Closer to the Heart (The Heart Trilogy Book 3) Read online

  Untangling his arms I sat up and reached for my phone.

  “Is everything alright?”

  “Yes, just sending Charlotte a good night kiss. I'm worried about her” I said. Then I poured us both the remnants of the champagne and we toasted the start of our married life.

  In her room across the hall Charlotte pulled off her dress, she was drunk, lonely and frustrated. How could Zach reject her like that! She had thrown herself at him and where had it got her. The sheets on the bed were cold as she slipped beneath them, seething with pent up desire. Closing her eyes she found Mitchell there, angry at her betrayal again as he walked out. Opening them she tossed and turned for an hour before getting up and padding across to the bathroom.

  She turned the shower on and waited for it to warm up. At the same time she glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Zach was right, she had lost a shocking amount of weight and the gaunt look didn't suit her. Stepping into the shower she let the hot water kiss her sensitive nipples. Grabbing the shower head she swept it over her body, closing her eyes as the water tickled her. Then with focus she arched her hips towards the spray and found a quick release it its arc. All the while she tried to imagine Mitchell but all she saw was the dark, brooding eyes of Zachary King. There and then she decided to get on with her life, practice loads and nail that audition for Mitchell's memory. Dalliances with men, any men were off the table she was determined to succeed.

  The next morning Charlotte went down to breakfast with a new spring in her step and a stain of colour in her previously pallid cheeks. She saw Aunt Sarah and Uncle Chris at a table and went to join them.

  “Morning Charlotte” Sarah said “You're looking bright and breezy”

  “I am, can't wait to get home and start practicing for that audition. I'm going to do it for Mitchell”

  “That's my girl” Chris said, pulling a chair out so she could sit next to him. He looked across at Sarah and saw relief wash over her features. They had both been worried about their god-daughter being alone whilst Stephanie and James were away on honeymoon.

  Breakfast was self-service and Charlotte had some porridge and then a small bacon roll. Her stomach was still feeling a little dodgy after all the alcohol last night. Pam and Peter joined them, they were driving her home as her mum and James were staying another night and then going straight to the airport from here. She knew her Mum was worried about her and she didn't want her thinking sad thoughts while she was in New Zealand.

  With the sun streaming in through the pale curtains I woke up and looked across to the empty side of the bed. Sitting up I heard water running and then James poked his head out through the bathroom door.

  “Your bath awaits, beautiful”

  “Why thank you sir” I said, walking across the room and sliding into his awaiting arms. His body warmed from the steam in the bathroom. He ushered me through and I stepped into the large bath tub. James jumped in and cuddled up beside me, his hand dipping beneath the water to slide up my silky thigh.

  We languished in the water, discussing our trip to New Zealand. James had got Chris to record the wedding ceremony on his phone so that we could email it to my parents before we got there. Then we dressed and shared breakfast in our room.

  “I'd love to go back to bed with you” I sighed “But I think we need to say goodbye to our last few guests and Charlotte”

  James nodded as we headed down to the bar and waited for everyone to gather.

  I gasped at the colour in Charlotte's cheeks as I enfolded her in my arms.

  “I'm gonna miss you Mum” she said, kissing me “say hi to Nanna and Grandpa from me and tell them that one day I will meet them”

  I nodded and tried to stop the tears of happiness sliding down my cheek and into her hair.

  “Just take care, Pam and Peter will look in on you, Sarah and Chris are only a phone call away and if you want to call us while we are away then do it” I said.

  James wrapped his arms around both of us and murmured.

  “Look after Jester for me, and it would make me so proud if you get that part”

  His words were so heartfelt that Charlie couldn't stop her own tears for Mitchell once again staining her cheeks. Stepping aside Sarah and Chris were next in line for hugs, then Pam and Peter last. We stood on the steps of the hotel and waved them all off before turning back to each other.

  “Shall we go back to bed now?” James asked.

  “I think that's a perfect idea Mr Cooke”

  Taking his hand in mine we walked to the lift, snogged all the way up to our floor and then ran along the corridor giggling like teenagers. How I loved married life!

  Chapter 14

  Back at the house Charlotte was glad of the furry company Jester provided. She took him for a long walk in the park and explained that it would just be the two of them for the next three weeks. He licked her hand and wagged his tail in understanding. Then back home she entered the studio and gave it a proper clean in preparation. Upstairs she pulled on her practice clothes and picked up her iPod. This was the start of her dancing career, she just needed to believe.

  Jester followed her into the studio and she let him stay, carrying his bed through so he could reside in the corner. Then she warmed up before starting the Dirty Dancing soundtrack. Sitting crossed leg she listened to each track. Then she realised that to best remember Mitchell she needed to adapt Hungry Eyes. Putting the song on loop Charlotte started off with their original choreography but where there were lifts she improvised with more steps and leaps. By the fourth run through she felt reasonably happy and utterly exhausted.

  In the kitchen she discovered a note left on the table.

