Twisted Fire

by Joanne Ellis

  Jared parked by the shore and they bought a take-away dinner. After he grabbed a rug from the car, they found a private spot under the pier to eat their dinner. They did so in silence for several minutes before Charlotte decided to break the quiet which had lasted over an hour.

  “Are you OK?”

  “Yes.”

  “Are we … ?”

  He kissed her tenderly before answering. “Yes. My foolish pride got in the way. Hearing those things about you worried me.”

  “Worried?” She frowned. “I thought you were angry with me.”

  “No, I was angry with him but worried he was right.”

  “Oh.” She smiled. “Don’t worry I don’t plan on getting bored. You’re still keeping things interesting … at the moment, anyway.”

  “Don’t tease me, babe.”

  “Sorry.”

  Charlotte climbed into his lap and kissed him deeply. He eased her down gently but with haste before his hands explored her body frenetically, desperate to touch her again, to be inside her again, for it had been days. Jared took her urgently without completely removing her clothes, the fear and thrill of getting caught intensifying their movements and satisfying them both quickly.

  As they lay upon the rug, arms and legs entwined, Jared played with the curls that had escaped their bindings.

  “Now, how could I possibly get bored when you do that?” she murmured.

  “My sentiments precisely.”

  “You can trust me.” She gazed into his eyes, pouring her love from hers to his.

  “I know.”

  Chapter 20

  Trust

  Every day for a week following the fire, Dr Shaw’s relentless flirtation continued. Mindful of her responses, to avoid him getting the wrong idea and of her promise to Jared, she avoided or ignored his comments.

  After dodging his innuendoes for a whole week, Charlotte decided something needed to be done. It was time for an ultimatum - he stopped or she left. No job was worth the discomfort and awkwardness.

  She considered telling Jared, but after his blistering reactions to both Dr Shaw's and Evan's provocations, she decided she needed to deal with it herself.

  It was time to confront Dr. Shaw again and alert him as to how awkward he was making it for her. She would just have to pick the right moment.

  That moment came at the end of the day, as they were preparing to close up.

  “So, Charlotte,” he said sidling up to her. He cornered her in the doorway which led out to the front counter. “Let’s go out for a drink, see if I can persuade you to switch from Jared to me. We are much better suited, you and me. We have a lot in common. What do you say?”

  “I say no, Dr Shaw, as I have said before,” she said firmly. “There are several reasons - we work together, I’m in love with Jared and do not want to change my mind about him and, quite frankly, I really don’t think you’re my type.”

  “Of course I am. We are the same - same occupation, same outgoing personality and carefree nature, and I think we would be dynamite in the sack.”

  “Right, that is enough! You’re making me really uncomfortable. I’m not interested in you in any way besides working for you. You have given me a wonderful opportunity to work here and that is the only thing I want from you.” She was getting quite agitated now. Her heart was pounding and she could feel the vein in her temple throbbing. Charlotte was one inappropriate comment from exploding.

  “We’ll see about that,” he said fiercely.

  Martin took a step towards her and planted his lips on hers. She tried to push him away but he grabbed her wrists and held them above her head. He was stronger than he appeared.

  She tried to turn her head away but his lips were crushed against hers. She fought relentlessly. When the front door jingled, Martin became distracted. Charlotte seized the opportunity and used every ounce of her strength to heave him away. This is when she heard Jared.

  “I knew it,” he said, fury evident in his tone. “I knew I couldn’t trust you. You are just as I thought, fickle!”

  He slammed down the flowers he was carrying and stormed out the door.

  “Jared, wait,” she cried before turning to Dr Shaw. “You are the biggest creep I have ever met.”

  She raced after Jared. She caught him as he was climbing into his car. Jared slammed the door violently. She ran round to the open window.

  “Please, Jared, it’s not what you think.”

  “I’ve heard that one before, Charlotte.”

  “Let me explain. He started asking me out again last week and I wanted to sort it out without upsetting you. I was going to tell you about it.”

  “Yeah, sure you were. I don’t want to hear your bullshit excuses, Charlotte. I was right about you from the beginning and I knew I should never have taken up with you.”

  The black fury in his expression surprised her. His usual control had completely disappeared. As she went to speak again, he threw the car into gear and drove off.

  Charlotte’s world began to spin and disintegrate around her. How was she ever going to persuade him to listen, to understand, to convince him she was in love with him and she really was trustworthy? Knowing how stubborn he could be and how difficult it was for him to trust, she wondered if there was going to be any way of reversing what that slimy Martin Shaw had just done. She stormed back inside and found the sleaze standing where she’d left him.

  “You may have just blown the best thing that has ever happened to me. I have told you day after day that I’m not interested but you just didn’t grasp it, you, you … inconceivable jerk. I may also be ruining my career now too because I quit.”

  She had completely lost command of her emotions and there were tears streaming down her face. This was when she noticed the flowers Jared threw to the floor. He’d obviously been to see Chelsea again as she recognised it as one of her creations.

