Follow a Star (29 page)

‘I
am
a manual worker!’ Bill insisted. ‘I just happen to own the company I work for and talk about what I do from time to time. You turned up your nose when you thought I was some labourer on a building site, though, didn’t you?’

May felt a strong urge to smack his smug face. ‘I wasn’t turning my nose up at you, but because my dad’s a roofer and it brought back memories of growing up in a house where nothing ever got done! We never knew what he was going to rip out next when he started a project, or more importantly, when it would ever get put back! He took the bathroom out during one set of my exams and I came home to find the loo was a bucket under the stairs until he worked out how to plumb in the new one.’

Bill had the grace to look at her a little more sympathetically, but now it was his turn to do some explaining.

‘If anyone’s been turning their nose up it’s you!’ she accused. ‘You’re the one who walked out on me, remember? Just when I was looking forward to us spending a romantic evening together! You might at least have stuck around long enough to tell me you’d gone off the idea.’

‘I didn’t think a fancy pop star would be interested in a ginger builder,’ he said mulishly.

‘Oh, so this is about your bruised ego, is it?’ she cried, spreading her hands. ‘I can’t believe that the Bill I sailed with would have given up on me so easily. I was fond of that Bill, even when I thought he was a ginger builder.’ She looked at his head reproachfully. ‘Is that why you’ve practically shaved your hair off? Just when I was getting to like it?’

‘You what?’

He watched her seriously, meeting her eyes with intent and she felt her breath go because he looked so sexy and she wanted him so much.

‘Aw, Bill, for God’s sake!’ she murmured, standing up and moving closer. ‘Just what do I have to do to prove it?’

As the ground tilted under her, May had just enough time to register that she had just done something very stupid before she tumbled over the side of the boat.

‘What were you trying to do?’ Bill was shouting as he hauled her back with some difficulty, not helped by the fact that her life jacket was now fully inflated. For a moment when she’d hit the water, she thought her chest had exploded, so it was quite a relief to find it was the life jacket and a comfort to know that the safety equipment worked and that their ‘man overboard’ drills had not been in vain.

‘Did you think you’d round off your career by joining the Twenty-Seven Club?’ Bill was still roaring, ‘along with Amy Winehouse, Jimi Hendrix, Richey Edwards and the rest? Just because it’s the gold standard for a rock star’s tragic death doesn’t mean you have to join them!’

‘Richey Edwards’ body was never found,’ croaked May. ‘He might still be alive.’

‘You better thank your lucky stars that you still are!’ Bill bellowed. ‘Although if the state of the tide had been different you might have been swept away instead of being stuck up to your knees in mud!’

‘I’ve lost a shoe,’ she noticed.

‘Well, I’m not going in to find it and neither are you. Jeez, May, you’re lucky that’s all you lost.’

Bill was still muttering at her about how lucky she was not to have been drowned when they reached the landing pontoon at Watling’s. May wished he’d stop going on, but she couldn’t answer because of the lump in her throat. Her chattering teeth and the fact that she couldn’t stop shivering were enough of a reminder of her rash behaviour without the additional humiliation of knowing that she’d spilled her feelings for him and not had a word of acknowledgement in reply.

Harry, who must have spotted them from the balcony of the converted boatshed where she and Matthew lived, was waiting for them. Her eyebrows steepled when she saw the state of May and she whistled softly under her breath.

‘Cecil’s fine,’ Bill said, stony-faced as he handed Harry the skiff’s painter. ‘He’s got some explaining to do when he comes home. And not just to me. But he’s safe.’

Harry, hands on hips, looked from one to the other. ‘I’m very glad to hear that, but what happened to you, May?’

May just shook her head. ‘Nothing that a shower and a change of clothes won’t sort out.’

That was it; she was done with Bill, boats and Little Spitmarsh. A dunk in cold water had certainly brought her to her senses. No more noodling around waiting for a ginger builder to notice her. Or waiting to discover what the real reason was behind her parents’ innocent explanation of why they’d followed her; there was bound to be a sting in the tail somewhere.

The ‘secret gig’ had proved to her that she still didn’t care for performing, but had also convinced her that her song-writing skills were still intact. Her next step, therefore, was to get dry, pack up and get back to doing what she did best. Only this time – once she had finally extricated herself from her current contract – without Aiden telling her what to do. May let out a deep breath and took a last long look at Bill as he climbed ashore. At least she’d have plenty of experience and material to draw from.