  “Dinner is at five, just come down, we didn't want to disturb your dancing. P&P”

  Charlie smiled and looked at the clock and then raced upstairs. She had fifteen minutes to shower and change but she did it and with Jester at her heel she walked down the garden to the delicious smells emanating from Pam's kitchen.

  “Good practice” Pam asked, as Charlie entered, her hair still wet from the shower.

  “Yes, thanks” Charlie said, taking the chair by the fire.

  The evening passed quickly and Charlie was sorry to leave their companionship for the empty house. When she snuggled under her duvet Jester curled up on the end she realised her phone was flashing. It was a message from a number. She opened it and smiled

  “Thanks for last night, why don't you come to the club tomorrow night, you're on the guest list! Z x”

  She closed the phone and lay back on her pillows and debated her options. If she went would he be expecting her to put out again? If she didn't go would he lose interest?

  At college the next day she got her answer from Shelley.

  “So do you want to come to the club tonight, see my new routine?”

  “I don't know”

  “Please, I'd love your opinion on my choreography”

  “Maybe, I've got my own practising to do”

  “Oh what for”

  “Main part in Dirty Dancing the musical” Charlie replied, smugly “I got a personal invitation from Arlene Phillips”

  “Well, if you finish practise and you fancy a night out come along. I'm sure Zach will be happy to see you”

  After tea, dog walk and two hours of dancing Charlie was ready to collapse. She showered and pulled on her pyjamas to settle down for a re-watch of Dirty Dancing. Her phone beeped and it was Shelley.

  “Are you coming?”

  “Sorry I'm too tired, I'll see you tomorrow” Charlie typed back. A few minutes later another text appeared.

  “I'll be over to pick you up in half an hour, don't keep me waiting! Z”

  Fuck, now what should she do? She remained on the sofa and waited.

  Sure enough at exactly eight thirty the doorbell rang. She opened it to find Zach standing there.

  “Did you not get my text?”

  “Maybe I did” she pouted, placing her hands on her hips.

  �
��Well, why aren't you ready?”

  “Why should I be, you didn't want me on Saturday night so what's the difference?”

  “No difference, just thought you might like a night out since you're home alone”

  Charlotte shrugged and remained defiant.

  “You have twenty minutes to get ready before I have to drive back” Zach said, equally stubborn.

  The impasse held for a further five minutes before Charlotte gave in.

  “Ok, I'll go and get dressed” she moaned, stomping up the stairs. Zach grinned and wandered through to the lounge.

  “Wear something sexy” he shouted, before crashing on the couch and watching the remainder of the film. In her room Charlie rifled through her dresses, wondering which one to choose. In the end she picked her red flared mini dress teamed with her black patent leather pumps and black belt that cinched her waist. She didn't have much time for her hair so a high ponytail was the best she could do.

  With a slick of scarlet on her lips and a line of black kohl on her eyes she was ready in time to hear Zach shout.

  “If you're not ready now I'm coming to help”

  She stood at the top of the stairs and paused for effect before sauntering down to meet him at the bottom. He gave her a long look.

  “You'll do” his disappointing comment. In the driveway was his midnight blue Ferrari as he opened the door for her and she lowered herself in. The drive was fast which meant there was no time for conversation.

  Getting out at the other end he ushered her in through the back door of the club and she followed him through a maze of corridors before they alighted at the side of the main bar.

  “Shelley's in the changing room if you want to see her before her performance?”

  “I'm good thanks, I'll catch her afterwards”

  “So I have to work but Cal behind the bar will look after you”

  Charlie snorted “I can look after myself thank you” as she stalked off to find a stool by the dance floor. She was annoyed as she'd forgotten her purse so she couldn't even buy a drink.

  Two minutes later Cal appeared with a tall glass in his hand.

  “Zach asked me to bring this over for you. Let me know what you think it’s my first attempt at a cocktail”

  “Thanks” Charlie said, taking a sip. Through the evening various dancers performed, among them Claire again who Charlie thought was undeniably the best. Shelley's performance was average but the guys in the audience all loved her including her biggest fan Kyle. Zach passed by as he supervised the smooth running of the evening, the only time he stopped was when Charlie started a conversation with one of Kyle's friends. The poor guy didn't stick around when he noticed Zach's hand resting on her shoulder.

  As the crowds dispersed Shelley appeared with Kyle in tow.

  “So you made it then”

  “Zach came and picked me up” Charlie remarked “and he doesn't take no for an answer”

  “What did you think?”

  “It was good, I think I might be able to help you out with the next one in March as depending on the date I may be able to start performing again”

  With the comment barely off her lips Zach emerged from the shadows and sauntered over.

  “Well if you birthday is before the 17th March then I am more than happy to have you back on board”

  “It is” Charlie replied, the smile large on her lips.

  Zach had seen the change for the better in Charlotte, colour in her cheeks and that cute smile back on her lips.

  “I have a song I really want to dance too, but I'll tell you later” she flirted.

  “Do you want a lift home?” Shelley asked.

