Beneath the Covers (Kimani Romance) (10 page)

F
rank stared at him. “Are you out of your mind? A castle?”

Peter nodded. He sat on Frank’s couch in his suite. “Yes, I want us to shoot our next location in a castle.”

“In France?” Frank repeated just to make sure.

“Yes.”

Frank rubbed his head. “Listen, I know your connections have allowed us to stay in these luxury places both in Hawaii and here, but a castle stay for our entire crew is going to really cost us—meaning you—a lot of money. Plus the food, travel expenses and getting permissions—”

“I don’t care
how
much it costs. Just make it happen.”

“But castles aren’t very interesting.”

Peter jumped to his feet and rubbed his hands together. “We’ll make it interesting.” He turned to Frank and held out his hands. “I want something big and impressive with lots of land.” He snapped his fingers. “Oh, and a top-notch chef. It will be okay if the chef wants his or her restaurant featured. And please make sure to also get a top pastry chef. I want pastries.”

“Pastries?”

“Yes, French pastries. Oh, and I also want flowers. In season, fresh.”

“What has gotten into you? These are the kind of crazy things a guy talks about when he’s getting ready to propose or something.”

Peter nodded. “That’s right.”

Frank’s mouth fell open. “You’re going to ask a woman to m-a-r-r-y you?”

“I’m thinking about it.”

“You want to get married?”

Peter sent a quick glance to the door. “Keep your voice down.”

Frank lowered his voice. “Who is it? That nurse or that teacher you broke up with a year ago? I liked her. Are you going to have her flown in for the day?”

“That won’t be necessary. She’ll already be there.”

“Really, she’s traveling in France?”

“No, she’ll be there with us.”

Frank looked puzzled, then dawning slowly fell over his face. “Claudia?”

Peter nodded.

He stared at Peter, stunned. “You’re going to ask Miss No-commitment-I’d-rather-be-shot-than-go-down-the-aisle to
marry
you? Do you need time away in an asylum?”

Peter sat back. “Relax. I’m just thinking about marriage.” He rubbed his chin and mumbled. “I won’t pop the question yet.”

“You’d lose everything. Your fans, your sales, the radio show,
this
show, your sponsors.”

“I know.”

“People will turn on you and feel betrayed. If just one person found out you were even thinking about tying the knot, your reputation might never recover.”

Peter hung his head, feeling the weight of the risk. “I know.” An awkward moment of silence settled between them.

Frank clasped his hands behind his head. “I say go for it.”

Peter looked at his friend, dumbfounded. “What?”

“Life’s about taking risks. For the past couple of years, you’ve been playing it safe. You’ve done what you need to do to keep up the image, which, my friend, we both know isn’t you.” He let his hands fall and leaned forward when Peter started to protest. “It’s true. You talk big, but that speech at my wedding was more than sentiment. You meant every word. I don’t care if your plan succeeds or fails. At least you will have tried. And a woman like Claudia is worth it. I like her. She’s good for you.”

“Even though she’s not my usual type?” Peter said with a grin.

“Exactly. A long time ago, you may not remember, you gave me a quote about love. Now I’m going to give you a quote about marriage from Ovid.
‘If you would marry suitably, marry your equal.’
”

Peter drummed his fingers on his lap. “She’s definitely that, but I’m not sure she’ll have me. At least not yet.”

“You know I’m a softie. I’ll find you a castle that will have Claudia in your arms in no time.” Frank grinned. “And don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.”

Claudia nearly tore the door off its hinges when someone knocked. It had been four hours since her talk with Peter, and she was anxious to see him again. Her hope shriveled when she saw Roy standing there.

“Oh, Roy.”

He shifted unsure. “Were you expecting someone else?”

“Sort of, but that’s okay. Did you need something?”

“Ashley, Lance and I are going to a local jazz club, and I wanted to know if you wanted to come along.”

“I’m real tired, but thanks.” She began to close the door, but he stopped her.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?”

Claudia hesitated. “Can it wait until tomorrow? I really just want to go to bed.”

“All right.”

“Enjoy the music. You’ll have to tell me about it tomorrow.”

“I will.”

Claudia smiled then closed the door.

