by Jean Adams
Lucas returned a few moments later with a thick, white towel and quickly exchanged it for her jacket. “Here.”
“Thanks.” Shivering, she took it from him. “I must look a real mess.”
“No, just like someone who got caught in the rain. So what happened to you? Where’s your car?”
She poked her head out from the towel. “It broke down two blocks back. I’d stopped at traffic lights and it stalled. Wouldn’t start again. Luckily, I remembered you lived nearby, but I had to walk here. Run here,” she corrected, and shivered again. “And—and I was followed by some dirty, old creep.”
“I thought you sounded stressed. Where is he?”
“He was standing under the streetlamp at the bottom of your steps.”
Lucas headed for the window.
“He was making awful kissing noises at me and… rubbing himself. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t been home.”
Lucas started for the door. “I’ll sort the bastard out.”
“No! Don’t go out there. He might be dangerous. Carrying a knife, or something. Besides, he was probably just some drunk chancing his luck. He’ll have gone by now.”
Lucas turned back to her. “Your needs are more important.” He moved to a cabinet by the far wall, picked up a crystal decanter and poured a little of the dark brown liquid into a glass. “Here, drink this. It’s brandy. It’ll warm you up.”
She took a sip, letting the warmth of the strong liquor trickle down her throat.
He held out his hand. “Want to give me your car keys?”
“Are you going to try to get the car started?”
“No, I’m going to push it to the side of the road. It’ll be a traffic hazard if we leave it where it is.”
Jenna placed the keys into his outstretched hand. “It’s not locked. No point.”
“I suggest you finish your brandy and take a hot bath. You’ll find warm towels in the bathroom closet.” He indicated a door leading from the lounge room. “And you’ll find a bathrobe on the bed in the guest bedroom over there.”
“Honestly, there’s no need for all this,” she said a little awkwardly. “I thought you might drive me home.”
“In those wet clothes? Best you get warm and dry as quickly as possible. Don’t want you catching pneumonia. You can stay here tonight. Make yourself at home. Be back soon.”
“Thanks so much for this, Lucas. I’m very grateful.”
He dismissed her thanks with a curt nod. “Back in a little while.” Donning a dark blue raincoat, he took an umbrella from the stand in the corner of the short hallway, leaving Jenna to drip all over his cream-colored carpet. The door closed behind him with a soft click.
She carried the brandy through to the bathroom, turned on the taps and stepped out of the skirt sticking to her legs. While the bath filled she wandered into the small guest bedroom to find the bathrobe. It wasn’t where Lucas said it’d be. “Must be in the closet.”
She opened the door and gasped. The closet held several items of good quality women’s clothing. Beautiful dresses. An elegant suit. Classy labels, two from Paris, no less.
“Paris! Now there’s somewhere I’d be happy to spend a few months.”
But the clothes had set her mind in motion. All manner of scenarios skittered through her head as to what they could mean, each thought firmly dismissed with a shake of her head. But there was one that wouldn’t be shaken off: the clothes belonged to the woman who’d hurt him so badly. Maybe they’d lived together and he couldn’t let them go. Couldn’t let her go, hoping she would be back for them some day. That thought made Jenna feel like an intruder who’d stumbled across a well-kept secret. No, not an intruder. An outsider, who desperately wanted to be let in from the cold. She bit her lip against the unwelcome tentacles of jealousy invading her thoughts. Quickly she dismissed them, to focus on her plans. But thoughts of Lucas wouldn’t be quieted.
He must’ve loved her very deeply. What kind of woman would a man like Lucas love so much? One thought inexorably led to another.
What kind of lover would he be? Judging from the way he’d treated her just now she guessed he’d be caring, thoughtful and very loving, passionate. Demanding maybe.
Jenna shivered again, but it wasn’t the cold and wet that made her body tremble.
She grabbed the robe and closed the closet door, shutting away any jealous thoughts, hurried back to the bathroom and downed another mouthful of brandy. It eased down her throat, warming her from the inside. Finally, she shed her remaining clothing and slid into the warm, welcoming water, shuddering as the last of the bone deep cold and damp left her body.
Jenna lingered in the steamy heat until the humidity made her face flush. Just as she got out of the bath she heard the click of the front door. Lucas was back. Her heart beat double time.
Quickly, she dried herself and snuggled into the thick, pink toweling bathrobe and went to join him in the living room.
He was setting a small table by the window, and she watched him for a moment.
Apparently, he hadn’t heard her come in so she cleared her throat and spoke softly. “Is everything all right?”
His gaze lingered on her just a moment too long. “Everything’s fine.”
Was the heat in her cheeks the result of the bath? “Uh, did you get very wet?”
He looked away from her and carried on setting the table. “Nope. I was well covered. The rain’s easing now. The creep’s gone, too.”
“Thank goodness.”
“Since you’re so late, I take it you haven’t eaten.” His usually gruff voice sounded softer, muted.
“I haven’t, but there’s no need—”
“Hey, you’ve been working all day. I’m not letting you go to bed hungry. Matter of fact, I haven’t eaten either. You’d be doing me a favor if you’d join me.”
“Then, thank you. That sounds wonderful.”
