Mistaken Identity

by Jay, Donna

  Intrigued and slightly amused by where Ashleigh might be going with this, Kelly nodded.

  “Nicole might own a strap-on.”

  Without thought, Kelly replied, “She’s straight.”

  A slow smile crept across Ashleigh’s face. “I know.”

  When the implications of what Ashleigh was implying hit home, Kelly paled. “Now there’s an image I don’t need.” She chuckled. “Steve would be horrified if he knew we were even discussing the idea of him on all fours and Nicole banging him from… Never mind.” Ke lly shook her head before the full picture could take hold.

  “Ugh, let’s just say I agree with you. Some things should be kept private.”

  “Right, and I don’t need Paula to know I want Craig to spank my bottom.” A blush spread up Ashleigh’s neck and reached the tip of her ears. “I mean how embarrassing. I’m almost thirty-five not five, and even if I was five, who enjoys being spanked?”

  Even though it was a rhetorical question, Kelly couldn’t help but reflect on her own experience.

  Her first lover had been a switch. Therefore, Kelly had experienced what it was like to take both the dominant and submissive role.

  While she could see why giving up control might appeal to others, it did nothing for Kelly. She also discovered when taking the dominant role, she really came alive. Kelly craved the control, the power to give or deny an orgasm.

  Ashleigh’s voice drew Kelly back to the present.

  “I doubt Paula, or anyone other than you, would understand. Anyway, Craig and I both wanted to thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “We’ve been having problems in the bedroom.” Ashleigh’s cheeks turned crimson, but she held Kelly’s gaze. “He’s always taken the lead. Hell, I suppose most men do. But it’s never been enough for me. I wanted him to take charge, to restrain me, to spank me, to order me to…” She trailed off. “You get the picture.”

  Ashleigh truly was adorable. And straight. And engaged.

  Kelly bit back a smile, the last thing she wanted was for Ashleigh to think she was laughing at her.

  “After that night at Paula’s,” Ashleigh continued. “Although I was truly embarrassed for you, and the way Paula outted you, I finally realized I wasn’t alone in loving kink. When I got home that night, I decided to hell with it and laid my heart on the line to Craig, or more specifically my desires. Hell, if you can’t be honest with the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, who can you be honest with?”

  Kelly couldn’t argue with that, but her mind was still stuck on something Ashleigh said earlier .

  “Care to enlighten me why you think it’s best Paula doesn’t know? Honestly, I thought you’d think I was a coward for not telling her.”

  “Like I said, Paula’s insecure. As much as it kills me to say it, she tends to surround herself with people she deems below her. She’s always had straight women as roommates. My guess is so she won’t feel threatened by them or worry they might attract the attention of a lover. By not telling her what happened you’re protecting the other person as much as yourself.”

  Worry creased Ashleigh’s forehead. “Honestly, Kelly, I believe if she finds out, it won’t only be about you. Paula will go on a personal crusade to find out who the other person was, and God help them if she figures it out.”

  Would this nightmare never end? Ashleigh’s words brought the reality of the situation crashing home. Not only would Paula never know what happened, but perhaps Kelly would never know the identity of the other woman either.

  Unlike Paula, Kelly didn’t have the bliss of ignorance on her side .

  Ashleigh’s phone chimed. She fidgeted with it in her lap but kept her gaze on Kelly as though it would be rude to look at her phone during such a monumental moment. But Kelly was done talking. She was hungry, and a dull ache had started in her temples.

  “Get that.” Kelly stood. “I’ve gotta get a move along anyway.”

  Ashleigh’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, gosh. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was holding you up.”

  Mentally exhausted, Kelly didn’t bother informing Ashleigh the only place she was going was around the corner to the local fish and chip shop.

  After pushing herself to her feet, Kelly escorted Ashleigh to the door. “Tell Craig I said hi and I’m glad I could help.”

  “I will, and thank you again.”

  Surprising the hell out of Kelly, Ashleigh pecked her on the cheek. “You’re a good person, Kelly. I hope you find the one.”

  With a heavy heart, Kelly whispered, “Me too,” as Ashleigh disappeared down the driveway.

