Forever In Time

by Charlie

Steph leaned back and gave him a mock scowl. “You have a really weird sense of humour, do you know that, Sinclair?”

  “It’s one of my many charms,” he said smugly.

  *****

  The police appeared yet again, and checked for finger prints on the fridge and within the message itself. Ketchup was confirmed as the substance used to write the words. For some reason, they asked to talk to her alone, while another officer questioned Jake outside.

  “If you don’t mind ma’am, leave the message on the fridge until we double check with the boys in the crime lab. I’ve taken several pictures of it and gathered a sample, but they might want something else.” Officer Carter, the same policeman who’d taken her statement when the shop had been broken in to, was back on the job again.

  “Sure. I don’t care about the cleanliness of my kitchen right now. I just want this person caught.”

  “Very understandable, Miss Fields. Do you have any idea of who JS is?”

  “Not really. The only person I can think of with those initials is Jarrod Simpson. I talked to you about him this morning, but that happened almost ten years ago, so I really doubt it’s him again.”

  “I pulled the record of that incident and we will go over that file again, just in case. Now, what about your boyfriend?”

  “Jake? What about him?”

  “His initials are JS.”

  “Really?”

  “Jake Sinclair – JS.”

  “You know I hadn’t even thought about that. Strange coincidence, I guess.”

  “Uh-huh. When were you last in the house?”

  “This afternoon. Jake and I were going to the beach. We stopped by so I could get my bathing suit.”

  “And did either of you go into the kitchen?”

  “No—well at least I didn’t. I went into my bedroom and put on my bathing suit. Jake waited in the living room for me.”

  “And how long was that?”

  “Umm—about fifteen or twenty minutes, I think.”

  “Fifteen or twenty minutes to put on a bathing suit?”

  “Well… I had to shave my legs.” She ducked her head, a bit embarrassed at having to share the fact. It wasn’t any of his business that she’d shaved a bit elsewhere as well.

  “And what was Mr. Sinclair doing during that time?”

  “Waiting.”

  “Just standing and waiting?”

  “Well, he might have sat down or looked out the window… I don’t know. I didn’t ask him. What are you trying to imply?”

  “Nothing Miss Fields. Just confirming what happened. So you didn’t enter the kitchen.”

  “No, sir.”

  “Did Mr. Sinclair go into the kitchen?”

  “No—at least I don’t think so. He might have… We didn’t really talk about it.”

  “So the message could have been written anytime between when you left last night and when you came back this evening.” She nodded. “Besides when you were changing, has Mr. Sinclair been with you all the time since last night?”

  “Yes… Except when he went to get some bread this morning.”

  “And how long was he gone?”

  “I’m not sure, maybe a little over half an hour, forty-five minutes tops.”

  “A long time to get bread, wouldn’t you say?”

  “Look, Jake is my boyfriend. He has nothing to do with this message and I really don’t like you asking all these questions.” Stephanie could feel tears rising in her eyes though she wasn’t sure if it was fear, frustration or sheer temper.

  The officer closed his notebook. “Sorry to upset you, ma’am. I’m just doing my job. Will you still be at Mr. Sinclair’s tonight?”

  “Yes.”

  “And tomorrow?”

  “I have to go to work tomorrow so if you need me during the day, I’ll be at my store, Fields of Flowers. You have the number.”

  “Thank you, ma’am. Once again, I’m sorry for upsetting you.” He turned to go, and then paused. “It looks like our thief is turning into a stalker. These types are usually all talk and no action, but do watch out. Try not to go anywhere alone. I’d hate to see anything happen to you.”

  “Me, too.” She responded softly, wrapping her arms around herself and staring out the window to where another officer was questioning Jake in the front yard. This was just ridiculous. There was some crazy guy out there and they were worrying about Jake having the same initials and taking too long to get the bread. Jake was her boyfriend. He’d never do anything to hurt her.

  “Officer?”

  “Yes ma’am?”

  “Why would someone leave their initials? Isn’t that implicating themselves? Making it easier for you guys to catch them?”

  “Possibly. Sometimes these people like to taunt the authorities. They leave clues and then laugh, thinking that they’re more clever than the police. Other times, they want to get caught or they might even leave false evidence just to confuse us.”

  “So JS might be the person’s initials or it might be a false lead.”

  “That’s correct. It looks like they’re done with Mr. Sinclair. You’re free to go, but like I said, be careful.”

  She gave the man a vague smile, trying to keep her dislike of him in perspective. He was just doing his job, but his suggestions about Jake were both ludicrous and irritating. She went to greet Jake who was just coming in the front door. He looked worried and she gave him a hug. “Are you all right?”

  “Yeah—I don’t like the direction some of their questions are taking though.”

  “Me either. I know you have nothing to do with this.”

  He stared at her for a moment, and then gently brushed the back of his fingers over her cheek. “Thanks. It means a lot to me, that you trust me.”

  “Of course, I trust you. You’re not some weirdo who stalks women just for kicks.”

