Read the first two chapters of LOVED before release day!
Chapter One
September 2011
Wednesday
“Here are the
proofs, I already met with the owners, and I’m off duty until Friday after
noon. Bye!”
Celeste darted
around to block her from the doorway. “Whoa,
whoa! What happened with Mr. Rich and Handsome?” They weren’t using Jacob’s name in public.
“Um, we had dinner
last night and we’re spending time together until he leaves Friday morning.”
She grinned. “Should I break out the champagne?”
“We’re only
dating. Don’t make a big deal.”
“Okay, okay… I’ll
see you in a few days.”
“Thank you! I
gotta go. I’m supposed to call him.”
Celeste shooed her
out. “Get out of here, then. And I want
details this weekend.”
Beth hurried out
of the building, placing her ear-piece in her ear and dialing his number.
“Ringing me before
noon. I’m impressed,” Jacob said.
She rolled her
eyes, which he couldn’t see. “I told you
it wouldn't take long. Where do you want to meet?”
“Depends. How
public do you want to be today?”
Crap, I forgot all about the paparazzi. “Not very. Um... I'll give you directions to
a place outside L.A. ”
They’d have to be sneaky
to avoid the press.
He arrived in
casual clothes and a baseball cap. She
asked for a quiet table in the back after accepting his short kiss hello, and
told him about the building she'd seen that day. Over lunch, they got into a discussion about
artistic values in architecture. He
surprised her with how much scenery he took in around him.
“Well, I'm glad
you weren't just tuning me out when you stared out the window,” she teased.
He shrugged. “I like looking at interesting stuff. Have
they ever sent you overseas?”
She shook her
head. “Strictly US locations. Farthest
I've been from home was Hawaii ,
though I only got to stay overnight.”
They strolled a
beach after lunch, carrying their shoes to feel the cool sand on their
feet. A day off could be any day of the
week for them and this beach was mostly deserted, so they savored the peace and
quiet of anonymity.
He glanced down at
her feet as they walked. “You know, I
don't think I've seen your legs in years,” indicating her calf-length skirt.
“Not much to see,”
she said. “They're skinny like the rest
of me.”
“I prefer to think
of you as statuesque. Does your leg bother you at all?”
“Not anymore.
Physical therapy was a bitch and I was glad for the prescription pain pills.
Don't ever have your muscles cut through to expose your bone. They don't like
it.”
He grinned. “I'll remember that. What happened to the
driver that hit you?”
“Whole lotta
trouble, since he willfully ran through the red light. Plus, the insurance
company sued him to get their money back. He wasn't covered, big surprise. I
was lucky...the only reminder left from the collision is the scar on my leg
from surgery.”
He winced
sympathetically. “How bad is it?”
“Not presentable. Could
be worse. I have this gel to rub on it.”
She watched the waves wash back and forth over the sand. “But no miniskirts for a while. Why so
curious?”
“Lots of reasons.
I want you to be alright and we haven't had the chance to talk about it.” He stopped walking and faced her. “I drove off my best friend. Something needed
to change, right? As for the rest, I'm in love with you and that doesn't switch
off. You were a bitch sometimes, but you were mine. I missed you too damn much
to let you go.”
“Gee, thanks.” She started walking again.
“You know what I
mean.”
“Do I? We were
having a nice conversation and then you insult me.”
“Why are you here,
Beth?”
“What?” She blinked, unsettled.
“I know why I'm
with you, but why are you here? Lonely? Horny? Tell me.” His eyes bored into her to find the truth.
“I-I...it's...we
just got together last night. Why are you pushing me?”
“Maybe I want to
know if I can trust you, hm?”
“Jacob... I'd
never intentionally hurt you. I wasn't thinking about hurting you when I left.” She sighed, casting her eyes downward as she
dragged her toe in the sand. “I was
protecting myself.”
He stepped forward
and cupped her cheeks in his hands. “From
what?”
“When my mother
died, a part of me shut down. It wasn't even conscious, I just...chose very
safely. I buried myself in school, didn't date, then buried myself in my job. I
didn't talk to my dad, danced around topics with my brother... I...hardened.
And when you asked me to work for you, it was perfect. I didn't have to look at
my life if I was running yours. I was never that open about my feelings, but I
haven't let anyone in, in years, until recently.” She smiled a little. “Celeste kinda pushed her way in against my
will. Well, you met her. She's very...dynamic.”
“Hmm. Seemed like
good people, though.”
“She is.”
