Ominous Love

by Patricia Puddle

  The shower is still running, so I place the clothes in a neat pile outside the bathroom and tap on the door. “Hey, Seal, I'll leave you some clothes out here on the floor.”

  “Okay, thank you,” he hollers.

  Leaning against the wall, I picture what he looks like right now. Then I quiver as I remember how beautiful he looked when he woke up naked on the beach this morning. Far out! What is wrong with me? I really am turning into a teenage perv. Shaking myself, I trudge to the kitchen to make lunch.

  After turning on the radio, I prepare the coffee and toasted ham and cheese sandwiches. I can't believe that the first time I'm home alone, I have a gorgeous hunk as a guest. I titter. Mum would chuck a pink fit if she knew, and Dad would have a heart attack—but then if they knew what Seal was going through, I'm sure they'd let him stay.

  I gaze out the window and sigh. How can I have feelings for a boy I just met? And from the moment I first laid eyes on him. It's too weird. Sure, I've had crushes, but I've never felt like this before, but wanting someone who doesn't feel the same is the pits. I bet he doesn't even like me and he’s just being nice because I'm letting him stay. I shake my head. There's no point fantasising about him. He's drop dead gorgeous and could have any girl he wants, even if he can't remember who he is. Besides, he's probably already got a girlfriend and I bet she's stunning. With a strange ache in my heart, I carry the food to the table, singing along to Carly Rae Jepsen’s song: Call Me Maybe.

  “Something smells good,” says Seal, walking into the kitchen.

  Butterflies flutter in my stomach as I glance up at him. Gosh he's dreamy. Dad's clothes fit him perfectly. The singlet is stretched tight across his chest, displaying his perfect physique, and though I try not to gape, my eyes roam down his stomach to his slim hips and the low-slung waistband of the blue denim jeans. I suck in a breath. He looks like a movie star.

  His face turning red, he pulls on Dad's blue jumper, then lifts the tray from my hands. “Here, I'll carry that. You've already done too much. Going out of your way for a stranger like me is just amazing.”

  I shrug. “Well, what else did you expect? You wouldn't let me call a doctor for you. What kind of a person would I be if I didn't help you to get your strength back?”

  He sets the tray on the table and smiles. “Your compassion and kindness is a rare find, Eloise.”

  “But how would you know? You can’t remember anything.”

  He shrugs. “I don’t know who I am, but I seem to know other things. It’s all very strange.”

  I give him a half smile. He may be unattainable, but I can't help the longing in my heart whenever he says my name. As I take the plates and cups from the tray, butterflies flutter in my stomach and I try not to look at him.

  “I hope you're hungry,” I say, pouring the coffee into the mugs. “Do you take milk and sugar?”

  There's a moment's silence before he answers. “Um … now that something I don’t know.”

  “Okay, try it black first.” I pass him a mug. “You can add sugar or milk later.”

  “Thanks.” He takes a sip, then curls his nose.

  I chuckle. “Here.” I plop some sugar and milk in, then stir it. “Now, try it.”

  He tastes it. “Mmm, that's better.”

  Poking at my food with a knife, I peek up at him. I've never felt longing like this before, ever. If this is love at first sight, it sucks. It's no fun when it's unrequited. I rest my head on my hand and sigh. Gosh, he’s dreamy.

  As he chews his sandwich, he closes his eyes and inhales like he hasn't eaten for years. He must be really hungry. Maybe he didn't eat yesterday either. The phone rings, startling me from my thoughts. As I jump up to answer it. I look at Seal and hold my finger to my lips in case it's my mother. I hope he understands because there's no way I can explain him to her at the moment.

  “Hi, Mum,” I say into the handset.

  “Hello, sweetie, is everything okay?”

  “Yes, Mum, everything is fine. How's Nanna and Pop?”

  “Your nanna is okay, but Pop has to have an operation next week, so I don't know when we'll be back. Now, if you need anything, you can always go next door. And if you want to join us, you only have to ask and we'll get you a plane ticket.”

  I roll my eyes. Why does she keep trying to convince me to go over there? “I'll be fine, Mum. I told you, I want to start this job on Monday. I hope Grandpa will be okay. Give him and Nanna a kiss from me.”

