A Familiar Star (Romance Mystery)

by Waters, JesseAnne

  They danced the slow song in silence. Max held her tight and Kylie liked it. They breathed the same she thought.

  He was beginning to grow on her; she might have even considered him a friend, until she thought about the night in the water when she almost lost control. Even if Paul wasn’t the one, she didn’t want to be with Max for lust sake. She wanted to be in love and she could wait for it.

  She looked up at him and his eyes pulled her in as they always did. It wasn’t easy being so close to him. His body was pressing against her and she was feeling his every move. At the same time, she didn’t like what she saw in his eyes. He was looking at her like she was a rare and precious jewel. She’d never been looked at that way in her life.

  They stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity. She parted her mouth when the side of his lips brushed passed hers, his face resting gently against her own. She felt his hand stroke her back like a feather. Her heart was beating fast and she wanted to say his name. Why was she feeling this way?

  She held on to him and was so lost in the moment that it seemed as though the space around them was theirs alone. Moving was effortless, because they also had the same rhythm. She breathed in his scent. Every time she’d smell it, she would think of him, she thought.

  She felt the song coming to an end, and realized she’d forgotten completely about Paul. Suddenly the music changed to a pop rock song and a new crowd moved in. Max let go of Kylie and undid his jacket.

  “This is serious stuff.” He joked. They laughed together then started gyrating.

  Kylie took a few deep breaths and let them out carefully. She needed to focus on what she was doing. She moved her hips in a swaying motion and raised her arms together above her head to loosen up. Her sensual movements were getting the attention of all of the men. When she looked up, she saw Leslie standing there with Paul. They were both staring at her. The black, backless, stretch velvet dress that Kylie wore, clung to every curve on her body, and she knew people were looking at her. But now it was Paul that was looking, and Kylie was feeling self-conscious. His eyes couldn’t help but roam up and down her without shame.

  She turned her back to them and kept on dancing. Closing her eyes, she struggled to concentrate. She needed to talk to him again, but she was still too nervous. She grabbed Max by the arm and left the dance floor without looking back.

  “I need something to drink,” she explained. “Let’s go back upstairs.”

  “Kylie, wait.” Max maneuvered around her. He wanted to tell her to leave with him, right now, before it was too late. The confidence he had in them being together one day, was galloping away in the distance.

  “What is it?”

  He knew whatever he said would be futile. “We should”…he tried, but broke off, staggered by what nearly came out of his mouth. He wasn’t going to beg.

  “I’ll get you a drink.” He said instead.

  They were making their way to the stone patio when Leslie approached them, dragging Paul by the hand.

  “So there you are!” Leslie shrilled pretentiously.

  Max and Paul made no eye contact.

  “I’ll get you that drink.” Max repeated, needing to leave as soon as possible, before the anger rose in him like a pressure cooker.

  “Thanks.” Kylie grinned, but the grin faded as soon as he walked away.

  “Excuse me for a minute, won’t you?” Leslie winked at her then took off after Max.

  Kylie acted as though there were wild cats around her. She didn’t know which way to turn and her pulse was racing. This was a bad idea, she realized. She probably never should have come.

  Paul finally spoke. “I was hoping to see you here tonight.” He said softly.

  “Oh?”

  “We needed to talk but I was busy all week so…”

  Kylie didn’t want to hear excuses and cut him off. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

  Paul couldn’t tell from her expression if she was being honest. She wasn’t making eye contact with him and her long eyelashes hid her discomfort.

  “I see. I’m sorry.” He drawled out.

  Kylie turned swiftly and frowned at him. “What are you sorry for?”

  “For not listening to your explanation, I’m sorry.” He repeated himself. “I was just confused.” He waited for her to say something then continued. “I couldn’t figure out why you’d want to be with me after being with Max, that’s all.”

  “I did want to be with you.” She said hesitantly.

  “Well, is that why you didn’t even want to kiss me, because of Max?”

