The next thing Kelly knew, they were landing. As she lifted her head, she realized that she’d been sleeping on the man’s shoulder. She refused to look at him, and refused to acknowledge her own accidental act. They were here. At last, the interminable flight was over! L.A. She was home, except…home, like everything else in her world, would never really be the same again. As she contemplated the tarmac, she felt the absurd desire to cry once again. She had been all but fired, for God’s sake! And home wasn’t at all what it had once been. Get over it! she warned herself sternly.
She turned, startled to discover that O’Casey was studying her. “Sometimes,” he told her, “a whole new world can be a damned good one, you know.”
She unclipped her belt. “I’m really not sure what you’re talking about,” she murmured, glancing over at Mel. He was just awakening. She found herself irritated that he had managed to sleep through the entire flight, bumps and smooth sailing, eschewing drinks and dinner.
Rising, she whispered to O’Casey, “Don’t forget Miss February’s phone numbers. I think you left them in the seat pocket.” She crawled over him, awkward in her haste, aware of his stature and the scent of his cologne, still somewhat teasing and alluring after all the hours in the air. She was more anxious to deplane than she had ever been, at any time, in her entire flying history.
O’Casey let her crawl, making no effort to either stop her or assist her. Of course not. Miss February had risen as well. His attention was diverted. Once again, the delicate, frightened flier was telling O’Casey to call her, that she would love to show him L.A. In fact, she was just dying to do so.
CHAPTER 8
“It’s shocking, absolutely shocking,” Serena said. “That they would kill you like that! So brutally, so coldly!”
“No, no, no—they don’t see it as cold or shocking. She’s on a long paid vacation. They can imagine themselves as saints! And if, in reality, it is brutal and cold, it’s not truly shocking at all,” Jennifer argued. “This is Hollywood.” She snapped her fingers. “Face it, we’re in a cutthroat business.”
They were sitting at their favorite haunt, a little Italian restaurant on Sunset. It was a beautiful spring day, the temperature in the low eighties, and Kelly was seated with her two soap “sisters”—the other “Valentine” daughters—outside beneath one of the brightly striped umbrellas.
“Money is always going to be the bottom line,” Serena said.
“Actually—” Kelly began.
“But Kelly’s character has surely made them a fortune lately!” Jennifer argued indignantly.
“Maybe the whole soap is going down,” Serena suggested.
“It’s really—” Kelly tried again.
“Impossible! The ratings are up like they haven’t been in years,” Jen scoffed. “There’s something malicious in all this and I’m certain it has something to do with you accepting that dinner invitation with Matt Avery.”
“It doesn’t—” Kelly began.
“The lech!” Serena said, shuddering with distaste.
“How dare he,” Jennifer said, all but snarling.
“Jen, honestly—”
“You don’t think there could be any truth to the idea that the powers that be are actually worried that Kelly is in danger because of her role, do you?” Serena said.
“Listen, Serena—” Kelly tried.
“Oh, come on!” Jennifer said. “Serena, do you believe that? They know the ex-husband killed the one woman. And the other…she was doling out advice while being hyped up on drugs herself. She drowned in her bathtub. Besides, Kelly is an actress.”
Kelly stared at her. “Everyone seems to know so much about all this!” she marveled.
Jen shrugged. “The newspapers, CNN, MSNBC, local stations and the Internet have carried all kinds of stuff on it. We’re living in the information age, you know. It’s hard to imagine Serena missing much, since she’s married to a P.I. And what intrigues Serena, I get to hear all about. It makes sense, trust me.”
“Great,” Kelly murmured.
“It’s going to be all right, you know,” Serena told Kelly, her beautiful eyes wide and sympathetic.
Kelly exhaled a long sigh, shaking her head. “Hey, both of you, it’s fine. Honestly. Things really haven’t been the same since…in a long time.” And they hadn’t been. Too much friction—lethal friction—had occurred at the set and around the folks involved with the show over the last years. And both Jennifer and Serena had married, Jennifer to another actor and Serena to a private investigator. Jennifer had a three-year-old daughter and infant twins, while Serena now had a bouncing baby boy, just one year old. Both had gotten involved with their husbands and families, the future and other projects. As a result, their time on the show had just about gotten down to guest appearances—which is why Kelly had taken over the reigning position.
