Branded in Oasis

by Clay, Verna

  He turned from the window and smiled, making her heart flutter. "But I would rather have spent the evening alone with you."

  Chapter 32: Barbegal Aqueduct

  The location for the second day of shooting was at the ruins of the Barbegal Aqueduct near the city of Arles. While enroute, Mandy gave a little history while Galena yawned, Claire stared out the window, and Marcus kept looking at Galena. The rest of the crew appeared interested in Mandy's research.

  Mandy read from her clipboard. "This ruin once had sixteen waterwheels that powered a flourmill complex built by the Romans." She glanced up with shining eyes. "Goodness, this next part is interesting. The mills were in operation from the first century to the third and it's been estimated that 4.5 tons of flour could be processed a day."

  Galena glanced at Mandy and said caustically, "That's so exciting it'll keep me awake all night."

  Kade frowned at her. She saw his expression and actually blushed before apologizing. "Sorry. I'm a little out of sorts today."

  Marcus said, "Today? Why don't you revise that to everyday?"

  Claire snorted a laugh and Galena opened her mouth to retort, but Kade quickly asked Mandy, "What else can you tell us about the ruins?"

  "Well, actually, that's all I wrote down. I can tell you though, that the area is beautiful and rural. The designer loved the idea of showcasing his 'Roman influenced' clothing at the site of Roman ruins." She made quote marks with her fingers.

  Marcus asked, "How long until we arrive?"

  "Well, like I said, it's near Arles, and Arles is about twenty three miles southwest of Avignon. It shouldn't take longer than forty-five minutes. I spoke with our onsite crew and they said everything will be ready by the time we arrive. We'll follow the same schedule as yesterday." She set her clipboard on her lap, glanced around the group, and said with her usual aplomb, "Let's make this a day to remember!"

  Kade watched Galena lift her eyes skyward, but at least she kept whatever she was thinking to herself. The model was irritating as hell and he wondered what was going on between her and Marcus. The photographer couldn't keep his eyes off the Galena, and Kade caught her glancing at Marcus when he wasn't looking. He made a mental note to ask Skye if she knew anything. Maybe he could pawn Galena off on Marcus.

  The ruins of the aqueduct were as amazing as Mandy had said and Kade decided that enduring the drama around him was worth it just to be in such a glorious location. The crew had set the equipment up near one of many crumbling arches and as the session progressed, he enjoyed the beauty of green hills, thick foliage, and hundreds of years of history.

  When Mandy called lunch, everyone but the onsite crew loaded into the limo. Kade watched the crew unpack lunches and wished he could stay and wander the area with Skye.

  In Arles, however, he suggested they go off on their own again, and from Skye's grin, he knew she'd been thinking the same thing. Throughout the afternoon, they laughed and discovered tiny shops and eateries, strolled narrow roads leading past picturesque stone townhouses, and admired colorful flowers in brightly painted pots located everywhere. They chanced upon a beautiful fountain in a picturesque courtyard and rested on a bench watching the water spill and ripple. Kade took a bite of the cherry pastry they were sharing and handed it back to Skye. She took a bite and returned it to him. He chanced a question. "Have you noticed that Galena and Marcus seem to have a thing for each other?"

  She accepted the pastry again. "You're very observant. Everyone thinks they hate each other."

  "What's up with that?"

  "I've been meaning to tell you this. As unbelievable as it seems, they were once married. Mandy told me they divorced a couple of years ago."

  "What! Well, at least that explains the love/hate vibe I keep getting."

  "Ah, well, she told me something else."

  Kade heard a note in Skye's voice that didn't bode well.

  She continued, "She told me that Marcus has cancer and the prognosis isn't good."

  "God. That's awful. Does Galena know?"

  "From the way she's acting. I don't think so. But if she does, then I'd say Marcus is better off without her."

  Skye handed the last bite of pastry over to Kade. He waved it back to her. "No, honey, it's all yours."

  Skye popped it into her mouth and moaned with delight.

  Kade watched her mouth and suddenly jumped to his feet. "As much as I want to stay here, I think it's time to put in an appearance."

