by Lily Silver
Jessie’s amused smile lifted from her pets to grace Lex. An incredible warmth swept through him as he silently smiled back at his beauty. She was beautiful, possessing that classic girl next-door innocence with no make-up and no glamour this morning.
“Would you mind taking one of them?” She lifted the leashes in each hand.
Lex arched a brow at the small black terrier who had christened his leg. “Which one should I take? I’m without armor, wearing shorts.”
Jessie gave him a repentant look. “I’m so sorry. Really, he’s never done that before. Well, not to a person, anyway. Take Ozzy. He’s harmless.”
Lex nodded, his face scrunched up with regret.
As they meandered down the beach, conversation lagged. Duncan pulled her away from Lex time and again, chasing birds, and the waves, barking happily and stopping every other rock or pile of seaweed to lift his leg.
Ozzy, on the other hand, huffed and puffed beside Lex like a little locomotive. Whenever Lex would pause to wait for Jessie and Duncan to return to them, the squat little dog would sit down, wheezing and puffing, his tongue hanging down to his chest. The dog would look up at Lex every time they stopped with his clown face as if to say ‘aren’t we done yet?’ Lex couldn’t help but smile at the ridiculous creature. The dog was ugly with bulging brown eyes, a deep wrinkled brow and a nose so pushed in it made him look as if he’d run into a brick wall.
He reached down to pet the beastie while Jessie let Duncan mark yet another stone a few yards behind them. The little pug lunged at him, licking his hand and then his bare shins with gratitude.
“Careful, he’ll lick your skin off.” Jessie returned from their jaunt. “He’s Jack’s little brat. I’m surprised he hasn’t pulled the usual and made you carry him.”
“The usual?” Lex repeated.
“When he gets tired of walking beside you, he’ll just sit down so you’re dragging him, the little pudge.”
“We’ve stopped often enough for you. He’s taken his share of breaks.” Lex smiled. “How did you get these two?”
“Steve bought them for Jack and me two years ago, a birthday present. Jack always wanted a Pug, and I always admired Scotties. They’re like best friends, brothers.”
Lex sat down beside the irrepressible pug, stroking his fawn colored head as the tightly curled tail waved back and forth. As he’d hoped, Jessie sat in the sand next to them. Duncan stood at attention, measuring Lex with his tail and ears high. The dog even had what appeared to be a frown forming over his bushy brows.
“Oh-oh.”
“It’s okay. He’s just full of energy. It’s the testosterone.”
“Why isn’t he neutered like his friend, here?”
“So he can hose my prospective boyfriends.” Jessie teased.
“I see. An attack dog.” Not only was the brother protective, but the dog, too.
“Exactly. Duncan, settle.” She commanded. Duncan lay down on the sand with his little legs extended fore and aft. His little pink tongue sagged from his mouth as he panted lightly. “Good boy.” Jessie stroked his wiry head. “I don’t know if I want to have him fixed. Ozzy’s put on weight since he was neutered last year and all he does is sleep and eat. Of course, that’s about all Jack does, too.”
“Why the name Duncan?”
“He’s Duncan Macleod of the Clan Macleod.” Jessie stated emphatically, giving Lex a long measuring look.
“I don’t recognize the reference.” He arched a brow slightly. “A Scottish Poet?”
“No, he’s named after the guy in the old Highlander TV series? You know, the guy who whips out his sword and says ‘I’m Duncan Macleod of the Clan Macleod.’”
“Oh, yeah. Right.” He vaguely recalled the advertisements on late night cable, and might have watched an episode or two when on tour years ago. “What about Ozzy, is he named after the rocker or Ozzie and Harriet?”
Jessie laughed, ruffling the pug’s back. “The rocker, definitely the rocker.”
“It fits him. He’s so . . .” Lex searched for the right adjective.
“He’s so ugly he’s cute.” Jessie bent to give the pug an affectionate pat. “Our sad little clown.”
Having exhausted the dogs conversationally, silence descended once more. Lex stroked Ozzy’s velvet ear, summoning the courage to broach the subject of last night as the waves lapped back and forth and the south wind caressed their faces.
