Chapter 15
It was Sunday and there was no filming today, which meant Felix could relax in bed and have a much-earned lie-in. Except he was finding it incredibly hard to relax. After contacting the police with an update about the hand-delivered framed photograph, together they had accessed the security camera footage, which had revealed a tall, slim figure in black, wearing a hoodie and a face mask, ringing the doorbell and leaving the parcel.
Felix knew it was Anika. The way she had confidently swaggered off, without a care in the world, told him so. Anyone would have thought she was parading down the catwalk, not trespassing on his property. The brazenness of the woman was absolutely staggering.
‘Are you not able to intervene?’ Felix had asked.
‘So far she hasn’t actually showed any physical signs of hostile behaviour. Yes, she’s left a package, but nothing endangering and that’s not illegal,’ the police had told him.
‘But she’s definitely in the vicinity,’ he replied in despair.
‘Stay extra vigilant,’ warned the police officer.
All this he could well and truly do without, especially as his mother was due to visit very soon. He wanted it to feel special for her arrival, eager to show off his new home, not have to worry about the likes of his mad ex-girlfriend. Although he could well imagine how she’d deal with Anika if they ever came face to face again. He couldn’t help but smirk to himself.
Then, there was Emma to consider. She appeared to be handling this whole stalker fiasco remarkably well, but he knew it must have unnerved her. How could it not? She was already being extra vigilant, checking and double checking all the entrances and windows were locked. Nobody got through the front of the house without her bolting the doors firmly behind them and the back doors were constantly locked.
So, where was Anika? Nearby, that was for sure, or at least had been at some point. Felix had a compulsion to get in his car and drive all over Samphire Bay, scour the place and hunt the stupid woman down.
He hated to admit that Anika had won, in that she’d ruined what should be a special time for him. He’d bought a beautiful Art Deco house, in a stunning location and was fulfilling his ambition of directing. Yet, it had all been overshadowed byher.
His thoughts were interrupted by a gentle knock on his bedroom door.
‘Felix, are you awake?’ Emma called quietly.
‘Yeah, come in.’ He sat up in bed.
Emma poked her head round the door. ‘Sorry to interrupt, but I was wondering if I could maybe practise… for the gig? Err… do you mind if I use the piano?’ All the time she spoke, she was taking in his wide, muscular shoulders and the smattering of dark hair on his naked torso.
‘Not at all! Be my guest,’ he grinned.
‘Great… well, thanks.’ She closed the door. What a sight for sore eyes! she thought, flushing slightly. Hell, he was in good shape.
Still struggling to get the picture of a semi-naked Felix out of her mind, Emma sat down at the piano and steadied herself. Right, down to business… But what a body… Emma! Her inner voice reprimanded. She cast a glance over the sheets of music and the playlist on the music stand.
The band were kicking off with well-known favourites from previous gigs, the first song beingFields of Gold. She sang the opening lines, her voice reverberating round the high marbled walls and ceiling, the acoustics were fabulous.
Felix sighed as he lent back against the pillows and closed his eyes. She had the voice of an angel. He pulled back the sheets and decided to get dressed and join her.
Emma tried to concentrate when she noticed him saunter down the stairs, looking very alluring in faded jeans and an olive-green cable jumper. She faltered slightly when he stood at the side of the piano, just as he had done the very first time they’d met at Bunty’s open house day.
He watched closely, admiring the way her graceful hands danced over the ivory keys. Then his eyes slowly wandered up her toned arms, her rising chest as she sang, then up her slender neck to herverypretty face, finally resting on that wild, chestnut mane that tumbled onto her shoulders. He felt his heart rate kick up, again. This was becoming a habit, he cautioned himself, and a part of him felt uncomfortable. Another part of him, though, the male, red-hot blooded side of him, didn’t. After all, it wasn’t as if he hadn’t clocked her looking at him, like before. Emma was only twenty-five, yet one of the most grounded people he knew. He was ten years older than her. Was that too much?
She finished singing with the closing lines and he clapped.
‘Brilliant.’ Felix smiled, then added, ‘Who chooses the playlist?’
‘We decide between us, it’s pretty much a group decision.’
Felix nodded. ‘What’s your favourite song?’ He was gazing at her, curious to know.
Emma’s face lit up. ‘I love ending onHey Jude, all the crowd join in with the chorus.’
‘Yeah, I can imagine,’ he grinned. Suddenly the image of the audience singing along with cheer gripped him. He wanted to be included. He wanted to be a part ofherworld, just like she was experiencing his. He paused before asking. ‘Where did you say the gig was?’
‘Red Rose Brewery,’ Emma replied, eyes narrowing. He wasn’t thinking of coming along was he? Surely not. She continued explaining where it was in Lancaster. All the time Felix was listening with interest.
‘After you’ve finished practising, do you fancy showing me round?’