Bill scowled at her and when she still didn’t move, reached down and manhandled her from the boat. He probably had enough on his plate worrying about Cecil, May figured, when he still refused to speak.

‘Come up to mine,’ Harry said, glaring at Bill and stepping into the silence. ‘You can have all the hot water you need there. And there’s a spare bed. You’ll be warmer there than the caravan.’

‘Thanks, Harry,’ said Bill, ‘but given that she damn near drowned herself, I’m taking her back home with me where I can keep an eye on her.’

‘At last,’ said Harry with more than a hint of rebuke. ‘I thought you were never going to get round to it. I was beginning to think you’d lost your mind as well as your hair.’

But May dug her heels in. ‘Firstly, Bill, I’m quite capable of looking after myself, and secondly this isn’t a romantic novel. It’s not the old “bath and bed seduction scene back at your place” routine. I’m freezing cold, I’ve got seaweed in my hair and mud in all kinds of weird places, so if you think I’m getting in the van like this when everything I need is a short walk away, you’ve got to be kidding.’

‘Run along then,’ Bill said, shoving his hands in his pockets and walking away.

May watched him disappearing into the setting sun with a sinking heart, wondering if this was the last she would ever see of him, when he called back over his shoulder.

‘Everything you need, eh? Good, enjoy it, will you? I’m going back to my comfortable warm home to run a long, deep, scented bath, tuck into a delicious hot meal and spread out in my big brass bed.’

‘And when you get home,’ May yelled, ‘take a good long look at your lonely room, the single set of cutlery on the table and your big old empty bed and see how much you like it.’

That stopped him.

‘And another thing,’ she added, struggling against a lump in her throat. ‘I’ve had exactly one important relationship in my life and it was pretty one-sided. A system of rewards and punishments for good and bad behaviour has nothing to do with love or trust, it’s about manipulation and control. No one’s going to treat me like a difficult child ever again.’

Bill turned, looking stricken. ‘I’m not Aiden, and I’m not trying to belittle you in anyway. Jeez, May, I was scared I was about to lose you forever when you went over the side of the boat. I’m not angry with you – I’m angry with myself for not taking better care of you.’

‘And were you angry with yourself when you found out about Cherry? Is that why you couldn’t face me?’

Bill spread his hands. ‘I’m not proud of myself for being jealous, but I was proud of you for standing up there when you were scared and so nervous. You performed like a true star. Whatever you decide to do next, wherever you go, I’ll always be proud of you.’

‘The only place I’m thinking of going right now,’ May said, shivering, ‘is home with you. But you’ll have to ask nicely.’

‘Please, May,’ he said, drawing closer. He touched her face tenderly, ‘come home with me, will you?’

‘Hang on,’ she said. ‘Let me grab a change of clothes and I’ll be right with you.’

‘Halleluiah,’ Harry muttered, unfolding her arms and turning towards home. ‘About time too.’

A little later, May stood in the open French doors to Bill’s garden, contented, warm and dry. The night was calm again with only the smell of rain on the grass and the glistening leaves of the honeysuckle against the glass to show for the afternoon’s deluge. She lifted her head to the vast canopy of the East Anglian sky. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, more stars emerged until a living cloth of glittering blue lurex floated and fluttered over her head. Trying to pick out the constellations, she found herself disoriented; the familiar landmarks had become unfamiliar. So many stars. Why hadn’t she noticed them before? Had she been too busy or too blind?

When Bill came up behind her and put his arms around her, she leaned back against the broad expanse of his chest, luxuriating in his strength and the warmth of his body. She could smell soap and citrus and something that was uniquely Bill, familiar yet unfamiliar. The sea was barely a short walk away and they stood in silence listening to the waves drawing at the shingle shore. May could feel her own suspense echoed in that utter stillness before the release of water swooshing over stones.

‘The sea will take all of this one day,’ Bill murmured, his voice rumbling through his chest against her back.

‘Hadn’t you better take me to bed then,’ she said, softly, ‘before something else interrupts us?’