“And now? Do I get
a hint on what's going on up here?” he asked, tapping her temple with his
finger.
“I'm still trying
to figure it out, myself. See, this is why you're insane for picking me out of
all the women in the world that want you.”
“Sweetheart, I
already knew you were neurotic.” He
pulled her in close.
She buried her
face in his shirt. “Ha, ha,” was her
muffled reply. Being encircled in his
arms felt safe, the warmth of his chest in contrast to the chilly breeze
picking up off the ocean. She shivered.
“Cold?”
“A little.”
“Let's head back
to the cars, then. I'm getting hungry.”
“After that big
lunch! I swear you have a tapeworm.”
“Hey, it takes
fuel to maintain this physique. Can't help it if I need to eat six times a day.
But you're one to talk, missy. I seem to remember you devouring an entire pizza
all by your lonesome during the Super Bowl game.”
“I was bored!”
They went to a
movie, sharing a tub of popcorn, then picked up dinner so they could eat with
Dad at home.
Jacob hesitated on
the front walk.
“Come on, Dad's
already home.”
“He's not going to
be cleaning a gun in the den, or anything, is he?”
“Are you scared of
my father?” she asked, laughing.
He glared at her. “He's a big, intimidating, ex-military guy,
and you're his baby girl. I think I'm smart to be a little worried.”
Looping her arm
with his, she dragged him to the door. “Come
on, you big baby. You already scored points back at the hospital. The most he's
going to do is give you The Talk.”
“That's even
worse...” he muttered.
Dad came to the
door just as she opened it. “Thought I
heard you kids out there. Jake...nice to see you again.” He put his hand out.
Jacob shook it
firmly. “Nice to see you, too, sir.”
“I picked up
Chinese, Dad. I hope that's okay?” She
carried the bag into the kitchen.
“As long as you
remembered the Egg Foo Yung.”
“Of course. You've
ordered the same thing for twenty-five years, Daddy. Jacob, can you get the
plates, please? Second cabinet on the right.”
While her
boyfriend followed her instructions, she mouthed, “be nice” to her father.
He blinked
innocently. “So... Jake. How long are
you in town?”
“Until Friday,
sir. I have two concerts this weekend.”
He placed three plates on the table next to the containers she set out.
“Mm-hmm and how
many more of these concerts will take you out of town?”
“Dad...” she hissed.
“I'm merely taking
an interest in his vocation, Elizabeth .
I understand what it's like to travel all the time, away from the people you
care about.”
Jacob stood next
to her, unsure whether it was appropriate to take his seat, yet, or not. “Another five cities. The tour is almost
done,” he said. “Beth is welcome to come
to any concert she likes, of course.”
“You guys want
beers?” She hoped to break through the
staring contest.
“And where would
she be expected to stay?” Dad asked, ignoring her question.
“Wherever she is
most comfortable. With security, if necessary.”
Her father nodded,
considering. “You have a need for that
often? A lot of crazy people fixate on celebrities.”
“They do, though
I've been lucky so far. My fan mail is screened through my management, and
security is all over every venue we play. There hasn't been an incident on
either tour. Beth knows all the ins and outs, obviously, since she was a part
of it for three years.”
“Can we save the
interrogation for after we eat? The
food is starting to get cold,” she said, glaring at her father.
“As you wish, sweetheart.
Pass the chow mein?”
She breathed a
sigh of relief when Dad focused on the food, and sat down once she retrieved
beverages. Jacob ate quietly, his leg
bouncing under the table. She asked her
father how his day was, then talked about her client meeting. Anything to fill the time.
Dad excused
himself after dinner to deal with some paperwork.
Jacob finally
slumped in his seat. “God, I could use a
smoke,” he muttered, picking at the remains of his food.
“So, go have one
in the backyard.”
He shook his
head. “Can't. I quit a few months ago.”
“Seriously? Why?”
He gave her a look
that said the answer was obvious. “Something
about ‘how could anyone kiss an ashtray’?”
She had said
that. He did it for me? “Oh. Well,
it's better for your health and your voice. How did you quit?”
“Cold turkey,” he
said with a grimace. “The guys were
saying I didn't have the willpower to quit, so I didn't use the gum, or
patches, or anything. The first two weeks were hell. I wasn't exactly pleasant.”
“I can imagine.
I'm proud of you, though.” She kissed
him gently on the mouth. “Want some ice
cream before Dad comes out to grill you again?”
“Couldn't I escape
now while he's not looking? I don't even know how I did, he was so stoic.”
