by Jean Joachim
She settled back on the sofa with her mug and picked up her phone. Her agent, Keith Peters, had called. Wonder what he wants? The clock on the wall said it was eight. Too early to call. She finished her drink and jumped in the shower.
Drying her face in one of Mark’s big, blue towels, she smelled him. His scent always made her smile. His hairbrush on the counter, razor, and toothbrush all reminded her of him. She touched the articles, feeling a connection with him, even though he wasn’t there. Is he really okay about the pictures, or just saying that to sleep with me? Is he going to dump me? I don’t think so.
She’d tried to deny her feelings, but could no longer fool herself. She was in love with Mark Davis, and there was no going back. She had taken a seat on a roller coaster. Riding it all the way to the end made her queasy. Penny had bailed quickly on bad relationships in the past, not being surprised by disappointment after disappointment. Mark had slipped under her armor, digging a tunnel straight to her heart. She was elated one minute and scared to death the next.
Pushing insecure thoughts out of her mind, Penny wrapped herself in his terrycloth robe.
She picked up his brush and sank into the comfort of the sofa to untangle her hair. A glance at the clock—nine—meant she could call Keith. She sat back, waiting for him to answer.
“Hey, Penny. How you doin’?”
“Fine, Keith. What’s up?”
“Bad news, I’m afraid.” Penny’s heart rate kicked up. Her pulse pounded in her ears. “What?” She sat up straight.
“They’re writing you out of the show. Killing off your character.”
She gasped. “Oh, no! Really?”
“Yep. I’m so sorry, Penny.”
Tears choked her. “What am I going to do?”
“I’m working on something. We’ve got to strike now, while they still think you’re on the series. Once you’re off, you’ll grow cold. Hang in there.” He hung up.
I knew I wasn’t any good. I was lucky to keep it as long as I did. What am I going to do for money? Spend what I’ve saved for school, that’s what. Penny opened Mark’s computer and checked the amount of the money she’d managed to squirrel away. Rainy day money, and now it was pouring. The balance was enough to keep her for six months, if she didn’t spend for anything but food, rent, and gas for her car. After that? She shivered at the uncertainty of her future.
What about Mark? What would he say? He’s about more than me being on a TV show. Isn’t he? She was in love with Mark, desperately, totally, but how would he react to her news? If he tossed her out, she didn’t know what she’d do. Piecing together a shattered heart was no easy task, and one that Penny didn’t relish.
Her nerves had her body on high alert. Tell him soon, so you know where you stand. She blew out a breath, slipped on her panties, jeans, and his shirt. Time to return home and figure out her life, for the umpteenth time. Acting is so insecure. Up one day, down the next.
She returned with a bag of groceries and texted Mark that she’d have dinner ready when he got home. He replied back that he’d be there by six. Penny pulled out her mother’s recipe for beef brisket. She had five hours until he returned. Plenty of time. She preheated the oven, emptied the bag, and sighed.
Okay, mom, do your magic. Please, don’t let Mark leave me. She turned on the radio and took heart when the song “Gone, Gone, Gone” by Phillip Phillips came on. She sang along, hoping that the words about long-lasting love would become true for her.
Although she tried to push concern over where her next job was coming from out of her mind, her nerves were on edge. She had cried at first, for a brief bit, not allowing herself to wallow. I’ve got to get up and back in the game. Think about something else.
She loved to cook. Her mom had taught Penny all her secrets, and they had often cooked together when Penny was little. She washed lettuce for a salad. Cut up tomatoes, mixed up a chocolate pudding on the stove, and kept music playing.
Still, the edginess didn’t leave her body. A glass of wine helped some. She danced in the small kitchen to keep her mind off her troubles while she tended to the food. The aroma of the brisket made the apartment smell delicious. Having skipped lunch because she was too upset to eat, the smell of the cooking meat made her stomach rumble. Comfort food will help.