  “Okay, love, be good. Oh, and if you need any more money, let me know.”

  “Yes, Mum, bye.” I blow out a big breath and hang up. Phew.

  When I sit back in my chair, Seal raises his brows. “So, you didn't tell her about me?”

  I frown. “Of course not. She'd have a pink fit if she knew I brought a strange boy here to stay with me.”

  He raises a brow. “Oh, I'm strange, am I?”

  “Well, no, but you're … um … well anyway, if I told Mum about you, Dad would come straight back home.” Hmm, I'm not telling him how much I'd hate that, or that I'm suddenly lovesick and my heart is yearning for him.

  His eyes crinkle at the corners and glisten with humour. “I knew that. I was just teasing you.”

  I melt. His smile is to die for. Then I blow out a frustrated breath. So he knows he's a tease.

  “When are your folks due back?”

  “In about two weeks, but it could be longer.”

  Scowling, he finishes the last of his coffee. “It's a long time to leave you here on your own.”

  “I know, but I begged them—so I could start my job in the pet shop.”

  “Did you finish school?”

  I push my uneaten food away. “No, but I'm going to start night school, to learn animal care.”

  Raising his brows, he looks at me. “Oh, you're an animal lover.”

  I glance at Matilda, who is eating from her bowl. “Yes, I adore animals and hate to see them suffer.” I look up at him. “Have you noticed their eyes? They have the same trusting look as a human baby with its mother. They're so innocent and vulnerable, yet some folks choose to be cruel to them. I'll never understand that.”

  Seal shrugs. “Maybe animals were made that way to test us—to test our souls. But like man, some animals are vicious, especially when hurt. Maybe that's to show the consequences of sin, to let humans experience remorse, then they have the choice to repent, or not.”

  I frown. “Yes, but humans eat animals, so is that a sin?”

  He wipes his mouth with a napkin. “I don't think so, but if humans kill animals for food, or other reasons, they should do it in the kindest way possible, not torture them or cause unnecessary pain.”

  Picking up the dirty dishes, I sigh. “I agree, but I don't know how I'll go with the animal courses. I'm so squeamish and I faint at the sight of blood, but I'll try.”

  Seal gets to his feet. “You'll do just fine, Eloise. Now, I'll wash the dishes, and then I'd like to fix that lock on the front door. Does your father have a tool box?”

  I head to the sink. “It's okay, Seal. You need to rest. I'll do the dishes. It's no biggie. And the lock's fine.”

  He shakes his head. “No, it isn't, Eloise, and I wouldn't forgive myself if someone broke in and harmed you. Please, let me fix it.”

  Darn it. There he goes with my name again. “Okay.” I point out the window. “There's a toolbox in the shed. It's locked, but there's a key on the hook on the back door.”

  He raised a brow. “That's not a very safe place to keep a key. Somebody could steal it when you're not looking, someone like Tom.” He stares at me for a long moment, then walks to the back door and unhooks the key. On his way outside, he glances over his shoulder. “Don't let Tom in here again, especially when you're alone.”

  Huh? I blink. Why would he say that? He couldn't know that Tom sneaked in here last night—could he? Nah, he just doesn't like him, and why would he after today?

  Peeking out the window, I watch him make his way to the shed. He'
s so gorgeous. Everything about him is flawless, even his bossiness. But the fact he loves animals makes me adore him even more. My heart flutters. Then as he strides back across the lawn with the toolbox, I scoot back to the kitchen before he catches me spying on him.

  Breezing in through the back door, he heads down the hall. “This won't take long.’

  I trot after him like a loyal puppy, then I lean on the wall and watch him as he tinkers with the lock. “Thanks, Seal.”

  As he tightens the screws around the knob, he frowns. “I feel better, knowing Tom can't just stroll in whenever he wants.” He pulls the safety chain across, checks it, then picks up the toolbox and strides back down the hall. “I'll check the windows in your bedroom. Which one is it?”