“He approves.
You'll get used to it. He has little tells if you watch him long enough.” She stood to put the plates in the sink. “There's Fudge Ripple in the freezer.”
“Chocolate for
what ails you?”
“Something like
that.”
Her father stayed
in his study longer than expected, so she sent Jacob home while he still had
the chance to escape.
Before she turned
in for the night, she stopped in for Dad's official opinion. “Well? Did my boyfriend pass his first test?”
she asked, arms crossed over her chest.
“I like him well
enough.”
“Good. He's a
little afraid of you, you know, so in the future, be nice.”
“As long as he's
nice to you.”
She eye-rolled. “G'night, Daddy.”
Chapter Two
Thursday
Jacob wanted her
to come over in the morning. Not knowing
what he had planned today, she was a bit ill-at-ease. He pulled her inside when she knocked on the
door.
“Hey, what about
breakfast?” she asked when he led her down the hall.
“I wanted to show
you the rest of the house when you don’t have an excuse to run away.”
“But I’m hungry!”
“Good, but you can
wait five minutes.” They entered his hub
of creativity. “I love this room for
that window. The garden is really the house's crowning glory. Sorry about the
white walls...all I've done is hung up stuff.”
“Well, I can see
where Maria's influence ends,” she teased, patting the desk littered with bits
of paper, notepads, and pens.
He shrugged. “Doesn’t matter what it looks like. I know
where everything is. Let me show you all the exciting empty rooms.” He took her hand again. They fit well, their hands, and laced
together like they remembered how it was done.
Every room was
placed like her dream showed them, but she let him play tour guide. The library looked so large and empty without
the bookshelves and comfy furniture.
Upstairs, she felt…odd…venturing down that last hallway. Allison’s room was as plain and empty as the
rest.
“The carpet is
very nice,” she finally said.
“They certainly
thought of everything. The master bath is quite gorgeous, in my opinion.”
“At the moment,
I’m more interested in breakfast.”
“Fair enough.
Let’s see what Maria made too much of today.”
After filling up
on waffles, fruit, and fresh cream, Jacob drew her out to the garden. A field of grass started at the house and
spread out several feet, with a black-bottom lap pool off to the side. Where the grass ended, an intricate design of
flowers, shrubs, and trees wove a maze to encompass the rest of the grounds.
“This way,” he
said, mischief in the twinkle of his eyes, leading her around twists and turns
until she felt sure she’d never find the house again. He finally stopped at the center, a cleared
circle containing a fountain and some antiqued benches. “It’s amazing how quiet it is,” he began in a
hushed voice. “You’d never guess you
were in Los Angeles .
Isn’t it pretty?”
A marble statue
stood at the fountain’s center holding a single rose. Her eyes were closed while she sniffed the
blossom. She wore a simple draped tunic,
her hair pulled over one shoulder.
“Very classic. I
don’t know how you found your way here through that maze. I doubt I could find
the house right now.”
“That’s the point,”
he said, pulling her onto his lap after he sat on a bench. “No cell phones, no nosy onlookers, no
distractions…” He nuzzled into the crook
of her neck and inhaled. “I have a
private flight tomorrow. Will you see me off?”
“Of course.” She wrapped her arms around his shoulders so
she wouldn't tip. “How long will you be
gone?”
“Too bloody long,
now,” he grumbled. “I know you said you
want to go slow, but you're welcome to come join me at any of the venues, Beth.” His arms tightened around her waist. “I hate leaving you right now.”
“You can still
call me. I don’t know what my schedule will be like, but I’ll answer my phone.” Even if they had a three-hour time
difference, it still wouldn’t be a big deal.
“Jacob…”
“Hmm?”
“When we do go
public, or the press finds out about us, what then? They’re going to get
really…nosy.” The media pressure had
split up more than one couple over the years.
How would their lives change once the news got out?
He softly stroked
her cheek and she leaned into his touch.
“We’ll figure it out. I’ll protect you as much as possible, sweetheart.
We both know how to play the game, yeah? So it’s just a matter of making them
play on our terms.”
“You make it sound
so simple.”
“It will be if we
focus on us, not what some tabloid says, alright? The people that really know
us know the truth. If the gossip rags step over the line, I'll sue.”
She wished she
shared his confidence. “Still… I’d
rather they find out later than sooner.”
They stayed in the
garden enjoying each other's company until it started to get dark. Jacob suggested watching a movie on the big
TV, so they curled up on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn.
****
The DVD had gone
back to the menu screen.
