Seal’s brows knit together. “Eloise, you head is bleeding again. You can’t go out like that. Let me fix it for you.”
I dab it with my tissue. “It’s okay. I don’t want you to fix it.”
Tom shouts from the lounge room. “Elle, are you coming, or not? And what're you doing in there with your naked cousin?”
Oh shit. That's all I need, Tom to start trouble. “I have to go, Seal.”
He drops his arms and clenches his fists. “No, Eloise, I can't let you.”
I push past him. “You can't stop me, Sea …” He abruptly takes me in his arms and stares into my eyes, mesmerising me, but instead of kissing me, he roughly releases me and sits on the bed with his head in his hands. “Okay, go.”
My heart aches. No one should hurt this bad. I'm stunned, breathless, and confused. He obviously loves Miss Beautiful and I'm just an annoying temptation, someone to feed his ego. I sigh. I'd better get out of here before I change my mind and attack him with kisses. I run out of my bedroom, close the door, and dash to the lounge room.
Tom is standing with his hands stuffed in his jeans pockets, his head cocked, and his hair falling across his forehead. Looking me up-and-down, he whistles. “Wow, you look hot tonight, babe.”
I give him a half smile. “Thanks.”
He grabs me around the waist and pouts. “What were you doing in your bedroom with him? Was he watching you dress?”
I jab him in the ribs. “Don't be so rude. I was already dressed. We were just chatting and making plans.”
“Plans?” He raises a brow.
I roll my eyes. “Yes, plans on when he's going home.”
He stares at me. “Okay, but you better not be kissing cousins.”
My face flushes like a furnace. “Don't be ridiculous, Tom.” I pull away from him. “Come on, I'm ready, let's go.”
He takes my hand, and as we head out to his car, I look sideways at him. He's sort of cute and he never used to disrespect me. I don't know what's come over him lately, but maybe I shouldn't be so hard on him. After all, I'm experiencing the dramas of my own teenage hormones, so I should try and understand Tom's behaviour a bit more. I blow out a big breath. He'd better keep his hands to himself tonight though, or else. Hopefully my friends will be at the party and I can chill out with them for a while and forget about boy stuff.
As Tom opens the passenger door, I notice Seal staring out the front room window, but he's not watching me, he's glowering at Tom. My stomach jerks and I hop in the car to avoid his eyes. My phone beeps with a message and I'm glad of the distraction. Great. It's from Brooke. She’s already at the party with Ruby and Francesca. I sigh with relief, knowing I won't have to hang around with Tom all night, though he's being so nice at the moment and I don't mind his company. He pats my knee. “Okay, Elle, let's go.”
As he hits the gas I look back at Seal. He's holding his head again. What's his problem? He can't have it both ways. I sigh, wondering if he feels the same way about Tom as I feel about Miss Beautiful.
Tom presses his foot hard on the accelerator. “What're you deep in thought about?”
I glare at him. “Nothing, but you'd better stop speeding or you'll attract the police and get booked. Plus we could have an accident. You're still on your P's, you know.”
He hits the brakes and slows down. “Okay, babe, anything for you.”
For some reason, when he calls me babe, it gets under my skin, but when Seal says it, I melt. Not fair, why can't it be the other way around?
Tom nudges me with his elbow. “What's your cousin doing tonight? Posing in front of the mirror?”
“Oh, give it a break, Tom.” I roll my eyes. “Seal isn't anything like you think. He's not vain, he's quite humble.”
“Yeah right, is that why he walks around half naked even in the middle of winter?”
I sigh. “You wouldn't be jealous of him, would you?”
He frowns. “Why? Should I be?”
Ignoring him, I check my phone for messages. Hopefully, Mum won't call tonight. Shoot. I should have told Seal not to answer the phone, but surely he won't.
“We're here,” says Tom, turning into Richie's street.
Cars and motor bikes are parked on both sides of the road, but then I spot someone leaving. “Look, there's a place.” I point to a Toyota backing out.
“That's a bit of luck,” he says, parking the car. Then he jumps out to open the door for me. “Come on, Elle, the party's gonna be a blast.”
