“No problem, Sloan.” Bob breathed a sigh of relief. He had no idea two of his favorite people would be devising ways to kill each other.
* * * *
Kelly stomped back to her dressing room and slammed the door shut. Her heart was racing, and she cursed her impulsive tendencies. She just kicked the hell out of Sloan. Between the legs. And he was going to be one mad man when he caught up with her.
It was the words and the tone that set her off. When was the last time someone looked at me and verbally reduced me to trash? Not since my days in high school when I was just a poor farmer’s daughter. Rumors were constantly floating around about who she screwed the weekend before and how easy she was. She didn’t have many friends and certainly no one to stick up for her.
So she took it. And tried to ignore it for the most part. Many days she would pour out her thoughts and feelings in her journal. And others, she would walk all over the farm, letting all the characters in her head have voices. It was her escape. And her salvation.
And now she was having to deal with a man who looked down his nose at her and made her feel like she was a worthless sixteen-year-old girl again. Kelly clenched her teeth. She needed to keep her temper in check. This was the man she was being ordered to take with her back to the same hometown she grew up in. The hometown where every move she made would be watched and talked about for weeks to come. The mere thought gave her a migraine.
Kelly sighed. She needed to apologize to Sloan. It was only right. Even having a horrific temper was no excuse. And he was entitled to an opinion. God. She rubbed her temples and tried to make the throbbing pain go away. It was now or never. She walked back toward Bob’s office before her migraine became full-blown, and she couldn’t drive herself home.
She didn’t bother to knock. Her eyes were already becoming sensitive to the light, and she knew she didn’t have long. Kelly opened the door and stepped inside. Bob wasn’t there, but Sloan was.
He looked up and glared at her. “Hoping for another shot?”
“Look. I’m sorry. Sometimes I let my temper get the best of me. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” She blinked rapidly as the tears began to form in her eyes. The light in the room was like a steel spike in her head.
“Listen, lady. Don’t turn on the waterworks for me. Even a three-year-old can control her temper when she wants to. Save the performing for someone else. So, unless you’re going to kiss it and make it better, I suggest you leave.”
“Fine.” The word came out as a whisper. Kelly turned to leave when Sloan came around the desk and grabbed her arm.
“Look at me,” Sloan commanded.
Kelly blinked rapidly and tried to raise her head. The pain was severe, and it wasn’t letting up. The tears began rolling down her cheeks.
“Damn it. What’s wrong with you?”
“Migraine,” she whispered.
“Shit.” Sloan picked her up and put her on the couch. “Lay there. I’ll be right back.” He turned off the light and left the room. He caught Bob walking back to the office and explained what was wrong with Kelly.
“Take her home,” Bob suggested.
“What did you just say?” Sloan looked at the other man like he’d sprouted another head. “Can’t she take a taxi or something?”
“Take her home. Make her rest. I’ll tell Bryan. See you tomorrow.” And then Bob walked off to find the producer.
Son of a damn bitch. Sloan stomped back to the office and opened the door. Kelly lay back on the couch. Her skin was almost translucent. He cursed some more while he figured out what to do. Sloan snatched his keys and jacket. And then he picked Kelly up and walked with her to his Bronco.
She murmured something and turned into him. The actors on the set watched everything with interest until Sloan stepped outside the building. He unlocked the passenger’s side and placed Kelly inside. He buckled her seat belt and thanked the stars his windows were tinted.
Sloan let himself in, started the Bronco, and drove out of the parking lot. “Where do you live?”
Kelly cracked her eyelid open and looked around. She briefly gave him directions and closed her eyes again.
He pulled into her driveway and tapped her arm. “Security code.”
She gave it to him and the gates opened. Sloan pulled as close to the garage as he could and turned the Bronco off. He glanced over at Kelly and felt sympathy despite himself. His mother used to have migraines, and they would send her to bed for days.
“I don’t have a damn key.” The frustration in Sloan’s voice almost made Kelly smile.
“Beneath the third planter. Taped to the bottom.”
