“Is that right, Doctor Steve? Are you prescribing some oral medication as well?”

“Kelly!” Nicole plugged her ears. “La-la-la-la.” She pulled her fingers out. “Too much information.”

Swooning, Steve clutched his chest. “I’m feeling sick, Nic. Can I have some of your special medicine.” He waggled his tongue at her.

Nicole mocked glared at Kelly. “See what you’ve done.”

“You can thank me tomorrow.” Kelly smirked.

With a dramatic eyeroll, Nicole disappeared into her bedroom. Less than two minutes later she reappeared, overnight bag slung over her shoulder.

“Come on, you sick puppy.” Nicole fisted Steve’s shirt. “Let’s go. I’m sure Kelly and Lucy have a lot to talk about.”

“I don’t think that’s the kind of oral…”

Glaring, Nicole held up a finger. “Don’t say it.”

Laughing, Steve plucked Nicole’s car keys out of her hand and exited the flat.

Suddenly serious, Nicole turned to Kelly. “You know we’re only a phone call away?”

“I do.” Kelly nodded. “Same goes.”

“Always.” Nicole shut the door on her way out.

Chapter 30

In the shower, Kelly turned the water to as hot as she could stand it, letting the heat wash away the stress of the day. Slowly, limb by limb, her muscles relaxed.

She envisioned tension draining out of her body, disappearing down the plug hole. The imagery worked.

When she no longer felt bogged down by the harrowing events of the day, Kelly shut off the water and stepped out of the shower.

While drying off, thoughts of Lucy ran through her mind. They had a lot to learn about each other, which excited and terrified her in equal measure. Kelly was optimistic that with each layer they uncovered, their bond would only deepen.

She wasn’t naïve enough to think everything would be plain sailing, but if they kept the lines of communication open, they’d be fine, of that Kelly was certain.

Flopping onto her bed, Kelly fired off a quick text message. “Went better than expected, will fill you in when you get here.” She glanced at her watch. “You’ve got fifteen minutes.” She didn’t add, before I hunt you down.

The words of a promise sent a jolt of desire pulsing through her body. The beep of her phone snapped her out of her erotic musings.

“Having a bite to eat with Ashleigh, Grace, and Colette. Can’t wait to get out of here, but don’t want to be rude.”

It came as no surprise to Kelly that Colette was at the house too. Ashleigh had a heart of gold and it was just like her to take Colette under her wing. Kelly sincerely hoped Paula knew how lucky she was to have such a loyal friend.

Just as she was about to put her phone down, a message lit up the screen.

“See you in half, Miss.”