Her mum would’ve been around Paula’s age at the time, thirty-five. It was a sobering thought, considering how serious Paula acted most of the time. It also brought Kelly back to the present and her reason for texting Nicole.

“Paula might come across as snotty, but it’s all a front. I have the perfect chance for you to get to know her better. If you’re happy to blow Steve off…”

The twinkle in Nicole’s eyes made Kelly want to groan at her unintentional innuendo. Clearing her throat, she tried again. “Paula’s having a potluck dinner Friday night, she said you’re welcome to come too.”

The suspicious look that crossed Nicole’s face shouldn’t have surprised Kelly, but it did, and, once again, she found herself making excuses for Paula.

“Her best friend will be there. Perhaps Ashleigh being in town has given Paula a new appreciation for how important best friends are.” Kelly blew Nicole an air kiss to sweeten the deal.

“I’ll come on one condition.” Nicole smile sweetly.

It was a look that Kelly knew well, one that lured people into a false sense of security. She dreaded the reply to her next question before the words even left her mouth.

“Sure, what condition?”

“If Madam needs shutting up you’ll let me watch you stuff her panties into her mouth.”

Two or three years ago the comment would’ve embarrassed the hell out of Kelly. But since dipping her toes into BDSM she didn’t feel the need to defend her sexual desires. Different strokes for different folks and all that.

Besides, Nicole was fishing, her smile fading the longer she waited for Kelly to take the bait.

Plastering on a smile, Kelly returned the quip. “Of course you can watch, if that’s what floats your boat these days.”

Nicole snorted. “Touché. It’s a date.” Her voice rose in pitch. “And, if the actual recipient of your panty stuffing is there, I’m going to sniff her out.”

“Do you realize how bad that sounded coming from a straight woman?”

They burst into a fit of laughter and, for a minute, Kelly let herself believe all was right in her world.

Chapter 6

After a busy day at the café, Kelly slung her backpack over her shoulders, fired her bike to life and headed for home.

Exhaust fumes replaced the aroma of coffee that normally stuck to her nostrils eight hours a day, five days a week.

It had been a good day, devoid of abusive customers. Something about a sunny day seemed to improve people’s moods and being Friday, most customers were too busy looking forward to the weekend to be grumpy.

At four-fifteen, Kelly coasted up the drive. She parked her motorcycle next to Nicole’s Mitsubishi Mirage in the carport assigned to their flat. Friday was the only day Nicole made it home from work before Kelly.