  What? I point at my door. How come he knows so much about fixing things? Maybe he's been putting on a big act. Holy shit. Don't tell me he's some kind of weirdo who's planning to keep me a prisoner. My stomach churns. I shouldn't have told him my folks will be away for two weeks. What was I thinking? As I watch him fiddling with my bedroom window, I bite my knuckle and hope that he's just obsessive-compulsive and has to check everything. As he rattles the rickety handle, I jump with fright.

  Frowning, he tinkers some more. “This was unsafe too, so I've tightened the screws. No one can break in now.”

  How strange. Why would he think someone's going to break in? You'd really think he knew Tom sneaked in last night. Then I suddenly remember the silhouette of a man under the tree in the storm. Shoot. My blood runs cold. Was it Seal? Is he just pretending to have amnesia? Holding my stomach, I peek at him out the corner of my eye. He's about the same height as that shadow man.

  “Are you okay, Eloise?”

  Oh crap. The moment he says my name, I'm gone. No serial killer could make my heart melt like this guy does. I take his hand. “Follow me and I'll show you to the guest room.” As our fingers touch, tingles run right through me again. What's wrong with me lately? I’m getting as bad as Tom. Blushing bright red, I point to the open door. “You can sleep in here.”

  He sits on the bed. “What a lovely room.”

  “It may be lovely, but it smells a little musty from the rain.” As I head over to the window to let in some fresh air, Matilda darts out from under the bed. Trying not to tread on her, I lose my footing and stumble backwards. Seal catches my fall with his arms and I land on his lap on my bum. Whoa! My face hot with embarrassment, I nervously grip onto his wrist to stop myself from toppling off the bed.

  He laughs. “Oops, careful, you could've hurt yourself.”

  I can't speak. I just sit there, gazing at him and enjoying the tingling running through my blood. My heart is thumping like a drum, but as I attempt to move away, he holds me back.

  “What's the rush?” he asks huskily, pulling me against his shoulder.

  Oh boy, he's even more beautiful close up. His brows and lashes are black, contrasting with the blueness of his eyes. As I inhale his gorgeous musky scent, a strange thrill ripples through me. Wow, could this be the man I've been dreaming about? I never saw his face, but he smells the same. If only he'd kiss me, then I'd know for sure.

  As I stare hungrily at his soft full lips, he tilts my chin and gazes into my eyes. I'm hypnotised, then before I know what I'm doing, I slip my hand inside the V-neck of his pullover and trail my fingers along the hard muscles on his chest. Mmm, he feels so strong, too strong to be a teenager.

  Holding me in his arms, he kisses me gently on the neck. My heart skips. Have I died and gone to heaven? Did that lightning strike kill me? Or maybe I died when I was clipped by the car in the fog. I don't know if I'm dead, but my body feels alive. I'm burning up and I don't want to move. I just want to stay here forever in his arms.

  He delicately nibbles my ear and strokes my hair, but when he whispers my name, I sigh with longing and close my eyes. This is just too good to be true. Am I dreaming again? I turn my head so he can kiss my mouth, but instead, he grabs me tightly by the arms and shakes me. Startled, I open my eyes.

  He's just staring at me, his brows furrowed, his eyes burning into mine. I freeze. Oh please, don't let him be a serial killer.

  Still holding my arms, he closes his eyes and breathes in through his nose, his chest rising in front of me. As I try to wriggle free, he lifts me from his lap and plonks me on the bed. Holy cow! I swallow hard. Is he going to hurt me? I back up against the bedhead. I should have listened to my parents and not spoken to strangers. What was I thinking?

  Chapter Seven

  He's standing over me, his eyes piercing mine, his nostrils flaring like he's planning something. My breathing quickens and I start to hyperventilate. Whatever he wants to do to me, I don't think it's good. I'm afraid, but I can't look away. Frowning, he turns and paces the room, running his hands through his hair. Maybe he's remembering who he is, or maybe he really is a criminal. Clenching my jaw, I move to the edge of the bed. I glance at the door, then back at him, but before I have a chance to bolt, he turns to face me.

  Crap. As I look up at him, my legs turn to jelly.

  His face softer, he kneels down in front of me and takes my hand in his. Whoa. Now what? I hold my breath.

  He kisses my fingers and gazes at me. “Eloise, we can't do this. It's wrong and I can't take advantage of you.”