“A video!” Jennifer said, her eyes sparkling with envy.
“That’s really too cool,” Serena agreed. “Think of the exposure.”
“Think of the fun,” Jennifer said.
“Well, that, naturally. I’m sure it’s going to be hard work, as well,” Serena said, frowning. “I think that Matt Avery is behind you being on ‘paid leave,’ I really do. And though I honestly can’t believe that you could be in danger for a role you’re portraying—or even that the deaths of two people in different states can be related—there is no sense in taking chances with your life! So what’s happened is actually good.”
“Exactly. That’s the way I see it,” Kelly said. Was she telling the truth, or lying?
“Oh, Lord!” Jennifer exclaimed suddenly.
“What?” Serena demanded.
“Don’t look now, but someone just went inside to the to-go counter,” Jennifer said.
Both Serena and Kelly immediately looked.
“I said not to do that!” Jennifer told them.
There were a number of people heading in to the restaurant’s take-out bar area where one could get cappuccinos or gourmet drinks to go, as well as meals. At first, Kelly had no idea to whom Jennifer had been referring.
“Speak of the devil incarnate,” Serena murmured.
“Who…?” Kelly began, but then she saw.
Matt Avery was there, along with Joe Penny. Kelly stiffened instantly. Matt was simply an ass, slick and plastic. She had once been fooled, but never again. However, seeing Joe Penny with him was like a kick deep in the gut. Joe had been the man to hire her at the show’s inception. He had been a friend for many years and she had stuck with him through the many trials and tribulations that had rocked the soap.
“They haven’t seen us yet,” Jennifer murmured. “Kel, if you want to move somewhere, we can.”
Kelly smiled grimly. “Oh, no. I’m pleased to see them both.”
As she spoke, Joe turned. The deep crimson flush that lit his cheeks as he saw her displayed his instant discomfort. She lifted a hand and waved, her gaze hard and unfaltering. If she hadn’t been the one put out on a long “vacation” without so much as a discussion after all those years, she might have felt sorry for him. He actually looked a little sick.
She didn’t think he spoke to Matt—he was just staring at her. But Matt must have sensed some change in his companion because he turned to look, too. As usual, the man was dressed in perfectly tailored designer clothing—polo shirt, jacket and dark, sharp-creased pants. For a brief moment, alarm seemed to touch his eyes. Then pleasure. She was certain he was enjoying the thrust of his knife.
The woman behind the counter drew the men’s attention, handing them their designer coffees to go with their designer clothing and designer attitude. They turned, Matt in the lead, coming out the door.
“Girls! Good to see you three,” Matt said, voice low, with a careful modulation intended to be sexy.
“Matt. Hi, Joe,” Serena said, addressing the man behind him.
Joe nodded, took a gulp of his coffee and, to his horror, spilled it on his shirt. This allowed him to excuse h
imself quickly, saying he needed cold water.
“Kelly, I’ve just heard the news about you leaving the show for an extended period,” Matt said. “I’m so terribly sorry.”
“Are you?” Kelly said, pleased that she sounded entirely surprised but not terribly concerned. “Actually, it worked out rather well,” she said firmly.
“Could we speak privately for just a minute?” he asked her.
“Why?”
“Please, Kelly. Just for a moment. I really do feel terrible about all this.”
She indicated the busy street, smiling. “Where?”
“Just…there,” he said.
She rose, following him to a spot just beyond the tables. He leaned against the wall, smiling at her. “Things could get bad for you, Kelly,” he said softly.
“I see how concerned you are.”
“Honey, I could make everything work out for you.”
“Please, don’t worry or be concerned. Mel will make things work out for me.”