“Jessie . . . about last night . . .” He began. Jessie was looking down, at the sand, but her head bobbed slightly, letting him know she was listening. “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you. The champagne went to my head and . . . I just forgot how ravenous the media can be. I’d hate for that to end our friendship.”
It wasn’t true. The champagne hadn’t gone to his head, and he had meant it. He was a consummate showman, used to the bright lights and media hype. He did it on purpose but he couldn’t let her know that.
“It freaked me out a little. Sort of borderline stalker, don’t you think?”
Lex shook his head. “No. I don’t.” He propped his chin in one hand and stroked the dog with the other. “A stalker wouldn’t do anything in front of a camera. It’s all about hiding from the world with a guy like that. I did it in front of everyone. Without shame. You don’t believe I’m stalker, do you?”
“Well . . . no.” She grew pensive. “But we went to dinner one time and the next thing I know you’re telling Ruby Star that you’re going to marry me.” She pulled her gaze from the sea to give him a penetrating look. “What am I supposed to think?”
He’d expected Jessie to be mad at him, but afraid? He hadn’t counted on that angle. “I’d hardly stalk you, Jessie. Especially after your brother threatened me with bodily harm with his gang of hoods--I mean--band members.”
Nicely Played. Deflect the attention and outrage elsewhere. Lex thought, surprised by his survival instinct as it kicked in to save his ass.
Jessie turned completely to face him, horror registering on her pale face. “Jack threatened you! Oh my God. Lex, I am so sorry.” She gazed at the ocean again. She drew up her knees and hugged them to her chest. “I can’t take him anywhere anymore.”
Could they have possibly gotten off on a worse footing? Lex reached up to twist his earring. What should he say to convince her they were destined to be together?
Words were useless. Instinct took over. He removed his hand from Ozzy’s soft coat to stroke Jessie’s back as she continued to stare out into the horizon.
“Sorry. He’s a little over protective.” Her cheeks were flaming with mortification.
“I understand.” Lex whispered, brushing a stray copper tendril behind her ear. He wanted to kiss her, badly, but things were tangled enough at the moment. “If I had a beautiful, famous sister, I’d be wary of guys, too, especially in this town.”
“I asked him this morning what he was talking to you about so privately, and he said he couldn’t remember. The damned liar.”
“It’s possible he doesn’t.” Lex inched closer to her. “He was drinking Kamikazes, and snorting coke.”
Jessie stared at him, the hurt multiplying in her eyes at his words. “I’m sorry.” She stammered. “He’s getting out of control. Steve and I have been trying to get him to quit using.” Tears glistened in her lovely green eyes. “I’m sorry if he offended you.”
“He didn’t.” Lex responded.
Words were useless, he told himself, slowly leaning forward to taste her pink lips. Jessie was startled, but not for long as she returned his gentle caress. He wanted the embrace to go on forever. Her lips were soft, compelling, intoxicating, like sweet summer wine. Patience, he told himself, patience. He’d been too zealous, too forceful.
With reluctance, he ended the kiss, encouraged by the response he’d found in her after all that happened last night. “Can we start over, Jessie?”
“That depends.”
“On what?” Lex tried to look innocent.
“On you. No more media cov
erage on our dates. Just you and me; no Ruby Star, no cameras, no more shocking announcements.”
“I think I can restrain myself.”
“You aren’t sure?”
“I’ll do my best.” Lex promised, giving her the old boy scout salute. “I’ll even join limelight anonymous, if they’ll take me.”
“I mean it. No public dates, not for a while. We couldn’t even have lunch at McDonalds right now without the vultures claiming I’m expecting your child by gauging how much food I order. Underground and incognito or it’s over.”
Chapter Six
In the following week Jessie saw Lex nearly every day. He called her in the morning, and they made plans together. The day following their talk they went on a secluded picnic in a private shoal overlooking the Malibu shores. They walked the beach hand in hand, made a sand fortress and watched the waves slowly devour it.
