A Familiar Star (Romance Mystery)

by Waters, JesseAnne

  "To bed?"

  "Yes."

  "Well.” He stretched. “It’s a beautiful night, I guess I'll have to go for a swim all by myself then," he said positively.

  Kylie frowned at him. "Are you serious?"

  "Of course," he laughed. "Why not?"

  "Well there’s a," but before she could finish, he ended her sentence, “killer on the loose."

  "Well you know what Kylie, I don't believe that's the reason you won't go out there with me. I think you’re afraid you might do something in the moonlight that will make you forget how lady like you actually are.” He teased.

  Kylie's blue eyes met his. Her back was ramrod straight as she dug her fists into her hips. "I am a lady, and you may look sir, but you'll never touch. Now if you'll go and get some towels, I’d appreciate it."

  Max looked surprise. Was she serious?

  Kylie stepped out onto the patio and headed towards the lake. She was determined, walking as fast as her feet would take her so she didn’t change her mind.

  The air was glorious; it was so warm and sweet smelling and the dewy grass glistened like slivers of glass.

  There on the dock she stood, feeling oddly liberated. Was she really going to strip naked and dive into the dark water? Why not, she giggled, it was exactly what she needed; to be wicked and wild and free. He would feel as if he’d won of course. But then something inside her, told her that tonight she didn't care. It must be all the wine, she giggled to herself again.

  The exhilaration of what she was about to do was too much to contain. She knew Max was watching and that made it all the more exciting. Her top came off first, then her shorts, and then her underwear. This is craziness! She dipped her toes into the water then pulled them back quickly. The water certainly wasn't as warm as the air.

  The moon came out from behind a cloud, and she prayed that Max was the only voyeur. Still, if she didn't jump in soon, he would get to see more than she wanted him to.

  Out of nowhere, she heard someone come up behind her. She held her breath. What if it wasn't Max, what if he was still in the house and it was...Oh my God!

  She dove off the dock and swam as fast and as furious as she could until she was some ways out, then she turned and squinted hard into the shadows. The dock was empty. She thought she saw something move nearby and choked back a scream. Panic grabbed hold of her. Her heart raced frantically as she treaded the water. She didn't know what to do. Then suddenly she felt hands on her body, slinking up her thighs, then over her waist, towards her breasts. She let out a high pitched, piercing scream, a second before her mind registered that the killer would have grabbed her and pulled her under. The only one who would have caressed her body that way was..."Max!" She screamed again on the top of her lungs, laughing wildly in a fit of nerves, as his head popped out of the water.

  Kylie swam back to where she could feel something solid under her feet, letting the buoyancy of the water hold her up, for fear her knees would give way beneath her.

  “My God, you almost scared me to death!” She was still tipsy from the wine, so she closed her eyes and tried to stop giggling.

  Max swam up close, apologized for scaring her, but couldn’t contain his amusement.

  "I hope no one called police that's all. I think I woke up the whole neighborhood as well as the dead." Kylie laughed, watching the lights go on around lake and listening to the sound of dogs barking in the distance.

  After a few minutes the lights went out and all was quiet again. Kylie's breathing came back to normal. She looked over at Max. He was swimming around her, playing in the water.

  "Hey you, Fraidy cat,” he said. "Are you going to swim around or are you going to stand there all night?"

  He swam up to her and her nipples touched his chest. She went to take a step back when he caught hold of her. He slipped his arms around her and planted a soft wet kiss on her lips. Her silky naked body pressed against his, and she could feel his underwear floating in the water just below her. Relief and fury grabbed hold of her at the same time as she pushed him away.

  "Are you crazy? What are you doing?” She shrieked.

  Max just smiled and bobbed around in the water.

  “And why the hell are you wearing underwear?" She felt like a fool asking and couldn’t help but laugh at the same time.

  “Why? Do you want me to take them off?”

  “No!” She shouted.

  “Ok.” He teased. “But you didn’t think I was going to go swimming naked with a perfect stranger, did you?”