  Chapter 10

  The following morning, Kelly slung her backpack over her shoulders, about to head to her mother’s when Nicole and Steve breezed through the door.

  “Hey, how was your night?” Nicole asked.

  Taking the opportunity to have some fun with her friends, Kelly dropped her bag at her feet and waggled her eyebrows. “Great. You’ll never guess who came over.”

  Steve kicked off his jandals and placed them by the door. “Your sister?”

  Nicole elbowed Steve. “She wouldn’t be looking as though she got laid if she’d spent the night with Jo.”

  She turned her attention back to Kelly. “Spill.”

  Biting her lip to stifle a giggle, Kelly replied, “Ashleigh.”

  The shocked expression on Nicole’s face, eyes wide, mouth open, was entertaining to say the least .

  “Are you fucking nuts? If Paula finds out, she’ll go mental. And what kind of friend is Ashleigh to be running around behind her best friend’s back?”

  Spittle flew out of Nicole’s mouth. “I told you no good would come out of pursuing her.”

  “Wow, calm down.” Steve put a hand on Nicole’s shoulder. “I know you’re worried about our friend, but Kelly’s not stupid. At least hear her out.”

  The fight went out of Nicole. She slumped onto the sofa.

  Feeling like a jerk for alarming Nicole, Kelly sat beside her and took her hand. “We were wrong.”

  “Huh?” Steve asked.

  “Not you. Me and Nicole.”

  Certain Steve didn’t want to sit around listening to girl talk, Kelly put him to work. “Make yourself useful. Coffee please.”

  “Aye, aye, madam.” Steve saluted as he marched toward the kitchen.

  Luckily, Kelly hadn’t given her mother a specific time she’d be arriving, so spending half an hour with her friends wouldn’t make her mother worry .

  “Ashleigh came into the café and asked if we could talk.”

  Nicole’s eyes went wide. “I bet that set off alarm bells. Oh my God. What’d you do?”

  A chuckle escaped Kelly’s lips. “I spilled my guts, for no good reason. It wasn’t her, Nic. Ashleigh’s fiancé picked her up shortly before Paula came inside looking for me.”

  “Hang on a minute. If it wasn’t Ashleigh, why’d did she pale at Paula’s party? What was that about?”

  “I’m not going to tell you the entire story because Ashleigh spoke to me in confidence.”

  “Okay.” Nicole nodded, and left it at that.

  It was a trait Kelly admired in her friend. Nicole didn’t get upset if she didn’t know every sordid detail. She was a fiercely loyal friend and wouldn’t expect Kelly to break a confidence any more than she herself would.

  “Let’s just say, Ashleigh and I like some of the same things. The night of Paula’s potluck dinner she thought you could see right through her, then shame overtook her for not standing up to Paula and telling her friend to rein in her P.A.”

  Understanding flashed in Nicole’s eyes. “That’s the reason Ashleigh wouldn’t look at me?”

  “You got it.”

  Understanding turned to concern. “Now what, Kelly?” Nicole asked.

  “I’m going to take your advice and put it behind me.”

  Which was exactly what Kelly had been trying to do before Ashleigh waltzed into her life and squashed their th
eory. Anymore guesswork could only lead to further humiliation.

  Chapter 11

  Over the next few weeks, Kelly kept in touch with Ashleigh. The previous week, Ashleigh had visited the café with her husband in tow. Kelly had been about to take a break, so she spent fifteen minutes with them.

  Craig was a good-looking man, and it was clear he only had eyes for Ashleigh.

  If Kelly could take anything positive from that fateful night, it was that such a wonderful couple had benefited from her blunder.

  While sex wasn’t the be all and end all of a relationship, in Kelly’s mind, it separated friends from lovers.

  If there was no intimacy between her and her lover, they might as well just be friends. Perhaps her attitude would change with age. Or if she met someone who wooed her so much with her intelligence, and good company, that sex didn’t matter .

  The only action Kelly had seen in the past two months was with her own hand. Her vibrator provided her with a swift release but would never replace what she missed the most about being in a relationship; physical intimacy.

  A toy could never replicate an emotional connection or the heavenly feel of skin on skin.

