“Not so.”
“She seems to think it is.”
Nikki sighed. “So what is it?”
He pressed his fingers together, staring directly at her. “She wants to come and live with us.”
“Excuse me?” Nikki said, not sure she’d heard correctly.
“She doesn’t want to go back to Chicago. She’d sooner go to school here.” There was a long silence. “You should be thrilled,” he added. “She is your daughter.”
“Yes, my daughter, whom I’ve had hardly anything to do with since she was eight. Quite frankly, I’m not sure if I can take on the responsibility now.”
“You’re not being very understanding,” he chided, annoying her even more.
“You know, Richard,” she said, beginning a slow burn. “I resent the fact that she asked you to speak to me.”
“I’m merely the messenger,” he said, sipping his coffee. “You should sit down with her.”
“I will—when I’ve got time. Right now I’m late for the office.” Grabbing her car keys from the table, she set off, seething. How dare Summer run to Richard and persuade him to plead her case.
For a moment she was tempted to go back to the house and roust her lazy daughter out of bed. According to the maid, Summer slept in every day until noon, then got up, met friends and wasn’t to be seen again until it was time to put on a different outfit. Then Nikki changed her mind, suddenly overcome with guilt—after all, as Richard had so succinctly pointed out, she was Summer’s mother. She decided the fair thing to do was discuss Summer’s wish to move to L.A. with Sheldon.
When she arrived at the office, Mick was in the middle of a big production meeting. He’d started without her, which pissed her off even more.
She sat down next to him. He threw her a vague wave. She’d known making movies was hard work, but being involved on the production side was completely time consuming; there were so many decisions to make. Each department had questions, and it was imperative that every detail be in place before the start of principal photography.
As soon as they took a break, she instructed her assistant to send Lara flowers with a note welcoming her back and inviting her to dinner the following night.
Mick grabbed her at lunchtime. “Aiden’s nutto about you,” he said, sucking on his lower lip. “You charmed the crap outta him.”
“How nice,” she replied, noncommittal.
“Yeah, he thinks you’re a real cool chick babe.”
“As long as he behaves himself I couldn’t care less what he thinks.”
“How many times I gotta tell you?” Mick said, beaming. “Aiden’s a pussy.”
“Don’t forget,” she reminded him. “Tomorrow night at my house. I know you and Lara will get along.”
He cackled. “Yeah, well, we gotta, haven’t we?”
“Try to remember, Mick, she’s a star, treat her with respect.”
“Enough already, I’m getting the message. I’ll even wear a tie—I got one, y’know.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Yeah, yeah. Kinda a respect move.”
She made it home before seven. Richard and Summer were sitting out on the deck playing a game of Scrabble. She felt like an intruder as she walked past them.
“Oh, hi, Mom,” Summer said sweetly. “Did you have a good day?”
How come when Richard was around Summer played the perfect daughter?
“I’m exhausted,” she said, flopping into a chair.
“Ha!” Richard said. “If you think you’re tired now, wait until you start shooting.”
Summer jumped up. She wore minuscule shorts and a cropped top. Too much flesh, Nikki thought. “Gotta get changed,” Summer announced. “I’m off to a party.”
“Another one?” Nikki said.
“S’okay, Mom—Richard said I should enjoy myself while I’m young.”
“Did he?” Nikki said, throwing him a look.
“I’m having such an amazing vacation,” Summer said enthusiastically, throwing her arms around Nikki’s neck. “Thanks, Mom.” Then she ran over and kissed Richard too, before vanishing into the house.
“Why do you always complain about her?” Richard asked, pushing the Scrabble board away. “She’s a lovely girl.”
“You only see the good side,” Nikki replied ominously.
An hour later they were settled in a small screening room, watching a rough cut of French Summer.
Nikki forgot about Revenge and concentrated on the exquisite images playing on the screen before her. The cinematographer was a master, the period clothes she’d designed were perfect and Richard was right—Lara’s performance was incandescent; plus Harry Solitaire and Pierre Perez both gave charming performances.
When the lights came up, Richard had a big smile on his face.
“You’ve excelled yourself!” she exclaimed. “I love everything!”
“Couldn’t have done it without Lara,” he said. “She was the perfect leading lady.”
Great, Nikki thought, what about me?
They stopped at Dan Tana’s on the way home, ordered steaks and salads and Nikki listened while Richard talked endlessly about his movie. He really was obsessed. She tried to bring up Revenge, but he wasn’t interested.
After dinner they drove to the beach.
“Let’s go straight to bed,” she suggested as soon as they entered the house.
“What’s your hurry?”
Maybe I’m feeling horny, she wanted to say, but she didn’t. Instead she followed Richard into the bedroom, locking the door behind them.
“Why are you doing that?” he asked, pulling off his sweater and dropping his pants.
“For privacy.”
“Summer’s out. And even if she was home, she wouldn’t come in here unannounced,” he said, clicking on the television.
“Who can tell with Summer?” she said, going into the bathroom, emerging a few minutes later clad in a sexy black nightgown.
Richard was now lying under the covers staring at the television, mesmerized.