The memory of her smile stayed with Roy as he made his way to the elevator. It was warm and genuine. She would have talked to him if she hadn’t been tired. He liked how her place smelled. Next time he had to find a way to talk himself in.

He nodded a greeting when he saw Peter walking in the opposite direction.

“Where are you off to?” Peter asked in passing.

“We’re all going to listen to some music.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“Want to come?” Roy asked, just to be polite.

“No. I have to talk to Claudia about something.”

“It’ll have to wait. I just came from her suite. She’s getting ready for bed.”

“She’ll talk to me.”

Roy gritted his teeth, annoyed by his arrogance. “I spoke to her and she’s really tired.”

“I won’t keep her up then. See you.”

Roy watched Peter knock on Claudia’s door. She opened it and he waited to see her turn Peter away, but instead she opened the door wider. Peter turned and waved goodbye to him then entered her suite. Roy clenched his fists. He wanted to sock Peter in the face. She probably let him in only because he mentioned the show and she wanted to impress a man like him. He had that kind of power. Men like him knew how to lie and cheat to get what they wanted. He’d warned her about him. It was time he told Claudia the truth.

When Peter entered they held each other for a long time.

“I was so worried,” Claudia said finally. She’d changed into jeans and a blouse in case she had to go looking for him.

“I didn’t mean to worry you.”

Claudia drew away and looked at him. “Who were you waving to?”

Peter blinked. He hadn’t expected that question. “Roy.”

Her eyes widened. “He saw you?”

“Yes.”

“He saw you come into my room?”

“Yes. Don’t worry, I was in Ashley’s room, too. He won’t think anything. Why are we talking about him anyway?”

“I just don’t want this to get out.”

“We can’t keep it a secret forever.”

“We don’t need forever, just a couple of months.”

“A couple of months?”

“Yes, until we finish taping the show.”

“Then it’s over?”

“Yes,” she said, annoyed that he was being obtuse. “Affairs always end. We couldn’t make it last longer than that. We live in different states and have different lives—”

“Let’s not talk about the future right now.”

“Or the past.”

“Yes, let’s just focus on what we have right now.” Peter lifted up the back of her hair.

Claudia pushed his hand away and hastily stepped back. “What are you doing?”

“I want to see the scar.”

“How do you…? Who told you about it?”

“Let me see it.”

“It’s the worse one. Why would you want to see it?”

“Because it’s part of you.”

“It’s ugly and disgusting. If you want to see scars, look at this one.” She rubbed the makeup off her inner arm then held it out. “See, it’s pretty faded now, but it’s there.”

“I need you to trust me.”

Claudia shook her head and swallowed hard. “We’ve been together all this time without you knowing about them.”

“Trust me, CC.”

The sound of her nickname on his lips shook her. She couldn’t remember when he’d given her that nickname or the reason why, but the rich timber of his voice chased away her anxiety.

Claudia turned around and lifted up her hair. “It’s awful, isn’t it?” she said when he didn’t say anything.

“I don’t see anything.”

She lifted her hair higher. “Now do you see it?”

“No, I don’t see anything ugly, disgusting or awful.” He tenderly traced the raised, discolored skin with his finger then pressed his lips against it. “I just see you, CC.”

Claudia let her hair fall back in place. “I’m not CC any more.”

“Yes, you are.” Peter wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered, “If I could go back in time. I would have stayed by your bedside and read every poem you ever wanted me to read, even if it had taken me months. I would have filled your room with flowers and life-size stuffed animals. And I would have had the chaplain marry us right there in the hospital. Whether you have bandages or scars, I only see you as beautiful.”

Claudia spun around and gripped the front of his shirt. “Don’t—”

He placed a finger over her lips. “Now it’s my turn.”

“Your turn to do what?”

“To kiss your scars away.” He pressed his lips against the curve of her neck. “You don’t need to tell me where they are.” He removed her blouse. “I’ll find them.”

She laughed. “I’ll point to the ones you miss.”

Peter swept Claudia into his arms and carried her to the couch. “You won’t have to.” He gently set her down. “I’ll be very thorough.” He unlatched her bra then covered her nipple with his mouth.

“That isn’t a scar.”

“Really?” he said with feigned surprised. “How about this one?” He covered her other nipple and toyed with it with his tongue.

