Welcome to the Cassadines: Book II of Kismet

Chapter Twelve

***Again***

Laura left several messages for Justus. When she didn't hear from him, she became worried. She got into her car and headed to the old fire station that also served as his apartment. After pressing the doorbell and knocking for ten minutes, she gave up and used the extra key he kept in the flowerpot near the front entrance.

As she entered, she called, "Justus!"

A faint grunt sounded from the sofa. She pushed the door closed and headed in that direction. Laura found Justus sprawled across the furniture that wasn't nearly wide or long enough to accommodate his large frame. He looked uncomfortable with his arm covering his eyes and his legs hanging over the arm rest, but his deep, even breathing signaled that he was at rest. She decided that she shouldn't disturb him. Taking a step back, she bumped into the chair behind her and fell.

"Ow!" she muttered.

"What!" He woke and sat up in one fluid movement. His gaze landed on her. He frowned. "Laura? What are you doing here?"

She brushed long, wayward strands of blonde hair from her eyes as she tried to right herself on the chair. "I came to see how you were. You never called me back. I used your extra key."

"Oh," he said. Then, he yawned. "I'm sorry. I've been busy with Stefan and the police. When I came home, I just crashed. I planned to return your calls..."

She shook her head. "You don't owe me any explanations. I know you're helping with the investigation. I should have been patient."

He gave her a faint smile. "I'm glad that you weren't. It feels like days have passed since I've seen a friendly face. Thank you for not waiting for me to call."

Butterflies danced like Ziegfield Follies inside Laura's stomach as Justus' smile widened. She swallowed hard, but that didn't squelch the feverish excitement that rippled through her. Finally, she gave into the blush and nodded. "You're welcome. I hope you know that if you need anything, I'm only a telephone call away."

His dark eyes widened in surprise. "I wasn't sure, but I hoped. Thank you, Laura."

The butterflies' rapid beat continued.

***

Lucky had just left a very interesting afternoon spent with Emily when he bumped into his kid sister at Kelly's. As he watched Leslie Lu tie on an apron, he realized he made it just in time for her shift. He headed straight for the counter and claimed a stool.

"Hey, there."

She smiled, a bright happy smile. "Hi, bro. What's up?"

"Not much," he answered. "Can I get a root beer float?"

"Sure. Hold on."

Leslie Lu slipped through the swinging doors and Lucky used the alone-time to think about Emily. Kissing her in front of Zander had been a bold move, but it wasn't one he regretted. In the days since, everything seemed to move smoothly between them. It was like he and Emily were always meant to be. He smiled, knowing that it was true because they were.

The doors swished open as his sister returned with his huge float. She planted it on the bar in front of him. "I suppose you won't be paying for that."

He nodded and sucked on the straw. The concoction of root beer and vanilla ice cream made an icy trail straight to his stomach. He loved it. "Mmm."

She laughed and tended to another customer. The person had an order for takeout. Leslie Lu rang up the sale. After the customer left, she said, "Have you seen Nikolas lately?"