  “No, it had nothing to do with that and I did kiss you.”

  “Yeah, you did kiss me, but you slept with him the night before.” He accused.

  Kylie cried out in exasperation, “I did not!”

  She sounded furious and Paul looked at her in surprise. She lifted her dress and climbed the steps swiftly but carefully, making sure her heels didn’t get caught on the stones.

  He went after her. “Hey, wait!” He said, hoping she would slow down.

  People began to look at them and whisper.

  She stopped at the top of the stairs and blurted out, “you’re some detective all right, assuming things before you have all the facts. Well, I wish you lots of luck catching this guy because you’ll need it.”

  Back inside the house, Kylie tried to find the long hall that led to the foyer. She wanted to leave. But instead she moved from room to room squeezing through the crowd when necessary. How big was this house anyway? She bustled through the library, then opened another door and found herself in a small sitting room. She noticed one other young couple, curled up on the sofa, in a passionate embrace.

  Kylie turned to leave but Paul was right behind her blocking the way. She tried to go around him but he wouldn’t let her.

  “Let me go by I have work to do,” she said in frustration.

  “What kind of work?” He frowned.

  “I’m going to catch this guy for you. I have people to talk too and then I’m leaving.”

  Paul realized that he didn’t really know her, what her mind set was or what she was capable of. There was more anger there then there should have been. Grabbing her arms, he thought he was going to have to yell at her, than he saw the tears in her eyes. “This guy is a killer. You stay away from it. The FBI’s involved now and we’re going to catch him soon, so don’t be foolish.

  There was no doubt he was serious. She looked into his deep brown eyes. “What do you care?”

  “I care very much,” he softened his voice. “If you tell me you’re not with Max, I care even more.”

  “Well I’m not; I haven’t been with anyone in years.” Her lips tightened as the statement she made resonated in her ears.

  Paul kind of smirked then let go of her. He realized she was embarrassed but couldn’t help staring at her. She looked so sexy, so vulnerable. He felt his manhood stiffen, an automatic response from thinking about her all week long.

  “You’re sure you’re not with him, because I saw the two of you on the dance floor tonight? You looked pretty friendly to me.” He added.

  “You heard me.” She said frantically, her breath ragged. “He wants me, but all he wants is sex. Now he knows I want you, and he thinks he’s in love with me. I think he’s confused.” She was rambling and had already said too much. She dabbed wetness away from the corner of her eyes with the tips of her fingers then crossed her arms.

  “He knows you want what?” He said arrogantly.

  She turned to leave. Suddenly she despised him.

  He wasn’t going to let her go that easy. He needed her and now she wanted him. No matter how hard he tried to put her out of his mind he couldn’t, and if she was telling the truth, he was going to make her his, if it was the last thing he did.

  He grabbed her waist this time then pulled her to his chest. She looked surprised, but didn’t resist until his lips came down on hers. Forcing her mouth opened with his tongue, he stroked rou
ghly inside. She struggled to get away but he held her tight, twisting her dress out of shape. The strength and determination in his kiss made her knees go weak. She began to feel her resistance wither away but something wasn’t right, so she arched her back and broke away.

  He examined her and saw the excitement in her eyes. He felt out of control and pulled her back to him.

  “You do want me.” He said in a hoarse whisper.

  Kylie didn’t blink. She wanted him to let her go. She felt her blood rising like the mercury in a thermometer. Her face so hot, it burned.

  Paul fell silent and his hands dropped to his sides.

  The young couple was whispering and giggling to themselves. Kylie looked over at them but was glad to see they had started necking again.

  She glared at Paul then stepped around him and walked out. She felt as though she was leaving a trail of fire behind her. He touched her hand gently when they reached the family room but she pulled back.

  “I need something to drink and a little time to recover from whatever that was.” She said wearily.

  “I’m so sorry, Kylie, I don’t know what got into me,” he stammered. “I’ll get you something to drink if that’s alright.”