  As they strolled back to the limo, Kade realized that even with all the drama, he'd enjoyed himself more in the past two days than he had in years. Out of gratitude, he suddenly pulled Skye into his arms and bent to whisper in her ear, "Thank you for making this possible. I'll never forget being here with you."

  She became perfectly still and laid her head against his chest, saying nothing. His instinct told him that she felt the same way. Then she backed away, grabbed his hand, and pulled him down the street. "Come on, if we're late, Galena and Claire might have time to call off their truce."

  Kade laughed. "Maybe we should run faster, then."

  Everything went smoothly until Galena and Kade had a solo photo shoot and Marcus said something that obviously rubbed her the wrong way. She'd been wrapped around Kade with a fluff of fabric floating behind her in a breeze created by a fan, when she'd jumped away from him. He hadn't even heard what Marcus said, but Galena placed her hands on her hips and shouted with her easy arrogance, "I've had enough of your innuendos. One of the reasons I divorced you is because of that. You find fault in everything and I finally got tired of trying to be perfect!"

  Marcus stiffened and replied softly, "Well, you won't have to try much longer, because I won't be around." Then he removed the camera hanging around his neck, handed it to his assistant, and with a pronounced limp walked down the line of aqueduct arches.

  No one said anything and Galena glanced around. She demanded, "What the hell is going on? Is something wrong with him?"

  Mandy stepped toward Galena and Kade expected her to try to mediate the situation. Instead, she said, "Are you so blind that you can't see the man is terminally ill?"

  Galena glanced from Mandy to Marcus, now several yards away, and lifted a hand to her mouth. For several seconds she just watched her ex-husband and then took off running after him.

  Mandy glanced at everyone. "I think we can call this day a wrap. Let's load up."

  While they waited for Marcus and Galena to return, Kade helped the crew break down the equipment and load it into their van. Skye and Claire joined in the effort.

  Marcus and Galena returned after an hour. Galena's eyes were red and her face puffy, but Marcus looked better than he had in days. He had his arm around Galena and held her close to his side.

  The ride back to Avignon was silent except for an occasional whimper from Galena. Marcus kept his arm around her and she buried her face in his shoulder.

  At dinner that evening, neither Galena nor Marcus showed up.

  Chapter 33: Le Point Julien Bridge

  The limousine ride the next morning proved to be more pleasant than any so far. Marcus and Galena whispered to each other and Kade was amazed at the change in both of them. Although Marcus still looked ill, there was a twinkle in his eyes that perhaps boded well for his future. And Galena barely glanced away from him, touching and kissing him often.

  Mandy lifted her clipboard and began another history lesson and Claire even listened attentively. Mandy exclaimed, "This is phenomenal. Up until 2005, Le Point Julien Bridge was in continuous use for two thousand years. It's built over the river Calavon, which is just a trickle today from what it was in ancient times. The bridge was part of a main thoroughfare connecting Roman Territories in France to Italy." She sighed, "Don't you just love history. After an internet search, I found out that the Provence region has some of the best preserved Roman ruins anywhere. You can find aqueducts, baths, bridges, theaters, forums, arches, and other ruins just sitting in fields."

  Kade smiled at
Mandy's enthusiasm because he felt the same way. He glanced at Skye and wondered about her privileged life. She'd said she often spent time in France as a child, although she never upstaged Mandy pointing out additional information. Skye was a sensitive woman whom he admired more every day.

  Driving past lavender fields, Kade longed to bring his grandmother here. Perhaps after she healed from surgery he could swing something. He didn't know how many years he had left with her and he wanted to make the best of them. And then he had a sudden longing for Skye to accompany them.

  Now that Galena and Marcus were again lovers and not enemies, the day proved to be pleasant and productive. It was also warm. Often the make-up artists were called upon to freshen up makeup and blot perspiration. Finally, Marcus and Mandy put their heads together and decided to call it a day when it was time to break for lunch.

  Marcus explained, "I think we have enough pictures to choose from. I'll be uploading them this evening to the graphics team and if they want more, Mandy will talk to Mr. Livingston about returning to this location."

  Everyone nodded their acceptance.