  Kylie’s mouth flew opened, she started splashing and spraying water towards him, but he grabbed a hold of her again and pulled her off of her feet. She let out a sound of shock, but it got diffused when her breasts rubbed on his chest and sent waves of pleasure down her spine. He stroked her back lightly, moving lower, until she felt his soft hands gently caress her behind. She felt paralyzed and couldn’t move. Oh dear Lord, this was so wrong. What was she doing? She didn't even know him, yet still, she wanted him to do more.

  Instinctively her lips rose to meet his, and the water in his hair sent droplets rolling down her face. He kissed her softly then assessed her expression. There was no mistaking the longing in her eyes. So he pulled her in closer and kissed her again, this time his tongue slid inside her mouth, playing with her own. He took his time, softening the kiss until she responded completely.

  Her breathing quickened as she thrust her tongue forward and then slid it back out again, repeating the action until Max could hardly focus on what he was doing.

  She felt out of control and couldn’t think. What in the hell was happening?

  He slid his mouth down her silky, wet neck then lifted her, so he could reach her breasts, flicking his tongue over her hard nipples. They were moving so fast although everything felt like slow motion. It was so right. He was now groaning with pleasure and feeling every inch of her body with his skilled hands. The more he caressed her, the more she opened herself to him. She wanted more.

  Max didn't know how long he could control himself, but knew she was enjoying their extremely, intimate play. Kylie wrapped her arms around his shoulders and her hands entwined in his hair. She whispered in his ear, "Oh yes," when another voice interrupted their passion, unexpectedly.

  Max let go of her. She dunked down into the water up to her neck. She whirled around as fast as lightning and saw a boat with two people aboard. Embarrassment gripped every bone in her body.

  "Are you folks all right?" An older gentleman asked.

  Max answered, but his voice cracked. He looked at Kylie in amusement, but her eyes burned into his. She was happy the older couple couldn't see her flaming cheeks in the dark of night.

  "We heard a scream and thought we should investigate," the woman explained quickly.

  Kylie didn't know what to say. "We were just...."

  "Playing around, sorry." Max jumped in and Kylie sunk deeper into the water, wishing she could go right under.

  The woman appeared to be several years younger than the man with more spark and vigor. A German Shepard stood guard at the bow and appeared to be extremely annoyed at being dragged out at such an ungodly hour.

  "It's quite dangerous to be out at night," said the woman. "We have Princess but," she stopped mid sentence and studied Max in the moonlight. "Well I suppose you're well protected my dear.”

  Kylie laughed to herself. This woman had extremely good eyesight for her age.

  "We're the Hamilton’s, third house on the right." She pointed down the Lake. "We saw you move in this morning, we hope you like it here despite the present circumstances?”

  "It's beautiful," they both said in unison, then watched as the man whispered something to his wife.

  "Oh yes," she said pompously. "We're having a party on the fifteenth, we have one every summer and everyone around the lake attends. We'll expect you to be there around 8 p.m. It’s quite formal so do dress appropriately. We’ll have top security there of course."

  The man t
hen leaned over and whispered to her again. "And what are your names?" She said in a matter of fact kind of way.

  Max blurted out, "Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd," before Kylie could say anything. She turned to him in wonderment. Now what was he doing? She thought.

  The Hamilton’s bid them goodbye, and started the motor that they obviously didn't use to sneak up on Kylie and Max.

  Kylie turned to Max when they were out of earshot. “What was that all about?”

  "I don't know, I think they’re the night patrol."

  "No, I mean Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd. What was that about?" She said, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.

  "Oh," Max smiled, "you didn't want them to think that we're living in sin did you?" His laughter echoed across the water.

  Kylie waited for the annoyance to come, but it didn't. What she did feel was pure guilt. She turned to see if the Hamilton’s were far enough away, then she ran up onto the dock and wrapped a towel around herself.