“No. Do you want me to—”

“I told you I’ll find them myself.” He ran a delicious path down her stomach with his tongue then kissed her navel. “This has to be it.”

Claudia held his head. “Let’s forget about the scars.”

“No. I like to finish what I start.”

She reached for his trousers and pulled down the zipper. “We can finish this later.”

Peter took off her jeans then skimmed his hands up her thighs. “I plan to,” he said in a husky tone. He began to lower her panties then stopped. He raised his head and studied her face. “Do you really forgive me?”

Claudia wiggled out of her panties. “Let me convince you how much.”

His eyes darkened with emotion. “I’m serious, CC.”

“So am I.” She cupped his face in her hands. “I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else in the world but you.” She kissed him, a little afraid that he wouldn’t believe her, but he did. His tantalizing mouth left no doubt of his feelings for her.

She slid her arms around him, reveling in the feel of his hard nipples against her breasts. She wanted to melt into him, to feel him inside her once more. She wanted him close, knowing that he’d never be close enough. She fought back tears. “I wish we didn’t have a week before we went to Europe.”

Peter’s hot gaze followed the path of his hand as he made his way between her thighs. “Me too, but I have a lot of work to do.”

“Doing what?” She no longer cared but asked anyway. Her voice was barely a whisper as he stoked the liquid heat within her, his expert fingers making her think of nothing but him.

He slid inside her and a slow smile spread on his face. “Making some of your dreams come true.”

North Carolina

C
laudia was floating on cloud nine when she left Bermuda. She hit earth the moment she stepped into her apartment. She had to fire Tess. She set her suitcases down. Madame Curie glared up at her and meowed in disgust.

“Okay, you’re right this time.”

“You’re home early!” Tess said, coming around the corner dressed in one of Claudia’s satin robes. She cast a nervous glance behind her. “I didn’t expect you so soon!”

“You don’t need to shout, and I’m not that early.” Claudia took a step forward. “Uh…Tess? I—”

Tess slid into her path, blocking her. “Did the secret admirer meet you in Bermuda?”

“Tess—”

“Because I kept imagining that he did and that you snuck off on a secret rendezvous and had hot sex—”

“Tess!”

“What?”

“What’s going on?”

She gripped the front of her robe, and Claudia noticed some scratches on her arm. “Nothing.”

Claudia looked around her apartment at the empty pizza boxes and ring stains on her coffee table. Then her eyes fell on what she was looking for—a pair of male shoes.

“Aunt Claudia, wait!” Tess said when Claudia pushed past her and headed for her bedroom. She opened the door and saw a young man dart into the closet.

“Get out of there,” she said.

The young man stretched his arm out and pointed to something on the floor. “I will if you’d hand me my pants.”

“I’m not shy. You can get them yourself.”

When he didn’t move, Claudia turned away. “Okay, I’m not looking.” She heard the closet door open, and she stood silent while the man quickly put on his underpants, jeans and a stained T-shirt.

“I’m finished.”

Claudia turned to him and said, “And your name would be?”

“Josh.”

Claudia looked at her niece, who hovered in the doorway. “An explanation would be nice.”

“I didn’t expect—”

“Me to come home early,” Claudia finished wearily. “We’ve gone over this, Tess.” She folded her arms. “What did I tell you about having strange people in my place?”

“Josh isn’t strange. We’ve been seeing each other for a long time, and you can trust him.”

Claudia walked past her. “That’s it, Tess. You’re fired.”

“What?”

“You heard me. I can’t use you anymore. Especially for an entire month.”

“What? Why?” Tess held up her hands in surrender. “Okay, I’m sorry I used your clothes and let Josh come over.”

“It’s not that.” Claudia motioned to her living room. “Look at my apartment.”

“I watered the plants this time.”

“But you left ring stains all over my coffee and side tables, and there are crumbs all over the floor.” She looked into her bathroom. “And why are Madame Curie’s things in here?”

“I had to lock her in there because she tried to attack Josh. She was fine,” Tess said without concern.

Claudia sighed. “I’m sorry, Tess.”

“I’ll clean up the crumbs.”

“No.”

“You can’t do this to me. I love your place. It’s so cool being here. Please give me another chance.” She lowered her voice. “Please don’t fire me in front of Josh. He thinks it’s so cool that I do this for you.”