“That’s really not very wise.” He watched Kelly shrug lightly.
Sloan unlocked the door and helped Kelly inside. She staggered a little, and he cursed under his breath. “I don’t see how someone so mean can have migraines.”
Kelly chuckled, though it took quite an effort. “Doesn’t seem right, does it?”
“You aren’t acting, are you?” He looked at her suspiciously.
“Shit,” she muttered. “Just shut the door behind you and leave me alone.”
Sloan debated with himself back and forth before his more selfless side kicked in. He helped Kelly inside and stopped. “Which way’s the bedroom?”
“Forward, aren’t you?”
“Smartass.”
Kelly felt another tear slip down her cheek, and she groaned. If she could get to her medicine, and soon, she would make it in to work tomorrow. “All the way down. Last room. Don’t get any ideas.”
“The only idea I have right now is to dump your bony ass and leave at a rapid rate of speed.”
Sloan picked her up again and walked toward the last room at the end of the hall. He stepped inside and shook his head. How did Little Miss Mary Sunshine turn into Bitch of the World everyday?
Kelly hobbled to bed and eased herself into it. “I suppose you were expecting all black with an altar to sacrifice unsuspecting fowl?” She put her head on the pillow and closed her eyes.
Sloan bit back his laugh and went to shut the curtains. “You disappoint me.”
“Story of my life.”
He turned suddenly and studied the pale woman in the buttery yellow bed. She was pale, and her face was tear-stained. He felt sympathy for her and immediately squashed it. This was the same woman who endangered his chance for having children earlier. The simple statement she uttered haunted him. But he would be damned if he’d give her the satisfaction of knowing that.
“Where’s the meds?”
Kelly motioned toward her bathroom without opening her eyes. “Medicine cabinet. There are two for migraines. Please bring me one of each.”
Sloan found the pills and brought Kelly back a drink to wash them down. He helped her sit up and take the medicine. She sank back down onto her covers and sighed.
“Thank you.” Kelly’s voice was soft.
“You’re welcome.” Sloan set the cup down and looked down at the woman in front of him. Her red hair fanned out on the pillow, and he could see the smudges beneath her tired eyes. “Do you need anything else?”
“I’ll be fine. Just a little rest. I’ll be back on the set tomorrow.”
Sloan looked at her again and nodded. “Okay.” He shifted from one foot to the other. He should go. He should leave this house and let her fend for herself. But it didn’t sit well with him. Sloan eased out of the room, back down the long hallway and into the living room.
Kelly’s house was subtle and feminine. It wasn’t at all as he pictured. There were light, airy tones. No mirrors on the ceilings. No painted ladies on the walls. The thought made him snicker.
Sloan spent his life being able to read people by their surroundings. It made him the best in his line of work. He could see below the surface to what the person really wanted. And Kelly’s surroundings didn’t quite fit with his impressions of her. The thought burrowed under his skin, but he shrugged it off.
Kelly was exactly what he th
ought she was. Cold. Bitter. A woman who would use whatever she had to get what she wanted. A woman couldn’t change her stripes. Sloan justified his way of thinking from previous experience. Then why can’t I get her out of my head?
* * * *
Kelly’s eyelids felt like lead weights against her eyes. She was so damn tired. But the pain in her head had subsided enough so she could move. Two more pills before she went to bed, and she would be fine.
She sat up slowly and looked around. The sun was setting. Sloan would have gone home hours ago. She would have to call for a cab or a car to pick her up tomorrow.
Walking gingerly, Kelly made it to the bathroom and immediately turned the shower on. She felt less than human right now. There was no way she could soak in the garden tub and have enough strength to lift herself out of it.
Kelly shrugged out of her clothes and stepped beneath the light spray. It had been one hell of a day. And her actions were absolutely appalling. What is it about that man that sets me off so easily?
Sloan. Kelly shut her eyes and thought of him. She vaguely remembered him scooping her up in his arms to leave the set. He had brought her home and taken care of her. The familiar panic rose up in her. Once again, her two paths were crossing. She hated to mix professional and personal. Nothing good could come of it.