  She picked them up and discovered they were all her favourites again. With a heavy heart she walked out the front door to see if the damage was repairable.

  * * *

  On the way to collect Charlotte, he called into Bloom where Chelsea made another arrangement. The past week their relationship had grown stronger again after their little hiccup with Evan. Jared believed completely in Charlotte now and wondered how he could have had any doubts. This time he knew he’d found the girl he’d been searching for.

  With his heart racing like a lovesick teenager Jared opened the door to find Charlotte in an embrace with her boss and Max’s long trusted vet. His blood boiled and his heart flew into his throat. He threw the flowers to the floor. After he’d told her exactly what he thought and he stormed out to his car.

  Driving away following her feeble attempts at excuses, he felt as though his heart had been ripped out of his chest and the pain was smothering him. He headed straight home to find Mitch had returned from his new freelance job, photographing models. He was sitting at the dining table reading the paper and enjoying a beer.

  Seeing the look on Jared’s face, Mitch immediately grew concerned as he’d seen that look before. The last time it happened, Mitch had been working on a job in the city and coincidently had been staying with Jared. It seemed he appeared to be around when his brother needed him the most.

  After Emma, he was initially surprised when Jared took up with Charlotte as she possessed the same flirtatious, bubbly, fun personality and Mitch thought he would have been repelled. After the glare he’d received for talking to her at the wedding, Mitch knew that Jared was much more interested than he probably even realised. Jared and Charlotte had spent a lot of time together over the past weeks and Mitch saw the effort his brother had been putting in. Mitch knew he didn’t do that for just anyone.

  “Hey, little brother, what’s up?” he asked cautiously.

  “I knew I shouldn’t have trusted her. She sucked me in and now she’s already moved on to her next conquest, like I meant nothing.” His anger was still strong but it was slowly being replaced by d
ejection.

  “What happened?”

  “I caught her with Dr Shaw.” Jared slumped into the chair beside Mitch.

  “Where?”

  “At the clinic.”

  “Right there in the open.”

  “They were only kissing, but if I hadn’t interrupted, who knows.”

  “Did she say anything?”

  “Just the usual lines. I’ve heard them all before.”

  “Are you sure that it wasn’t a mistake or misunderstanding?”

  “Oh, it was a mistake alright, mine for believing in her,” he replied with disgust. “I’ll be in my room.”

  * * *

  Jared heard a knock on the front door and ignored it. He heard Mitch answer it a few moments later. Hearing her voice would be more than he could tolerate. Her throaty intoxicating tone would be like sticking knives into his already aching heart. He walked through to the bathroom, closed the door and sat on the edge of the bath with his face in his hands.

  * * *

  Mitch answered the door to find the girl giving his little brother so much grief standing there. Seeing her in the same shape, he suddenly felt torn.

  “Hi, Mitch,” she said, her voice shaky and croaky. “Is Jared home?”

  “Yes, but I don’t think he’ll talk to you.”

  “It’s not what he thinks.”

  Her eyes filled with tears and her voice broke at the last word. When Mitch looked into her teary eyes, he recognised it to be the truth.

  “Come in and tell me what happened.”

  After they made their way out to the patio, Mitch offered her a drink and she shook her head. She bit her lip and tugged at a tissue in her hands. His heart broke for them both.

  “Dr Shaw,” she began, “has been coming onto me from the first day. I thought I had made it clear that I wasn’t interested. It continued on and off and I constantly brushed him off. When I started seeing Jared, I told Dr Shaw but he just wasn’t getting the hint. I didn’t know what to do. If I was to leave my position now in my last year, I would have trouble getting another practical placing and might not be able to complete my final year. When he cornered me today, I firmly told him to back off and that was when he grabbed me and forced himself onto me. I tried to pull away but he was too strong. When I heard the door, I used the distraction and with every effort pushed him away. I realise now how it would have looked to Jared that I didn’t want to get caught. I tried to explain, but he wouldn’t listen. I know he has trust issues but he can trust me. I would never deceive anyone. I would tell him before taking up with anyone else, not that I want to - I’m crazy about Jared. He is the most incredible man I have ever met and I think I’m in love with him. I don’t want to lose him, Mitch.”

  She realised she was babbling and didn’t care. Fresh tears slid down her cheeks and her hands shook violently.

  “Do you know about Emma?” Mitch asked her gently.

  “Is that her name? Lucas told me a little.”

  “Ironically, I was here when it happened just like now – not that this is the same – but I saw what it did to him. He did really like Emma and probably thought he was in love with her, but that was before he met you.” He looked up and saw her anguished face. “Sorry, but it’s the truth - he’s in love with you too. Anyway, Jared, his mate Sam and Rick were in training for the brigade together. Jared and Sam did really well and advanced their positions, but Rick was too casual and liked to party way too much. I think he was envious of Jared even though they were close friends. One afternoon Jared decided to surprise Emma at her apartment and he found them in bed together. He never forgave either of them. Emma is a flirtatious, beautiful girl and she sucked Jared in big time. I don’t think she felt the same way about him as he did about her. That was why he was apprehensive because he assumed you were the same.”

