Tim rubbed the ginger stubble on his chin, looked heavenward and then replied in the safest way possible for a guy with three women staring him down. “I need to use the bathroom, back soon.”

As he walked away, the bottom fell out of Kelly’s world. One look at the woman storming their way and her happy mood vanished.

Chapter 25

Like a deranged woman on a mission, Paula barrelled her way into the middle of their circle.

“Oh, now it all makes sense.” She looked at Kelly and Lucy’s joined hands. “How long has it been going on? Under my bloody roof! You have until noon tomorrow to get out,” she practically screamed at Lucy. “If I get home and your stuff is still there, polluting my house, I’ll have it removed and donated to the Salvation Army.”

Anger radiated off Jo in thick waves. “You can’t do that.”

Ignoring the curious glances shot their way, Kelly put a reassuring hand on her little sister’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, Paula’s full of hot air.”

Paula pressed her lips together in a thin, angry line. “Really? Try me.”

“Been there, done that, didn’t like it,” Kelly deadpanned, delighted when Paula’s mouth fell open.

“How dare you. How dare both of you. I treated you with nothing but kindness, and you…” Paula turned her angry glare on Lucy. “You, Lucy. I gave you a roof over your head and you repay me by lying and stealing my girlfriend?”

“I didn’t lie to you,” Lucy said softly. “And I didn’t steal your girlfriend. We didn’t start dating until you broke up.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt that, but I’m sure you were screwing each other well before then. I figured Kelly was getting it from someone else, but never thought to look under my own roof.”

Jo tapped Kelly on the shoulder, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Is she always this obnoxious, Kel? Sheesh, no wonder you never wanted me to meet her.”

Anger contorted Paula’s features. “Who asked you, pipsqueak?”

Okay that was pushing it.

Reigning in her fury, Kelly spoke in a low, controlled voice. “If you know what’s good for you, Paula, you’ll walk away. We received your message, and will do your final bidding.”

Unbeknown to Paula, she’d done Kelly a favour. Once they got home they’d no longer have to hide their relationship.

Concern gnawed at Kelly’s insides when Lucy wouldn’t meet her gaze. But she wasn’t about to ask what was troubling her while Paula was within earshot.

When Paula’s gaze locked on something, or someone, over Kelly’s shoulder, the tension that rolled off her was so thick it was palpable.

“There you are, sweetheart.”