The Clockwork Heart Read Online Free Page A

from her? Libby guessed it could be possible that she had it wrong. But then who sent the letter? Libby's head pounded and she rubbed her temples to alleviate the ache. Leave it .
    Libby drove slowly back to the tea room, concentrating on her driving. She parked out front so Helen wouldn't have to walk far after the incident this morning. I should spend more time with her . A ruffle of brightly coloured skirts caught her eye, and a cold shiver slid down her back. Libby snapped her head to the right and saw someone well-dressed disappear down a side street.
    It's her . Libby jumped out of the car and ran after Scarlett. But when she got to the side street, no one was in sight. Her guard up, she walked down the street, looking into the windows, but found nothing. I swear that was her. She trusted her instincts, but now she wasn't so sure. Maybe I'm just tired. Too much training .
    Libby headed back to the tea room. She knew the real reason she was tired. The memory was dominating her dreams at night and she wasn't getting enough sleep. She took a deep breath as she stepped into the tea room, relieved to see Helen sitting in the same winged chair she had left her.
    Helen shot her a cold stare. "Two hours?"
    Libby cleared her throat. "Sorry, but my errands took longer than I thought they would." She bit her tongue to stop herself from adding that Helen could've stayed at home. Libby was used to working alone and found it difficult to accommodate someone else. Even if that someone was a curvy woman who was more than capable of looking after herself, and someone that set a burning fire between her thighs. Libby sighed. "I tried to warn you. I'll make it up to you, how about a swim before dinner?"
    Helen narrowed her eyes.
    She's not going to be easily tempted . "I've got ice cream for dessert, honey ice cream, and a swim will be a great way to cool down. You'll enjoy it," said Libby.
    "I don't have a swimming costume," replied Helen.
    "Oh, don't worry about that. I swim naked…" Libby swallowed hard and lowered her voice. "Oh… I mean… well… if you don't mind…"
    Helen laughed nervously, her cheeks deepened in colour. "I will if you will." A cheeky glint in her eyes caused Libby to flush.
    "Oh, I didn't… know you liked…" She took a deep breath. "Of course." She smiled. She likes me . The thought helped to push away all the worries that had been consuming her since receiving the letter this morning. "I'm more than game." She added finding a new confidence flooding through her. She held out her hand. "Let's go."
    "Yes." Helen took Libby's hand. "But please drive slowly this time."
    "Very slowly." She smiled cheekily. "But you'll have to wait longer."
    Helen gasped in pretend shock. "I'm sure it will be worth it."
    *~*~*
    The drive back to the estate was slow. All Helen could think about was slipping into the cool water with Libby. She nearly told Libby to drive faster, but she didn't want to feel car sick again. That would ruin things. She had been waiting too long for a chance of starting something with Libby. Helen didn't want anything to get in the way of that finally happening. She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.
    The road curved around the edge of the hill and she glanced down. Her stomach flipped. She wound down the window, allowing the breeze to flow onto her face.
    "Are you all right?" asked Libby. The car slowed down. No, don't slow down . But Helen couldn't talk as a wave of nausea flowed over her. Libby glanced at Helen. "I hope you weren't too bored waiting for me."
    Think of the pool … wrapping my arms around Libby's naked body. The feeling of car sickness began to dissipate, enough for her to finally answer. "No. I had people to talk to."
    "The locals are friendly around here." Libby paused as she directed the steamcar around a sharp bend. "Sometimes too friendly. I hope they didn't harass you."
    Helen laughed. She knew exactly what Libby meant. She hadn't been harassed, as such, but that was more