Free Beside the Brook by Paulette Rae Page B

you’re infuriating,” Kirsten sighed.
    “I know.” Tyler grinned.
    Kirsten thumped him on the arm. “Don’t try that bloody Mister Sweetness on me.”
    “Hey, I’m sorry. It was just the moment. You looked so good under the moonlight. It won’t happen again okay?”
    “Promise?”
    “Scouts honour.” Tyler held two fingers against his forehead. Kirsten laughed. “You weren’t even a boy scout were you?”
    Tyler shook his head. “Nope. Come on let’s get you inside.”
    Kirsten let Tyler carry her into the house. Then he made good on his promise, by seeing her safely to her bedroom and bidding her goodnight. She dried herself off then fell into the pillows, feeling mentally and physically exhausted. The hot water and cool night air had worked their magic. Even after her fight with Tyler she felt spent and ready for sleep.
    Tomorrow was her day off. She planned to make the most of it. Sleeping late was first on the agenda. That way she could avoid contact with everyone for as long as possible. She felt it was what she needed to do if she were to retain her sanity in this alien territory.

Chapter 6

    By lunch time the next day the sky had filled with low level grey cloud. The temperature was still in the late twenties though, and despite the heat Kirsten slept well into the morning. Ditching all bedtime attire she had taken to sleeping naked with just a sheet covering her, and was getting used to the absent comfort the heavy blankets provided.
    She climbed out of bed and put on her blue satin robe, tying it securely round the waist before opening the door to her balcony. She could hear voices below, and she looked down to see Sarah and Jamie in the pool. She felt rather like a voyeur as she watched them, undetected from her third floor perch.
    Jamie wore a pair of red board shorts, his long lean frame submerged from the waist down in the clear water. Sarah amused herself by climbing up his back, her skinny limbs flailing as he dipped into the water and let her settle on his gleaming shoulders. She squealed as he burst out of the water, raising her high in the air with a noisy whoosh. He grabbed her hands and let her scramble to her feet atop his back. Her knees shook but he held her fast, helping her balance as she bent over his head. Then he leaned forward and tossed her into the water. Her arms waved around as she screamed with delight, toppling into the water with a huge splash. She came up spluttering and laughing, and Jamie plucked her effortlessly into his arms once more. Kirsten smiled. They were such a delight to watch. She daren’t be spotted in case the magic spell was broken and Jamie reverted to the monster he became in adult company. So she retreated back inside and showered, putting on a green summer dress with spaghetti straps. Then she padded downstairs barefoot, expecting to find Craig. But the house was deserted. Tyler’s car was gone from the driveway, but Kirsten knew he had been due to return to town anyway so that was no surprise. Beth’s car was also missing, and seemingly so was Craig. She found a note on the fridge, held high with a large plastic magnet:

    Gone to town with Craig, back tomorrow.
    Beth

    So it really was just her, Jamie and Sarah in the house. Inwardly she breathed a sigh of relief. She could relax. Jamie and Sarah were obviously intent on just hanging out together, which left her to enjoy her first day off in peace. She made herself a hot drink then pattered through to the television room. The heavy curtains were drawn, making the room dark. She left them closed, instead turning on a light to see the huge selection of movies against the back wall. She picked an old favourite, put it in the DVD player and switched the lights off again before settling back on the over-stuffed chaise lounger.
    Later, when she was sure the others had vacated the pool and were nowhere to be seen or heard, she crept outside. She walked barefoot across the lawn, the soft grass sponging