Claudia shook her head. “I’m sorry, but I’m sure you can find something else that he’ll think is cool.”

“You can’t just fire me. We’re family.”

“Which makes doing this harder.”

“Dad’s going to be angry.”

“I can handle your father.”

“My dad was right,” Tess spat out. “You think you’re better than all of us. You think because you have money and men, you can treat people any way you like.”

“If you’ve finished throwing a tantrum, I’d like to have my keys back.” Claudia held out her hand. She’d given her niece the keys to her apartment and her silver BMW sports car.

“I don’t know where they are right now. I’ll get them later.” She stormed into the bedroom and closed the door. Claudia waited with Josh in the foyer for Tess to reemerge which she did five minutes later.

“I really liked you, Aunt Claudia. Just you wait. You’re going to miss me and you’re going to regret this.”

When Tess and Josh had left, Claudia shut the door and sagged against it. “I already do.”

“You look terrible,” Noreen said.

Claudia took a sip of the cocktail she held. They were at Suzanne’s spring party, which was always a grand event. Her entire back garden was dressed up for the occasion, with manicured trees sporting an assortment of colorful flowers, waiters in tuxedos, a live band and a wide assortment of dishes. There was trout baked in wine, oven-roasted potatoes with rosemary and garlic, grilled veal chops with salad and swordfish rolls stuffed with shrimp. And for dessert, guests were treated to tiramisu and warm chocolate tortes with raspberry sauce.

Suzanne looked the perfect hostess as she mingled with her guests, dressed in a soft green sheath dress with gold piping and a hand-embroidered necklace. Noreen looked like the ideal guest in a sleeveless rayon top and suede skirt, a pair of silver earrings and silver suede boots. Claudia looked her boldest yet, wearing dark lace stockings against a white pencil skirt, knotted navy blue sweater and a pair of jeweled leather heels.

“I just had a shouting match with my brother. And now I have to find a new house/cat sitter for the next month while we’re filming in Europe. Who do you use when you travel?”

Noreen shrugged. “I’ll do it.”

“But it’ll be for an entire month.”

“I know. Michael’s going on a special assignment, and I like to keep myself busy so I won’t worry.”

Claudia looked over at Noreen’s husband, who was saying something to Rick. He didn’t have Rick’s dark looks, but he was as attractive, in a charming, easygoing way. “He writes travel articles,” Claudia replied, startled by her friend’s concern. “What could you worry about?”

“It’s a job I didn’t want him to take. Besides, traveling can be dangerous, and Michael’s a magnet for trouble.”

“You worry too much.”

“Probably. Is that a yes or a no?”

“Yes or no what?” Suzanne asked, joining them.

“I’m hoping to be Claudia’s new house/cat sitter.” Noreen shook her head when Suzanne opened her mouth. “It’s a long story.”

“The job is yours if you’re sure,” Claudia said.

Noreen looked over at her husband. “I’m sure. Oh, no…why did you have to invite her?”

Claudia turned and saw Tamara looking glamorous in a sleek silk dress. She’d done well and had married a wealthy businessman who adored her.

“I know she’s an ambitious social climber,” Suzanne said, offering Tamara a polite smile. “But she’s on the board of directors at the university and her husband is friends with Rick.”

“You two don’t know her like I do,” Claudia said. “She really has a big heart.”

Tamara saw Claudia and waved. Claudia walked over to her and they hugged. Tamara looked her over. “We haven’t had a chance to talk since you started taping your show. How are you holding up?” She dropped her voice in concern. “Has he bothered you?”

“No.”

“Really?” Tamara asked, intrigued. “Of course. I shouldn’t be surprised. Once he’s finished with a woman he never returns. And we both know how he is with the ladies. You’re better off without him. He was never the man for you.”

“I’m over him. We’re just two professionals working together. You don’t have to worry about me.”

Tamara flashed a bright smile. “Good. Well, I’d better go mingle, and I don’t want to keep you from your friends.”

“You’re free to join us.”

Tamara glanced at Noreen and Suzanne. “Thank you, but no.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “You know I feel more comfortable around men.”

Claudia laughed then watched Tamara saunter over to her husband, who was having what looked like an intense discussion with Rick and Michael.