Beth was asleep in
front of him, breathing softly. His arm
banded around her waist, drawing her closer while he nuzzled into her
sweet-smelling hair. She sighed
contentedly, her hand sliding over his to entwine their fingers. They fit together like two spoons in a
drawer.
She shifted
against him, revealing her face, and whispered his name.
She dreams about me? He brushed her hair off her face with his
finger, tracing along her cheek, her slender nose, the pretty curve of her
lips...rarely did he get to see her unguarded and soft. She had the cutest little ears. He kissed the skin beneath her ear, the
muscles twitching against his lips. A
twitch became a shiver when he grazed his teeth along her neck and she
moaned. It wasn't exactly innocent of
him to explore her responses while she slept, but he couldn't help it...and his
hands were behaving themselves.
This was only her
neck...
She was having a perfectly
pleasant and slightly naughty dream that felt very real. In this space, there were no worries, no
fears... She just enjoyed feeling. Dream-Jacob made her feel sure, uninhibited,
free... She lived a part where she wasn't
constantly thinking. If she wanted to
speak, she did. If she wanted to touch him, she did.
Waking, she looked
up at Jacob through half-open eyes. From
the tingling of her skin, he’d been nibbling on her neck. His eyes widened when she pulled his head
down for a kiss. She rolled her body so
they were both on their sides facing each other, not looking to get naked right
now, but she didn't want to run, either.
So, that's how she kissed him, with measured desire.
He gave her full
control, shifting underneath her without breaking the kiss to put her on
top. She appreciated him letting her set
the pace, especially since he initiated most of the contact in their past.
Her hair fell on
both sides of his face, casting it in shadow from the light of the TV. “I...um...” she whispered.
“Do you want to
move?”
She shook her head
slightly and closed the gap to kiss him again, little brushes of her lips on
his. He tilted his head to easier accept
her advances, but kept his hands still on her back. She flicked her tongue along his mouth. He gave her access, his hands tightening their
grip when she brushed the roof of his mouth.
“I like being here
with you,” she whispered, kissing along his defined jaw. “I know it's seemed like I'm a reluctant
participant in all this, but... I do want to be here.”
“Do you, now...”
“Mm-hmm...” She nipped his ear. “Did you just growl?”
“Playin' with
fire, love,” he said, shifting his hips to get the point across.
She immediately
abandoned his earlobe. “I forgot about…
Sorry.” Hard-ons were more than she
could deal with right now.
“You only have to
be sorry if you don't intend to do somethin' about it.”
“Understood.”
“Good. Kiss me.”
It was the first
make-out session either of them had started that didn’t threaten to lead to
sex—which was good, right? A mature
thing. Though, aside from wanting to
build their relationship on a stronger foundation, her scar kept her from losing
control. Vanity, sure, but she didn’t want
him to see it, yet. Maybe ever.
She reluctantly
went home an hour later. It was going to be several days 'til she saw him
again, but at least they had the airport tomorrow morning.
Celebrity News Zone has exclusive photos of
Jake Lindsey and his new love interest. Looks like Jake is into brunettes this
fall.
Their goodbye was
discreet, even in the private hanger.
They strung it out until the last minute, and then Jacob was gone,
promising to call as soon as he landed.
With nothing else
to do but get back to normal life, Beth did some errands, stopping by the
office—Celeste was out—and going to the market.
Her stomach
flipped when she got into the checkout line and glanced at the tabloids.
The front page
asked “Who Is Jake Lindsey's Mystery Girl?” above a picture of them kissing in
the park. You couldn't see her face, but
his profile was clear as day. Another
magazine had a smaller picture of them embracing by the cars, taken through the
gate to his house. It was only a matter
of time before they got a clear shot of what she looked like.
She kept her head
down when she paid for the groceries and hurried out of the store. Don't
panic, don't panic... I knew this would be an aspect of our relationship. Don't panic...
Yeah, right.
She went to work.
Engrossed in
looking through her lens, she jumped when her phone rang. “H-hello?”
“You alright,
sweetheart?” Jacob’s concerned voice
came through the line.
“Yeah, um…yeah…
The ringing startled me. I’m working.”
“You’ll have to
show me later.” Airport sounds were in
the background. “I miss you already.”
“Mm, that’s nice.
Listen, Jacob…”
“I don’t like that
tone, Bethie.”
“No, nothing like
that. Have you looked at a newsstand?”
“Not yet, why?”
“We’re in the
papers,” she said. “Well, you are. I’m
still ‘Mystery Girl’.”