“Omelet okay?”
“Fantastic.”
With a curt nod, he disappeared into the kitchen.
He gave no indication she’d interrupted his well-ordered life. Neither had he given her any reason to feel uncomfortable or awkward. Quite the opposite. Like a good friend, he’d made her welcome. Goodness, he was easy to be around when his guard was down. Too easy. How did he manage that, to be two people both at the same time?
Totally relaxed now, she smiled and curled up on the black wool sofa, tucking her legs under her.
She took note of his living quarters. It was a typical man’s apartment. Black, cream, and chrome with the occasional splash of red, all angles and sharp edges. Of course it was immaculate. Everything in its place. Not a speck of dust.
Not that she was looking for any.
Maybe in this warm, friendly atmosphere, she’d find out a little more about this highly complex man she was beginning to know and like a little too much.
****
Lucas switched on the oven to a low heat, and laid out a tray to carry the food into the other room.
He moved around the kitchen like an automaton, his mind on his beautiful houseguest while he gathered his ingredients. She didn’t seem so stuck up now. Not that he thought for one moment she really was. He was just being an asshole, protecting himself because he found her too damned attractive. He didn’t want to go there, but how could he help himself?
Lucas chopped a handful of mushrooms.
She looked cold and wet and alone. Not so much alone as vulnerable.
Yeah, that was it. He hadn’t been able to put his finger on what didn’t quite add up about her. Now he had it. There was a vulnerability she couldn’t hide no matter how many famous names she hid behind.
He broke six eggs into a bowl, added salt and pepper, and started to whisk while the mushrooms cooked.
“Did I interrupt you?” Jenna’s voice broke into his thoughts, calling from the lounge. “You were watching TV.”
“I wasn’t watching anything,” he called back. “I’d only just switche
d it on. I’ve been working.”
“Do you work all the time?” This time her voice sounded closer.
He turned round to see her standing in the doorway, totally delicious in the pink bathrobe. “Only when I have a deadline.”
“What are you working on at the moment?”
“It’s a piece for an investment company. They want it yesterday.” He laughed. “They all want it yesterday. When it’s done I’ll probably take some time off.”
He beat the eggs harder and tried not to think about the lovely Jenna hovering behind him. But it was as easy as trying to hold back the sea with one hand. Momentarily, he closed his eyes, seeing in his mind the way she looked; all warm and pink and dewy from her bath.
He snapped his thoughts to attention. “If you want to make yourself useful, you can open a bottle of wine.”
“Great. Do I find it in the fridge?”
“Uh huh.” He inclined his head. “Glasses in the overhead cupboard over there.”
“I must say you keep a very nice establishment.”
He smiled. “With the help of my house cleaner. She comes in three times a week.”
From the corner of his eye he saw Jenna take a bottle of white wine from the fridge, unscrew the cap and fill two glasses halfway. She came forward and handed him one.
He poured the egg mixture into a pan and added the mushrooms. He was grateful for this short time with her. He’d probably never get another chance like this. He wanted her to know he wasn’t the rude bastard she must think him. Thanks to that cloudburst, he had it. But after all those earls and dukes she knew, she was bound to think him crass.
And thank God she’d come to him for help. As much as he’d like to get her into bed, she’d never be in safer hands.
“I was going to offer to give you a hand, but you seem to have everything under control.”
His head jerked up. “Sure do. Just got to flip it.”
She looked terrific. Even though the bathrobe was a little too big for her, it hung better on her than it did on Lisa. A smile threatened to break out, but he reined it in.
Don’t get any dumbass ideas, jerk. She’s only in LA a short time then she’ll be gone, like a will-o-the-wisp, to some other glamorous Europa Airlines outpost.
And he would never see her again.
Chapter Five
Jenna downed her second mouthful of the fluffy eggs. “Mmm. This is delicious.”
Lucas put down his fork and took a swallow of wine. “Glad you’re enjoying it.”
“You’re a good cook.”
“I took classes.”
“Why am I not surprised?” If she was going to be here overnight, there had better be a lively dialogue flow or this could turn out to be a very one-sided affair. Remembering her conversation classes, she chanced a question. “Don’t you get lonely staying home all the time, just working?”
“No, I don’t. I’m happy with my own company. Just as well since writing is a solitary occupation. Why do you ask?”
She shrugged awkwardly. “No reason. I’m just trying for some healthy conversation. I don’t know you all that well. I mean, I don’t know what you’re interested in, to—”
“Couldn’t agree with you more.” He hid a half smile. “Well, now, let me see. I like opera.”
Opera. Oh, great. He had to pick a subject she knew nothing about. However, she latched onto the subject like a lifeline. “Hey, me too,” she fibbed, crossing her fingers under the table. They had to talk about something, so maybe she could wing it, perhaps even learn something new long the way.
“Haven’t been in a while,” he said while she contemplated her next move. “I enjoy my work, but I also enjoy walking, swimming, and horseback riding.”
“Hey,” she said, jumping in with a bright smile, “we seem to enjoy the same things.”
