Intimate (16 page)

Totally oblivious to her nudity, Kaz stood and walked to the bathroom. “I smell like chlorine. Need a shower. I'll be quick.”

Half asleep, she stepped into the bathroom and shoved the door part of the way closed.

*   *   *

She left him there, holding her wet bra and panties, his mind spinning with all that had happened today. After a minute, he slipped his own swimsuit off, carried the wet clothes into the bathroom, rinsed them quickly in the sink, and hung them on a towel rack.

He saw her clearly behind the glass shower door, standing beneath the spray, head tilted forward as it hit her from behind. The condoms were in the bedroom, but he was here, now. They didn't need to have sex, but he needed to touch her.

Maybe reinforce his … what? Claim?

Where the fuck did that come from? He didn't want any claim on Kaz.

He watched her a moment longer. Then he turned away and walked out of the bathroom, leaving Kaz to finish her shower alone.

*   *   *

Kaz got out of the shower and dried off. She could barely keep her eyes open, but she was almost sure Jake had been in the bathroom while she showered. Yeah, their wet clothes were hanging on the towel rack, so he'd been here.

But he hadn't joined her in the shower. She wasn't sure if she was relieved or hurt over that, which meant it was probably just as well he'd left her alone.

Wrapping a towel around herself, she brushed her teeth, and then turned out the light. Jake had left a small lamp burning at the far end of the room, but there was no sign of him.

The clock beside the bed said 9:17, but she didn't care how early it was. It was time to put an end to a very long, confusing yet exhilarating day. Crawling into bed, Kaz pulled the blankets up over her head and closed her eyes.

She awoke once during the night, aware of a heartbeat that wasn't hers. Her face was pressed against a man's warm chest, her legs tangled with a familiar, hair-roughened pair, and a heavy arm lay across her back.

She didn't open her eyes. Feeling safe and warm, she slept the rest of the night through.

*   *   *

Kaz didn't awaken until Jake waved a fresh cup of coffee under her nose. He was already up and dressed, and the only proof she had that he'd slept in her bed was the fact that the other one was still covered with his camera gear and their overnight bags.

“Thanks.” She took the cup he offered and glanced at the clock. “Good lord! I slept almost twelve hours.”

“I figured you needed it, and it's really foggy out, so an early start wouldn't have mattered. Light's not an issue because there isn't any.” He gave her a lopsided smile. “Yesterday was…” He glanced away. “I owe you an apology, Kaz, and I'm sorry I was such an ass.”

She waved a hand to stop him. “It's over. I'm okay with whatever happens as long as you are.”

He laughed. “Are you always the grown-up in the room?”

This time it was Kaz's turn to laugh. “Only when forced.”

“Sorry about that.” He checked his watch. “How long before you can be ready?”

She shrugged. “Fifteen minutes?”

“Amazing. Meet me in the plaza. It's kind of cool and breezy out, so dress warmer than you did yesterday. We'll get some breakfast and figure out where we're going to get our shots.”

*   *   *

It was closer to twenty, but she found him by a pond in the center of the plaza. The wind was blowing, and big clouds scudded across the sky. The morning was brisk but not uncomfortable, and she couldn't believe how hungry she was, after all the food the night before.

Jake turned as she drew closer, and he absolutely took her breath. So tall and lean, dressed in a worn pair of Levi's that hugged his butt and sat low on his hips, he'd traded the black T-shirt for a dark maroon button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled back at his wrists. When he spotted her, his face lit up with a wide smile, and he walked toward her as if she was the only woman around.

She heard a long, low wolf whistle and glanced toward the street. A couple of young guys standing near a flashy car grinned at her. One waved. Rolling her eyes, she turned toward Jake just as he reached for her, wrapped his arm around her waist, and lifted her to his mouth for a long, very satisfying kiss.

Then he buried his face in her hair and whispered, “That was terribly caveman of me, but those two really pissed me off.”

She leaned back within his embrace. “Friends, remember?”

He sighed. “I know, but don't hesitate to remind me. Let's get something to eat.”

