readiness. A sound emanated within her, soft at the beginning, but growing in urgency as she strove to occupy the same space as him, thrusting forward in an ecstasy of need. Her breathing grew hurried, the movement stimulating her nipples, adding another dimension to the hunger that consumed her, ending the kiss.

  "We need to hurry.” Her voice was husky, breathless. She wanted him now!

  "The hotel's close."

  "Good."

  They no longer strolled, their pace closer to a trot, Lexie leading him by half a step, holding his hand to keep him with her. Lover's Walk was now Lover's Dash.

  They were in sight of the hotel's entrance when he stopped, bringing her to a halt as well, turned to face him by the grip of their hands.

  "No,” he said. “This won't do."

  "Why?” It was a wail.

  "We go in there and it will be all over the town tomorrow. You're too well known."

  "I don't care.” She was desperate.

  "I do. Your parents will, and you should.” He was implacable. “It will set in stone everyone's worst beliefs."

  "We'll go home. My bed's big enough for two.” She was pleading.

  "The same problem. We have to wait. You'll be back in London in a week. We're both anonymous there.” He reached for her. “I want you, Lexie, but not like this."

  She resisted, rage replacing desire. “If you want me, take me now."

  He held her a moment longer, trying to gentle her rigidity, and then stepped back. “No,” he said. “Not like this."

  "Then damn you to hell!” she raged. “I'm going home.” She turned and fled, running awkwardly in the heeled shoes she'd worn for him.

  He didn't call her back and for the second night in a row Lexie went to bed angry.

  She hated Phillip Island!

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  Chapter 5

  Morning came reluctantly, its approach mired in the realization she'd responded badly to Glenn's concern for her. She'd have given the world to loop back in time to the moment at the end of Lover's Walk and change her actions. More immediately, the timber yard 4WD was still at the track and she had no transport!

  She worried through breakfast, enduring her mother's bubbly exuberance and her father's quiet satisfaction with equal difficulty. Last night's shift in perception had not faded and she saw them differently enough not to want to disappoint them with the news she'd argued with Glenn

  "Dad, can Tommy drop me off at the track? I left the 4WD there last night.” The bold approach seemed best.

  "Sure.” Her father answered without thought, but then looked up questioningly. “Glenn not picking you up?"

  "No.” She didn't offer an explanation and hoped he wouldn't ask.

  "He seems to have forgotten,” her mother said, standing at the window. “He's just walked through the drive. You'd better give him the spare remote, Kieran. It'll be less bother than opening the gate for him."

  "Good idea. I'll get it now."

  Lexie heard the exchange from a distance, her mind refusing to accept its meaning, even when Glenn reached the door and the physical reality of his presence was irrefutable.

  "Have you eaten?” Lexie's mother asked. “There's spare bacon and I could do some eggs."

  "A cup of coffee while Lexie finishes would be fine.” Glenn was relaxed, as comfortable as if last night had ended normally.

  "Here's a remote for the gates.” Kieran had returned. “Give it to Lexie when you leave.” He turned to Lexie. “This will make life easier for you.” He tossed her the latest model compact cell phone. “I meant to give it to you yesterday. It has all the local numbers programmed."

  "Tommy's here,” her mother warned, interrupting Lexie's thanks. “He's coming in."

  "Good,” Kieran rumbled. “I'll finish my coffee."

  Everyone had gone mad, Lexie decided. Herself included.

  Tommy replaced Glenn at the doorway. “Hi, Kiddo. Enjoy your walk last night? Came home at the run, they say.” His grin was infectious with mischief.

  "I was too slow for her and she needed to work off some energy.” Glenn's grin matched Tommy's. “It's my age, I think."

  "I think it's more a matter of upbringing.” Lexie made her first contribution to the lunacy. Joining them seemed the only option.

  "You could be right,” Glenn said, his eyes warming. “The people I care for have warned me about it before."

  Lexie sensed the sharpened interest of the three family members in the room and flushed. She had to escape. “I'll be back.” She rose from her chair and stepped away from the table. “I need to finish my make-up while you have your coffee."

  "Take your time.” Glenn slipped into the vacated chair. “We've close to an hour. The others have gone ahead."

  Lexie went quickly, before her knees collapsed as they threatened. She reached her room, closed the door and
leaned back against it. Glenn was impossible. She'd either have to hit him with something large and heavy ... or kiss him again for saving her. She thought the latter was most likely.

  Tommy's comment showed Glenn had been right. Either option, the hotel or here, would have been common knowledge by now. Her parents would probably have understood, but their friends wouldn't have remained silent. She'd have to wait until she was back in London ... and it seemed an eternity!

  Her father and Tommy had left when she returned, leaving Glenn and her mother chatting comfortably over a second cup of coffee, something the latter rarely drank during the day.

  "I'm ready,” she said, entering the room.

  "I can see that.” Glenn drained the remainder of his drink and rose to his feet. “We'd best be on our way. Thank you for the coffee, Sandra. It was as good as last night's"

  Lexie returned her mother's smile and allowed Glenn to escort her back to the hotel and the car. “Do you want to drive?” he asked, holding out the keys.

  "It will look better.” She took the keys and operated the central locking. “You set great store on appearances. Would you like me to hold the door for you?"

  "At the other end, perhaps.” He opened the passenger side door and slipped into the seat.

  Lexie settled herself into the driver's seat and inserted the key before she turned to him. “Thank you,” she said. “I'll look forward to London."

  Glenn's grin turned incandescent.

  Lexie started the engine and drove to the track, but the scrutineers had beaten them to Pit Six.

  "We've read your response to our queries,” the Chief Scrutineer said, waving a sheaf of papers in Glenn's general direction. “They have to be checked against the machine itself."

  Glenn nodded. “Here ... or at your main bay?"

  "We'll start here and move to the main bay only if we find something amiss. I've put your individual practice on hold this morning."

  "Thank you. Can the two team riders go out as scheduled?” Glenn's manner gave no hint he was concerned.

  "Of course. We'll keep out of your way."

  "Lexie, could you take Raul up to the hospitality tent. He's making me nervous,” Angela asked, and Lexie could understand her need. Raul was jiggling from foot to foot at the Scrutineer's shoulder.