As I step out, I'm nearly deafened by loud music booming from a huge white marquee in Richie's back garden. I wait for Tom to lock the car, then as we walk up the driveway to the party, Tom wraps his arm around my shoulders and kisses the top of my head, “I'm glad you changed your mind and came out with me tonight, Elle.”
Though I don't feel happy, I smile at him. There's a full moon and the stars are twinkling, but I can't seem to get into a party mood. Glancing around at all the happy faces and colourful lights, I wonder why I'm not enjoying myself. Everything feels so surreal since I met Seal. It's like I'm watching the world through a window. I blow out a breath. All I want is to be at home with him, but apparently that's out of the question. Life sucks sometimes.
Brooke comes running towards us, holding her camera. She looks stunning in a figure-hugging black dress and knee-length leather boots, and as always, her long black hair is styled to perfection. ‘Hi, you two,” she says. “Smile for the camera.”
Before I have a chance, she clicks the button and the flash goes off. Oh great, I hope she doesn't post it on the web. “You look fabulous, Brooke,” I say, giving her a hug.
She hugs me back. “Hey, Elle, you look pretty hot yourself. You too, Tom."
Tom's mates call out to him and he heads over to talk to them. “I'll be back in a tick, Elle.
Brooke glances at him, then at me. “How come you didn't answer my messages?”
I shrug. “I've been busy with visitors, I didn't get a chance. I haven't even been on my computer for two days.”
She leans close to me and whispers, “Ruby and I thought you weren't coming. We heard rumours that you're two-timing Tom with some hot guy.”
My eyes go wide. “Who told you that, Tom?”
She grabs my arm and pulls me towards her. “A new girl in our class said she saw you walking along the promenade with a gorgeous muscly hunk. Who is he, Elle? Are you cheating on Tom? Is that why you've been in hiding?”
I gulp. But before I have a chance to answer, Tom comes back and hands me a diet cola. “You coming in the tent, Elle? It's rocking in there. The band is great and there's heaps of food and drink.”
I give him a feeble smile. “In a bit. It's too noisy to chat over there and Brooke and I are catching up first.”
“Okay, but don't be long.” He strides back to the marquee.
Brooke holds her mouth. “Oops, I hope he didn't hear me.”
“It doesn't matter if he did. He knows about the guy on the boardwalk anyway.”
‘What guy?” asks Ruby, walking towards us. She gives me an air kiss. “We miss you at school, Elle. It's a pity you left.”
“Hey, I'm starting a job in a pet shop on Monday. I'm so excited.”
Ruby sips on her diet pop. “That's great, Elle, but if you'd stayed at school for another year, you could have gone to Uni with Brooke and me. Why don't you come back?”
“I hate school, besides I'll be doing some courses at college. I really want to be a vet nurse, but first, I have to overcome fainting at the sight of blood.”
Brooke laughs. “Yeah, we miss seeing you faint. That was hilarious when you threw up on Mr Bradley's desk in science, then fainted on him. He didn't know what to do.”
I scrunch my face up. “Oh, don't remind me. That was so embarrassing.”
“What was embarrassing?’ asked Francesca, walking towards us, a glass in her hand.
“Never mind,” I say, staring at her beautiful crimson dress. “You look fabulous in that silk dress.”
She downs her drink, her perfect blonde curls trailing down her back, then she twirls around. “Yes, and it's a designer label. Isn't it divine?”
“Anything exciting happening yet?” asks Brooke.
Francesca moves closer to us. “Oh, yeah,” she whispers. “There's this guy in the back garden, and boy is he hot. And guess what? He's not with anyone.”
The little hairs prickle on the back of my neck and I raise a brow. “Oh? What does he look like?” Surely it's not Seal come to check up on me?
Ruby pushes my arm. “Hey, you've got Tom. Leave the hottie for us to fight over.”
Cupping her hand over her mouth, Brooke whispers in my ear. “Yeah, and who else do you have?”
Heat rushes to my face and I gulp. “I'm not sure Tom and I will be together much longer. We're sort of growing apart. And anyway, I can look at a hot guy if I want.”
Francesca's jaw drops. “You and Tom breaking up? But you've been together for months.”
I shrug. “I know, but we were just friends to start with, and now he wants more.”
Ruby snorts into her hand. “Don't they all?”
Francesca pushes her and laughs. “Don’t you? I certainly do.”
