Thrill! (31 page)

"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. PR stills. Magazine covers'

"OK, OK, I'll go over it on the plane."

Cassie nodded and left the room. Lara glanced out of the window. Her limo was outside the house, the luggage stacked

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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, and 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 matterof-factly.

"Why don't you do it wow?"

"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 LA."

He laughed.

"OK, OK-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,'1 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 lust.

She'd never fallen into bed with anyone so quickly. Richard

215 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 LA,"

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, honoured to be flying her. An attentive steward escorted them aboard.

The plane was comfortably equipped with four armchairs placed around an oblong table, and 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.

216

Tm 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 steward came by to take their drink orders. Joey requested a beer, and Lara went for a 7-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 . . ."

217 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, running 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.

"OK, 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, squinting 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 obyious 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 LA, I'll rent an apartment."

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"Joey,"

she said impulsively - thinking, My God, it isn't as if we're strangers - Td 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 seatbelt 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 for ever.

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.

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0^^^Jfl NIKKI DECIDED to cook; it wasn't often she ^^j^P^PL^ spent time in the kitchen, but because Lara had been away for so long, she suspected a homecooked meal would be appreciated. She was fixing roast chicken, creamed potatoes, broccoli, peas and English bread sauce - all of Lara's favourites.

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.

"What?"

he said, picking up a slice of avocado.

"Lara's bringing someone."

His eyebrows shot up.

"She is?"

"Yeah - remember I told you about that guy she was kind of interested in, the actor I met, Joey Lorenzo? Well, apparently she's more than interested."

"How do you know?"

"I haven't had a chance to talk to her, but Cassie called to say she wants to bring him tonight. Naturally I said it was OK."

"Didn't you mention to me that he was engaged?"

"Looks like he's disengaged now."

"I don't get it,"

Richard said, sourly.

"Why would she hook up with some unknown actor?"

"Why not? Who else does she meet?"

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"And she's bringing him here tonight?"

He shook his head.

"Who'd believe this:

"Believe it, honey. Your ex is venturing out on her own again."

Richard opened the fridge and took out a bottle of white wine. Til talk to her,"

he said.

Nikki snorted derisively.

"And tell her what) That she can't get laid without your permission?"

He threw her a steely glare and marched out of the kitchen carrying the wine just as Summer entered, wide-eyed and smiling.

"Mom!"

she exclaimed, deliciously pretty in a pale pink sundress.

"Something smells way good!"

"Thanks,"

Nikki said, wondering what Summer wanted. A car? The house? Richard?

You're not being very nice, she thought. Lighten up and try getting through to her.

"Nikki!"

Richard yelled from the other room.

"Pick up the phone - it's Mick."

Oh, God! Don't tell me he's cancelling, she thought, grabbing the phone.

"I got a big one to ask,"

Mick mumbled.

"A bigeroonie."

"Go ahead."

"It's real important to me."

"What is it?"

she asked impatiently.

"Aiden's goin"

through a bad time. He's livin"

in a rented dump

- got no friends."

"Are you asking if you can bring him?"

she said with an exasperated sigh, knowing she'd regret it.