“Whatever you say, sweetheart.” He laughed and turned his attention to the television.
As he channel surfed, she stared at his back. He’d called her sweetheart twice now. And while she was sure he didn’t mean it as a term of endearment it still gave her a little thrill.
“How about some scrambled eggs?” she asked as he bypassed the news channel and found ESPN.
He turned and gave her that sexy grin of his. “Sweetheart, I’ll eat anything you want me to.” His words were innocent, but his eyes weren’t. Her face burned as a hot lick of sexual excitement coursed through her. “You’re blushing again,” he said with a chuckle and then turned his attention back to the sports channel.
Chapter Twelve
Shay: What happened to the picture on the table?
Jared: I put it away. Rebecca’s gone. You’re here now.
Shay: But you wish she was here instead of me, don’t you?
Jared: I didn’t say that.
Shay: You didn’t have to.
Before heading to wardrobe to pick up the clothes she would be wearing for the day’s taping, Kayla made a side trip to the studio’s break room for another cup of coffee. Her lack of sleep last night was definitely affecting her and while one cup a day was her limit, today was an exception. She needed all the help she could get to stay alert and focused.
As she left the break room with coffee in hand, she almost collided with Rachel in the hallway. “Sorry,” she said as she moved aside so Rachel could pass. Not uttering a word, Rachel shot her a disdainful look and then continued down the hall. Kayla watched her retreating back for a few seconds, and then, putting Rachel and her many moods out of her mind, she headed for the wardrobe department.
Twenty minutes later, dressed in one of Shay’s tight and cleavage-revealing outfits, she sat on the sofa in her dressing room waiting to be called to the set. On her lap was a stack of fan mail. Since she hadn’t had the opportunity to look at the mail over the weekend, she wanted to sort through the envelopes to see if any were from the crazy fan that had been sending her the threatening notes.
She was almost at the bottom of the stack when she saw the small white envelope that was an exact duplicate of the others she’d received. Her stomach knotted with dread as she recognized the precise hand lettering. As with the other three, it was addressed to Shay, and there was no return address. Putting the rest of the mail beside her on the sofa, Kayla grabbed her letter opener but then dropped it immediately. It landed on the multicolored area rug with a dull thud. How could she be so dense? If she opened the letter her fingerprints would be all over it. Gingerly, she moved her finger and thumb so they just touched the corner of the envelope. She rose from the sofa, moved to the desk and opened the top drawer. Inside was a large manila envelope where she kept some head shots. After retrieving it from the drawer, she managed to get it open with one hand and slip the letter inside with no problem.
A sharp knock on the door startled her and sent her heart racing. “Kayla.” It was Sean. “They want us on set.”
“Come on in,” Kayla said, quickly dropping the envelope on the desk before turning toward the door. Sean stuck his head inside. His smile faded as he gaze roamed over her face.
“Are you all right?” he asked, and took couple of steps inside the room. “Is it your head?” He frowned, looking at her with concern. “I knew I shouldn’t have let you drive to work this morning.”
“I’m fine,” she said as the pounding in her temples returned with a vengeance. Kayla didn’t like lying to him but for now she didn’t want anyone except Lisa to know about the letters. Lisa would be her first call after she was done taping her scenes; Lisa’s former boyfriend Luke Slade would be her second. It was time for the LAPD to be notified. Way past time actually; she couldn’t shrug this off any longer.
“You don’t look fine.” He looked skeptical. “You’re as white as a sheet.”
“I’m just tired.”
“Do you have a headache?”
“No. I feel like I have a hangover. But without the fun that usually precedes one,” she said, keeping her tone light. “But it’s nothing about ten hours of uninterrupted sleep won’t cure,” she added, moving toward him. “We should go. You know how Bill gets when his actors are late to set.”
“I do know. I was just watching Marcus and Rachel. Marcus kept flubbing his lines.” Sean backed into the hallway. “They had to do four takes of a two minute scene. Bill’s pissed.”
“Then we’d better hurry.”
* * *
“Cut,” Bill said from behind Sean. “That’s a wrap guys. Good job.” Bill’s production assistant approached him and then the two of them headed for the control room where they would take a look at the day’s scenes.
“I’m out of here,” Chris, who had been in the scene with Kayla and him, said with a grin. “It’s Jenny’s birthday. See you tomorrow, buddy.” Chris clapped him on the shoulder and then walked off the set.
Sean cast a glance at Kayla, standing on the other side of the police squad room set where they’d just finished taping. She was talking to Amanda.
For the first time since he’d started working with her, she wasn’t fully present in their scenes. He was the cause of that poor night’s sleep, and felt bad about it. But he’d done what he had to do to make sure she didn’t have a concussion.
Against his better judgment, he’d driven her to his house this morning before work so she could pick up her car. She’d insisted she was fine to drive, so what was he supposed to do? Forbid her? Somehow he didn’t think that would have gone over too well.
Earlier, when he’d stopped by her dressing room she’d looked deathly pale. It was probably from lack of sleep, but her face was so wan, he decided right then and there he was either driving her home, or following close behind her in his Jeep to make sure she got home safely.