Bill’s bedroom was lovely, tucked beneath the sloping roof with two Velux windows bringing them, it seemed, within touching distance of the starry sky. There was an oak floor, a white-painted tongue-and-groove ceiling … and Bill’s brass bed. Suddenly her confidence threatened to desert her. Then Bill folded his arms round her and held her close; constant, reassuring, filling her senses. Even the stars looked brighter.

‘Is that a planet?’ she asked as one in particular caught her eye.

‘Where are you looking? Ah, I’ve got you. Now, see where the constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear is, with the Plough in the middle. Okay? Now take the two pointer stars at the right – the end furthest away from the handle – and imagine a line going straight towards what you thought was a planet; that’s the Pole Star, Polaris, and if you follow it, you’ll always find true north. It’s the star explorers use to find the way when there are no other land marks in sight.’

Like Bill, she realised, guiding her towards her destiny when she’d lost her way.

He turned her to face him and when she saw the desire in his darkened eyes, her breath caught in her throat. She couldn’t believe that this lovely man, looking at her with such longing, would be anything less than patient with her. All the same, it was as well to warn him, she thought gloomily.

‘It’s probably a bit late to tell you this, but I hope I don’t disappoint you,’ she murmured apologetically. ‘I haven’t exactly had hordes of lovers.’

Aiden’s demands had always made her aware of her lack of experience. To add to her growing misery, she was aware that she wasn’t even wearing anything special. She hadn’t been thinking straight when she’d thrown a few things in her bag at the caravan. Jeans and a T-shirt made a poor substitute for the blatantly sexy outfits and exotic lingerie Aiden preferred her to wear. Bill made a low noise of displeasure and shook his head as he reached out and gently cupped her face.

‘What’s that got to do with anything? My love, this isn’t about numbers; it’s not about the past. This is you and me, here, now.’

He was so gentle and reassuring that May knew that it was going to be all right. Feeling better, she stepped back and started to remove her T-shirt. Emboldened by the heat that flared in his eyes, she moved slowly, lifting the thin material inch by inch before finally pulling it over her head and shaking out her hair. She heard Bill’s breath catch and watched his eyes flood with desire as his gaze trailed across her naked breasts. He moved to touch her, but she admonished him softly, keeping him at a distance while she leisurely started to unbuckle her belt.

Teasing him with her body, slowly gyrating her hips in her silky briefs as she stepped out of her jeans, was, however, proving to be a tough call. The hot looks he was sending her made her hungry for his hands to follow where his eyes were roaming. She wanted to see and touch him in return because her imagination was running riot thinking about what he might do with that strong body of his, and she was burning up with the fire building inside her.

When she was almost at the point of being unable to contain her suspense, Bill, to her great relief, gave an impatient moan. His shirt was torn off in double quick time, rapidly followed by his jeans. Then it was May’s turn to gasp. There was no doubt at all about how badly he wanted her. ‘Blimey, Bill,’ she giggled. ‘Is that all for me?’

He threw back his head in a warm, sexy laugh. ‘I’m all yours, May,’ he said, pulling her towards his hot, hard body. ‘Every bit of me.’

Much later, when they were both spent, she lay in his arms feeling blissful, letting the warmth enfold her body. Her eyelids fluttered and it was harder and harder to resist falling asleep.

‘Goodnight, Bill,’ she breathed, smiling as his lips brushed her forehead.

‘Sleep tight, May,’ he said softly, drawing the duvet over them.

‘I love you, Bill.’

Instantly her eyelids flew open, but the room was in darkness. Where had that come from and had she really said it out loud?

‘I love you, too, May,’ Bill said, folding her into him.

Good, thought May, that was all right then, and let herself drift off secure in his arms.

The next morning, Bill was very loth to drop May back at Watling’s, but his client was buying a second home in Little Spitmarsh and was only making a flying visit. Good thing it was only for a couple of hours, and he was looking forward to spending the rest of the weekend with May.

‘Besides, I need to pack properly if I’m staying,’ she said, kissing him goodbye. ‘I’d like to wear something a bit more glamorous for you.’

Bill resisted the temptation to tell her she didn’t need to wear anything at all to be glamorous, she looked amazing whatever she wore, but he was growing particularly fond of the May who came as nature intended.