I sigh. “Yeah, but only with the right person—a soul mate.”
“What?” Francesca slaps her cheeks. “Eloise O'Connor, don't tell me you're still a virgin.”
I stare at her. “Yes, I am, but so what? Aren't you?”
She rolls her eyes. “Gosh, no, and if you're waiting for a soul mate, you're just dreaming.”
“What’s sex like?” I ask her. “Does it hurt?”
Francesca smiles.“At first, but only a bit. It’s great when you get the hang of it though. Oh, and make sure you use protection.”
I scowl. “I won’t be doing anything until I meet soul mate.”
She giggles. “But what if you never meet ‘Mr Soul Mate’? I haven’t and I’m not missing out.”
“Come on, girls, we're missing out on a great party and our soul mates might be here waiting to be discovered,” says Brooke. She links her arms with Ruby's and mine and pulls us towards the back garden. “Let's go and check out this so-called hottie.”
“Hey, wait a minute,” yells Francesca. “I saw him first.” She hurries past us, her stilettos clomping on the pavement, and her short skirt flapping up behind her revealing her lacy black G-string.
Brooke giggles. “She's determined.”
“Yes, she loves a challenge,” says Ruby. “But her breath reeks of alcohol. We all know how silly she gets when she's been drinking. I think we'd better keep an eye on her.”
Zoning out from their gossip, I twirl a stray curl around my finger. I have to see who this guy is. If it's Seal, I'll die of embarrassment. It'd be just like him to come and chaperone me, after all, he declared he'd be my bodyguard until my folks came back.
Chapter Twelve
As we walk into the back yard, I head to the bonfire to warm my hands. There's a group of guys strumming on guitars and girls sitting around the fire. Francesca is at the other end of the garden with a tall dark-haired guy. He's about the same size and height as Seal, but he's looking the other way and I can't see his face.
Brooke elbows me and laughs. “Look at Francesca. She's already flirting with the hottie.”
“I don't think we should go over there,” says Ruby. “We'll look like a bunch of desperados.” She grabs Brooke's arm and drags her towards the marquee. “Come on, Elle, let's listen to the band and dance. There are plenty of hot guys in there.”
The smoke from the fire is making my eyes water, but I have to see if that guy is Seal. “I'll join you in a few minutes,” I holler. “I'm just getting warm first.”
Ruby holds her thumb up and grins. “Sure you are.” Then she disappears as Brooke pulls her into the tent.
Smiling, I stroll around the bonfire towards Francesca. The boy is hidden behind a group of girls, so I crane my neck to get a better view. As I get closer, Francesca whirls around and glares at me, then she jerks her head towards the marquee, signalling me to go away.
Ignoring her, I keep walking, but as I walk past him, I glance over my shoulder and sigh. Thank goodness it’s not Seal. No way would I want Francesca anywhere near him, but I can see why she’s interests in this guy. He’s kind of mysterious looking with thick black hair and dark brooding eyes. He’s about the same height as Seal and has a similar muscular physique, but to me, he’s not as appealing, or as sexy. In fact he looks kind of sleazy.
He suddenly looks up at me, catching me checking him out. My face flushes and I look at the ground. Blow it, now he'll think I fancy him and I most certainly do not. Seal's the only boy I'll ever be interested in, even if I can't have him. As I turn to walk away, he rushes over and grabs my wrist. I freeze as a shock runs up my arm.
Giving me a shufti, he smiles, flashing radiant white teeth. “Hello, Eloise, I'm Devlin Sulphurous.”
I'm taken aback and I frown. “How do you know my name?”
He stares at me through thick dark lashes, his coal-black eyes piercing mine. “I spotted you the minute you walked in.” He glances at Francesca. “So I asked this lovely young lady if she knew you.”
Francesca smiles, but her eyes give her anger away. “Don't worry, Elle, I told him you already have a boyfriend.”
My face gets hotter and I feel uncomfortable. I take a sip of my cola and try to move away, but Devlin moves in front of me, undressing me with his eyes. “Please, stay and talk for a while, Eloise.”
I gulp and a shiver runs down my spine. How am I going to get out of this one? It serves me right for upsetting Francesca. “I have to go,” I say. “My boyfriend will be wondering where I am.” I give him a fake smile, then I take off back the way I came.