The sound of the lock tumblers moving drew her attention. A last minute primp on her hair and a smile plastered on her face didn’t still the thump, thump, thump of her heart. Mark came through the door, looking freshly scrubbed and handsome as ever. As his tall figure moved toward her, she blurted out, “I got fired today.”
****
“What?” Mark’s face screwed up. “What happened?”
“I got fired,” Penny said. “And dinner’s ready.”
“Crap! That’s awful.” He folded her into his embrace. “Are you okay?” She sniffled a little as a shudder washed through her body. He tightened his grip. “You’re not okay. What happened?” He refreshed her wine and grabbed a cold beer before he sat down on the sofa.
“But dinner…”
“Can’t it wait? This is important.” I’m starving, but she needs to talk.
“Okay, but just a few minutes. I don’t want to ruin the brisket.”
His mouth watered when she mentioned the word “brisket.” He took a slug of his lager.
Penny went through her conversation with Keith. “They decided to change the storyline. So, they’re killing off my character.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means, after this episode we’re shooting next week, I’m unemployed. That happens in this business. You’re never secure.”
“I’m sorry, honey. You can give up your place and stay with me as long as you like, rent free.”
Her eyes watered, but she blinked back the tears. “Thanks, Mark.” She fidgeted, twisting a paper towel in her hands, looking down.
“Why don’t we continue this over dinner?” He got up.
Penny busied herself serving the food.
He helped carry the platter to the table. “I’ll do this,” he said, taking the large fork and sharp knife from her hands. “After dad took off, Mom told me I’d be doing all the ‘man chores,’ like carving. I’m not bad.”
She doled out the other dishes while he cut the meat. Like a regular family. He smiled at the thought. They sat down to eat. Mark put a forkful of the tender beef in his mouth. “This is amazing. You made this?” She nodded. “Wow! Gorgeous, sexy, and cooks like a pro. You’ve got it all, babe.”
Penny dug into her food. She grinned at him.
“So what happens now? Do you need some money to tide you over?”
She shook her head. “I’ve got some saved up. Been saving to go to design school. This just means it’ll happen a little later.”
“How do you find work?”
“My agent. Keith’s been pretty good.”
“Does he hit on you?” Has she been sleeping with him?
“He did the first time I met him, but not anymore. Now, we’re friends, sort of. Business friends. He gets a piece of whatever I get, so he’s looking to find me work.”
“How long will it take?”
Penny’s eyes filled. “That’s the problem. You never know how long it’ll take to get a new part on TV or in a movie. It can take a week or years. I might be homeless…”
Mark reached for her hand. “You’ll never be homeless, honey. Stay with me. Move in here.” The anguish in her voice went straight to his heart.
“Keith said he was working on something for me, so maybe this is premature,” she said, blinking back tears.
“I’m here. My house is your house.”
“Would you mind if I came to stay for a few days?”
“It’d be great. I’d love it.” He grinned. Having her here warming my bed, cooking…a dream come true. She gave him a shy smile and turned her attention to the food on her plate. Suddenly the single life, clubbing, drinking too much, paled. Having Penny with him every day mad
e him smile. He’d trade nameless sex for nights with her in a heartbeat.
If I’m gonna have the responsibilities of a husband, maybe I should become one. He liked the idea of having his own little family. She reached over and squeezed his hand. First, I need to make sure my job is secure.
“Thank you. You don’t know how much it means to me to know I can crash here.”
“You have the keys. Come whenever you want. Stay as long as you like.”
The tiny lines around her eyes smoothed out, and her face relaxed. She beamed at him, making his heart sing. I put that smile on her face.
“How are things with the Gamblers?” she asked, changing the subject.
“Darvin’s a pain in the ass.” Don’t tell her about the threat. Not today.
“Why? I thought he was just a big-headed idiot.”
“Worse. He knows I’m as good as he is, maybe better…don’t mean to brag, but it’s the truth. And he wants me gone. He’s afraid I’m going to steal his spot.”
“Could you?”
“I dunno. The owner’s coming to check out practice. He’s going to make some cuts. Sweetwater is scared shitless he’s gonna be cut and I’m gonna stay. I’m probably a whole lot cheaper than Darvin.”