“Why is it,” she said, climbing into bed beside him, “that I get the distinct feeling you’re more into Nightline than me?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he said, holding tightly onto the remote lest she try to grab it from him.
“We haven’t made love in weeks,” she pointed out.
“That’s because we’ve both been so busy,” he replied, seemingly unconcerned.
“When did that ever stop you?” she asked, reaching over and expertly stroking him until he became aroused.
After a few moments he moved on top of her, and without a word began pumping away until he was satisfied. Then he rolled off, closed his eyes and immediately fell into a deep sleep.
Nikki was outraged. Whatever happened to romance? Not to mention foreplay. One thing about Richard, he’d always been a considerate lover—now this. And the biggest insult of all was that he’d kept the television on.
She turned away from his snoring presence, burying her head in the pillow, hurt and angry.
When Revenge was completed, they were due to have a long talk, and not a moment too soon.
CHAPTER
32
“I COULDN’T GET IN LAST NIGHT,” Cassie said, tight-mouthed.
“Sorry,” Lara replied guiltily. “I must’ve locked the door out of . . . habit.”
“I had to break a window,” Cassie continued accusingly. “We’re responsible for a replacement. I’ve made a note of the damage.”
“Of course.”
“Everything okay?”
Lara smiled a beauteous smile. “Yes, Cassie, everything’s wonderful.”
Cassie handed her a folder. “I’ve put together an L.A. schedule for you,” she said. “It’s tight, but as long as you don’t come down with the flu or anything, you’ll manage.”
Lara glanced at the hourly schedule and groaned. “This is impossible,” she said. “It barely gives me time to breathe.”
“You wanted to make Revenge. Quinn warned you.”
Lara frowned as she studied the crammed schedule. “I’m sure we can cancel some of the things on here.”
“Not really,” Cassie said. “It’s all important. There’s publicity for your last two movies. Dubbing on French Summer. TV commitments. Your charity work. Doctor and dentist appointments. P.R. stills. Magazine covers—”
“Okay, okay, I’ll go over it on the plane.”
Cassie nodded and left the room. Lara glanced out the window. Her limo was parked outside, the luggage stacked beside it. Their driver was busy loading the trunk. Ten more minutes and they should be on their way.
She went back into the bedroom. Joey was in the bathroom, naked, staring at himself in the mirror.
She moved up beside him, dressed and ready for their flight. “We’ve got to go,” she said, thinking how much she liked his body. He was muscular without it being too much. His shoulders were broad, his stomach washboard flat, his legs long and athletic. On his chest was a smattering of black hair—exactly the right amount. He had the best butt in the world.
“I know,” he said, still studying his reflection.
She slapped him lightly on his ass. “You’d better stop admiring yourself and hurry up, Mr. Handsome.”
He turned around, leaning his bare butt against the sink.
She noticed he was hard, and automatically her legs began to weaken. How had they gotten this intimate so quickly? She couldn’t believe he was standing around naked in her bathroom as if they were an old married couple. She, who was usually so careful, had fallen into something like lightning. And she didn’t care. She was enjoying every irresponsible, exciting moment.
“Why don’t you get down on your knees?” he suggested matter-of-factly. “Why don’t you do it now?”
“Why don’t you get dressed,” she responded.
He smiled at her. “See something you like?”
She smiled back. “Yes, and I’m sure it’ll still be there when we get to L.A.”
He laughed. “Okay, okay—I’ll get dressed.”
“Five minutes. The plane will be waiting.”
“It’s a private plane, isn’t it?” he said, reaching for his underwear.
“That doesn’t make any difference. They have a flight schedule to keep to.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said mockingly, pulling on his shorts.
She ran into the kitchen, alive and glowing. Through the window she saw Cassie standing by the limo, chatting to their driver. She couldn’t wait to confide in Nikki, shout out the news that she was in love. Well maybe not love, but certainly in lust.
She’d never fallen into bed with anyone so quickly. Richard had waited months before she’d slept with him; and she’d kept Lee hanging for six weeks. Now Joey. And it was instant. And the sex had never been so exciting and passionate. Nikki would understand totally.
Remembering last night, she shivered with pleasure, hugging her secret to herself.
Joey emerged a few minutes later. He’d put on worn jeans and a faded denim work shirt; his dark hair was ruffled and untidy.
“I’m taking you shopping when we get to L.A.,” she announced. “You could use some Armani jackets and pants, socks and ties, and—”
“Wait a minute,” he interrupted, his expression hardening. “If I was into that kind of shit—which I’m not—I’d buy it for myself. I don’t need you to pay my bills.”
“I didn’t mean I was going to buy you clothes because you needed them,” she said, flustered. “I wanted to get you stuff simply because . . .” She trailed off. Why had she made such a stupid suggestion? She was acting as if he didn’t have any money. Of course he was insulted, any man would be.
He stared at her. She looked so radiant with her luminescent skin and sparkling green eyes—how could he possibly be mad at her? “C’mere,” he said, his tone softening. “Have I told you lately you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen?”
“And you’re the most beautiful man,” she replied, happy again.
They walked out to the limo hand in hand.
The chauffeur opened the door for them. They sat in the back. Cassie chose to sit up front with the driver. Throughout the ride to the airport they only had eyes for each other.