He waved her goodbye and drove off to the Foo Fighters at full volume. Heck, he couldn’t wait for this appointment to be over. He was like a teenager again, utterly lost, had been, in fact, way before the moment when May stood before him naked and trembling in the lamp lit room. With a backdrop of the night sky, a clear sapphire blue sprinkled with sparkling crystal, through the open roof lights beyond her and her hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders, she looked as if she had just wafted in from some fairy tale, except when he touched her she was warm, living and very real.

Thinking about it, he marvelled at quite how he’d managed to control himself, given how he’d been longing for her. He shook his head in wonderment, recalling a hot image of May rising and falling as she straddled him, her thighs clamped hard around his hips, her face ecstatic as he moved inside her. Then, as the tension rose, and her small moans built towards a crescendo, he’d flipped her over and plunged with her into the warm, velvety, explosive darkness, unknowing and uncaring of where to find new light, so long as she was there. Imagine where they could go next? Bill blew out a long breath. Imagining those kinds of thoughts while driving could get him into serious trouble. Besides, he didn’t want to imagine, he wanted to know. And very shortly, he thought, grinning as he turned up the volume, he would begin to find out.

May smiled to herself as she turned away from the van. In a small way she was proud of herself for putting the past to rest. No more Cherry, just May – they’d got that one straightened out. And she’d satisfied a little of her curiosity too … and knew how good it felt to hear Bill say her name as he moved inside her, holding her in his dark gaze and driving her crazy. There was so much more she was yearning to discover. This was surely the start of a new voyage together, one with time and tide in their favour.

From her pocket, she heard her phone ring. Not Bill, missing her already, she grinned to herself looking at the name, but Fiona. Fiona who probably wanted to talk about the house she’d viewed the previous evening. Although it made her feel very guilty not to respond, May was so loved-up she knew her voice would give her away and for now she wanted to hug her newfound happiness to herself.

Even the elements seemed to have conferred their blessing on them. It was a beautiful morning after the previous day’s storm, the sky a pellucid blue above sparkling water foaming with white peaks of still-turbulent waves. May slipped off her shoes to feel the cool shingle beneath her bare feet and ran her tongue across her salt-kissed lips. Being with Bill seemed to have sharpened her perceptions, waking her up after a long sleep and making her aware of so many sensual pleasures. But, goodness, she thought, overcome by a gigantic yawn, she was tired now. Definitely time, she smiled to herself, to get some rest so they could recommence their journey of exploration when Bill came to collect her later.

May trooped up the short flight of steps and was about to unlock the caravan door when she noticed it was ajar. Whatever could she have been thinking about – or not thinking about, since her mind was preoccupied by more pleasurable matters. At least she was fortunate to be in Little Spitmarsh. Anywhere else someone might have stripped the caravan of its contents. It wasn’t that she was particularly worried about her own possessions, but it would be dreadful to imagine Harry’s precious caravan vandalised, or how bad she would feel for Bill if anyone had made off with his father’s guitar.

The only damage was to a driftwood heart which normally hung above the large window at the far end, and now lay in scattered pieces on the floor where it had dropped. If she was careful, she thought, gathering the bits together, she might even be able to mend it. She straightened up with relief. Then someone’s hand closed over her mouth.

‘Surprise!’ Aiden whispered close to her ear. ‘Pleased to see me?’

He pressed her hard against the thin wall, displacing a little model wooden sailing boat which fell to the floor from one of the shelves. Above the urgent drumming of her heartbeat, May tried to keep her breath steady. Perhaps he hadn’t realised that with his hand still clamped across her mouth she could easily choke? She wondered about the possibility of shoving her free elbow into his rib and forcing him to let go, but that was a ridiculous thought, wasn’t it? This was no random assailant, but a man she’d once thought she loved. Someone who had once looked after her.

‘There,’ he said, feeling her resistance give, ‘that’s better. Now we can catch up, at last.’ He opened his fingers a fraction, then seemingly satisfied that she wasn’t about to scream, took his hands away from her mouth.

‘Couldn’t you have phoned first, like anyone else?’ she said, trying not to let him know how much he’d frightened her.

‘Ah, don’t tease me, May.’ He sighed, clinging to her, the rise and fall of his chest against hers inescapable, his sandalwood aftershave making her head swim, driving out a lingering scent memory of Bill. Breathing heavily, he pressed his cheek against hers and ran his fingertips across her collarbone.