Elephants and Ever-Afters [Dark Desires 5] (Siren Publishing Sensations)

by Suzy Shearer

  “Laura, this is stunning. I’ll have to show you my house, it’s just been built and I moved in a few weeks back. It’s about as big as this, but long and wide, single-storey. I designed it to look like an old farmhouse. I don’t have anywhere near the land you do, mine’s only three quarters of a hectare, but it’s handy to the office, I really love it. I’ve got another place up north I use for breaks and it has more land.”

  “Most of the land here is still bush. There’s just this area out the back with the pool and a few native and fruit trees. I want to plant some vegetables and put in some more fruit trees, but that has to wait until I get released from this bloody thing.” Laura held up her cast.

  Julian nodded. “I was thinking I should try a vegetable patch, too, but I’m really a lousy gardener so I’d only be feeding the snails.”

  Laura’s laughter echoed around the room, then she said, “I’ve never tried so I could be in the same boat.”

  “Well, if you want a couple of extra hands on shovels, give me a call, then Toby and I can come dig for buried treasure.”

  “Got to get rid of the cast first, then I have to sort out my car. It won’t go.”

  “Your car? It won’t go? Did it break down after you drove it up here?”

  “No, I didn’t have a car. I inherited this one and I know it’s been sitting in the garage a while. I think the battery’s dead”

  Laura led him to the garage.

  “Looks old. You’re probably right, but maybe it just needs a jump start. Don’t do anything at the moment. I have a meeting this afternoon and things on the weekend, but I can pop back Tuesday with jumper leads.”

  “I can easily ring a mechanic, Jules. I don’t want you to bother.”

  “No bother at all. Take me a few minutes, that’s all.”

  Laura hoped he was serious. It would make things so much easier to have the car running.

  “Only if you’re sure you don’t mind?”

  “Of course not, what are friends for? And we are friends now, aren’t we?”

  He grinned at her, a silly lopsided one and she smiled back.

  “Yes, we are.”

  “Good, then it’s settled. It’s an older model so might need something else. You said it’s been sitting a while?”

  “Yes, I was told my father rarely used it.”

  By now they had arrived back at the front door. Julian opened it and stepped onto the wide veranda. He rummaged in his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper then a pen from another pocket. He wrote something on the paper.

  “This is my mobile number, ring anytime.” He waggled his eyebrows as he gave the paper to her. “Promise me we’re friends now.”

  Laura felt that it was an easy thing to make. Julian was a lovely man who made her laugh.

  “I promise. Give me your pen and I’ll write my number for you, too.”

  Julian pulled out his mobile instead.

  “What’s the number?”

  She dictated as Julian punched it into his phone.

  He held it up for her to see then said delightedly, “Excellent, now it’s official—phone numbers exchanged so we’re friends. I’ll see you on Tuesday to get that car started. In the meantime, I’ll leave you now but…”

  “But what?”

  Julian took her uninjured hand and looked serious.

  “Laura, you know I’m going to tell Toby about meeting up with you and he’s going to want to come see you?”

  “Oh.”

  Puzzled he asked, “If you would really prefer to never meet him again, I will respect your wishes, but honestly why don’t you want to see him?”

  She shrugged and looked at the floorboards then looked back at Julian who said, “If you really don’t like him, don’t want to see him, I guess I understand. Like I said, I’ll respect your wishes.”

  “It’s not that, it’s…” Flustered, how could she tell him the real reason? “I just don’t think we’d be…um…compatible.”

  “As I said before, you don’t know the man, bit mean to judge him on that one day. He isn’t normally like that. How about you give him a chance? Just one meeting, and if you don’t get on you don’t have to see him again.”

  “Why are you doing this? I mean why do you want us to meet?” she countered.

  “He’s my best friend, almost like my brother. We’ve known each other since school. I know he wants to meet you and how can I put this? I think you really want to meet him, but something’s holding you back.”

  Hesitantly, she said, “Maybe.”

  “Think about it, and why not take a chance?” He cocked his head and gave her a wink. “You’d get a free meal if nothing else.”