Kelly washed her hair and stepped out of the shower. She grabbed a short green chenille robe off the hook and belted it loosely at the waist. Food would be good. Her stomach was already growling. She padded out of her room and toward the kitchen.
Sloan looked up at the soft sounds coming down the hall. No matter how mad or sore he was, he couldn’t just leave Kelly to her own devices. He left briefly earlier to run and get a pizza. Since then, Sloan had kept himself busy watching television for the past few hours.
He opened his mouth to utter a greeting when his jaw snapped shut. Sloan watched in disbelief as the woman in the hallway walked closer. Kelly was exquisite.
Her red hair framed her fragile face and fell to her shoulders. Emerald eyes watched him warily. The green robe she was wearing left little to the imagination. It fell just below the curve of her ass and was belted loosely on top. He could see the outline of her breasts perfectly.
Sloan struggled with words. His body had wants of its own. It would be too easy to sweep her against him and feel those soft curves. He bit back on the desire and shifted on the couch.
“Thank you.” Kelly’s voice was soft in the room. “I thought you would have left by now.”
“I thought I would see if you were going to live or not.”
Kelly’s emerald eyes met his. “You could have smothered me in my sleep.”
“Could have,” he agreed, smiling. “But it wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun.” Sloan held up his plate. “Want some pizza?”
Kelly grinned. “Yes. Please. I’m starving.” She watched Sloan move swiftly from the couch and into the kitchen. He came back with a plate for her. The smell of the pizza made her mouth water.
She moved around to the front of the couch and sat on the corner away from Sloan. She made sure to tuck her short robe as close as she could.
Sloan tried to keep his gaze on her face, but it kept wandering down over her breasts and legs. She was killing him. He watched in disbelief as she wolfed down three pieces of pizza.
Kelly delicately dabbed her mouth with a napkin and sat back with a satisfied moan. The motion made her robe ride up even farther. It also stretched the top across her breasts.
“I thought you actresses starved yourselves.” Sloan struggled to keep his voice light and teasing. She seemed oblivious to the fact she was sitting beside him practically naked. Flashes of her body danced in his mind.
She opened her eyes and smiled lazily. “What fun would that be?” Kelly felt Sloan’s hand brush against her own as he took her plate. The small contact made her body tighten in awareness. She could feel her breasts peak against the robe. Kelly sat up abruptly and tried to hide the fact her body was becoming aroused. She had obviously lost her mind. That had to be it. Maybe she had a fever. Her hand went instinctively to her head.
Sloan sat back down on the couch and reached out to her. Kelly’s eyes widened as his hand touched her head, also.
“Do you feel better?”
“Much.” Kelly tried to smile. If she could get him out of her house soon, she wouldn’t make a fool of herself. How long had it been since she’d pressed herself against a body she wanted? The feel of Sloan’s hand touching her was distracting enough. And she could smell him. He was touching her with his mere presence.
Sloan’s hand trailed down across her cheek and to her neck. Before either one of them could think straight, he brought her mouth to his.
Their lips met softly, and Kelly sighed. Sloan nibbled at the corners of her mouth and then moved his tongue against her lips. Kelly opened her mouth and welcomed him.
The soft dueling lasted only a minute. They both felt their bodies heat with need, and Sloan pulled Kelly across his lap and pressed her to him. He slid his right hand down to her robe and slipped it inside to cup her soft breast. His thumb made lazy circles around her nipple while he pleasured her mouth.
Kelly tried to work her body closer. She straddled Sloan’s lap and thrust her hands into his hair. Their mouths nipped hungrily at each other while Sloan’s hand wandered down over Kelly’s body. Her skin was so soft. He unbelted her robe and slid his hands over her hips. Kelly rocked softly against him. Her robe slid off her shoulders and to her waist.
Sloan leaned forward and brought a nipple into his mouth to taste. Kelly arched against him, breathing raggedly. She needed this. She needed him. How long? How long had it been?