He heard Amanda tell her to have a nice evening and then she left the set. Kayla turned and headed his way. Letting his gaze wander over her, Sean had to give the wardrobe department major kudos for choosing the clingy red top she was wearing. It was low cut, and emphasized her magnificent breasts. He’d always been a breast man, and knew real breasts when he saw them. And after last night, there was no doubt hers were real.
Before long, wardrobe would be fitting her with a pregnancy pad, and her clothing would no doubt be less sexy, but until then they were still dressing her like every man’s wet dream. It was no wonder Matt and his teammates watched the show. If he wasn’t on it he’d probably watch it too. Just to get a glimpse of her.
“I’m sorry,” she said, halting before him. Her face was still pale. She’d definitely taken the brunt of their accidental head butt. Other than a slight headache last night, he felt fine. But then, he hadn’t fallen and hit the back of his head on the concrete like she had.
“For what?”
“I just wasn’t into that last scene at all. I’m glad the last few minutes of it was just you and Chris.” She lifted her hand and tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear. “I can’t wait to get home and fall into bed.”
Falling into bed sounded good. Real good. Especially if he and Kayla happened to fall into bed together.
“Speaking of which.” Sean forced the erotic image of their naked bodies entwined on her bed from his mind. “I think you should let me drive you home.” He studied her face; her eyes looked tired. “You’re too exhausted to drive anywhere.”
“I’m really beat,” she admitted.
“Then I insist on driving you home.”
“You don’t have to do that, I…”
He held up his hand, interrupting her. “Sorry, sweetheart, I’m not taking no for an answer. I’ll drop you at your house and pick you up tomorrow morning.”
Kayla stared at him a few seconds before giving in. “I’m too tired to argue with you.”
After they had changed into their own clothes and washed off their stage make-up, Sean followed Kayla out the studio door and into the late aftern
oon sunshine. As he let go of the door, he heard the sound of a powerful engine revving and Rachel’s sports car shot by. Annoyed, he watched her turn left at the corner of the building and then disappear from sight.
Rachel was one of the many people in L.A. who believed traffic laws didn’t apply to them. And because she was a soap star and attractive, when she was pulled over—which was quite often—she usually got off with a warning instead of a ticket.
“I guess she’s in a hurry,” Kayla said, giving him a quick look as they crossed the lot.
“Looks like it.”
Kayla glanced at her car. “What the hell?” she exclaimed. Sean’s gaze followed hers and he saw what appeared to be spray paint on the passenger side of her car. “Oh, my God,” she said as they both stopped in their tracks. “My car. My baby,” she said in a low, tremulous voice. She covered her mouth with her hand and stared in wide-eyed disbelief.
Moving around her, Sean felt a flare of anger as he surveyed what some asshole had done. Over the cherry red paint, someone had used black spray paint to write the word SLUT in big bold letters along the side panel of her Mustang.
“That wasn’t there this morning. And I haven’t left the studio all day.” Her voice was angry as she moved to stand beside him. “The lot is gated. We have a security guard. How could this happen?” she asked, gazing up at him.
“We’ve had fans jump the back wall before,” Sean told her, looking around to see if there were any cameras on the building that were directed toward this part of the lot. He didn’t see any, but that didn’t mean anything. They could be placed out of sight.
Kayla spun around and stalked to the other side of the car. “Damn it,” she swore and looked over the top of the car and met his eyes. “They sprayed this side too. It says skank.” Her dark eyes glittered with fury. “I think I know who did this.”
“Who?” Sean asked as he rounded the car to stand next to her. He looked at the offensive word and wanted to wring the neck of whoever had sprayed the hateful garbage on her car.
“Hang on,” she said, reaching into her purse and pulling out her phone. She pressed a couple of buttons on the phone and then put it to her ear while she rubbed her temple with her other hand. “It’s me,” she said into the phone. “No, I’m not.” She stared at the side of her car. “I got another letter.”
Another Letter? What did that mean?
“I’ve got it with me. But that’s not all. Someone vandalized my car.” She paused for several seconds, swinging her gaze to his. “Sean’s here. He’s offered to drive me home. I’ll leave the car here for the night.” She was quiet for several seconds, listening to whomever she had called. “Okay, call me after you talk to him. I’m going home.”
“What’s going on?” Sean asked after Kayla hung up. “Who were you on the phone with?”
“Lisa,” she said and then stepped back and took a picture of the side of her car with her cell phone. Circling the car, she took a picture of the other side. She shoved the phone back in her purse and stared at her car, her expression grim.
“Kayla, what the hell is going on?”
She looked him with worried eyes. “Something I’ve been trying to ignore.”
“What do you mean?” Sean asked. “You said to Lisa that you got another letter. Is someone threatening you?”
“I’m not sure.” She bit her lip. “I didn’t think so. I thought it was just some fan who was upset with Shay. But now…” She looked back at her car. “I’m not sure what to think.”
Stunned, he stared at her. “So, you have been getting threatening letters?”
“Yes.” She nodded. “I’ll explain more when we get to my house.” She moved to the back of the car and laid her hand gently on the trunk. “I’m sorry someone did this to you,” she whispered. She looked up and gave him a rueful smile. “I talk to my car.”
