Read Closer to the Heart (The Heart Trilogy Book 3) for Free Online

wild hope.
     
    She pulled Julia up the stairs, at the same time checking her watch.
    “We've only got three hours until the doors open” she said.
    “I'll drive you over and fetch you later, as long a s it’ s not too late” I called at their departing rears.
    “Thanks Mum” Charlie gasped. In the lounge I had a coffee and snatched a quick phone call with James, whose night shift had so far been quiet. I heard the shower upstairs, followed by dance music and hairdryers.
     
    Outside the club I was surprised to se e Zac h standing on the door. He saw Charlotte and crossed the pavement to meet her and Julia. In doing so he noticed me in the car and leaned down to the open window
    “Aren't you coming in” he asked.
    “I'm fa r to o old for New Year Club celebrations” I replied “Just look after my daughter”
    “Guaranteed” he replied “Happy New Year Stephanie”
    I drove away and in the rear view mirror saw him saunter towards the doors.
     
    The vibe of excitement was evident in the atmosphere of the club. Charlie and Julia pushed through the crowds to the bar and ordered a drink. They had barely walked halfway round when Simon tapped Julia on the shoulder.
    “Hey gorgeous” he said, planting his lips firmly on hers. They only broke apart when Charlie coughed loudly.
    “Hey Charlie” Simon said, grabbing her in a bear hug before letting her go.
    “Is Mitchell with you” they both said at almost the same time.
    “No” Simon answered.
    “Oh” Charlie managed, her face fell and her lips trembled with the effort of keeping a smile in place.
     
    “He told me he was coming home to you” Simon said, steering them over to a quiet corner.
    “When was that” she asked.
    “Christmas Eve morning”
    “He texted me the same thing that evening but then never turned up. His Dad rang Felicity's place and she said he was staying there”
    “Well he hasn't been in touch with me since” Simon replied, worry in his voice.
    “Me neither, but the police can't do anything because of his age” Charlotte's voice cracked over the final words, she was struggling to keep it together.
     
    Julia grabbed her arm and gave their drinks to Simon.
    “Let's dance” she said, dragging Charlotte onto the floor. The beat of the music helped for a while as each dance track merged into the next before the Ne-Y o song started. It was too much for Charlotte as she pushed past the dancing throngs surrounding her and into the open, cooler air of the lobby. Zach discovered her sat there, head in her hands.
    “Hey, your Mum told me to look after you” he said, sitting down.
    “That's because she doesn't know what you're really like”
     
    Zach grinned at her comment.
    “And what am I really like then? I'm curious”
    “You're suave, sexy and a charming predator” Charlotte paused for a second, the couple of drinks making her bold
    “If my Mum knew this she would be telling me to keep away from you”
    Charlotte looked up into his dark, brown eyes. He matched her gaze with his and watched with amusement when she coloured and looked away.
    “Why don't we have a little drink in my office, since your friend appears to be busy” he glanced across to the main doorway back into the club. Charlie followed it to see Julia leaning against the wall, Simon's body moulded into her curves.
     
    Charlotte shrugged and allowed Zach to take her hand and lead her through a small, hidden door next to the cloakroom. They ascended the staircase and entered a smaller room that led into his main office. A large corner sofa filled two walls and a flat scree n T V dominated the other. Charlie noticed it was showing views from the various cameras in the club. Zach walked through to his drinks cabinet whilst Charlotte sat on the sofa, half bold, half scared.
     
    He handed her a tumbler filled with vodka and lemonade, he held his usual glass of Jack Daniels and took a seat next to her. He admired the long line of her lower leg and then crept higher