“Could that happen?” She put a carrot in her mouth.
“I doubt it. Teams don’t change quarterback’s unless someone can’t hit his man, gets injured, or arrested. Darvin doesn’t show signs of any of those.”
“So, what’s his problem?”
“Don’t know. Don’t care. I wouldn’t mind leaving The Gamblers. Time for me to move on.”
Her face fell.
Mark reached across the table to take her hand. “Not leaving you behind.”
A look of relief washed across her features.
“Harley said there’s a rumor that a scout is coming to check out a game. Of course, it won’t matter, because Darvin’ll be playing. I doubt the scout’ll recruit him. Darvin’s thirty-three, he’s only got a few good years left. The scout won’t get to see me play, so no chance of an offer. For now, I’m not going anyplace.”
“Are you discouraged?”
“I want to play every week. I’m like a racehorse permanently at the starting gate.”
“I get it. I hope you get your chance, babe.” She smiled at him.
Over the next few weeks, Penny moved more and more of her things into Mark’s apartment. He shoved his stuff into two drawers and gave her three.
Tension on the field grew as the date the cuts would be made grew closer. Even Harley started to get snippy. Darvin Sweetwater ragged on Mark at every opportunity, never letting up. Mark could barely control his temper. Harley helped his friend keep his cool, but it wasn’t easy.
The day before the owner was coming, Darvin cornered Mark in the shower. “Made up your mind to call in sick tomorrow, Davis?”
“Don’t bet on it.”
“I have those pictures. Don’t think I won’t send them.”
“I don’t give a shit what you do. You can shove ’em, as far as I’m concerned.”
“Yeah? See how that pretty little chippie feels when she finds out you ruined her career.”
Mark wanted to slap the smug smile off his teammate’s face. “That’s blackmail. Blow it out your ass, Sweetwater.”
Darvin’s brow wrinkled. Mark could see he had him worried. Good. Let the bastard sweat. He pushed past him and into the locker room. Mark threw his towel into the dirty towel bin and slipped on his boxers.
“Yeah, you’re confident now, but just wait. This gig is mine, and I ain’t sharin’. I need this job, Davis. You’re not gonna take it away from me.”
“Who said I even wanted it? I just want to play, Darvin. Get that through your thick skull.”
“Go play somewhere else. This team is mine.”
Mark finished dressing and stalked off to the parking lot. He was steamed. When he got home, Penny was there. He paced, yelled, cursed, and turned red in the face. She sat calmly, listening. Finally finished with his rant, he collapsed onto the sofa and turned to her. “And how was your day? Anything new?”
Before she could speak, her cell rang. She picked it up. “What? Really?”
Silence. Penny smiled and nodded. She kept saying “uh huh,” and Mark began to wonder whether the news was good or bad. She closed her phone and sat back against the cushions, lost in thought.
“Well?” Mark asked.
She looked up as if she had suddenly noticed he was there. “Oh! Yeah.”
“What happened?”
“I got a part in a movie. I’m joining the crew on location in two days. The assistant director is emailing me my lines.” She sat, looking dazed, as if she’d been beaned by a softball.
“You’re leaving? In two days?” If this is a nightmare, wake up!
“I’m employed again. At least for this movie.”
“Should we go out to celebrate?” Mark got two beers from the fridge and handed one to her.
“I guess so.”
“How long will you be gone?” The question popped out of his mouth before he could stop it.
“A couple of months. The supporting female lead got sick and had to leave. They have to re-shoot her scenes. So, I need to get there right away.”
His guts twisted. “Where?”
“Spain. Lucky my passport’s still good.” Her big baby blues connected with his.
I can’t believe this is happening. My life sucks. Penny, don’t leave. “Where do you want to go for dinner?”
“Let’s eat here. We’ve got some leftovers in the fridge. I’d rather spend this time alone with you.” She turned to face him and ran her hand down his rough cheek.
