You Can't Run From Love by Kate Snowdon Read Free Book Online Page B

Maybe see you around. And thanks.” Bea smiled as she went out the door, after quickly looking up and down the corridor.
    Jess returned to her bed. There was another three hours before she was to meet Julie for breakfast. Rachel popped into her head again as she pulled the covers up and lay her head on the pillow. She laughed. What was it about that woman? She’s haunting me. She had to concede, she was attractive, but far too genteel for a night of no strings attached sex. Jess imagined she would be someone who liked it slow, teasing and sensuous, building to a sweet crescendo. She wondered if Rachel’s head would thrash from side to side as her body craved release. Good grief, what are you doing to yourself? Suddenly aware of a warm, moist throb, her hand slid beneath the sheets and into her pajamas before she fell sound asleep.
    ***
     
    The alarm was piercing. Jess washed, dressed and packed. Quickly glancing at the sheet of hotel paper, on which Bea had written Julie’s room number, she headed out and crossed the landing. Julie eventually opened the door after persistent knocking and groaned at the cheerful figure standing in her doorway. Jess winked at a very fragile looking person. “Morning, are you ready for breakfast?” All she received was a dismissive look.
    Jess enjoyed a breakfast of cereal, eggs, bacon and toast, washed down with orange juice and tea. All Julie could manage was a half slice of dry toast with her coffee, and that was a struggle. Once finished, they headed to reception to hand in their keys and store their bags until Mark and Rose picked them up later in the day.
    “Hello Julie, how are you?” She looked up to see Bea smiling, before giving Jess a very quick glance.
    Julie looked at Jess, who was looking at Bea with a grin. She turned to Bea and unconvincingly answered, “Fine thanks. How are you?”
    Chuckling, Bea replied, “Good, thank you. Enjoyed the céilidh then?”
    “Yes. But this morning, no.”
    As they stepped out onto the street, Julie looked at her friend. “You didn’t spend the night alone, did you?”
    Jess immediately blushed before answering coyly, “Maybe not.”
    “I don’t think there’s a maybe about it. You couldn’t act the innocent, even if you were.”
    Jess feigned hurt. “That’s not nice.”
    “I’m not trying to be nice. How can you two do it? I mean, have sex regularly and just walk away?”
    Jess frowned at the brusque tone. She knew where this conversation was going and it definitely wasn’t going to be helped by Julie’s hangover. “For one, it’s not regular and for another, it will hopefully be the last.”
    “What do you mean by the last?”
    “She has her sights set on someone.”
    Julie gaped at her and screeched, “And she’s sleeping with you? God help them.”
    Jess glared at her friend who was holding her head and looking extremely pale. “Listen Julie, Bea is probably one of the most loyal people I know. She just wants to love someone who will love her back and live happily ever after. So don’t judge her.”
    Julie spoke more carefully, ignoring Jess’s tone. “And you’re not that person?”
    “No, I am not and wouldn’t even pretend to be. She deserves much better than me. Anyway, this person she’s interested in is not available yet, so I think she has every right to satisfy her need with a trustworthy source.”
    Julie wasn’t in the mood for a fight and Jess didn’t deserve her judgment. “You’re a real softie, you know, and whether you like it or not, you do care, and she couldn’t possibly deserve a better friend than she already has. I’m sorry.” She linked her arm through Jess’s.
    Jess couldn’t believe she’d got away so lightly. “Um well, from what she said, I have no doubt she’ll get what she wants. I hope so, anyway.”

Chapter Seven
     
    “Uncle Jack, are you out the back?”
    “Yes.”
    Jess opened a cupboard door. “Would you like a ginger beer, or tea and hunk of