  Even when she got off with her vibrator, an overwhelming sense of wanting to snuggle up to a lover, and bask in the afterglow, often left Kelly feeling bereft.

  Kelly gave herself a mental kick up the backside. If she didn’t stop moping around the flat, she’d never meet a potential lover. Although she’d met Paula at the café, when Paula used to frequent the place to impress business associates, chances of meeting another customer Kelly might consider dating were slim to none.

  “Don’t jump.” The warning came from behind.

  Startled, Kelly did just that. The cup she’d been holding fell from her grip and shattered on the floor. Thankfully, it was empty .

  With her heart pounding against her ribcage, Kelly spun around.

  Her boss, Jennifer, quirked an eyebrow and glanced at the mess on the otherwise pristine linoleum floor.

  “Shit, you scared the crap out of me.”

  “Language,” Jennifer chided, handing Kelly a dustpan.

  Normally more professional at work, Kelly apologized. “Sorry, you took me by surprise. I was miles away.”

  The signature scent of Jennifer’s perfume tickled Kelly’s nostrils. “I noticed.”

  Her boss leaned a hip against the counter, her expression all business. “I have an important assignment and need someone I can rely on. You’re top of the list. The pride you take in your work, going the extra mile to ensure a customer is happy, hasn’t escaped my notice.”

  The observation shocked and delighted Kelly. Jennifer wasn’t one to sing praises. She was of the mind her employees were paid to do a job and to adhere to high standards .

  “The Inland Revenue Department has selected the café to be audited. They are expected to arrive on Tuesday and, all going well, will be done by Friday.”

  “What does that mean?” Kelly asked. “I mean what does it entail?” she added, not wanting to sound totally clueless.

  “Not only will they make sure every dollar has been accounted for, they’ll also check all taxes have been paid. Which, by the way, they have.”

  Kelly didn’t doubt that for a minute, her boss was so squeaky clean, Kelly was surprised Jennifer’s legs didn’t screech when she walked. An image of subtle thighs rubbing together sprung to mind. Trying to rid herself of the inappropriate image, Kelly swept up the shards of glass at their feet.

  “Whoever the tax department sends in will also be auditing all personnel files.” Her boss’s voice trailed off.

  When Kelly stood, they were no longer alone.

  “Hey, boss. Kel.” Jacinta breezed by, retrieved a litre of milk from the fridge and disappeared as quickly as she’d materialize .

  “I can’t be here all day every day.” Jennifer didn’t elaborate; she didn’t need to.

  While it wasn’t talked about openly at work, most employees were aware Jennifer’s mother was receiving chemotherapy treatment at Palmerston North Hospital, and Jennifer always accompanied her mum to the appointments.

  “I want you to assist the auditor. Make sure the files are accessible when needed, and kept under lock and key at all other times.”

  For some inexplicable reason, the serious look in Jennifer’s eyes worried Kelly. Her pulse raced as she awaited her bosses next words.

  “I’m putting you in a huge position of trust, Kelly. One that might ruffle the feathers of those who think you’re receiving special treatment.” Her expression softened.

  “That doesn’t bother me,” Kelly replied honestly.

  It wasn’t like she hadn’t been judged before. And, unlike some of her co-workers who were often late and liked to gossip about customers, Kelly had earned Jennifer’s trust .

  More than once, a regular client had shared a confidence with Kelly. It was almost as if they thought she was a safe sounding board, especially when they vented about a spouse or family.

  God knew, Kelly had shared half her life story with her hairdresser. She hoped it went no further and therefore afforded her customers the same courtesy.

  A slither of sunlight glimmered off the key Jennifer dangled between them.

  “I won’t let you down, boss.” Kelly held out her hand.

  “I’m counting on it.”

  The small gold key landed in Kelly’s palm. She closed her fist around it, accepting it like a sacred gift.

  Jennifer pushed her glasses up her nose, drawing Kelly’s gaze to the sadness lingering there.

  In that moment, Kelly’s heart went out to her boss. She didn’t know what would be worse, having her father ripped from her life, or having months to prepare for the fact that a loved one might not survive cancer.

