The Redhead Plays Her Hand (Redhead #3)(40)
Author: Alice Clayton

With a cheeky grin, he met my eyes once more. “Off the top of my head? No, no, I can’t. So you think he’s calling them, orchestrating all of this? For what purpose, Grace?”

“His career,” I answered quickly. “It makes sense. He was over; he was being cast in all kinds of crap, and then once he was cast in a film with you—the new heir apparent to his golden-boy status—now he’s getting exposure again, right? Maybe he’s ensuring that doesn’t go away. He’s making sure people are talking about him again.”

“Seems a stretch to me. He’s always complaining about the paparazzi. He can’t stand them when they’re around,” he said, but I could finally see the wheels beginning to turn just the tiniest bit.

I didn’t want to lose any ground, so as much as I wanted to smack him upside the naive, I kept quiet, let him think on it for another moment. He chewed on his lower lip, looking pensive, and I let the sheet drop on the right one. He looked back up at me in surprise.

“You’ve earned it.” I smiled.

“Are we done talking? Already?”

“I said what I needed to say. You listened. I appreciate that,” I answered softly as he reached out to cup an exposed breast. His fingers were tender as he stroked me, not sexual this time, but deeply sensual. Comforting. Warm. Coaxing me onto my back, he snuggled into me, head on my breast, fingers now pressing into each tiny dent between my ribs. We breathed together, watching as the sun crawled across the ceiling.

“When are you leaving to go back to the desert?” I asked the top of his head. I hated that he had to leave again, but they still had a few scenes left to shoot.

“Two days.”

“I’ll be glad when you’re done. It’ll be nice to have you at home for a while.” I kissed his forehead.

He was quiet for a minute, then started to get out of bed. He leaned back down over me and gave me a small smile. “Let’s get some breakfast, Crazy.”

Once I had him full of toast and marmalade, we relaxed over coffee, which is what we were doing when Holly called. Kissing me on the head, he took off for the shower before I could even answer, mouthing the words in the shower to me. I rolled my eyes as I answered the phone. I wasn’t sure what was going on there.

“Hey, dillweed.”

“Hey, asshead. What are your plans this afternoon?”

“Um, I didn’t really have any. Was going to go for a run maybe?”

“Nope, you’re shopping with me.”

“I am?”

“Yep, let’s meet at Monica’s at one. I need to get some new dresses—something beachy and cute.”

“Ah. You and Michael going somewhere fun?”

“Perhaps, can you go?”

“Sure, I’ll see you there.”

“By the way, do you still want us all to come over tomorrow night to watch?” she asked. We’d talked about getting together to watch the night the show premiered on TV.

“Yes, definitely. I need everyone here to make sure I don’t go looking for the bad reviews.”

“Can we bring anything?”

“Yes. Vodka. Lots. Not sure what you guys will all drink, but the vodka’s for me.” My heart stuttered a bit when I thought about the fact that my TV show would be debuting tomorrow night for all the world to see. Well, the American world. “Okay, see you in a bit,” I said, starting to hang up.

“Wait, wait, is Jack there with you?”

“He’s in the shower. Why?”

“But he’s been home with you all morning?”

“Yeah, why? What’s up?”

“I’m going to wring that limey’s neck! Never mind. Not your problem. Tell him to check his f**king messages, okay?”

“Okay,” I answered, not wanting to get involved.

“Okay, see you in a bit, fruitcake.” She hung up.

Thoughtful, I sat there for a bit, tossing my phone back and forth. I didn’t want to get involved, but I had to admit I was curious what was going on.

Not your problem. Don’t get involved.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I headed back toward the bathroom, smiling when I heard him humming in the shower. Opening the door, I reached out for him through the steam.

“Hey, get that sweet ass in here.” He grinned, shampoo suds turning his head into a cotton ball.

“Nope, no time. I’m meeting Holly for some retail therapy,” I answered, dodging his soapy hands. He responded by sticking his tongue out at me. “Speaking of Holly, she told me to tell you to check your messages?” I tried, raising my eyebrows but keeping my tone light. He nodded at me but submerged under the spray. “I’m also going to pick up some things while I’m out today for tomorrow night. I was thinking we’d just make little nibbly things and everyone can nosh while we watch. Sound good to you?”

“Wait, what? We’re having people over tomorrow night?” He emerged from under the spray.

“Yes, Jack, for the show, remember? It’s on TV?”

He stood there, blank-faced, as the shampoo washed down the drain.

“Right, sure, of course. Who’s coming?”

“Holly, Michael, Nick, Lane is going to try, and I think Rebecca too.”

He grimaced. I waited for him to say something, but he was quiet.

“So, nibbly things? Okay?” I prompted.

“Sure, sounds good, Grace.” He nodded again, then returned to the spray, ending the conversation.

“I’ll see you later this afternoon then?” I asked, backing out of the bathroom. He nodded once more, then turned toward the water.

“And then he just went right back under the spray! It’s like he totally forgot about everyone coming over tomorrow night!” I exclaimed into the mirror as I waited for Holly to come out in yet another dress. We’d been at the boutique for only fifteen minutes, but she’d already found several she just had to have.

“Are you sure you told him to call me?” she asked over the dressing room door.

“I did. I told him to check his messages, as directed.”

“Did he?” Her head popped up over the door.

“That I don’t know. I told you, I just deliver the messages. I’m not getting involved.” I sipped the champagne the boutique had so thoughtfully provided. “What’s going on anyway?”

“Thought you weren’t getting involved.” She chuckled, coming out in a strapless dress that was sex on legs.