He took it and kissed her palm. “Me, too.”
Penny inched closer to him until he picked up on it and pulled her into his arms. She rested her head on his chest while he stroked her hair. She climbed into his lap. Mark snaked his long arms around her, his palm flattening against her rump. He squeezed her then moved his hand up to cup her breast. His thumb circled her peak.
“Maybe dinner can wait?” she asked.
“Perhaps we could have an appetizer in the bedroom?” Mark planted kisses on her neck.
“What a good idea.” She got up, and he followed. He closed the door and led her to the bed. Mark ripped his T-shirt over his head and tossed it on the chair.
“Now you.” She did the same. He followed with his pants then his boxers. “Let me,” he said, reaching for her zipper. Once he had stripped her jeans off, he stood back to look at her.
“You’re gorgeous.” He unhooked her pink bra, and she let it fall. Then, he pushed her matching, lacy panties down to the floor. “There. Now, we’re even.”
She eyed him then looked up. “Except you’re erect, and I’m not there yet.”
“Allow me to assist you with that, Ms. Thatcher,” he said.
****
Penny’s emotions were bouncing up and down like a gymnast on a trampoline. She wanted to do the movie, earn good money, but the thought of being away from Mark for so long brought pain. I’m in love with him. He’s too young, and by the time I get back, he’ll be gone.
She cursed herself for letting Mark get under her skin and settle into her heart. She had no business being in love, looking for commitment. She needed to plow ahead with her career and save her money so she could finally do what she really wanted. Penny was determined, no matter how long it took, to leave the business that was so much about her appearance and do something she truly loved, creating and designing.
On a salary of sixty thousand dollars a year, she’d managed to save ten thousand each year for three years. After taxes, she hadn’t had much, and it hadn’t been easy to save. Now, she wouldn’t have to live on her savings right away. Having work was a relief. But leaving Mark behind raised questions. How long can I expect him to wait for me? Will he go without sex for me? I can’t fly back for weekends from Spain. We’d better make the most of our time toget
her.
Penny studied Mark’s form. The heat of his stare warmed her skin. She stepped closer, running her hands up his pecs. The feel of his skin and the hair on his chest thrilled her. She shivered as his big hands slid down her sides and closed over her hips. When she tilted her chin up, he brought his mouth down on hers.
He was hungry and demanding in a new way. Crushing her breasts into his chest, he held her, almost too tight, as his tongue demanded hers. Her nipples hardened. He moved his hands up, raking his thumbs across the peaks. She moaned, lifting a leg and hooking it around his waist. He closed his fingers around her thigh and moved them up into her warmth. She gave out a slight gasp. He released her mouth, kissing across her jaw and down her neck to her chest. His fingers stroked her with increasing speed.
“Oh, Mark.” Her head fell limp against him as desire flooded her veins. He lifted her, walking the few steps to the bed before easing her down. He loomed over her, all six foot four inches of him covering her. “Love me, Mark. Love me.”
“My pleasure,” he muttered, nuzzling her neck.
Penny smoothed her hands down his back and rested them on his butt. Mark got to his knees. She closed her fingers around his rock-hard erection. Knowing how much she turned him on excited her. His fingertips glided along her slick wetness. He massaged her with the heel of his hand as he slipped a finger inside her. She groaned and lifted her hips off the bed. The fire in her raged out of control. She squirmed under his caresses, wanting him, needing him inside her.
“Take me, take me, Mark. Make love to me.” Her voice was raspy, desperate.
He covered himself quickly and plunged into her. “Oh, God, honey,” he moaned. She gripped his shoulders hard, her eyes closed. Mark lifted her leg, resting it against his chest, and thrust in all the way, burying himself deep inside her. She groaned again and opened her eyes to find him staring at her. Lust and love mixed in his clear blues.
She pulled his head down for a kiss as he pumped into her. Penny closed her eyes again, letting her senses carry her away on the magic carpet ride that was loving Mark Davis. Heat intensified, muscles tensed, coiled and ready to spring.