  Kylie nodded, trying to readjust the seams down the side of her dress.

  Paul went to the bar and Kylie stood there. For an instant she didn’t know what to do. She wanted to cry or leave but then he might come after her again. Maybe they should talk and get it over with. As she debated on what to do, she noticed Mrs. Troy sitting on the sofa talking to an elderly gentleman. The old woman saw her and gestured that she join them. Kylie decided to go over, talk to Mrs. Troy then go home.

  “Hello my dear, how are you?”

  Kylie sniffed then tried to clear her throat. “Oh, fine thank you.” Her voice cracked from tension.

  “You look a little tussled dear; your lipstick is a bit messy too. Did you have an encounter with one of the local fellows?” She looked concerned.

  Kylie couldn’t help but smiled. The old woman was obviously tipsy and feeling no pain. Her words were noticeably slurred but she still sensed how Kylie was feeling.

  “Do you remember the other day Mrs. Troy, in my sister’s hairdressing shop; you said you had something to tell me?”

  “I remember,” she pulled Kylie close to her then whispered in her ear. “You want to know who the killer is, don’t you my dear?” She said rather portentously.

  “Yes I do.” Kylie answered, hardly able to contain herself. If she could only get a lead then coming here tonight wouldn’t have been a waste after all.

  “It’s Jeffery Williams of course.” She sputtered the words.

  “Why do you think it’s him?” Kylie was shocked.

  “Because he’s a lunatic and always has been. I’ve always known what was going on over there. They were always up to no good. I knew he’d do anything for her!” Her voice rose louder and louder.

  Kylie looked around the room. People were inspecting them but didn’t hear what they were saying. Paul was standing at the bar staring at them, but she pretended she didn’t see him.

  She turned back to Mrs. Troy but the old woman had turned away, engaged in conversation with her gentleman friend once again. She seemed to have forgotten that Kylie was even there.

  Kylie replayed her words, “they were always up to no good and that he’d do anything for her.” Her mind leaped back and forth. She considered what Max had said, “just because he’s different doesn’t mean he’s a psychopathic killer. It occurred to her that maybe the old woman didn’t have all her wits about her. She was also extremely intoxicated and therefore might not even know what she was saying.

  Kylie got up to leave and Paul slipped across the room and met her half way.

  “How about we try that again?”

  “Try what?” Kylie said with wide eyes.

  “Getting to know each other I mean, start over again. I don’t know what got into me back there, I’m really sorry.”

  Kylie felt relieved but still unsure. It was a bit crazy but she didn’t feel the way she thought she should. Considering the fact that he was willing to try, and he wasn’t upset about what happened, she should probably give this another chance. After all, a week ago she thought he was the one. Didn’t she?

  Paul offered his hand. “Deal?”

  “All right, deal.” She shook his hand, giving him a weak smile as he handed her a drink.

  “Let’s get some air.” She said.

  The terrace was fully loaded with people. The Hamilton’s youngest son Shaun was ready to start the fireworks and everyone was eager to watch.

  Paul led Kylie into a gazebo that was partially covered by vines and pulled her close.

  “I’m so happy we’re friends again,” he said, stroking her back.

  “You’re becoming quite a good friend aren’t you?”

  “I would like too.” He pulled her towards him when she pulled away.

  “First I have something important to ask you.” She said seriously.

  “I have something to ask you too.” He interrupted.

  “Okay, you first”

  “Be my girlfriend and only mine so I can get on with this case.”

  Kylie didn’t know what to think. Did she even want to be his girlfriend, they had only dated once? It seemed like they were moving too fast again. On the other hand, she had to take a gamble in order to see if it was ever going to work out between them.

  “Am I ever going to see you?”

  “I have the weekend off. You can be my assistant detective and help me unravel my thoughts.” He winked.

  That sounded interesting, Kylie thought. She was still a little uncertain, but he was trying so hard. She wrapped her arms around him.