“Oh, God, baby,
I’m sorry you had to see that. You should have called me.”
“I was leaving the
market and I had cold stuff to get home. Then I went to work. It’s… I always
knew this would be a thing, you know, so, it’s okay.”
“You don’t sound
okay.”
She sighed. “It was a surprise. They don’t have my
identity, yet, and you’re in another town, so the cameras will follow you. I’m
okay.”
“Are you sure,
love?”
“Yeah.” She’d already said it twenty times that day,
hoping it would make it true.
“I don’t think I
believe you. Nothing has changed, alright? I’ve already talked to Lynn about us, so the
second they get too invasive, it’ll be handled, okay? I want you to promise me
you’ll spend time out while I’m gone. Keep doing your normal things.”
“I’m at work now,
aren’t I?”
“Beth…you know
what I mean. Go out with your friends, or your dad. No hermitting.”
“I don’t…hermit.”
“Says the girl who
already confessed to burying herself in paperwork to avoid life.”
“Yeah, yeah…break
a leg tonight.”
“I’ll call you
after the gig,” he promised. “I love
you.”
“I know. Bye…” Hearing him get into a car, she hung up.
She cycled through
the pictures on the memory card. Half of
them were rubbish, but she only needed five good ones for the spread. Figuring she was too distracted to get any
more work done, she packed up her equipment and went to the office to drop off
the memory card.
Celeste greeted
her with a smile. “Hey, stranger. How’s
the glamorous life?”
“About to get a
whole lot more public.”
“What? How so?”
She placed the card
in the reader attached to Celeste’s computer.
“The photogs are spying on us already. There are pictures in the
tabloids.”
“Revealing
pictures?”
“No! Get your mind
out of the gutter. Sneaky pictures. They didn’t show my face, but it’s only a
matter of time.”
Celeste glanced at
the screen. “Huh. These are a bit…plain,
for you.”
“Sorry. I was a
bit distracted today,” she snapped. “I
know they’re crap.”
Celeste didn’t
take offense. “Well, your crap is still
better than a lot of what we’ve had in the past. I can use these.” She slid a file across the desk as she cycled
through the shots. “Your assignments for
next week.”
“There’s more than
one?”
“It’s the rush
season—last call to get the East Coast buildings in before it snows,” she
said. She smirked as Beth read the
file. “The scheduling is
quite…convenient, if I say so, myself.”
Her eyes lifted to
meet her boss’. “You are one sly fox.”
“Better believe
it, honey.”
Celeste called it
an early day and dragged Beth shopping.
“I don’t need
anything new.”
“Of course, you
don’t, but you’re surprising your new sweetie—you want something new.”
She narrowed her
eyes at her. “Are you conspiring to get
me laid?”
Celeste smiled
sweetly. “Do I need to?”
Sulking, she sunk
lower in the seat. “Not funny.”
“Look, he’ll be
happy to see you no matter what, I know that, but it won’t hurt to appear like
you’ve made a little effort, okay? It makes a man feel special. I promise not
to tart you up too much.”
She sighed in
defeat. “As long as we’re done by the
time Jacob’s supposed to call.”
Jacob was
exhausted when he finally managed to call, but Beth still found it very sweet
he took the effort to remember. The next
show was in New Jersey on Sunday, so he was
leaving Philadelphia
midday tomorrow after a guest stint on a radio show. Monday through Saturday morning they were in New York City for press
events, more radio shows, and concerts.
The last concert of the US
tour was in Boston
next Sunday.
She was looking
forward to having him back home.
This Sunday
morning, she was having breakfast with Daddy.
Her phone chimed with an instant message.
Blueyedevil: I am
so bloody bored.
She giggled, and
typed back: What are you doing?
Blueyedevil: I’m
stuck in the hotel waiting for the puppy to bring back lunch. They won’t let me
leave the building until it’s time to go to the arena. There is not a single
thing on TV on Sunday!
Bookworm01: Aww,
poor baby. Dad says hi. We’re having pancakes. Why don’t you order a movie?
Blueyedevil:
Naughty girl… I’d be thinking of you, though.
She blushed and
shifted in her chair to hide her face from her father, though he seemed busy
reading the comics.
Bookworm01: Not
that kind!!!
Blueyedevil: I can
use my imagination, then. I’m picturing a tall, hot brunette librarian just
itching to reprimand some bloke for turning in a late book.
Bookworm01: My
father is sitting right here!!
Blueyedevil: Can
he see the screen?