“Still a total bitch, aren’t you?” he queried, his tone so soft that, for a minute, she didn’t quite catch the loathing in it.
“Matt, why are we talking?”
“You are a tease, baby, you know that? You came on to me like gangbusters, then turned into Marla Valentine. You know what they call women like you, Kelly?”
“Excuse me, Matt. Thanks again for your concern. I’d like to get back to lunch.”
“Cunt, prick-tease….”
He had somehow managed to slowly edge her back to the café wall, his own form in front of her, almost touching. His arm rested on the wall, blocking her in.
“Matt,” she said sweetly. “I’ll scream.”
“Kelly!” Serena’s voice suddenly rose loud and cheerful. “Hey, I think there’s someone looking for you here!”
“Move!” Kelly said firmly to Matt.
He smiled. “Prick-teasers always get what’s coming to them, Kelly,” he said. “And I’m in a position to make sure it happens.”
She pushed him backward, forcing her way around him. To her amazement, he followed her back to the table, smiling. She was certain Serena had called out just to rescue her, but her friend was pointing toward the podium seating station. There was O’Casey, looking toward their table. He gave her a little nod of acknowledgment, a wry, almost apologetic smile, then began talking to the hostess again. She knew that he had no intention of coming toward her table, interrupting her when it appeared that she was with friends. The soaps apparently meant nothing to him; celebrity meant nothing to him.
She didn’t know where he had gone from the airport last night. She had given him a brief goodbye after she and Mel claimed their luggage; there hadn’t been an opportunity to do more since Miss February had still been telling him about the delights of L.A. She just knew that she was supposed to be at a private studio at four to meet him, but that was still hours away. L.A. was a big place. It seemed a bit surprising to see him here. Then again, Mel had probably given him the names of some eateries, and this was one of Mel’s favorite places.
She stood staring at him a minute, aware that Matt remained right behind her, pretending that nothing hostile had happened between them.
“Seriously, Kelly, if you need some help finding work in the interim, I can surely put in a word here or there,” Matt said, the sympathy in his voice false and dripping.
She ignored him, telling Serena and Jennifer “That is a friend of mine” as she made her way through the outside tables to the podium. “Doug!”
He turned, frowning, apparently surprised that she was coming toward him. “Hello,” he said, actually looking a little wary. “Sorry. I didn’t follow you here. Mel said this was a good place for casual Italian.”
“It is. Come over here, will you? I’d like you to meet a few friends.”
“Look, I didn’t come to hound you. It’s all right. We’ll meet at four.”
“I have a table for you, sir, right over there,” the hostess said, smiling brightly.
“I’ll just take my seat—”
“I’d really like you to meet my friends,” Kelly said. Good God! If he shook her off like a virus, she was going to appear a fool.
“You know, I might be meeting friends,” he told her softly.
“Are you? Oh, God, yes. Miss February,” she murmured.
“I said I might be meeting friends.”
“So you’re not?”
“Not now.”
“Do you mind meeting a few people or not?” she demanded, her tone growing a bit irritated with her sense of unease.
He shrugged, the sweep of his eyes questioning. “Sure.” He glanced at the hostess. “Sorry, I guess I won’t be needing that table.”
Kelly knew that she was being watched as she slipped an arm through O’Casey’s, drawing him along with her. What the hell was she doing? she wondered. She had never felt the need to play games before or that she needed to prove anything. Now she was calculating, surmising that, although O’Casey’s clothing certainly hadn’t come with the price tag that accompanied Matt Avery’s, he wore them with a greater natural ease and disdain. The feel of the muscles in his arms was rock hard, vibrant and powerful. He was a very good-looking man, rugged as well as aesthetic.
“Why are you pretending to like me?” he asked, and the question worked well for her charade as he bent close, whispering in her ear.
“I never said that I didn’t like you,” she reminded him.
“Hmm. Well, there’s been body language, you know.”
“I like you just fine, O’Casey,” she said tautly.
“Yes, at this particular moment. What’s up? Seems like you’re using me, doesn’t it?”