He took another mouthful of wine. “And I know it doesn’t seem like it right now, but I do enjoy the occasional night at the club, but I don’t go just for the sake of it.” He put down his glass. “There you go. Pick the bones out of that.”
She couldn’t help but smile. That was probably his idea of being funny, but at least he was making an effort to help the evening along. “It does make conversation easier. So where do you walk?”
“Sometimes I go for long walks along the beach. Do a bit of beachcombing. Or I’ll drive up into the hills.”
“Must be why you’re so lean.” Oh, Jenna. For pity’s sake. That was hardly lively dialogue. He was making an effort and all she could come up with was an inane remark. Better get this back on track. “So, um, what’s your favorite opera?”
“Heck, I like ’em all.”
Help!
“What about you?” His facial expression was unreadable.
Maybe this hadn’t been such a good idea. Since he’d actually asked her a question, albeit about opera, she had better give him an answer. She’d got herself into this, so hopefully, she could get herself out of it.
Since she knew nothing about the subject, except for being vaguely familiar with some of the more popular tunes and titles, she picked on the one she’d recently seen advertised in the local paper. “There are so many but, well, one of my all-time favorites is, um, Tosca.”
“Good choice. Did you know it’s playing here soon?”
“Yes. I did see something about it in the paper.” Time to change the subject or I could fall flat on my face.
“Who did you see as Cavaradossi?”
Cripes! Am I supposed to know the characters and the singers? She made an attempt to brush off his question. “Someone new. I don’t remember his name.”
He poured more wine into her glass. “As soon as Tosca finishes they’re doing a short season of The Pearl Fishers.”
“Really? That’s one I don’t know too much about.” Never even heard of it. Obviously opera was something sadly lacking in her education. Maybe it’d be best if she came clean. “I have to admit most of my friends are into jazz.”
He smiled at that. “What, all those dukes and earls?”
If he was going to keep bringing that up, she would have to throw in a snipe of her own. “Didn’t you know all the best people are into jazz or rock, daahling?”
He threw her a glance of disdain under his long dark lashes, but said nothing. Goodness, this was turning into the most awkward evening of her life. Time to backtrack.
“Will you see it, do you think? The...um…”
“Pearl Fishers? Don’t know. Might. Omelet okay?”
Well, she’d given him the perfect opportunity to ask her to go with him, but and he hadn’t taken it up. I might actually enjoy an opera if you asked me to go. Her own fault for being so snarky. Too late now. The moment had passed and he’d changed the subject.
Probably just as well he’d let it go. He was starting to get under her skin, and she didn’t want that. And going on dates with Lucas hadn’t been part of her game plan.
He glanced at his watch. “It’s almost eleven. You must be bushed. Get a good night’s sleep and I’ll run you home tomorrow.”
She eased to her feet. “I am rather tired. Do you want some help with the dishes?”
“No, I’m okay. Sleep well.”
“Good night then, Lucas. And thank you.”
Jenna closed the door to her room and let out a dejected breath. Despite the way he was with her, he was still the most exciting man she’d ever met. How else did she account for the little thrills fluttering through her stomach when she saw his face? Or the way her heart skipped a beat when their eyes met?
And how was he with her exactly?
Okay, so the awkward attempts at conversation tonight left a lot to be desired. Maybe that was partly her fault for trying to pull the wool over his eyes. Or maybe he just wasn’t into her. Her heart kicked. Did that mean she wanted him to be?
At least he’d been civil. Caring. Generous to a fault. As well as gorgeous.
She looked around the well-appointed room before checking the
closet again. Obviously, he was still very much in love with the woman who’d hurt him so badly and couldn’t bring himself to throw out her clothes. Maybe shutting them away in another room was his way of shutting his mind on her temporarily while he waited, hoping for reconciliation.
This was getting ridiculous. Lucas was nudging his way into her thoughts far too much. Ever since they’d met in the bookshop. No, it was before that. Since the day they first bumped into each other on the street. She suppressed a smile. Even though he’d been rude and uncivil that day, there’d been something about him that made her sit up and take notice.
No, Jenna! Those thoughts have to stop. Time you gave yourself a swift reality check before you get in too deep.
She’d worked hard to get to this point. Saved every penny she could scrape together to put herself through some of the best courses money could buy. A modeling course, elocution lessons, she’d read the classics to improve her mind and increase her conversational skills.
She’d gone without some of the things other young women took for granted, all because she had a dream and would allow nothing to get in the way of it. Now it was so close, she could taste it. Only one more test to pass: Claude’s report.
She had her life plan and she was on track to get it. She’d be leaving here in a few weeks, moving on to her next posting.
If she were to start some kind of relationship with Lucas, however temporary, she’d only hurt him when she went away and from what she could gather, he’d had enough of that. It’d be best for him if things were left as they were.
Best for her, too.
But why could she feel him tugging at her heartstrings? That wasn’t what she wanted.
She should leave well enough alone.
Chapter Six
Jenna awoke just after eight. She’d slept well even though she’d tossed and turned for what seemed like hours with thoughts of Lucas on her mind before finally drifting off to sleep. She jumped out of bed and threw back the curtains. The rain had stopped. The world was newly washed and another bright, clear Los Angeles morning dawned.