He led her across the street to a small restaurant tucked in among a row of boutiques. Stepping inside had her mouth watering.

They were just finishing breakfast when Marty, Tim, and Steve walked in with a fourth man.

“Good morning, Kaz. Jake.” Marty headed their way. “I'm glad we found you. Jake, I think you know Fletch, the dude we're working for.”

“If you can call it work.” Laughing, the man stepped forward and held out his hand. “Haven't seen you in ages, Jake. Glad you called last night. How've you been?”

Jake stood and shook hands with Fletch, and then introduced him to Kaz. By the time introductions were made, Kaz realized that Jake and Fletcher Arnold weren't that far apart in age, but the other man's solid build and snow-white hair made him look years older.

“It's the work,” he said, obviously aware of the impression he made. “I direct film commercials, and when you have to work with dunderheads like these three…” He laughed when Tim threw a napkin at him. “How long is this gig going to run, Jake?”

“Two more days of shots, and then I have to get them to Marc's art department. But Kaz is a pro. We got some great stuff yesterday.”

Fletcher studied Kaz, long enough to make her uncomfortable. “You ever do any voice work, Kaz?”

She shook her head. “I've had some training, but no actual work in front of a camera.”

“I've got a project next week, should be, oh, six to ten days, if you're free. You're the look we've been talking about—young, beautiful, sort of edgy. I had one woman interested, but then a chance to shoot a commercial in Maui came up before she'd signed a contract.” He shrugged. “Hell, I'd have taken it, too. We'll be filming in San Francisco.” He named a restaurant, one that was way out of her price range, and added, “It's for a winery in the South Bay that's making a push to go national, so you'll need to do an audition Monday morning. There are a few lines, not a lot, but the final choice of model-slash-actress is up to me. You've got the look I want, your voice is great, and you come highly recommended by your camera-toting boyfriend. Are you interested?”

She glanced at Jake and raised an eyebrow. Boyfriend? Recommended?

He shrugged. “I've known Fletch for years, and when the guys mentioned him last night, I thought I'd let him know about you. This job's going to be ending this weekend, and…”

“Thank you, Jake, and yes, Mr. Arnold. I'm interested.” Was she ever! She'd heard of Fletcher Arnold. His commercials got national distribution—some of his models had gone on to huge careers. “As long as Jake's gotten everything he needs for his project.”

Jake nodded. “We've got all day today and tomorrow and should be heading back to the city by Saturday afternoon.”

“Perfect. Thanks, Jake.” He winked.

She swung around to face Arnold. “Just tell me when and where, Mr. Arnold, and I'll be there.”

“Fletcher, please.” He handed one of his cards to her. “Take this. I wrote the address where we're doing the first few days work on the back.”

She liked him. He was relaxed and yet very organized. They worked out the details. Jake didn't say anything while she and Fletcher talked—she couldn't sense his feelings on what she was doing, but this was a bigger break than she ever could have gotten while still working for Top End.

A break, it appeared, that Jake had made possible for her.

“You got everything you need?”

Kaz nodded. “I think so. Fletcher?”

“We're good. I'll call you Sunday afternoon. We can set up a time for a quick audition on Monday and the costume gal can get your measurements then, but wear something high-end and sexy looking, just in case. We're supposed to showcase some designer's fashions along with the wine. I think she's the winery owner's girlfriend, but you didn't hear that from me.” He laughed. “Wear something for a night on the town in San Francisco. That's the look we're going for.”

Jake stood and pulled Kaz's chair back for her. She and Fletch shook hands, but she got kisses from Marty and Tim, and even Steve, though he definitely blushed. Jake paid for breakfast, and they left the restaurant.

For whatever reason, he didn't say a word.

 

CHAPTER 10

Jake paused at the edge of the plaza and glanced around. He'd quickly gotten in the habit of scanning his surroundings, looking for anyone who appeared to be watching them. Everything looked quiet, but he was keyed up. He took Kaz's hand. “Let's go back to the room so I can grab some of my gear, and then we can check out a few of the local tasting rooms.” When Kaz raised an eyebrow, he laughed.