Nikki will not believe this, Lara thought. It’s all happened so fast I can hardly believe it myself
The Gulfstream jet was waiting at the airport. The pilot greeted Lara personally, honored to be flying her. An attentive steward escorted them aboard.
The plane was comfortably equipped with four armchairs placed around an oblong table, and there were several other luxurious seating areas. In the back of the plane there was a bedroom and a shower.
“Do we get to use the bedroom?” Joey whispered.
“I’m a star, I can do what I like,” Lara joked. “However,” she added, more seriously. “Here’s what I think we should do.”
“What?”
“Talk . . . take the time to get to know each other. I want to find out all about you . . . where you’re from . . . your family . . . what kind of cereal you like in the morning . . . everything . . .”
“How’s this for a fantasy?” he interrupted. “Our lives begin now; forget about the past.”
“I can go with that.”
“Then good—no talkin’. We’ll spend all our time in the bedroom.”
“Joey!” she chided, laughter in her eyes. “Are you a sex maniac?”
“C’mon,” he said persuasively. “You know you want to.”
Yes, she wanted to. But the truth was she should be studying her script, preparing for her first meeting with Mick Stefan. Principal photography on Revenge was due to start in less than two weeks, and there was much to do. She hadn’t been home for nearly four months, and the last thing she’d planned on was an involvement.
Joey took her hand, placing it casually atop his growing erection.
She quickly pulled it away, motioning toward Cassie, whose face was hidden behind a copy of USA Today.
“There’s enough for her, too,” he whispered.
“You’re incorrigible!” she said, laughing softly.
The flight attendant came by to take their drink orders. Joey requested a beer, and Lara went for a Seven-Up. “I need the sugar,” she said with a wry grin. “You’ve sapped all my energy.”
“Yeah?” he said, pleased. “An’ we haven’t even started yet.”
She smiled, thinking about the previous evening, once again shivering with pleasure.
“So,” Joey said. “When do I get to meet Mick Stefan?”
“I think the movie’s cast.”
“You’re the star,” he said casually. “Fire somebody.”
She laughed, sure he was joking. “I can’t fire anyone. I haven’t even met Mick.”
“Hey,” he said, turning on the little-boy charm. “Surely if you want your boyfriend to have a part . . .”
She tilted her head to one side, regarding him quizzically. “Is that what you are, Joey? My boyfriend?”
“How about lover? It sounds sexier.”
“Works for me,” she said, still smiling. “My . . . lover.” She paused for a moment. “Oh, God! Wait till the tabloids find out.”
He leaned over, placing his hands behind her neck and pulling her close. “Come here, you,” he said, and ran his tongue slowly over her lips. “I got an idea,” he said in a low voice. “Throw Cassie off the plane. Tell her to fly commercial . . .”
“I can’t do that.”
“Yes you can.”
“Joey . . . I can’t,” she repeated, thinking he couldn’t possibly be serious.
“Okay, just a suggestion,” he said lightly. “I always had an urge to run around naked on a plane. Can’t do it with her on board.”
“You’re crazy,” she said, smiling indulgently.
“Never said I wasn’t.”
“That’s true.”
“Let’s see now,” he said, squi
nting at her. “According to you I’m a sex maniac, crazy an’ incorrigible. Anythin’ else you wanna throw at me?”
“Not that I can think of.”
“Good.”
“Are you fond of dogs?” she asked curiously.
“Love ’em—from a distance. Why? You gonna set ’em on me?”
“I have three.”
“Big or small?”
“Mixed.”
“What else d’you have I should know about?”
“Horses. And a couple of cats.”
“You sure there’s room for me?”
“Uh . . .” She didn’t know what to say, they hadn’t discussed where he was going to stay. Now it was obvious he assumed he was staying with her.
He caught her confusion. “Don’t sweat it,” he said quickly. “I plan on checkin’ into a hotel for a coupla weeks. Then if I decide to settle in L.A., I’ll rent an apartment.”
“Joey,” she said impulsively, thinking, My God, it isn’t as if we’re strangers. “I’d like you to stay at my house for a few days until you find a place.”
“Naw,” he said, shaking his head. “Wouldn’t want to impose.”
“It’s not an imposition. You’ll be very comfortable,” she said, fastening her seat belt as the plane began taxiing down the runway.
“Hey,” he said, breaking out another grin. “As long as I’m with you, nothin’ matters.”
And that was the truth, because he’d finally found the woman he could be with forever.
Lara smiled. Yes, it was happening fast, but the good thing was that it all seemed so right. And best of all, it was great to be with someone who cared.
CHAPTER
33
NIKKI DECIDED TO COOK. IT wasn’t often she spent time in the kitchen, but because Lara had been away for so long, she suspected a home-cooked meal would be appreciated. She was fixing roast chicken, creamed potatoes, broccoli, peas and English bread sauce—all of Lara’s favorites.
Richard arrived home early for a change, and headed straight into the kitchen, where Nikki was busying herself slicing avocado for the salad. He kissed her on the back of her neck.
“Guess what?” she said brightly, knowing he’d be pissed, but after his performance the night before she couldn’t help needling him.