  Taking a huge risk of overstepping boundaries, Kelly placed a hand on Jennifer’s forearm and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I can lock up tonight, go be with your mum.”

  Jennifer narrowed her eyes. “Are you after a pay rise?”

  Playing along, Kelly replied, “Always.”

  Without a backward glance, her boss exited the building and Kelly returned to work.

  Chapter 12

  Tuesday rolled around in record time. Despite having two days off, Kelly arrived at work feeling more tired than rested. Her arms ached from lifting furniture and settling her sister into her new flat in Wellington.

  While Jo didn’t have a lot of stuff to move—bed, study desk, drawers, book shelves—all of which fitted into their mum’s SUV, lugging the furniture up three terraces and two flights of stairs had been a mammoth feat.

  The view overlooking the wharf and the city was spectacular, but no way would you find Kelly living in a house perched on a hill in Wellington. Earthquake city.

  It didn’t seem to bother Jo, and Kelly reminded herself there were no guarantees in life. Between her sister’s accommodation and Kelly’s love of motorcycles, it was any wonder they hadn’t given their mother a heart attack.

  Shortly after eight, the door to the café chimed. Kelly glanced up and her heart skipped a beat. There was no mistaking the dark-haired beauty heading her way, hips swaying, high-heels clacking on the tiled floor.

  She was as stunning as the day Kelly had met her. Jet black hair framed a gorgeous face, high cheekbones, perfectly straight nose, and luscious full lips.

  The white blouse and black pencil skirt she wore hugged her curves perfectly. She was neither fat nor thin, in Kelly’s eyes, she was perfection.

  The briefcase swinging at her side gave the air of a woman who meant business.

  As her gaze settled on Kelly, recognition dawned, and a beaming smile lit up Lucy’s face.

  “Kelly? Wow, it’s great to see you. How have you been?”

  Charmed by Lucy’s enthusiastic greeting, Kelly tried not to grin like a loon.

  “I’ve been doing okay,” she replied honestly. And all the better for seeing you, she didn’t add .

  I
nstead, she kept her professional mask in place and picked up a mug. “What can I get you? Latte? Long Black? Espresso?”

  Lucy chuckled. “Nothing right now. I’ve just had coffee.”

  Trying to figure out why Lucy would be standing before her, Kelly scrunched up her face. After a minute of contemplation, it dawned on her. Food.

  She pointed to a silver serving tray with a clear plastic lid. “Blueberry muffin with white chocolate? Fresh out of the oven.”

  “Mm, now you’re talking. Put my name on one.” Lucy glanced at her wristwatch.

  The white leather strap blended perfectly with her blouse. A very fitting blouse that afforded Kelly a glimpse of tantalizing cleavage. At a guess, Lucy’s breasts were more than a handful. But Kelly had two hands, and a mouth, so who cared?

  What the fuck? Talk about inappropriate thoughts.

  Lucy didn’t even bat for the same team as Kelly. Her words from Paula’s party—I haven’t met the right guy yet—bounced around inside Kelly’s skull .

  “I’ll come back for a muffin when I take a break,” Lucy’s voice snapped Kelly out of her musings. “If your boss lets me stop for one.”

  Beyond confused, Kelly folded her arms across her chest. “Come again?”

  Ugh, way to go, Kel.

  Not picking up on the possible innuendo, or perhaps choosing to ignore it, Lucy handed an embossed card to Kelly.

  “I’m here on business. Running into you is an unexpected bonus.”

  The alluring smile Lucy flashed Kelly ignited her blood. Trying not to blush furiously, she glanced down at the card in her hand. Lucy Tanner, auditor.

  Dread over the impending audit turned to elation. As much as Kelly looked forward to spending the next few days assisting Lucy, she needed to get her libido under control if she was going to survive without a lawsuit.

  The last thing she needed was a sexual harassment case.

  “Come this way, we have to go through the kitchen to get to the office upstairs. ”

  Just as they reached the end of the counter, the door chimed.

  Lucy glanced over her shoulder and Kelly followed her line of sight.

  The woman cutting a fast track to the counter looked vaguely familiar. Kelly racked her brain trying to place her. Unlike Lucy who apparently knew the woman.