  The night air was still warm and moist. A few clouds rolled past the moon that had climbed high in the sky. Max sauntered up to the dock but Kylie couldn't look at him.

  "What's wrong?"

  Kylie could sense Max standing behind her but he didn't touch her.

  "We shouldn't have done what we did." She said meekly.

  "I’m sorry, it just happened. It’s all right Kylie.”

  “No it’s not.” Kylie could hardly think. She was clearly exhausted from the day and felt that what they had done was a big mistake.

  "I think we’re finished here Max." She picked up her clothes from the dock and quickly walked up to the house without looking back.

  Kylie tossed and turned in her big bed for the remainder of the night. Waking in bewilderment one minute and in lust the next. She was a good girl she thought to herself, what got into her? She had almost made love to a perfect stranger. A man she’d only known for a few hours. She scolded herself over and over then upon seeing daylight break, she blamed it on the wine and left it at that. It would have to be dealt with later, with Max that is. Kylie sighed, closed her eyes and pictured his face; sultry green eyes, long lashes, full lips and a devilish smile. She somehow couldn't wait to see him again. Then she drifted off into another galaxy.

  The remainder of the night was spent dreaming of slippery hands, feeling her body in a pool of dark, cool water under a blanket of stars. It was one of the most erotic dreams Kylie had ever had.

  Chapter 3

  It was a glorious morning, the birds were singing, the sun was shining bright, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Kylie opened her eyes and stretched long and hard. The mountain air coming through the open window was divine, she thought to herself. Even though it was a fitful night, it had still knocked her out long enough for her to feel normal again.

  She wondered if Max was in the house, so she went out onto the terrace and looked in the front. His car was gone. Kylie felt relieved; she just couldn't face him right now. She slipped on a little pink bikini and skipped downstairs.

  Just as she was making breakfast, she heard a car pull into the driveway. Her stomach flip-flopped and her heart sped. She looked out the kitchen window and saw Frank’s wagon and released her breath. Lucy got out and came rushing in with a blast as usual.

  "Hi! You’re not going to believe who I have with me. Frank is bringing him in. I mentioned him to you a while ago. I think he's super and he's still single...."

  Kylie just let Lucy ramble on. There was no use stopping her. She looked out the window and saw Frank walking around the front lawn with a tall, very serious, fair-haired man. They were looking over the house and seemed to have come to some sort of conclusion.

  "Lucy, I’ve got to tell you something." Kylie finally cut in.

  But Lucy just wouldn’t stop. "Now, I know what you’re going to tell me, but I didn't bring him over here to set you up or anything. He's investigating the murders with Frank and I just asked them to drop off and check the place out. You know, see how secure the house is, but what a great way to get to meet him, right!"

  Lucy was clearly too excited for her own good. Kylie leaned in close to her and whispered in her ear. "I made out with Max last night."

  Lucy shut right up, and her eyes bugged out of her head. Kylie bent over with laughter. The best part of having a sister was being able to shock her like no one else could.

  "What did you say?" Lucy squealed.

  Frank and the fair haired man came through the door at that exact moment. "What did Kylie say?" Frank said thoughtfully.

  "Nothing." Lucy said curtly, then added with a fake smile and a puff of air, "Paul, I'd like you to meet my sister Kylie."

  Paul looked Kylie straight in the eyes and nodded. His gaze stayed fixed there, despite Kylie's tiny bikini. “Nice to meet you.”

  Frank asked her how she got along with Max last night. When she glanced at Lucy she almost laughed. "Oh great." She said trying not to sound suspicious, but Frank looked at her long and hard. He remembered her as being furious when he left yesterday.

  "Well we better go, everything is alright here. As long as you remember to lock up, you shouldn’t have any problems." He announced.

  "Are you going so soon?" Lucy pleaded.

  Turning to take another look at Paul, Kylie caught his eyes lingering over her body. So he was human, after all.

  He shifted slowly and pretended nothing happened, but his face was red with embarrassment.