Brooke comes running towards me. “Elle, where are you going?” She peeks over my shoulder. “That hot guy obviously likes you. What did he say to make you run?”
I glance at him. Francesca has her arm on his shoulder, but he's still watching me. “Nothing, he just wanted to chat. He may be good-looking, but I think he's a sleaze. He kept staring at my boobs. Now Francesca's furious with me.”
Brooke looks over at her. “Aww, she'll be okay. She has a different boyfriend every week. Anyway, he's a bit old for us. He looks at least twenty-two.”
“No, he's not,” says Brooke, coming out of the marquee. “Francesca told me he's only eighteen. Anyway, he's gorgeous, not matter what age he is.”
I scowl. “Well, he gives me the creeps. I'm going in the house to the bathroom, and then I'm looking for Tom.”
“I'm coming with you,” says Brooke. “There's hot food in the kitchen.”
Ruby grabs her purse. “Me too, I want to fix my hair.”
As we pass the tent, I peek in to look for Tom. He's sitting on a plastic chair, tapping his foot to the music played by a live band. Richie's sister walks up to him, hands him a napkin and offers him some hot food from a plate. Smiling, he takes three sausage rolls and two meat pies. Just like Tom, the greedy pig. I down the rest of my soda, throw the can in the bin, and head off to the bathroom. At least I'll be able to find him when I come back—and knowing Tom, he won't stray far from the food. Who knows, I may need him if that sleaze bothers me again. Then I think about Francesca and shake my head. We should try and get her away from that guy. There's something about his eyes that are just flat out creepy.
After leaving the bathroom, I look for Brooke and Ruby. They're in the kitchen chatting to a couple of surfie guys and nibbling crackers and dip. I'm not in the mood to chat to boys and I hurry to the marquee to sit with Tom.
The marquee is packed with dancers as Johnny Ruffo’s new song, On Top, blasts from the speakers. Tom’s mates and their girlfriends are on the dance floor going wild, but I can’t see Tom anywhere. Good old reliable Tom. He’s always around when I need him. I scowl. If only Seal was here so I could dance with him. I love that song.
With a big sigh, I head back t
o the bonfire to look for Tom, but I can't see him anywhere. It looks like Devlin has left, too, but that’s good. Hopefully, he’s gone home. Then my heart skips a beat. Where the hell is Francesca? Crikey, I hope she hasn't gone off with Devlin. I have to find her to put my mind at ease. I run around the garden and search in hidden places for smooching couples, but I can't find her. I dash back into the house to look for Brooke and Ruby, hoping they’ll help me search for her, but they're not in the kitchen or lounge room. Darn it. Francesca will probably be drunk by now and who knows what Devlin could do to her.
On my way down the hall towards the bathroom, I hear someone moaning. It seems to be coming from one of the bedrooms. Though I know Francesca's been drinking, I'm sure she wouldn't go in there with somebody she just met. Would she? My stomach turns with a horrible feeling of impending doom. I look under the door. There's no light coming from under it, but I can clearly hear a bed squeaking. Sod it. There must be someone in there, but I know it can't be Richie's parents because they're overseas. It might not be Francesca and Devlin, but if I don't check and something awful happens to her, I will never forgive myself. Holding my breath, I grip the knob and slowly turn it, then I push it open and peek in.
There's no lamp on, but the luminous numbers on the clock radio, and the video player, light the room enough for me to see there's a couple in the bed. They’re beneath the sheets, but it’s obvious they are having sex and enjoying each other's company, so as quiet as a mouse, I tiptoe backwards. Shit. If they see me, they’ll think I'm a perv. As I reach the door to leave, a familiar voice says, “Ooh, don't stop now! Keep going.”
Frowning, I turn on the light and yank the covers back.
Just as I thought, Tom is lying on his back, and he’s stark naked.
“Elle?” His jaw drops and he reaches for the sheets to hide his sorry ass. “I … I thought she was you, honest. Crap. I'm so freakin' wasted.” Then he wiggles his hips and grins. “Do I look as hot as your naked cousin?”
I roll my eyes. “You don't even come close, you bozo.”
Francesca's blonde head emerges from under the quilt. “Elle has a naked cousin?”
Ominous Love Page 7