  “No, I definitely wouldn’t stalk you just for kicks.”

  “I know.” She gave him another hug. “The police are packing up. I’ll just lock the doors and then we can leave. I really don’t want to stay here any longer than I have to.

  “Okay. I’ll just grab Coco’s food. I never did get around to collecting it.”

  “Little wonder after finding that message.”

  “Yeah.” He seemed distracted, but she put it down to concern for her and went to pick up her clothes and turn out the lights. It would be good to get back to Jake’s. She felt safe there.

  Chapter 14

  Jake opened a can of cat food and fed Coco while Stephanie was in the shower, removing traces of the beach. The cat wound around his ankles and purred in gratitude causing him to laugh at her antics. “See? We didn’t abandon you. There was just a delay.” Coco butted her head against his hand before diving into the meal. He watched the cat eat for a moment then rinsed the can and put it in the recycling bin. Leaning against the counter, he listened to the sounds of the shower and rubbed his hands over his face. This was getting complicated. The police were asking questions that they shouldn’t be, casting doubts on him just as Stephanie was showing signs of being ready to move on to the next level. He didn’t want it to be this way. She was supposed to come to him with no reservations. Perhaps it was just a silly fantasy that he had, but he’d planned this for so long.

  In his mind, he played out the scene. They’d be somewhere romantic and intimate, with candles casting a warm glow over the room and soft music in the background. Stephanie would look up at him, her eyes full of trust and hot with desire. Trailing her hands over his chest and around his neck, she’d pull him close for a deep, passionate kiss that would leave no doubt in his mind as to how she felt. Then, in a voice trembling with need, she’d assure him that she understood about the past—his, hers, theirs—and that she wanted a future with him. But most important of all, she’d declare her unconditional love and acceptance. That was when he’d…

  A sharp pain shot through his leg and he was jerked back into reality. Looking down, Jake saw that Coco was finis
hed her meal and trying to use his leg as a scratching post. Disengaging her claws, he sent her on her way, wincing slightly as she immediately headed for the corner of the sofa and resumed doing her nails. Adding ‘scratching post’ to the shopping list on the fridge door, he rinsed the cat’s dish and put it away.

  The sound of the shower running stopped and after a few moments, Stephanie wandered out, wrapped in a towel. “Jake? Do you have anything for a burn? I guess the sunscreen wore off when we were playing in the water.” She was twisting her neck looking at her shoulders and trying to see her back. The flesh was decidedly pink.

  “Ouch! That looks sore.”

  “Yeah, it is a bit.

  Reaching out to touch her, he paused and then thought better of it. “Just a minute; let me check the medicine cabinet.” He went into the bathroom and looked around. There was some lotion—a travel pack from a motel. It would have to do. He squeezed some on his hands and turned to find Stephanie entering the bathroom.

  “Did you find anything?”

  “Let’s try this. Turn around and I’ll rub it in.”

  “Be careful, it’s really tender.”

  “I will be—don’t worry.” He gently ran his hands over her shoulders, closing his eyes and concentrating on the heat radiating from her skin.

  “Ooh, that feels good. It’s like the burn’s just disappearing.”

  ‘Yes.” He cleared his throat and stared at her back. The pink had faded away and her skin was just lightly tanned now. “It’s a fast acting remedy. I can do the rest of you too, if you’d like.”

  She turned. “Sure, my arms are a bit pink. Feel free.”

  He rubbed his hands up and down her arms and then across the part of her chest that was above the towel. Her eyes drifted shut as he stroked her skin. “Mmm. Nice touch, Sinclair.”

  His fingers skimmed along the edge of the towel. “Are you sunburnt anywhere else?”

  “Why don’t you check and see?” She opened her eyes and watched his face as she loosened the towel and let it fall to the floor.

  He drew in a quick breath as he took in her naked body; her gently rounded breasts tipped with pink, her slim waist, the golden curls at the apex of her thighs. Looking up at her, he noted her nervously biting her lip and the faint flush on her cheeks. “You’re beautiful, Steph, so beautiful.” Slowly he reached out and skimmed his hands down her body to her hips. Pulling her closer, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her softly. This wasn’t his perfect fantasy, but the warm steamy air from the shower came a close second to candlelight and music. “Are you sure? Is this what you really want?”

  She nodded shyly, her fingers tracing a pattern across his chest. “Yes. Today, with you, everything was perfect and this is how I want the day to end. I want to be with you, Jake. I want us to be together. But I… I’ve never done this before and… I’m… I’m not sure what to do.”

  “I know.” He kissed her softly. “Don’t worry. It will come to you naturally. It’s instinct.” Kissing her again, he ran his hands up and down her back. Returning his kisses, she cupped his face in her hands, pressing herself closer to him. The heat of her body penetrated through his clothing and he groaned against her mouth. She was right. The day had been perfect but then, at her house… His brain was trying to point out why this wasn’t a good idea, but reason was rapidly melting as the flames of desire grew within him. Pulling away for a breath, he shook his head slightly to clear away the haze that was fogging his thinking, but Stephanie raked her fingers down his spine to clutch his buttocks and he was lost. Bending, he swept her up into his arms and carried her to the bedroom.