“I’m just introducing you to a few people. Good God, this isn’t Mystery Dinner Theater or anything.”
“It’s all right. You can use me,” he murmured. “In fact, use away.”
She flashed him a wary glance right before they reached the table. “Doug, these are a few very special friends of mine, Jennifer and Serena. And this is Matt Avery. Jen, Serena—Doug O’Casey.”
“How do you do, Doug?” Serena asked, a light of mischief in her eyes as she extended a hand.
“A pleasure,” Jennifer said.
“Sure.” Matt Avery shook O’Casey’s hand. Matt was shorter and his fingers appeared far too manicured against the other man’s. Actually, he paled all around when compared to Doug O’Casey. The man might be a tango expert, but there was something far more down to earth, even masculine, about him. She hated the thought, but he was actually more macho. And she was glad that she had brought him over.
Okay, she was standing a little too close. Her hold on him was a little too proprietary. But she was trying to make it appear as if there was something between them. As if he were her…protector and her lover.
Though a little bit ashamed of herself, she was also extremely glad of his appearance. She would surely have to answer for this later, and she was definitely betraying a weakness, but she didn’t seem quite able to help herself. And for the moment, it was good.
Matt Avery was sizing up the man. And he was irritated. “Mr. O’Casey is new to Hollywood? Actor…stunt man…director?” Matt asked.
“Dance instructor. And I’m not remaining in Hollywood. The opposite coast is my home,” O’Casey said. He looked at Kelly, and she decided he could pull off any acting job, he was looking at her with such admiration. “I’m simply privileged to be working with Miss Trent on her latest venture.”
“And that would be?” Matt said.
“A video.”
“By Kill Me Quick!” Jennifer supplied.
“Kill Me Quick?” Matt said, his tone derisive.
“Matt! Where have you been?” Serena demanded, her tone wonderfully teasing and reproachful. “They came out like gangbusters and the experts predict that everything they do will go platinum.”
“So you’re teaching our Miss Trent to dance?” Matt said, staring at O’Casey.
br /> O’Casey gave her another look that was startling in the extreme, his eyes as warm as indigo. She realized that she was still locked to his arm. “Teaching Kelly?” he repeated softly. His voice was great—rich, deep, husky. “Yes. And I have the pleasure of dancing with Miss Trent.” He focused on Matt Avery. “The tango,” he said. He made the single word sound as sensual as silk.
“Well, wonderful. Just wonderful,” Matt said.
Joe Penny came out of the restaurant at last, looking as if he wanted to slink right by the table rather than face Kelly. Except that he, too, saw O’Casey there. He walked toward them, frowning, the look on his face indicating that he should know O’Casey, yet he couldn’t quite place him.
“Joe Penny, a dear friend—and director for the show,” Kelly said to O’Casey. “Joe, Doug O’Casey.”
The how-do-you-dos went around again, but Joe didn’t get to ask any questions, because Matt was irritated and ready to drag Joe away. To his credit, Joe held his ground solidly, long enough to get in a few words to Kelly. “Kelly…we are really going to miss you. You were the show. Are the show, beyond a doubt. This is really necessary, because if anything were to happen to you…”
He swallowed, his Adam’s apple wiggling. She knew he was sincerely bereft.
“Joe, honestly, it’s fine. I might not have been able to do this video—and I can’t tell you how excited I am about what I’m doing—if it weren’t for this vacation. Joe, don’t look so sad! Time goes by. I’ll be back at work before you know it. Until then, I’ll still be around, all right?”
She felt O’Casey watching her as she spoke and hoped she wasn’t turning a dozen shades of red as she lied through her teeth.
“Joe, we’ve got some work to discuss,” Matt said irritably. “Ladies, have a great day.” He physically grabbed Joe’s elbow.
“Nice to meet you,” O’Casey said pleasantly.
“Yeah, sure,” Avery muttered as the two left.
“Thanks,” Kelly murmured very softly.
“Think nothing of it,” he murmured back.