  On that note, Julian grinned then kissed her cheek and waved goodbye. Still grinning, he went skipping down the length of the veranda to his car. Laura couldn’t hold in her laughter as he backed down the drive and tooted a long fanfare good-bye on his horn. She shut the door and went into the kitchen, her mind rather mixed up.

  Maybe Tobias did want to meet her, but once he really knew her she was certain he’d be gone as fast as possible. She couldn’t deny wanting to see him, couldn’t deny there was a very real physical attraction to the man. He excited her, even when she was screaming at him.

  Laura knew if she faced him she’d flirt outrageously, she just wouldn’t be able to help herself. She’d want to charm him, to try and excite him the way he excited her. Next time she saw Julian he’d want her to meet up with Tobias.

  Damn.

  What the hell should she do?

  Chapter Eleven

  Tobias looked up as Julian came into the office whistling merrily just after lunch that afternoon.

  “You’re in a good mood today, get laid last night?”

  “Don’t be crass. No, I had a delightful morning with a very beautiful woman.”

  “Ah, I knew there’d be a woman involved,” Tobias said with a wicked grin.

  “Yes, a most delightful woman with the most amazing aqua eyes.”

  Tobias almost leaped from his seat and practically pounced on Julian. He grabbed his arms and screamed in his face.

  “Laura? You saw Laura?”

  “Hey take it easy.”

  Julian pushed him aside and sat down.

  “Fuck, Jules, tell me now!” Tobias shouted, crowding over him.

  “Yes, the lovely Laura, good conversationalist, lovely home. I’m sure you’d love the house, just the style you like.”

  Tobias looked at Julian. He wished he could kill with his eyes but Julian just gave a dramatic sigh.

  “Such a shame she won’t agree to be the third Mrs. Whitmore.”

  Threateningly, Tobias said, “I swear, Julian, I’m going to kill you.”

  Julian’s voice held fake injury as he asked innocently, “Whatever for?”

  Tobias shook his head, straightened and looked away.

  “Fuck! Sometimes I really hate you.”

  “No, you don’t.”

  Yelling and screaming would get him nowhere with Julian, but Tobias was actually more than just furious with his friend—jealousy threatened to overtake him. He tried to count ten in his mind then covered his mouth with both hands. He took a deep breath and dropped his hands to his sides, knuckles tight.

  “Julian, will you please tell me about Laura?”

  “That’s better. Now go sit down like a good boy and I’ll spill all.”

  Reluctantly, Tobias walked around the desk and sat down heavily. He kept glaring at Julian, but it was Julian’s fault.

  “So this morning I was in North Richmond solving that paperwork mix-up when who did I spy strolling along but the lovely Laura. Called out to her and ended up taking her for a coffee, then I drove her home.”

  “You drove her home? You know where she lives? Tell me?” he asked eagerly.

  “All in good time, my friend, all in good time.”

  “You’re a fucking sadistic bastard,” Tobias grumbled, infuriated at the way Julian dragged things o
ut.

  Cheerfully, he agreed with Tobias.

  “Yes, I know.”

  Suddenly it seemed Julian had a change of heart because he told Tobias exactly what had transpired and the full conversation with Laura.

  “Did she ask about me?”

  “Not exactly. We spoke about you, but she didn’t really say ‘where’s Tobias’ or ‘does he love me.’”

  Tobias bit back the retort, breathing out heavily through his nose.

  “So anyway the outcome is next week, on Tuesday morning I’m dropping in to start the car. Think it’s just the battery but maybe you should come in case it’s something mechanical.”

  “Of course I’m fucking coming,” Tobias growled.

  Julian sat up and looked at his friend seriously.

  “Toby, all joking aside. I get the feeling she likes you but something’s holding her back. I don’t know what. Maybe she’s been involved with elephants before and it didn’t work out well. She wasn’t all that forthcoming on the subject, so you’re going to have to tread carefully if you want something out of this.”

  “I always tread carefully.”

  “Ha, when you’re not storming through doors and pushing maidens down stairs.”