  What? My jaw drops. I want to slap him. How can he say my name like that after just scaring the life out of me? I'm confused. So, he's not going to murder me? I blink twice.

  “Eloise, please tell me you understand.”

  I swallow a big lump in my throat. Huh? He likes me? I narrow my eyes at him. “You nearly frightened me to death. I thought you were going to hurt me.”

  “Hurt you?” He strokes my hair. “I could never hurt you—that's what I'm trying to tell you. You drive me crazy, but I'm not about to take advantage of you.”

  Did he just say I drive him crazy? All the air escapes my lungs as my body relaxes. I put my hand on his cheek and run my fingers along the fresh stubble on his face. “But you didn't, Seal. It was me who made the first move, so it's okay.”

  Squeezing his eyes closed, he shakes his head. “No, Eloise, it's not okay. I'm not like Tom.”

  My heart sinks. This is so the pits. I don't understand, and if he doesn't want me to kiss him, he should stop saying my name the way he does. I flush with embarrassment and fiddle with the hem of my t-shirt.

  A sad smile on his face, he moves a stray curl from my forehead. “Don't be upset, Eloise. It's not that I don't fancy you. It's just that you're so young and innocent and I don't even know who I am.”

  Scowling, I look up at him. “I'm nearly seventeen, and you're not much older, I can tell.”

  He blows out a big breath. “But what if my memory comes back and I find out I'm already in a relationship? And worse, I could be married with children. I might be older than I look.” He holds my face between his hands and looks deep into my eyes. “We can't risk it, Eloise.”

  My heart sinks, my hopes and desires squashed. Of course he'd have a beautiful girlfriend. What was I thinking? No one as hot as Seal could possibly be free. Blushing beneath his touch, I close my eyes. I just want to stay here and melt into his arms forever. Instead I move his hands away, then stand up and turn to leave. “Okay, now you've succeeded in making me feel like a cheap tart that breaks up families, I'll go and have a cold shower.”

  He grabs my shoulders and turns me to face him. “You know that's not what I meant. It's not your fault that I'm attracted to you. You're so sweet and endearing. But please try and understand that we can't just rush into anything, not until I get my memory back. I don't want to be responsible for breaking your heart, or mine. So we must stop before it's too late.”

  I pull away. “I don't want to be sweet and endearing. And if you don’t want me to fall for you, you shouldn’t say my name the way you do.”

  “Your name?”

  I press my fists to my waist. “Yes, my name. You don't say it, you breathe it.”

&
nbsp; He sighs. “I'm sorry. Listen, I'll look for somewhere else to stay tomorrow. Then there'll be no temptation for either of us.”

  “No!” I grab his sleeve. “I don't think that's a very good idea. Where would you go?”

  His lips press into a grim line. “Don't worry. I'll find somewhere.”

  “You can't. You have no money, credit card, or even a wallet. Have you forgotten, I found you on the beach stark naked?”

  He smirks for a second. “How can I ever forget that—to wake on a beach with a beautiful girl kissing me? You have no idea what that felt like, Eloise. And though I have no memory, I was hoping you were mine.”

  “Really?” I swallow hard, my heart breaking. I want to tell him how I fell in love with him the moment I saw him, but the words won’t come out. Instead I say, “I’ll be yours if you’ll let me.”

  “We’ll have to wait until I get my memory back before we can talk about this, Eloise. It’s not helping either of us.” He rubs his chin as if deep in thought. “It might be best if I find a hostel for homeless folks.”

  I shake my head. “No. What if someone recognises you and they want to harm you? You don't know if someone threw you from a ship or boat.”

  “I know you're trying to help me, but staying here isn't an option.”

  “Why not?” I fold my arms. “If you leave, I’ll be here all alone, and according to you I won’t be safe. You keep telling me that someone might break in. Now I’m scared.”

  The corner of his mouth curves into a delicious smile. “Oh, so you’re using emotional blackmail on me now?”

  I pout. “No, I really am scared.”

  “Okay, you win. I'll stay until your folks get back. And at least I'll be here to protect you from Tom. But first thing in the morning, I'm going job hunting. I'll need the money to rent a place.”