  “It’s ok Shell, Zach lives just across the park from me so easier for him to take me”

  When they hugged her goodbye Shelley stopped to whisper in her ear.

  “Just be careful, he's dangerous”

  “It’s ok Shell, I'm off all relationships at the moment, and there is no room for men alongside my ambitions”

  However as her lips aimed for Shelley's cheek she turned and that same weak spark lit up her desire.

  “Does that include women” she remarked, before leaving.

  With the club empty Charlotte stayed by the bar, watching Cal tidy up and waiting for Zach.

  “The drinks were good, thanks” she complimented.

  “Glad you liked them” he replied quickly. Turning back to his work as footsteps heralded Zach's arrival beside her.

  “Come on then, best get you home if you have college tomorrow”

  Inside his car Charlotte turned to watch his profile as he fired up the engine and revved it hard as he exited the car park. She could feel the power like a buzz inside her as he made short work of the journey. Opening the door for her she paused.

  “Do you want to come in for coffee?”

  “I'd better get back, thank you for your company tonight and give me a call about your idea. I'm intrigued”

  Then with a quick peck on her cheek he was back in the car and reversing out of the drive. Charlie watched the tail lights, feeling oddly disappointed with the whole evening. Inside she found her phone and it was flashing. She opened her text.

  “Hi Charlie, just to let you know we have arrived in NZ. Take care and speak soon. Love Mum”

  “Hi Mum, all good here thanks, enjoy your honeymoon and ring me after the audition on Saturday, Love Cx”

  She let Jester out and poured a glass of water before she took the stairs to bed.

  Pulling off the dress she grabbed her favourite t-shirt of Mitchell's which engulfed her before she snuggled under the duvet cover. With Jester taking up position by her feet she was about to flick the light switch off when he phone beeped again.

  “Are you missing me Charlotte? Does your tongue yearn to tango with mine again? Did you want me in your bed tonight? Z”

  “Thank you for a lovely evening, my only yearnings are to dance and succeed for Mitchell's memory. Goodnight”

  Flicking her phone to silent she turned over and found tears seeping down her cheek, soaking the pillow that once belonged to him. All thoughts of sexual satisfaction buried beneath the glowing embers of her ambition.

  Chapter 15

  When the plane touched down in Christchurch I squeezed James' hand even tighter.

  “I still can't believe we're here” I said, feeling his lips touch mine.

  “I can, this is not just the holiday of a lifetime it’s our time” he murmured. We had nearly three weeks to meander wherever the mood took us before spending the last few days with my parents in Auckland and a beach blessing. But our first two nights was at a beautiful hotel on the edge of the city.

  It was dusk when we left the airport and the warmth touched our skin. The hotel had sent a taxi for us and we settled back in the seat and watched the scenery flit by. It felt just like an English summer evening. Pulling up at the entrance to 'The Chateau on the Park' we were shown in and to our magnificent room. I felt tired after the long flight but the sight of the park and then the city beyond revived me. I felt James' arms coil around my waist as his head rested on my shoulder.

  “I'm looking forward to exploring tomorrow” he said “but tonight I only have one thing I want to do”

  He took my hand and we moved towards the bathroom, shedding clothes with each step. Then as the water of the shower fell onto our skin we indulged in each other's caress. It seemed like the more we made love, the closer we became and like a never ending circle the more we craved each other's touch. In the bar James ordered cocktails and we took them through to the restaurant for our meal. Then feeling full and jet-lagged we returned to our cosy cocoon. Wrapped in his arms I let out a contented sigh.

  “I love you”

  “Till the end of time”

  With bright sunshine streaming through the blinds I woke, fresh, rested and eager to explore. After breakfast we walked through the park and into the city. The centre was framed by the cathedral as I admired the architecture of
it.

  “Drink” James asked. I nodded and we found a table outside an exclusive looking wine bar. With a chilled glass of chardonnay and tapas I watched the people wander by, but my eyes strayed back to the man sat opposite me. James would catch my glance and return my gaze, his eyes tried to hide their pain but the shadow of loss lingered still. I reached for his hand, stroking it softly, trying to ease the despair.

  Wandering back to the hotel I relaxed by the outside pool and watched as James ploughed up and down until he paused. I slipped into the water next to him and grinned.

  “I have a surprise for you, but you need to go under the water and shut your eyes”

  Holding my hands we both sank beneath the surface, our lips instinctively joined us. After showering and changing we walked back into Christchurch and dinner. Later we stretched out on the bed and I spread out the map.

  “So where shall we go first, once we've picked up our camper van?”

  Our route would take us down through the mountains to Dunedin, then returning up the coast line to take in our dolphin swim followed by a couple of days enjoying the rich wine growing district of Marlborough. Then we crossed to the North Island and stays in the Capital city Wellington, New Plymouth to see their fantastic library just so I could take pictures for Sarah. Then we stoppedoff at Lake Taupo and the hot springs of the volcanic centre before reaching Auckland.

  “It’s going to be fantastic” James said “Especially as I have found some campsites where we can get naked again”