Lex was fun to be with. He was a mix of hot damn sexy, infuriating courtesy, and plain goofing around fun. Last night they met at his place and ordered pizza. Lex had a passion for old classic movies. Bogart was a favorite. So was Carey Grant. They watched Casablanca and Arsenic and Old Lace. It was a relaxed evening compared to the media circus event at Kyra’s engagement party. They sat together on his plush sofa in his home theatre. Lex was relaxed, low key as he put his arm about Jessie and pulled her close.
Jessie sighed at the memory. An entire week of dating and there were no wrestling matches between them no insistent demands. Just companionship; a few parting hugs, a brush across her temple passing for a light kiss, a squeeze of her hand. Only his eyes betrayed his desire, giving Jessie sultry, magnetic glances and caressing her with a patience she’d never known a man could possess. She found his quiet presence deeply sensual, more erotic than the usual bear pawing she’d come to expect. He exuded a powerful sensuality that didn’t need adornment, an invisible aura that made her want him to kiss her, to wrap her in a passionate embrace. His reluctance to carry out her secret desires became a powerful aphrodisiac.
Today, they were going to LA, in disguise. It sounded fun. Lex confessed that he did it on rare occasions when he wanted to get out around real people without being recognized as a star. Jessie went across the beach and knocked at his patio door.
“Are you ready?” He took her hand and led her upstairs and into his bedroom. Laid out carefully on the bed were an assortment of wigs, glasses, hats, and odd clothing, ranging from old fart to a punk rocker with resplendent green or blue hair. Jessie took it all in and then turned to give him a puzzled look.
“First, what’s your pleasure?” He grinned. “The Tar Pits, the Hard Rock Cafe on Hollywood Boulevard or the Museum of Contemporary Art?”
“I’ve seen the tar pits and the Hard Rock doesn’t do anything for me. I want to get away from the Rock lifestyle. Maybe something more tourist like, something every day, anyone would do when visiting California.” Jessie picked up a long black wig, fingering the coarse material beneath it. “This is like Halloween.” She giggled.
“Been to Disneyland?”
“No. Who has time between the recording studio, interviews, photo shoots and touring. When we had time, early on, we didn’t have the money.” Jessie pulled on the wig, and turned around to look in the mirror. She looked like a very pale Cher.
“Well, today’s the day.” Lex concurred. “That will do the trick. If we camouflage that fiery hair, we’re golden.” He nodded approvingly at her reflection.
“What are we going as drag queen drop-outs?”
“As tourists, my sweet. Common folk.” He held up the worn bib overhauls he intended to wear. “From Tennessee.” He drawled with country style abandon. “I’ll be right out.” He disappeared into the bathroom.
Jessie shook her head. This was wild and crazy. But she liked it. She removed the wig and secured her hair into a tight bun at the back of her neck. She returned the black wig to her head and frowned at the affect. Her eyebrows were still reddish blonde. “Do you have a black eyebrow pencil?” She asked, cringing at the very idea. You’d think she was dating Marilyn Manson, not the artist who relied only on sexual lyrics and seductive stage antics to gain his notoriety.
“Yes.” The muffled reply came from the bathroom. “It’s in here.”
Jessie stared at her Gothic Lolita reflection with horror. Do I really want to know why this man has makeup and dresses in his closet?
The bathroom door opened slowly. Lex, at least Jessie knew it was Lex beneath the country hick who emerged, shuffled out. His hair was in a ponytail, pinned up about his head like an old librarian’s bun. He had applied an authentic looking goatee and mustache. The white T-shirt and worn bib overhauls completed his costume, giving him a completely different appearance. He could be a field worker or a country boy mechanic to the unwary passerby. His black boots had been replaced with tan lace up work boots.
“Well, sweet thing, are you ready?” He said playfully in a false southern accent.
Jessie raised her eyebrows. “Do we have to drawl? I don’t think I can do that all day without screwing up.”
“No, we don’t. But it’s fun.” He laughed, genuinely amused. “We do need to use different names in case the paparazzi gets a clue. Call me Alex. It was my nickname growing up. Now, let’s see . . . ?” He stared at her thoughtfully while stroking the fake hair on his chin. “Kelly--today you’re just plain Kelly. He moved to the closet and took out a knee brace and cane, throwing them down on the bed.