Noreen shook her head when Claudia returned. “Okay, I know she throws a lot of money around and has ‘key contacts,’ as Suzanne says, but I still don’t know how she can be one of your oldest friends. You’re so different.”

Claudia looked at Noreen’s outfit then her own.

“You and I are not exactly twins.”

“It’s not what’s on the outside that counts.”

Claudia shrugged. “Okay, so she’s a little shallow. But in spite of that, she has a good heart. We’ve had our fights, but she was there for me when I needed her most.” Claudia remembered Tamara being by her side throughout her stay at the hospital, cheering her on through recovery and helping her deal with her shattered heart. “I don’t know why you don’t like her.”

“Aside from the fact that she’s flirting with my husband?”

“Every woman is,” Claudia said, noticing the other women gathering around him. She suddenly thought about Noreen’s fears about Michael’s travels. “Are you worried that he might stray?”

Noreen looked at her, surprised. “No, never.”

“Sorry, I just thought that might be why you’re worried.”

“It’s not that. I trust him.”

Claudia looked at the men pensively then said, “How did you two know Rick and Michael were worth the risk of loving again?”

Suzanne looked at Noreen then shrugged. “I know that people analyze love, affection, loyalty and marriage, but it’s not something you can dissect. You just know.”

Claudia opened her mouth to ask her what she meant by that. Her scientific mind didn’t like such a vague response, but then she felt something tugging at her skirt and looked down to see Suzanne’s son, Luke. He looked up at her with wide brown eyes and a serious expression. Although only seven, he was already a miniature version of his father. She was surprised to see him, because he was dreadfully shy and didn’t like crowds.

“Hi, Luke.”

“Thank you for my gift, Miss Claudia.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Where’s your grandmother?” Suzanne asked.

Noreen motioned to an older woman by the side of the house. “Taking a cigarette break.”

“She said I could come down,” Luke said.

“Probably because she knows she can’t smoke in the house.”

“I wanted to give something to Miss Claudia,” Luke said, reaching into his trouser pocket.

Suzanne held out her hand. “Wait. You make me nervous when you say things like that. Is your gift wet, slimy, sticky or breathing?”

He solemnly shook his head.

Suzanne sighed. “Okay. Go ahead.”

Luke took out ten large green cotton balls glued together and sprinkled with glitter and dots. The three women stared at the object, none wanting to guess what it was.

“It’s beautiful,” Claudia said, taking the creation from him. “The best I’ve ever seen.”

Luke beamed.

Claudia bent down and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you, sweetie.”

He giggled then ran away.

The three women were silent, then Noreen said, “What is it?”

“It’s a caterpillar,” Rick said, joining them. “He made six, but I convinced him to only give you one. He hasn’t stopped playing with the bamboo train you got him. Thank you.”

“He’s worth it.”

Rick turned to his wife. “Could I talk to you for a minute?”

Suzanne excused herself then followed him. Claudia watched Rick affectionately rest his arm around her shoulders and Suzanne lean into him as they walked away.

Noreen cleared her throat; Claudia looked at her. “Yes?”

“I saw that.”

“What?”

“That
look.
”

“What look?” When Noreen raised her brows in a you-know-what-I-mean look, Claudia added, “I’m just glad Suzanne’s happy with Rick and you’re happy with Michael and I’m happy with my work. We’re all happy.”

“Uh-huh.” Noreen rested her hands on her hips. “So are you ready to tell me what Peter Warren is really like?”

Claudia thought of Peter kissing her scars; their night together in Hawaii when he told her about his brother; his fantasy of how he would have married her in the hospital if he had known. She wanted to tell her friends how wonderful he was, and that he would make a great husband. She stopped, startled by the thought.

Husband?
It wasn’t like her to even consider marriage. She had no illusion about it; she’d studied its history and propaganda and was too smart to enter into such an institution.

On her own she’d achieved every goal and ambition she’d had, and she didn’t want that to change. Her entire career was based on her single status, and she couldn’t risk it because of the sentimental feelings of a woman she no longer was. Besides, she doubted he would ask her. He had just as much to risk as she. She would tell her friends about her brief affair once it was over. She hadn’t even told Tamara how things had changed. For now, the secret kept their tenuous relationship safe and special. “I’ll send you a postcard.”