Bookworm01:
No…but!
Blueyedevil: Then
I’ll continue. She’s been watching this same punk turn in his books late every
month and charm the other birds out of paying the fee, so she’s going to teach
him a lesson…
Bookworm01:
Jacob!!!
She got up from
the table and went into her room.
Blueyedevil: But
he’s been waiting for it to be her, see…has seen her glare at him behind those
sexy wire-frame glasses in her tweed skirts, silk blouses, and sensible shoes. There’s
a fire hiding behind all that buttoned-up primness and he’s just the bloke to
coax it out of her.
Bookworm01: I’m
signing off now…
Blueyedevil: Okay!
Okay, I’ll stop. Don’t go.
Bookworm01: I’m
here. You panic too easy, lol.
Blueyedevil: What
are you wearing?
Bookworm01: *sigh*
Sweats and a t-shirt. It’s Sunday morning, duh.
Blueyedevil: Aww,
you’re no fun.
Bookworm01: If I
say something different, the puppy’s going to catch you in a compromising
position.
Blueyedevil: Not
gonna play, are you? L
Bookworm01: Nope! J
Bookworm01: Think
you’ll sell out tonight?
Blueyedevil: I
never know that stuff ‘til after. As long as it’s a good gig, doesn’t matter
too much. Wed, Thurs, Fri. are going to be hardcore. Thank God we break for
Saturday or I’d drop.
Bookworm01: You
need a vacation.
Blueyedevil:
Probably. Gotta go, baby, the puppy is back. Can’t wait to come home.
Bookworm01: Miss
you, too.
Signing off, she
closed the device and smiled thinking of her surprise for him this week.
****
When Beth boarded
the plane, Celeste was in the seat next to hers.
“I don’t need a
chaperone,” Beth said, putting her carry-on in the overhead compartment.
“I don’t know what
you’re talking about. I’m on vacation.”
Shaking her head,
she said, “I was wondering how I ended up in first class.”
“Frequent flyer
upgrade. I can talk my way into anything.”
Boy that was the truth.
Beth sat down and
stowed her purse under the seat. “I’ve
noticed. What’s the real reason you’re coming to New York with me?”
“I’m your best
friend. I’m going to keep you company while your better half is oh-so-busy.”
“Code for ‘you’re
hoping to hook up with someone in the band’. I’m just not sure whom.”
Celeste
sighed. “You know me too well, but I’m
not telling who I’m meeting.”
“Have your
secrets. I’ll find out on my own. Gum?”
Beth held out the pack.
She took a
stick. “Thanks. Just think—we could
double-date to the Grammy’s.”
That made her
laugh. “Another groupie is born.”
“Oh, shut up.”
It was late
afternoon in New York City
when they landed. Celeste pre-arranged
everything. It was amazing what that
girl could do on short notice. In
moments, they were in a shuttle on the way to their hotel.
Looking in their
room, Beth was shocked. “Whoa! Now, I
know the magazine didn’t pay for this.”
“You’d be surprised.” Off her look, Celeste elaborated. “Okay, they’re only paying part of it. But,
since you actually are on a business trip, there are write-offs, Miss
Freelancer. And I’m on vacation. Why shouldn’t I upgrade? Oh, god, look at this
tub!”
Hopeless.
She’s completely hopeless.
Beth shook her
head and started hanging clothes in the closet.
“I can’t believe you brought that enormous suitcase for only five days.”
“It’s New York City ! Have to be
prepared for anything. Besides, cold weather stuff is bulkier. I even brought
waterproof boots.”
“It’s supposed to
be sunny all week.”
She wagged her
finger. “You never know…” Her beauty stuff spilled over the bathroom
counter. “So, what’s Jake’s schedule?”
“Very busy. His
people are pushing heavy promotion while he’s here in addition to the concerts.
Reggie said he’d call when Jacob is back at his hotel for the night.”
“Well, is there
anything we can show up to?”
“If you want to
stand in line for hours…”
“Oh.”
“Yeah. I need to
look up where my locations are, then we should grab some dinner.”
Her cell phone
rang while they were trying to decide what to order in. “Hello?”
“Hey, Beth. Jake
should be back to his room by eight.”
“Thanks, Reggie.
Has he eaten?”
“Not that I’ve
seen.”
She double-checked
the hotel name and suite number, let Reggie go, then picked up the restaurant
directory that came with their room and dialed out.
“Who are you
calling?” Celeste asked.