“Don’t we all? Look, before we leave I’m going to talk to security. There are cameras all over this property. They may be able to see the bastard that did this.”
Kayla’s eyes narrowed. “I hope so. No one messes with my car and gets away with it.”
* * *
Sitting across from Sean at her kitchen table, Kayla pressed her index fingers to her temples and wished the splitting headache would go away. An hour after finding her beloved Mustang violated she was still so angry she couldn’t see straight.
“How many of these have you received?” Sean asked looking up from the manila envelope in front of her on the table. Neither of them had touched it.
“That’s the fourth.” Lowering her hands, she rested her forearms on the table. “I threw away the first two thinking they were from some fan upset that Shay was having an affair with Stefan. I thought once Stefan went back to Cassie the letters would stop.”
“But they didn’t and now someone has vandalized your car.” Sean leaned back in his chair. “I noticed you’re using your security system. That’s smart, but I’m concerned about the garage.”
Kayla nodded. “I know. I realized today that anyone could approach me after I put the car in the garage. I didn’t mind the detached garage until now.”
“I know you don’t want to hear this but you’re very vulnerable in this house.”
“You’re right.” She grimaced. “I don’t want to hear it. But it’s the truth. I have an appointment on Thursday with a representative from my alarm company. Lisa insisted. I was reluctant at first. But now I’m glad I called them.”
“I’m glad you did too.” His expression was grave. “You look tired.”
“I am,” she admitted. “But I don’t want to go to bed until Lisa calls. She’s going to get in touch with a detective she knows and see what he recommends.”
“How about something to eat while we wait?” Sean suggested.
“I’m not very hungry.”
“Still, you should have something in your stomach.”
“I don’t have much here to eat,” she said, mentally reviewing the contents of her fridge and cupboards and coming up with zilch.
Sean’s mouth eased into a grin. “I bet I could find something if I look. I’m good in the kitchen.”
He was probably good other places too, Kayla thought as that famous smile of his caused her heart to skip a beat.
He rose from the table and looked down at her. “Just relax. I’ll take care of you.”
As independent as she was, Kayla liked that sound of that. Right now, having someone fussing over her was kind of nice. Especially if that someone was Sean. “Okay,” she said returning his smile before he crossed the short distance to the kitchen.
Was it wrong that she didn’t want him to leave? If it was, she didn’t care. She liked being with him, she felt safe with him here.
She reached for the remote for the television and hit the power button. The channel was still tuned to the sports channel so she left it on.
“The Dodgers didn’t have a game today,” Sean commented.
“That’s good. The bums probably would’ve lost.”
“Who are you calling bums?” He gave her a mock glare. “At least the Dodgers aren’t some wine sipping, hot-tub dipping pansy ass team.”
She pointed the remote at him. “Those are fighting words, Barrett. If I was feeling better I’d have a kick-ass comeback. Consider yourself lucky I’m not functioning on all eight cylinders.”
He laughed. “Then we’ll pick this up when you feel better. I’d hate to crush you at trash talking when you’re not a hundred percent.”
She regarded him with amusement. “Crush me? Cocky much?”
“Just telling it like it is, sweetheart.” He pivoted to open the refrigerator and frowned as he peered inside.
“I told you. It’s slim pickings in there. You can check the pantry though. I might have some pasta and marinara sauce. I keep it for emergencies.”
Sean met her gaze with raised brows. “Emergencies?”
“Yes. But I might have used it the last time my mom and dad visit
ed.” He gave her a what the hell look that made her chuckle. “It’s quick and easy, and even I can’t mess up pasta. It’s my go-to meal.”
“You have a go-to meal?” He shut the refrigerator and opened the pantry door right next to it.
“Of course,” she said, turning her attention back to the television where the commentators were discussing the likelihood of the Lakers making it to the NBA championship. As she listened to the latest Kobe versus LeBron debate her cell phone rang. She set the remote on table, reached for the phone, and seeing it was Lisa, hit the speakerphone button.
“What did you find out?” she asked. Sean walked over from the pantry and stood next to her. He hit the mute button on the remote to silence the sportscasters. Kayla glanced up at him, saw the tense expression on his face and then looked back at the phone.
“I spoke briefly with Luke and told him about the situation,” Lisa began. “Since you’re on television, he’s going to have a detective from the LAPD administration office contact you. They have a special unit there that handles people in the public eye. They’ll want to see the letters, and they’ll also be dusting your car for fingerprints.”
Kayla swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. “So he thinks it’s serious?”
“He doesn’t want to take any chances. You’ll want to file a report so this is on record.”
“And then what?” Kayla asked.
“It depends on if they find any prints on your car. If we’re lucky, the person who did this might have been careless and touched your car. And if they did, hopefully they weren’t wearing gloves. And if their prints are on file we can nail them.”
“Those are pretty big ifs.” Sean said, putting his hands on his lean hips.
“Thanks for driving Kayla home, Sean.” Lisa paused. “You’re right, those are big ifs. The police may come up with squat. Kayla, you’ve still got that security guy coming over on Thursday, right?”
“Yes.”
Love in the Afternoon Page 13