“Not to taste. It's a little early for that.”

“Good. I agree.”

“What?” Still holding on to her hand, he turned her to face him. “Wine on top of a spinach omelet doesn't appeal?”

“Yuck.” She stared at him, smiling, and then she pressed her palm to his chest. “Jake? Thank you for calling Fletcher. I had no idea…”

“I'm glad it paid off. When the guys said they were here working with Fletch, it seemed like a good idea. He and I go back a while. He's a good man, has an excellent reputation. Between Marcus Reed's ad campaign and the media blitz Fletch is working on, your career could get a real boost.”

“Thank you.” She kissed him. “You went above and beyond.”

“You're welcome.” Then he winked. “You might consider wearing some of Marc's jewelry for the shots.”

“Ah. I should have seen your angle. But thank you, and yes, I will.”

Her eyes sparkled. She was so beautiful, it was hard to watch her, to realize their time together was passing so quickly. As they crossed the plaza, he forced himself to look away from Kaz, from her laughter and her sparkling eyes, from that beautiful, tall, athletic body. It was the only way to keep from holding on to her.

He glanced at the people around them, at young mothers with babies in strollers, an older couple walking a very old dog, two young men sitting close together on one of the benches, heads bent low over their mobile phones. Other couples strolled hand in hand, a couple of city workers did something near the pond in the middle of it all, laughing and teasing while they worked.

There was a brisk breeze, but the sun was shining, and Jake couldn't help but be aware of all the life around him. Life the way it should be. It was beautiful, in fact it was perfect, except it forced him to see what he didn't have.

What, most likely, he would never have. The lifelong connection of the older couple, of the mothers and babies. Of friends working together, sitting together in the sun.

Would he ever be able to accept that it wasn't possible for him to expect his own slice of normal? RJ would haunt him for the rest of his life, and he'd damned well better get used to it. He glanced down at their hands, at the way Kaz wrapped her long fingers around his, and it was like a punch to the gut. So close, and yet totally out of reach.

They stopped at the crosswalk to wait for the light. Kaz stood close beside him. Close enough for Jake to feel the heat from her body, to pick up the light scent of whatever shampoo she'd used—probably the same stuff he had, the one provided by the hotel. Why did it smell so much better on Kaz?

He held tightly to her hand when the light changed, and they started across the street. Held on while glancing in all directions. That speeding car, the text messages, all horribly personal. Either the bastard had seen the car that almost hit them, or he'd been driving it. Jake would bet he was the driver, but why?

He'd gotten a good look at the man right after he spun out in the middle of the road. He'd looked familiar. Had he been the guy Kaz saw in the coffee shop? He hadn't paid close enough attention to be sure, but if it was, that meant the bastard was following him.

“What do you want me to wear?”

It took a minute for him to change gears. He glanced at Kaz, trying to wrap his mind around her wardrobe while obsessing over the incident Tuesday night, the message he'd gotten shortly afterward.

RJ, buddy … you need to be more careful crossing the street.

“Sorry. Mind was a million miles away. I'm trying to remember what you've got that would showcase the ruby set, the one that goes from ear to nostril with the three chains. That's more apropos for daytime wear than the diamonds or tanzanite.”

She smiled at him. Eyes, face, lips. Little crinkles at the corner of her eyes—the whole package in that smile. “I like that set. How about that dark brown, almost black silk top with the wide neckline? I brought it because it's almost exactly the color of my hair, and I'm vain.” She laughed. “Actually, I think it must look good because it's one thing I wear that always gets lots of compliments, but that could be because it fits snug.” She rolled her eyes at that. “Are you doing whole body or upper only?”

“I'm thinking of posing you at one of the tasting room counters, elbows on the counter, glass of wine in your hand. Face to the camera. I want to find a wine that matches the color of the stones. The shirt sounds perfect. Understated. Are any of your lipsticks that dark red, like the rubies in the set?”

They paused at the hotel entrance.

“I think so. We should be able to make a good match. If not, I can blend colors.”