“Pizza place… Hi,
do you take credit cards? Great. I want to have a pizza sent to…” She gave the information, had it repeated
back, and hung up, grinning.
“That was the
grossest pizza I’ve ever heard of.”
“I know, isn’t it?
Jacob loves it, though. And, he’ll know who sent it.”
“You’ll make a
very good wife,” Celeste teased.
“Shut up.”
“No,
seriously…have you thought about it? You’d have these genius supermodel
children.”
Beth rolled her
eyes. “You spend way too much time
thinking about my love life.”
“Just sayin’…”
“Decide where you
want to eat, already!”
She zipped her
lips shut and pointed to a page in the directory. They’d never spent extended time together
before. It was possible Beth might kill
her by Saturday.
She left her cell
charging in the hotel room, so there was a voice mail message waiting when they
got back. “Hey, babe, I don’t know how you arranged it, but THANK YOU. Today was
just horrid until I opened the door to see the pizza boy. Miss you, especially
on days like this.
Love you.”
She sighed happily
and saved the message on her phone.
“So, what did he
say?”
“He was very
grateful. Sounds like it was a Monday.”
Celeste
shuddered. “Ooo, I hate Mondays.”
“Uh-huh. I think
we should go to the Today Show tomorrow.”
“I’m not standing
in line over there by myself, you know. Just so we’re clear.” Celeste wrinkled up her nose in distaste.
“I promise I won’t
make you go alone.”
Celeste started to
think if it was up to Beth, Jacob would never know his girlfriend was in New York . She hadn’t called him, yet, though she had
his suite number as well as his personal phone.
And when the band came out to sign autographs after taping their TV
appearance, where was Beth? At
Starbucks, getting tea.
Jacob didn’t come
out that way, but it would’ve been easy enough to pass on a message through the
band. Now, it was late afternoon, and
Beth was with the client.
The whole purpose
of coordinating this trip now had been to give the new lovebirds more time
together. If Beth didn’t surprise the
boy soon, Celeste was going to take matters into her own hands.
But that was
tomorrow.
Tonight, she had a
date.
****
Jacob smiled and
shook hands with people like he was supposed to, but his mind wasn’t on the
party. He wanted to be back at the hotel
working on the new songs, or preparing for tomorrow’s concert, or talking to
Beth on the phone. These industry
parties were all flash, no substance.
Before, he would have gotten a little buzzed and picked up the nearest
single hottie for the night, but now…
“Skip out and call
your girl,” Bob said, breaking Jacob’s reverie.
“We’ll cover for you.”
“Yeah, you look
bored stiff. No offense,” the girl on Bob’s arm added.
“None taken,”
Jacob said. “Hey, I know you…”
The redhead stuck
out her hand. “Celeste. We met after
your concert last week.”
“Beth’s friend.
What are you doing in New York ?
With him?”
“Hey!”
“I’m on vacation,”
she said, and grinned. “You should call
Beth. She’s probably sitting around. You know.”
He didn’t need to
be told twice. He downed the last of his
champagne and headed for the back exit, pulling out his cell phone. Hoping to avoid photographers by going out the
back way, he was sorely disappointed.
Flash bulbs blinded him as soon as he opened the door.
A security guard
took him by the arm, guided him out of the throng of paparazzi, and hailed a
cab. “Here you go, Mr. Lindsey.”
“Jake! Jake! Can
we get a statement? Look this way, man!”
He got in the
taxi, relieved when the car pulled away from the curb, and tried dialing Beth
again.
Celeste turned
back to her date and smiled. “I hope
that did the trick. If she doesn’t tell him, I’m going to kill her.” She stepped closer and wrapped her arms around
Bob’s neck.
“You’re really
pulling for them, aren’t you?” he asked.
“Beth deserves to
be happy, and if he’s who she wants, then I’m going to help. All she ever
talked about, anyway, for the past few months.”
He laughed. “No kidding. Same thing on our end, except
with an influx of love songs. I knew it had to be big when Jake is writing love
songs. Songs about a hot girl, a hot night…yeah, but he’s never written love songs.” He rolled his eyes.
“Never? Wow.”
“Not in three
years of playing together.”
“Huh. Enough about
them. Let’s dance.”
****
Beth sat in a chic
little bistro, candles on the tables and soft classical music playing in the
background. “You’re right: it was the
best gnocchi I’ve ever had.”
“I know my food.
Dessert?” Nathan asked. What were the
odds of him being the client she came to meet?
“Oh, no, I
couldn’t eat another bite. I can’t believe I ran into you here.”