  Kylie took a dainty sip of her coffee, and then cleared her throat. "Are you sure you won't stay for breakfast?" She smiled at Paul.

  "No thank you, we have a lot of work to do today. But before we go, I'd like to ask you, what kind of security system do you have?"

  Kylie was taking all of him in now. His eyes were soft and caring, his face a hard contrast. His jaw looked like it was chiseled out of rock which made him extremely masculine. She enjoyed looking at him she thought, and just as the thought crossed her mind, he smiled at her. Was she smiling unconsciously, she wondered.

  "I'm sorry what did you say?" Kylie felt awkward now.

  Paul was just as sexy as Max, she was sure, and there was something else. He didn't make her nervous. She didn't know what to make of herself. Last night she almost made love to a stranger, and this morning she's entertaining the thought of being with someone else.

  He leaned against the counter and watched her intently. Kylie closed her eyes for a moment; shocked by the strange desire she had for him, she pretended to ponder his question. When she finally looked back at him, their eyes met and the look that past between them confirmed their fascination for each other.

  Astonished, Lucy watched the two communicate without saying a word. "Frank will explain the whole security thing for you Paul." She blurted out, and then screamed for her husband who was in the next room checking the French doors.

  Frank came in and saw the puzzled look on his wife's face. "What is it?"

  "Paul has some questions for you in the car." She gently reminded him that they should be leaving.

  "Yeah, we should get going Paul." Frank concurred.

  Paul looked in Frank’s direction and nodded in agreement. Then he turned back to Kylie. "I hope I'll see you again Kylie."

  "I hope so too," she said smiling girlishly.

  "Oh, and take all the time you need to answer my question." Paul teased, giving her a handsome grin.

  They both smiled and Kylie kissed the butter off the tips of her fingers. "Are you sure you won't stay for breakfast."

  "No, can't." He said as he brushed his fingers through his hair and straightened his back. "Maybe some other time."

  "Some other time then," Kylie lingered on the words.

  The two men left and Kylie was once again alone with Lucy.

  "I take it you like him?" Lucy asked sarcastically.

  "Who?" Kylie said carelessly.

  "Exactly," Lucy examined her, not knowing what to think.

  The girls spent the day by the lake laughing and swimming
. By late afternoon they were exhausted and lay back on the dock listening to the sounds of summer. The birds sang happily in the trees, the small waves lapped gently against the shore, and Kylie hummed her favorite song.

  Lucy looked over at her sister enjoying her newfound freedom and wondered if she should be a little concerned. After all, they knew nothing about Max, nothing except for the fact that he was one hell of a looker.

  "Don't worry Lucy”, Kylie said instinctively. “It didn't mean anything. He's a rogue. You know, one of those men that go around seducing women. If you think I'll lose my heart to him it won't happen. I've got a good head on my shoulders."

  "It's not your heart or your head that I think you're going to lose." Lucy laughed.

  "Well then what is it, my appetite for men, my mind, what? I’ve already lost my virginity so it can’t be that.”

  "It’s just that you’ve been waiting for the right guy for so long, I don’t want to see you rush in to anything. I mean, you’ve had a few relationships, but they didn’t last very long, frankly, I think that you don’t give things time to work out. Maybe this time you should sit back and get to know him before you go judging him."

  “Oh my God! Do you think I’m that fickle?”

  "Not fickle, just scared." Lucy shrugged her shoulders.

  "Scared of what?"

  “Losing yourself. You think if you get too involved in someone else’s life you won’t be able to do what you love anymore. But like I told you, life’s easier when there are two of you. It’s nice to have someone to turn to when things get rough.” She looked at Kylie’s stubborn face. “Someone to share things with, you know!”

  “I have you.”

  “Yes of course you do. I’ll always be here for you and so will Mom and Dad but a love of your own would be nice. Don’t you think?”

  “Oh right, like my first boyfriend. The loser that took off with Emily Shaw and her big ta ta’s.”