  Mandy said to the group, "Before we leave, there's something you need to know. Tonight, everyone's presence is required at dinner." She grinned and flipped a stray hair off her cheek. "Our illustrious designer, Mr. Livingston, will be joining us. He's anxious to meet everyone and…" she looked really excited, "he's being joined by Mr. Viceroy, Kade and Claire's agent, and my boss."

  Kade glanced at Skye and she smiled. He shifted his gaze around the group to gage their reactions. Claire seemed moderately interested, Marcus and Galena couldn't be bothered with anything but each other, the makeup artists gave each other high fives, and Marcus' assistants kept their reactions to themselves.

  * * *

  Skye gave herself one last glance in the full length mirror and nodded her approval. After arriving back at La Mirande Hotel, she had slipped out and beelined it for the fashion district to buy something pretty for dinner that night. After all, she was the one who had discovered Kade, and for his sake, she wanted to make a good impression on the designer and agent.

  Smoothing a hand over her somewhat tamed hair held back on the sides with lovely diamond encrusted clips, she reached for the matching diamond stud earrings. They weren't gaudy or overpowering, just single diamonds that twinkled in the light.

  As for her dress, she'd selected the "little black dress" that was actually midnight blue satin with a scooped neckline and an almost too low back that plunged to a "v" at her waist. The straight skirt ended at the tops of her knees. For shoes, she'd decided on satin, two inch heels the same color as her dress. She chuckled when she imagined walking into the room with sparkly six inch heels, stumbling, and falling on her ass. Nope, she'd leave the glamour shoes to the models.

  Reaching for the delicate gold filigree necklace with tiny diamonds encrusting a teardrop pendant, she fastened it around her neck and took one last look in the mirror. The simplicity of her attire was perfect and if she did say so herself, sexy. She hoped Kade liked it.

  A knock on her door interrupted her thoughts and she grabbed her matching satin clutch. Kade. Inhaling a couple of calming breaths before opening the door, she set her countenance into a smile.

  She swung the door open and all thoughts of her own appearance flew by the wayside when she saw Kade. He was wearing the Armani suit they'd purchased in Phoenix and he looked…she couldn't even think of words to describe how gorgeous he looked. Glancing up she saw the reaction in his eyes as he took in her appearance; it was the same as hers toward him.

  He stepped closer and bent to her ear. "God, you look good enough to eat."

  Neither of them moved. Skye knew that if she moved her head just slightly, her lips would touch his. Oh, how she wanted to kiss him and…

  A slamming door interrupted the moment and she stepped back lifting a hand to pat her unruly hair. "I guess I'm ready. I've never met Mr. Livingston or Mr. Viceroy, but they're well known in their fields. I almost met Mr. Livingston at a party hosted by my grandfather, but I got sick and couldn't attend." In her nervousness she was rambling and she hated it.

  Kade reached behind her to close her door and slipped his hand against her back as they walked toward the elevator. His touch on her naked skin was giving her delicious chills and she prayed he couldn't feel them.

  During the elevator ride, Kade made polite conversation about how fascinating Le Point Julien Bridge had been. Skye wondered, Is he sorry for what he said at my door?

  They entered the dining room and the hostess led them to the same location their group had been using all week. An elderly man stood near the head of the table talking to Claire and Mandy. Everyone else was seated and carrying on animated conversations. Even Marcus and Galena were there.

  Claire and Mandy looked stunning. Of course, Claire was always stunning, but Mandy had dressed in a real "little black dress" that made her look like a model herself, and she was wearing those six inch sparkly heels Skye had shied away from. If Mandy had been taller, she could have been the one posing with Kade. Her pretty blonde bob was lifted on one side and the style showcased her beautiful cheekbones, dark-chocolate eyes, and full rosy mouth. And from the look she gave Kade, Skye realized that Mandy was definitely attracted to him. Sighing, Skye glanced at her own two inch heels and comforted herself with a silly thought. "Well, I discovered him."

  Mandy waved them over. "Kade, Skye, I'd like you to meet Mr. Harvey Livingston, our illustrious designer. I was showing him some of the photos earlier and he's very impressed."