  Laying her down on the bed, he took off his clothes watching the expression on her face as his body was revealed. Her gaze drifted over his chest and down his stomach then stopped at his midsection as he slid his shorts and boxers down in one movement. His body was already responding to her and a slight furrow appeared on her brow as she stared at his erection. He sat down beside her and ran his fingers over the worry lines before kissing her tenderly. “It will be fine. I won’t hurt you.”

  “Okay.” Stephanie nodded but he still sensed her nervousness. Concentrating on easing her tension, he stroked her arms and nuzzled her neck, kissing her slowly and leisurely while tracing lazy patterns over her skin. He felt her muscles relax and he moved to lay down beside her, pulling her gently against him, allowing his warmth to creep into her. Eventually, her hands moved up to run over his shoulders and chest, then down to his hips before pausing.

  “It’s all right, you can touch me.” He murmured while playing with her hair. Tentatively her hands slid lower, her fingers brushing over the dark hair that arrowed down, then softly stroking his manhood. Biting back a gasp, he tried to hold himself still as she explored his flesh. He felt himself growing harder in response to her touch and finally reached down to grasp her hands. “That’s enough for now, or I won’t last.” Carrying both of her hands up over her head, he held them there. “Now it’s your turn. Just close your eyes and enjoy the feelings.”

  After kissing her eyes shut, he released her hands and moved down her body, teasing and stroking, kissing and nibbling. Her sighs and moans brought a smile to his face. As he suckled her breast, she arched up, offering more of herself to him. “Oh Jake, that’s so nice.” Her hands moved down to hold his head, her fingers raking his scalp. He shuddered in response.

  Sliding back up to kiss her mouth, their tongues danced together before he pulled away, moving down her body once again. He licked at her navel and kissed her hip. His finger traced the moon shaped birthmark on her thigh. When his fingers brushed her lower curls, she stiffened. “Shh, it’s all right. You’ll like this; just relax.” And as he dipped into her slit, she gasped, her body jerking in response, her fingers digging into his shoulders. Soon she was moving restlessly against his hand. Skilfully, he continued to stroke her, watching her face and listening to her panting cries of pleasure. Her release was approaching and he crooned encouragingly to her until he felt her body take flight.

  In the aftermath, he cradled her in his arms while she recovered. “I never knew it would be like that,” Stephanie sighed, rubbing her cheek against his chest. “It was wonderful, thank you. But you didn’t… ”

  “It’s okay. First time is for the lady. Second time is for us both.” He pushed her hair from her damp forehead, and then began the process all over again. This time, Stephanie joined in, nibbling and stroking, her hands roaming all over him. All too soon, he’d reached his limit. Settling over top of her, he kissed her gently. “Remember, I said it will be fine. I won’t ever hurt you.” And staring into her eyes, he slowly and carefully slid into her soft, wet, warmth. For but a fleeting second her eyes widened and she started to gasp, but then a contented smile spread across her face and she murmured her pleasure.

  He closed his eyes to savour the moment before he began to move. It was like coming home. Stephanie was his again.

  *****

  Slowly he climbed out of bed, careful to not wake the woman sleeping beside him. He stood staring down at her tousled hair and flushed face. The covers were tangled about her legs and her upper torso was bare, still showing faint signs of the passion they’d shared. Without a word, he left the room, quietly closing the door behind him.

  Her cat was sleeping on the sofa and blinked at him before obviously deciding he was unimportant and resuming its nap. The clock on the wall ticked softly in the background and the light of the moon shot a beam of silver across the floor. He followed the path of light, padding across the carpet and out onto the balcony. The night air was warm on his naked body and he stood, hands braced on the railing with his face tipped up to the heavens.

  Tonight it had been completed. Destiny… . Fate… The will of the gods… Whatever you wanted to call it, she was his now. There’d be no going back, he knew her too well. Having freely given herself to him, she would stay with him now for the rest of her life.

  ‘Barring any great tragedy,’
a nasty voice whispered. ‘If the police arrest you as the stalker, then what?’ The wind stirred and the leaves rustled, like voices in the night. He gripped the railing. No. He wouldn’t listen. It was too late to change his mind. This was where he wanted to be, what he wanted to be. Staring up at the stars, he felt their pull. The voices called to him, pulled at something deep and elemental inside of him. Something he could hardly control. Clenching his jaw, he tried to resist…

  Chapter 15

  Stephanie stretched and rolled over, reaching for Jake. Her hand moved across the mattress finding only the coolness of cotton. She opened one bleary eye and noted that the spot beside her was empty. A little wave of disappointment washed over her and she felt something akin to a pout forming on her lips. Waking up by herself wasn’t how she’d envisioned the morning after.