  “Oh. No wonder he can be so abrasive.”

  “Yeah that’s the main reason. He’s always been serious, though, even as a child.”

  “I quit my job too. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I need him. I love him.”

  “I’ll talk to him. Wait here.”

  He found Jared sitting on the edge of his bed looking confused and tormented.

  “Is she gone?” he asked gruffly.

  “No,” he began but was cut off.

  “Tell her to leave.”

  “Listen, she told me it was a misunderstanding and Dr Shaw forced himself onto her.”

  “Not how it looked to me.”

  “Yeah, well, I believe her. You would see it differently because you love her.”

  “Tell her to leave or I will, and I won’t be nice.” Mitch recognised the black look in Jared’s eyes. His usual control was completely failing him now. This had hit him hard.

  “I think you should talk to her, listen to her.”

  “I said no. Now are you going to tell her?” He stood up.

  “I’ll tell her but I think you’re making a huge mistake.”

  “That’s your opinion.”

  “You’re so damn stubborn.”

  Mitch went back out to Charlotte.

  “I’m sorry, but he doesn’t want to talk to you. Give him a couple of days to cool off and then try again. In the meantime I’ll keep at him.”

  “Thanks, Mitch,” she said sadly. “Tell him to call me if he changes his mind.”

  “She’s gone,” Mitch told him after she’d left.

  “Good,” he said.

  * * *

  Charlotte didn’t know how she drove home but somehow managed to find her way. She hoped Mitch would be able to convince Jared to talk to her so she could assure him of her feelings. Upon returning home, she headed straight for the stairs and the sanctuary of her room. She heard Chelsea calling out to her but kept going. She allowed the tears to flow once she reached her room.

  Chelsea was a little puzzled to hear Charlotte come home. When she ignored Chelsea’s call and the bedroom door slammed, she looked at Lucas with a worried frown. She found Charlotte on the bed, in a ball, with tears drenching her face. She went over, sat down and gently placed her hand on her sister’s shoulder.

  “What happened, honey?”

  “Dr Shaw … Jared …. quit … what am I going to do?” she struggled to talk between sobs.

  “Dr Shaw did what?”

  “He kissed me.”

  “Oh no! What a jerk! What about Jared?’

  “He came in and saw … and … he thought it was mutual and now he won’t talk to me.” Chelsea stroked Charlotte’s hair. Her heart ached for her sister.

  “Maybe he will, give him some time. You know how he feels about this.”

  “I talked to Mitch and he told me even more about Emma – that’s her name - and I would never do that to anyone, especially him. I’m in love with him.”

  “I know you wouldn’t, but he doesn’t know that. His experience makes it difficult for him to believe and trust you.”

  “I quit my job and I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’ll finish out two weeks' notice but I don’t know if I’ll get a placing now.” She wiped her tears away with swift strokes, anger pushing through for a moment.

  “We’ll work it out together. You did the right thing. You can’t be around that man anymore than you have to.”

  “I was going to tell Jared about that jerk again tonight. I wish I’d done it sooner now.”

  “Give him time. The way he feels about you, he might come round.”

  “I hope so,” she said quietly. Charlotte let the tears flow again without bothering to brush them away.

  “Are you hungry? Come and have some dinner.”

  “I couldn’t. I think I’ll try and rest and then face Dr Shaw tomorrow.”

  “Ok. Love you.”

  “Love you too.”

  Charlotte knew there would be no sleeping tonight. How was she going to explain what happened without it sounding like a paltry excuse? Would he ever believe her? She had to keep trying until he did, now that she’d f
ound him she definitely did not want to lose him.

  Chapter 21

  Suspect

  Over the following days, Jared was not pleasant to be around or to work with. His agony transcended into abrasiveness towards his team, and when he wasn’t being unfriendly, he was locked away in his office. Sam decided after three intolerable shifts, it was time to take action.

  “OK, what is going on with you?” Sam asked him as he approached Jared’s desk and sat on the chair opposite.

  “I’m busy,” he bit off.

  “No, you’re not. It’s been quiet and there is a poker match going and you’re not playing.”

  “I’m not in the mood to take anyone’s money tonight.”

  “Did she dump you?”

  “No.”

  “Then why the bear with a sore head routine? You’re normally difficult, but even for you this is unreasonable.”

  “It’s nothing.” Jared stood up and walked to the window, turning his back on Sam. He didn’t think he could hide his emotions. His steadfast self-control was letting him down.

  “Tell me what’s going on. I’m your mate. Maybe I can help.”

  “I doubt it. I caught her with the vet, Dr Shaw.”

  “Caught her doing what?”

  “Kissing him.”

  “So it was just kissing.” Jared turned to send him an incredulous look.