“Well, I do know
the owner of your magazine. Meanwhile, look at you. I have to confess, I didn’t
recognize you until you spoke.”
Her cheeks
warmed. “People grow up, Nathan.”
“That they do.
Still, you seem to be doing much better than a year ago.” He handed the waiter a credit card. “How long are you in the city?”
“A few more days.
I have a couple more assignments to complete.”
“I hope you’ll
take some time to see the city. I’d be happy to play tour guide.”
“That’d be nice,
but my friend has me on a pretty full schedule.”
“You still have to
eat, Liz,” he teased. “And we still have
more meetings scheduled.”
“Nathan… I’m
seeing someone. It’s part of why I’m in New
York .”
“I didn’t ask. An
exclusive someone?”
“That’s none of
your business, but yes.”
“Does he
appreciate you?”
She sighed. “Nathan…you don’t have to be protective.”
He waved it
off. “Only curious. Call me if you
change your mind.”
“Thank you for
dinner. I should go.”
He stood with her
and helped her with her coat. His
fingertips tickled her neck as he lifted her hair to fall over her collar, but
his touch didn’t hold the same electricity Jacob’s did. They locked eyes for a moment, then he smiled
and gestured for her to precede him out of the restaurant.
He was one of
those crazy people that owned a car in the city. They hugged at the curb and she kissed his
cheek. “It was nice catching up. I hope
you’ll like the photographs,” she said.
“Sure I will. You
have my number.”
“I do. Goodnight,
Nathan.”
She entered the
hotel.
Celeste wasn’t in
their room. Beth set her purse on the
bed and shed her coat. Her purse started
buzzing. Seeing Jacob’s name on the
caller ID of her phone, she smiled and answered the call. “Hello.”
“Gotta love this
Caller ID thing, unless you always answer the phone sounding so sweet.”
“Ha, ha. I try to
be polite, but I did know it was you. How was your day?”
“I just escaped a
premiere party,” he said.
“How fun…”
“I couldn’t wait
to get out of there, but, hey, I ran into a friend of yours.”
Her eyes
widened. “Oh?”
“The redhead?
Celeste. She was with Bob, surprisingly. Did you know they were dating?”
“She didn’t tell
me who she was seeing. I don’t know that you’d call it dating…”
“They looked
pretty cozy.”
“Celeste doesn’t
get serious, is all I mean. If it lasts beyond her vacation, I’ll be amazed.
You know how it goes.”
“Wha’d’ya’ mean, I
know?”
“Jacob, I wasn’t
inferring any—”
“I’m not denying I
haven’t earned that reputation, but that’s in the past. You’re on my mind all
the time, baby.”
“Did you call to
fight with me, or what?” She so didn’t
want to get into that.
“I missed you, of
course.” He sighed. “I’m sorry… It’s been a long few days. What
did you do today, love?”
“Work.” She kicked off her shoes. “Ran into an old friend. Nothing interesting.” The phone slipped out from under her chin to
the floor. “Crap…sorry.”
“What were you
doing?” he asked, amused.
“Taking off my
shoes.”
“Ooo, what else
are you going to remove?”
“Nothing. Geeze,
you’re a horn dog.”
“I haven’t kissed
you since Friday. Forgive me my fantasies.”
She could hear the
smile in his voice. “I know all about
your dirty mind.”
“Baby, you don’t
know the half of it.”
“Jacob, besides
our previous relationship, I practically lived with you for three years,
including traveling on a tour bus for months. I’m more than acquainted.”
He chuckled, a
throaty sound that did funny things to her insides. “You’re cute when you get snooty, though I
did say you’d be the only girl.”
“Yes, but still…
You could have censored yourselves a bit every so often.”
“What would be the
fun in that? I would have missed seeing you blush.”
“Cad.” She could imagine the self-satisfied smirk on
his face at that moment.
“Where are you?”
he asked, curious.
“Where are you?”
“My suite, on my
bed checking the sports scores.”
“Glad to know I’m
so riveting you’re already watching TV. I do have to work in the morning, so…”
“Oh, quit. You
know you have my full attention!”
“Until you find a
soccer game.”
“Football.”
“Whatever.” Her phone beeped, indicating a low
battery. “Crap, my battery is dying.
Talk to you soon?”
“Just call me back
on the landline.”
“I really should
go through the photos I took today.”
“Beth…”
“Bye!”
She ended the call
and flopped back on the bed with a groan.
Why can’t I just talk to him?
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