  “Geeze, Jules, give it a rest.”

  “I’m going to ring her tomorrow just to confirm Tuesday. I won’t mention you’re coming as well.”

  “Why not?”

  “Don’t want her to back out. We’ll just spring you on her.”

  “Was she really as beautiful as I remember?” Tobias asked wistfully.

  “More, and you know what? She doesn’t even realise it, that’s probably why she is so lovely.”

  “Tuesday.”

  “Yep, Tuesday.” Sincerely he added, “Listen, Toby, I’m sorry I stirred you. I know she’s got under your skin. I’ll help all I can, promise.”

  Tobias’s anger with his friend dissolved in an instant and he smiled across the desk.

  “Thanks, mate.”

  * * * *

  To say the weekend and Monday didn’t go fast enough would be an understatement. Tobias’s father, Conall, ended up telling his son to get out of the house for a while because he was making him and the dogs crazy with his endless pacing. When he finally left the house on Tuesday morning he was a bundle of nerves. He worried that he wouldn’t get Laura to at least agree to have dinner with him or allow him to check her car.

  For the dozenth time since Friday he double-checked his tool kit and then drove to Julian’s. Julian settled in the car while Tobias drove. He actually felt ill on the drive to Kurmond and had to wind the windows down to keep fresh air on his face.

  “That drive way on the left, Toby, go in there.”

  “Okay,” he croaked.

  “Listen, just relax. Now see that little drive just past the house, go up that—it leads to the garage and the side of the house.”

  Tobias followed the directions and parked outside the wide triple garage doors. He blew a puff of air out of his mouth then got out the car and followed Julian to the front door. His stomach was tied in knots. He wiped his hands down the sides of his jeans as Julian rang the bell. If anyone had asked him to describe the drive up or what the house looked like he’d be a complete blank.

  “Hey, Jules. All ready to attack my car?” Laura asked with a laugh in her voice.

  Then she opened the door fully and caught sight of Tobias. He saw her start then blush to the roots of her hair.

  “Hello, Laura.”

  “Mr. Duncan. Um…hi,” she said distrustfully.

  “I brought him with me because he knows all about engines. I, on the other hand, know sweet bugger all. If the problem isn’t the battery, Toby’s your man.”

  “Oh, er…I see.”

  She nodded then held the door open for them both. Laura wore a pair of jeans and a dark blue t-shirt that showed off her beautiful full figure to perfection. She wore her hair loose with some of it falling over her right shoulder, and he saw it was curly, reaching probably to her mid-back.

  “Please come inside.”

  Tobias thought her voice sounded a little cold but he walked past her and caught the scent of perfume. He closed his eyes for a split second and took in a deep breath. She smelt like morning rain on jasmine and orange blossoms. He smiled to himself as he entered a large, open area with the kitchen and family room. Julian seemed to know his way around, and Tobias felt more than a twinge of jealousy.

  “Would you like a coffee or tea before you check the car?”

  Julian answered, “No, I’m fine. What about you, Toby?”

  “I’m okay.”

  Tobias was mortified to hear his voice an octave higher than it should be. Julian just grinned at him and they both followed Laura down the hall and into the garage. She opened up one of the automatic garage doors and while Julian popped open the hood, Tobias drove his car in and parked alongside. The two men set the jumper leads and Julian tried to start the car, but there wasn’t even a groan. Tobias got out and stood alongside Laura.

  “How long has it been standing here?”

  “I honestly don’t know exactly. At the very least eight months.”

  “Whew!”

  He removed the leads and stuck his head in the engine, checking the oil.

  “Oil’s no good. Jules, how are the tyres?”

  Julian walked around the car.

  “About as flat as my Aunt Mabel’s chest.”

  “Judging by the tyres I’d say the car’s been here a hell of a lot longer than eight months without being driven. The fan belt’s stuffed, needs an oil change, I wouldn’t be surprised if the brakes aren’t good.”

  “Oh no. How can I get it fixed? I’ll have to get it towed to a mechanic, won’t I?”

