Page 7 of Dead and a Best Friend
I reached out and patted his thigh. "You know she appreciated that, right?"
"I know Pen, so yes, I'm aware she's hot and cold, but this time, she's like the North Pole,” he grunted.
"I need to talk to her away from others. I haven't pushed her because I didn't want to cause her to break down. Now though, I don't think I have a choice. She needs to get it out so I can help her rebuild."
"She spends too much time in my fucking head." Jessop got to his feet. "Just like you do with my brother."
I grinned widely. "I daydream about him all day too."
"Tell me more," said Carlisle as he entered his office, snapping the door closed behind him.
I jumped to my feet and crushed myself against him and squeezed around his waist. I sighed in pleasure and felt content when his arms came around me. Jessop muttered something about leaving us alone, and then I heard the door close behind him.
Carlisle kissed me on the head and tried to put me at arm's length. However, I clung to the man. "Not yet. I love being in your arms."
He chuckled. "Babe, I love having you close." He cupped my face in his large hands and tilted my face upwards. “I know you, and something is wrong?"
My eyes suddenly filled with tears. “I need to tell you something, but you can’t get mad.”
He brushed my lips with his. “Let’s have it.”
“Well, I think we better sit down first.” There was a slight tremble to my hands as I led him to the sofa. A frown creased his brow, but there was a softness to his eyes, which gave me courage. “So,” inhaled and a slow exhaled, “you remember when I was hit by lightning, right?” He nodded. “Since then—” I explained what had been happening since, and when I finished Carlisle had taken hold of my hands.
“You honestly know when someone is about to die?” He asked, incredulous.
“Unfortunately, yes. There was George Forester. Then there was the whole business at the wedding of Marshall Westcott. I saved him. I couldn’t save my own brother, though.” My face felt damp, and Carlisle was so sweet as he grabbed a tissue and dabbed at my wet face. “I got a sensation that the mayor was going to die as well, but I’m not sure what that was about because he’s still alive and kicking. But I promise I’m not making this crap up. Penelope knows. I didn’t want to tell anyone because it’s crazy.”
Carlisle snorted. “Babe, what is crazy is how many times you’ve tried to take a man’s balls out while playing pool.”
That made me feel better and I giggled. “Pure accidents.” Becoming serious I added, “I really am going crazy though because, well, I’m sure I heard someone’s thoughts earlier. Now that, really is crazy, but I swear I did. I think that’s why I’ve been dizzy and out of sorts. I mean, I can’t hear your thoughts. Nor could I hear Jessop’s. But I heard that Detectives. Riley. He kept thinking filthy things about me.” I shuddered.
Carlisle stiffened. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
“It doesn’t matter. He was just using, um, bad words to describe what he wanted to do to me. Death wasn’t included so I think I’m safe.”
“Stop talking!” He stood and I was sure he growled. “You’re talking about Detective Riley?”
“Maybe.”
He pressed a finger and thumb into the bridge of his nose while he inhaled deeply. I chewed on my lip while I waited for him to speak. He must think I was crazy. I mean, I would have to agree. It was nuts. But “Hang on a minute!” I got to my feet and stood in front of him. He gave me his focus. “Why did I only hear the cop? That’s it. No one else. Well, I think I heard Lionel.” Ishrugged. “I mean, I am so very glad I can’t hear your thoughts.” My eyes widened and Carlisle’s narrowed. “I wouldn’t want to get distracted with all those naughty thoughts you have about us.” I waggled my brows.
Carlisle burst out laughing. “Hmm, think how I could tease you.”
“So not funny.” I swatted him on the ass.
His eyes were dark and smoldering as he said, “Remind me to swat your ass when I have you naked.”
I quickly backed toward the door. “That is not happening in this office.”
He smirked. “I agree. I want you in a bed, Tallulah. Spread out for me to feast on.” He winked. “For now, I’m struggling to get my head around the hearing thoughts bit of what you said.”
“Me too.” I frowned. “So, you don’t think I’m crazy or weird?”
“Oh, I do. However, I find that you can only hear the one cop bizarre.” A calculating look appeared on his face.
“No way. Carlisle Hallen, you can stop thinking right now.”
He raised a brow before his eyes narrowed. “You said you can’t hear my thoughts.”