“This is incredible.” Jessie could only watch him with awe.
“Try this dress. He suggested, lifting up a light calico floral jumper from the back of his closet, “Or are you worried about appearing too out of fashion?”
“No.” Jessie huffed. “Of course not.” She took the jumper from him and went into his bathroom to change. When she came out, he was sitting on the bed with his pant leg rolled up as he strapped the leg brace on. Finished, Lex rolled his pant leg down over the knee brace. “Are you ready?” He smirked, obviously pleased.
“How often do you dress up as a woman?”
“I never have. I just like to have lots of options on hand in case I have female accomplices. Mom shops the second hand stores in Phoenix and sends the stuff to me.” He edged past her carefully with his leg stiffened by the brace, slowly maneuvering his cane down the stairs. Jessie followed him. “The cosmetics came from a friend who works at universal studios in makeup.” He slapped a white straw hat on his head as he spoke. His cowboy hat hid his long hair, making him look quite conventional and clean cut. She noticed his earring had been removed. Lex was completely transformed into a farmer.
She lifted the baggy skirt hanging loosely in front of her abdomen. “I think this is a maternity dress.”
“Cool. We’ll pretend you’re expecting. It adds to the disguise. We can tie a pillow to your belly. Can you waddle a little and push out your gut?”
“You are freakin’ crazy.” Jessie took in his country boy hillbilly getup, scrutinizing him from head to toe, and laughed until her insides ached.
“I’ve had lots of practice evading the media. Believe me, this works. People believe what they see. If you own the disguise, assume it, people believe that’s who you are.”
* * *
“What’s it going to be, Kelly?” Lex asked as they stood in Main Street USA. “Tomorrowland, Fantasyland or Adventureland?”
“What does the brochure say?” Jessie jerked it out of his hand as she waddled along beside him, doing her best to look pregnant and married to a farmer from Tennessee.
He bent his head close to hers to whisper, “My favorite is the Haunted Mansion, the ghosts are more friendly than scary for the kid’s sake, but they do have some pretty radical special effects, a dismembered head in a crystal ball, for one.”
Jessie looked to the map in her hand. “That’s in Adventureland, it says here Adventureland also has Pirates of the Caribbean--oh and the Jungle Cruise, a mock African Queen excursion! Cool. Adventureland here we co
me.”
The wig was starting to itch. Jessie kept reaching up to scratch more and more as the day wore on. They had to wait for a long time to get into the Haunted Mansion and once inside they had to remove their sunglasses to be able to see anything.
It was a blast pretending to be tourists, talking with real tourists with their wide eyes about the sights and sounds of sunny California.
“Hi.” A middle aged father sat down at their picnic table in the food court, “Care if we join you? There doesn’t seem to be anywhere else.” The man scanned the landscape to prove his point as his two boys came running up behind.
“Sure, plenty of room.” Lex smiled, extending a hand to the worried father. “I'm Alex and this is my wife, Kelly.” Introductions were made all around. The young boys gushed with excitement, comparing notes with ‘Alex’ regarding the rides. Jessie watched him converse easily with the kids, who a few years down the road would give their right arms to be able to eat lunch with the famous Lex. It was refreshing to be able to mingle and not be mobbed by photographers and overzealous fans, to just be plain for a day.
“Been to Universal Studios? Kelly and I were there yesterday.” Lex drawled in his fake southern accent between bites of his hamburger. “Awesome, wasn’t it, Babe?”
“Yeah.” Jessie ignored the revolting appellation of ‘Babe’ as she sipped her raspberry slushy. Surely he didn’t expect her to elaborate further. She’d never been there.
“Do they have monsters?” The boys chimed in.
“Shore do.” Lex grinned, pushing his hat back to itch his forehead. “King Kong, Dracula, lots of cool stuff, all on the Tram ride.” He turned to Jessie. “Well, dear heart, s’pose we should see if we can get into that Jungle ride now.” Lex rose, picked up his cane as if he’d been using it all his life and tipped his cowboy hat to the family. Together, Alex and Kelly shuffled across the park to try their luck at the only ride in Adventureland they hadn’t been able to get into.