  “No. I can fix it easily.”

  Tobias was excited. This would give him the chance to spend a little more time with her and hopefully she’d agree to dinner.

  “You can, Mr. Duncan?”

  “Yes, I can, and please call me Tobias.”

  Julian tapped her on the arm before she could reply.

  “If Toby can’t get it going then no one will.”

  “If you’re sure.” She sounded nervous and flustered as she added, “I mean I don’t want to impose.”

  Tobias stood and looked down at her. He felt all warm and fuzzy as she actually smiled up at him. Their eyes met and he thought the Earth stood still for a moment as he gazed into their aqua depths. Everything around disappeared as they looked at each other. He heard Julian cough, bringing him back to the present. Tobias spoke softly to her.

  “Let’s call it payback for almost sending you down those stairs.”

  “Oh. Um…I guess I can accept that.” Then she gave him the cheekiest grin and said, “Maybe I should have held out for more Tembo.”

  “We can work on extras later, I’m at your service.”

  Breathlessly, she whispered, “I’m sure we can.”

  “Excuse me! What’s next Mr. Elephant?”

  Tobias dragged his eyes away from hers and turned back to Julian.

  “We’ll need oil, brakes, coolant, new fan belt, and I’ll replace the plugs. Oh, get leads and points as well.”

  “Is the car worth it, Tobias? I mean, I have no idea what it’s worth?”

  Tobias checked the compliance plate.

  “It’s a 2001 model.” Tobias wasn’t sure what her financial condition was and maybe she needed the old clunker. “It’s not in great condition, but if you want to keep it I’ll have it running perfectly very soon. Anyway, if you want to sell it or trade it in, it’s better if it’s running.”

  “That makes sense. I guess I’ll trade it in and get something new.”

  Julian rolled up the jumper leads and then nodded to Tobias.

  “I’ll go get the stuff while you get started on the heavy work.”

  “Oh gee thanks, Jules.”

  Julian and Laura laughed.

  “Wait for me, Julian, I’ll just
get my wallet.”

  “No, I can pay for it.”

  Laura shook her head and looked worried.

  “Please, both of you, I appreciate this, I honestly do. But you can’t possibly pay as well.”

  Julian nodded and Laura ran back inside. Within a minute she was back out and Tobias opened the passenger door of his Range Rover 17MY V8 automatic for her.

  As she got in he said to Julian, “Hang on till I get my tools out, Jules. Oh, and better get a new battery. Even if we manage to charge this old one, it won’t last.”

  Then he passed the seat belt over Laura and gave the end of it to Julian to lock. Going to the rear, he lifted out his tool kit and the oil pan, glad he’d thought to bring it, along with a few rags. The garage was devoid of anything he could use. He also pulled out a pair of old coveralls. When the others left, he stripped down to nothing then pulled on the long-sleeved coveralls. Getting to work, he pulled out the oil plug once the pan was underneath. He’d flush the radiator later, in the meantime he took off the old belt, spark plugs, leads and points. While he had his head in the engine, he checked to make sure nothing was loose.

  As he worked he sang under his breath. This felt so right. He knew there was a real spark between him and Laura, and really hoped this would develop into something special. Lord knows he’d waited his whole life to find that perfect woman for him. He just hoped it would be Laura. If he closed his eyes he could see those amazing aqua eyes of hers looking up at him.

  Fuck, I’m going to get a hard-on if I keep thinking about her.

  He tried to think of something else and decided to investigate a little. Looking out the back door, he saw an amazing back yard. Pool, enormous covered area, barbecue, plenty of room for dogs to play. In fact, everything he’d ever envisaged in a house. He stepped out through the front garage doors, walking down the side of the house to look back at the front.

  “Wow, that’s some house! I couldn’t have done any better if I’d designed it myself.”

  He stood admiring the house, this was the house he’d always imagined in his mind. Lost in studying the details when a car horn made him jump, they were back. Tobias glanced at his watch and realised he been lost in a daydream for at least ten minutes. He shook himself and plodded up the drive and back into the garage.