  Mr. Livingston, a white-haired, portly man well over the age of sixty, reached to shake Kade's hand and then Skye's. "Pleasure making your acquaintances. Like Mandy said, I like what I've seen so far. My idea to shoot the spread amongst the ruins of Provence has turned out better than I thought. Of course it's more expensive than working on a set, but from what I've seen, well worth it."

  Neither Skye nor Kade had a chance to respond because Mr. Livingston continued nonstop. "And Kade, I think you're the next Sage Tanner, one of the top models in the business. I'm sure you've heard of him and seen his work. He's mostly retired now, but still does occasional shoots for me showcasing my Mature Man line. He's got a ranch in Colorado that takes up most of his time. It's a horse ranch but it's also a dude ranch part of the year. Why, one of my most famous layouts featured in Vogue was shot there many years ago."

  Mr. Livingston still continued speaking. "His wife's name is Sarah, but she also goes by the pen name of Mims Murphy for her books, and they have a couple of teenage boys. If you ever get the chance, you should sign up for their Annual Covered Wagon Three-Day Trail Blaze. A couple of years after he did that spread for Vogue, I traveled the wagon train with them and had the most fun I'd had in years. It even inspired a line of clothing with Old West influences."

  Skye had never seen anyone dominate a conversation like Mr. Livingston. He still kept up his one-sided barrage. "So, Kade and Skye, what do you think of Livingston Fashions? I must say that when I began my career as a designer, I knew I was good, but now in my golden years I realize I've even outdone my own expectations, and I'm not ready to kick the bucket yet. Why, my Old West influenced designs, first showcased by Sage Tanner, are a hit to this day. And I'm expecting my Roman influenced line to be just as popular…so get ready for a roller coaster ride, Kade."

  When Mr. Livingston paused for breath, Mandy said quickly. "I absolutely love Livingston Fashions and I'd like you to meet Mr. Phillip Viceroy, who often represents clients modeling for Mr. Livingston." While she spoke, she walked to stand beside Mr. Viceroy who was seated at the table.

  The gray-haired, lean, and immaculately clad agent said in a commanding voice, "Please, call me Phil." He glanced at Mr. Livingston. "And I concur with Harvey that the photos are spectacular. This spread is going to make Livingston Fashions even more famous."

  Skye had attended enough dinner parties to know when someone was playing to the ego of another, and s
he watched Harvey Livingston visibly puff out his chest at Mr. Viceroy's praise. To say the designer had a high opinion of himself would have been an understatement. She turned her attention back to Phil. He was now congratulating Marcus on the pictures and then he was telling the female models how beautiful and professional they were.

  Skye wanted to gag. Professional? If he only knew. Next, surprisingly, he turned his attention to Skye. He said, "And Ms. Rutherford, I must say that the portfolio you took of Mr. Blackwell was…" He lifted his fingers to his lips and made a kissing motion.

  Oh, pawlease.

  "I do believe you've discovered our next sensation." He looked at Kade. "You're a natural, son, and you're looking at many lucrative years in this business. But we'll talk about that later."

  Harvey interjected, "Yep, Kade, I concur with Phil. So get ready to become famous wearing my clothing."

  Skye glanced at Claire, who suddenly covered her mouth to hide a grin, and felt a kindred spirit with the model. They both knew egomania when they saw it. Skye covertly glanced at Kade. His jaw was clenched like he was biting down on his back teeth.

  He sees it, too.

  She decided that later she'd explain that this was all part of the game.

  Mandy interrupted and said the dining room staff was ready to serve them. Everyone settled into their seats. As expected, dinner conversation mostly revolved around Livingston Fashions and Skye became so bored, she imbibed generously of the excellent wine the waiter seemed more than happy to pour.

  Chapter 34: Tipsy

  Kade kept his hand on Skye's back while they rode the elevator to their floor. He'd watched her drink an abundance of wine while listening to the inane conversation of Harvey Livingston and Phillip Viceroy. Personally, he couldn't blame her. He'd wanted to lift the entire bottle to his lips and chug it. The egos of the men had him reconsidering whether he really wanted to continue in his new career. If he had to deal with people like that for any length of time, he'd probably lose it and say things he'd later regret, and he didn't need to make enemies of the people controlling his paycheck.