  “I accept. I love detective work.”

  Just then the fireworks began. Kylie turned to face the water and Paul spooned her from behind, his arms wrapping around her tight. He looked down at her and was in awe. Had he drank too much or was she the most beautiful woman in the world? And she wanted him, a country boy. Fantasies were consuming his mind. He shifted a little in discomfort.

  Kylie gazed up at him and gave him a sweet smile, he was nice, she decided, but she still felt strange. She put it out of her mind and looked up at the sky. The fireworks were beautiful; they took her back to her childhood. The loud booming, skittering and sizzling sounds made her hair stand on end. All at once there was screaming and howling coming from a group of teenagers on the lawn. Kylie peered down at them and laughed.

  Over the lake, the brilliant colors exploded wildly, spurting out like shooting stars. Stars…made her think of Max. She thought he would have come looking for her by now. She scanned the poolside quickly. She saw him standing there with Leslie then suddenly they were kissing. It couldn’t be. She narrowed her eyes, trying to figure out who was kissing whom. Perhaps it was one sided. He hadn’t wrapped his arms around her. Surely it wasn’t what he wanted, it wasn’t possible, but then maybe he’d changed his mind. She felt sick to her stomach and turned away.

  What was going on with her, she should be saying good riddance but instead she wanted to run up and separate them!

  “Are you alright?” Paul asked her.

  “Yes, I’m fine.” Kylie lied, feeling as though she’d just lost her best friend.

  The fireworks picked up speed until they exploded into an outstanding finally. Kylie searched the poolside again but they were gone. She watched as the crowd broke off into separate elements, some gliding through the torch light, others floating on the dance once more.

  She moved away from Paul and sat down, wrapping her arms around her midsection as if it hurt.

  For a second he stared at her, confusion clouded suspicious eyes. Then he decided that the change in her was due to all the excitement this evening. He pulled up a seat next to her and began to talk about Frank and Lucy, a conversation that would soon interest her.

  When Kylie and Paul finally left the gazebo the
party was winding down. The stragglers, however, were either dancing or getting extremely drunk. Kylie was happy she had all her senses intact. This wasn’t the place to make a fool of yourself.

  She saw Max dancing and laughing with an older woman. The woman was three times his age and could hardly move. He winked at her as she past him by. Now what was he up too? He didn’t seem to look upset that she was with Paul, and Leslie was nowhere in sight, so why was Max still here?

  “Come on, let’s dance.” Paul pulled her up to the dance floor.

  The night air had become extremely hot and balmy. A heavy mist covered the surface of the lake making it wonderfully eerie. Chinese lanterns, suspended on an invisible grid, hung over their heads, casting a warm glow on the people around her.

  And Paul and Kylie swayed to the soft music while the crickets played harmony in the background. It was one of the most beautiful nights Kylie had ever seen but something was wrong. She just couldn’t relax and Paul sensed it.

  “Is he on your mind?” Paul asked seriously.

  “No! No of course not… you know what?” She changed the subject.

  “What?”

  “The killer could be among us tonight.”

  Paul laughed. “Why do you think I’m here?”

  “You’re working?” She frowned.

  “That’s why I brought you into the gazebo.” Paul looked over at Max thinking there was actually another reason.

  “Roscoe’s here somewhere and if he finds me I’m his.

  Kylie giggled. “Wouldn’t want that.”

  Paul bent his head and kissed her silky lips pausing there for a moment.

  Kylie pulled back as nonchalantly as possible and turned to see if Max was looking. He was staring right at her and her stomach flip-flopped nervously. They’re eyes locked for a minute and Kylie was brought back to the night they almost made love. It was a night like this, hot and balmy. He couldn’t love her, could he?

  “You never asked me what you wanted to.” Paul broke the spell.

  “When was that?” Kylie looked up at him trying to concentrate on what he was saying.

  “A couple of hours ago, you said you had something important to ask me. Do you remember what it was?”