The phone rang loudly in the room but neither heard. It was only when the voice spoke that they came back to reality.
“Kelly? This is Bob. I was just calling to check on you. I know Sloan is taking care of you. You’re in good hands. I’ll see you tomorrow.” The phone clicked loudly in the room.
Yes. She was in good hands. Right now they were cupping her hips and working her against the bulge in Sloan’s jeans. Kelly quickly rolled to the side and pulled her robe back on. She belted it with shaking hands and looked down at Sloan. He was still staring at her body.
Kelly snapped her fingers in front of his eyes. “You need to leave.”
The frost in her voice sparked Sloan’s anger. He looked up into her angry face. Why in the hell was she angry? Just a few seconds earlier, she was pressing her body to him and moaning. Could she always turn it on and off?
“You really are good.” Sloan’s voice was tight and controlled. “Is this just practice for your scenes on set?”
Kelly’s head snapped back as if she’d been slapped. “Get the hell out of my house. Now.” She pointed toward the garage. “And if you ever leak a word about this to anyone, I’ll make sure you pay for it.”
Sloan stood up slowly and looked Kelly in the eye. “I don’t know why you think I’d want anyone to know I almost screwed the slut from that soap opera. I can assure you it won’t happen again.” He nodded and walked down the hall.
She heard the garage door open and his car pull out. Kelly sank down on the couch cushion and pressed her cold fingers to her cheeks. She was shaking uncontrollably.
Her body and mind were both confused and hurt. What did I almost do? And with a man I don’t even know. A man who with every word made her feel like a worthless twit. Kelly curled up against the cushion on her couch and closed her eyes. Her body trembled uncontrollably as scenes from a few minutes ago played in her head.
Sloan. Damn him. Even now she wanted him to finish what they started. She could admit now it was partially her fault. She practically threw him down. Kelly sighed and pulled the quilt on the back of the couch over her. She needed to quit thinking. At least for now. She needed rest.
Chapter 8
Kelly called in the next day at work and explained she was feeling under the weather. Since everyone saw
her being carried out of work the day before, Bryan accepted it with only a “get well” admonition.
She shuffled around her house and tried to clear her head. What is wrong with me lately? Am I so burnt out right now I will take someone’s affection any way I can get it? The more she thought of Sloan, the worse she felt. Kelly called Bob’s office around two o’clock in the afternoon and asked for Sloan.
Bob answered on the second ring. “What can I do for you?”
“Is Sloan Davenport there?”
“Sorry. He has business out of the office today. Can I take a message?”
“No. Thanks.” Kelly quickly hung up the phone and sat on the edge of her bed. Damn him. Why can’t I get him out of my head? She was about to vent in one of her journals when her buzzer sounded.
Kelly flicked the button and waited anxiously to see who it was.
“Kelly? It’s Wilda. I just wanted to stop by and see how you’re doing.”
“Wilda.” The relief was evident in Kelly’s voice. “I’ll buzz you in. Come on up.” She hit the button and walked down the hall and through the garage.
Wilda stepped out of her car and waved her hand in greeting. She was wearing a shimmery, gold dress that clung in all the right spots. Her shoes were dainty, gold items that sparkled in the light. “I hoped I wasn’t disturbing you.”
“Not at all.” Kelly moved forward to embrace the woman. A feeling of calm immediately engulfed her.
Wilda studied Kelly and saw several things right below the surface. The situation with Sloan was foremost in her mind. Her reaction to him was right below that. Wilda smiled as she handed lunch to Kelly.
“I’ve brought food. We can talk and eat at the same time.” Wilda looked over at Kelly. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Fine.” Kelly’s answer came with a grimace she couldn’t stop. “I seem to be really great at making poor decisions of late. It doesn’t sit well with me.”
“Well. Come here, child. Your personal assistant is here. We’ll figure it out.”
Wilda threaded her arm through Kelly’s and smiled to herself. She could feel Kelly’s relief and her desire for the man slowly driving her crazy. Mortals. Wilda rolled her eyes. They did way too much thinking.
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