Love in the Afternoon

by Alison Packard

“Good. Let him know what’s been going on.”

  “I will.”

  “And don’t go running for a while. Go to the gym instead.”

  Kayla frowned but didn’t protest. As much as she hated it, she had to be smart. Anyone watching her would be able to quickly pick up her routine. “Okay.”

  “The detective will talk to the security staff at the studio. He’ll advise them to beef up the security on the lot and patrol that particular parking area more frequently.”

  “I talked to them about that before we left the studio,” Sean said, “but I think it’ll mean more coming from the LAPD.”

  Leaning forward, Kayla focused her eyes on the phone. “Lisa, I’m supposed to go to that fan event in Van Nuys in a couple of weeks. Should I still go?”

  “Yes, but I’d prefer you go with someone. Chris is going. I’ll call him and ask him to drive you.”

  “I’ll take her,” Sean said. Stunned, Kayla looked up and met his inscrutable gaze. Lisa must have been surprised as well because there was dead silence on the phone for several seconds.

  “You said you didn’t want to attend that event,” Lisa finally said.

  “I changed my mind. I enjoyed the luncheon and I don’t live that far from Kayla. Chris lives in West Hollywood.”

  “All right then. I’ll contact the organizers and let them know you’re attending.”

  Kayla lowered her gaze to the phone. “Lisa, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the letters at first.”

  “You’re taking it seriously now, and that’s what matters.” Lisa’s tone turned soft. “You’re more than welcome to stay with me for a while until this is settled.”

  “That’s sweet of you.”

  “Don’t ever call me that,” Lisa admonished her. Kayla glanced up at Sean and met his amused gaze.

  “Sorry.” Kayla chuckled. “I know you don’t want it to get out that there’s a big heart under that steely exterior.”

  “Damn straight. I have a reputation to uphold,” Lisa said sternly.

  “Your secret is safe with us,” Sean said, putting his hand on Kayla’s shoulder. Its warmth through the fabric of her top sent a prickle of awareness through her. The gesture was innocent, yet something about it was almost intimate.

  Lisa chuckled. “Kayla, I gave Luke your cell number. He’s going to pass it along to the detective in administration. He’ll call you tomorrow morning to set up a time to meet with you.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “Be careful.”

  “I will.” Kayla nodded. “I’ll call you tomorrow and give you an update.”

  “Okay. And I meant what I said. You can stay with me for as long as you need to.”

  “Thanks,” she said, feeling moisture gather in her eyes.

  After Lisa hung up, Kayla stared at the phone until she felt Sean’s fingers squeeze her shoulder gently. She lifted her head and met his gaze, grateful for his presence. If he wasn’t here with her, she might very well be a basket case right now.

  “I have good news.”

  “I could use some,” she said, suddenly noticing how close he was. The force of his masculinity struck her anew. She wanted to feel his strong arms around her, and not just because she’d had a hell of a day and needed to feel safe. It was so much more than that.

  “You have pasta and marinara sauce in your pantry,” he said and squeezed her shoulder again. “Why don’t you go take a shower while I fix us some dinner?”

  She sighed. “That sounds like heaven.”

  “Then go.” Sean lifted his hand from her shoulder and then went back to the pantry. “By the time you’re done, dinner will be ready.”

  Rising from her chair, Kayla moved to the archway that led from the kitchen into the living room. She turned to find Sean intent on opening the glass jar of sauce. She watched him and thought how right it felt having him in her home. How right it felt having him in her life. “Sean.” He looked up. Her heart clenched as their eyes met across the room. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” His voice was husky, and between it, and the way his green eyes held hers, Kayla felt goosebumps rise on her arms. For several long seconds their eyes met, and she had to fight the urge to cross the kitchen and fling herself into his arms.

  “Go take that shower,” Sean said as he set the jar on the counter.

  Kayla nodded and turned and left the kitchen.

  * * *

  Sean had just found the strainer in Kayla’s cupboard when she returned to the kitchen. “How was your shower?” he asked, closing the cupboard door.

  “Better than sex,” she said moving to the credenza on the other side of the table.

  An image of her naked in the shower heightened his pulse. “That must have been some shower.”

  She pulled open a drawer and then looked at him. “I have a great shower head. It does all sorts of amazing things.” Her cheeks turned pink. “You know, like massaging jets, pinpoint spray, that kind of thing.”

  “Right.” He grinned at her. “Dinner’s almost ready.

  As she put the placemats on the table, he noticed that she’d changed into a pair of dark blue sweatpants that fit her like a glove, and a pink T-shirt that had the logo of a recent breast cancer 10k run emblazoned on the front. Her dark hair was loose, and flowed over her shoulders like silk. In spite of slight bruise on her forehead and her wan complexion, she looked beautiful.

  “I’ll set the table,” she said, moving to join him in the kitchen.

  As she opened the cutlery drawer, Sean put the strainer in the sink and turned and reached for the pot on the stove that held the pasta. “Do you have a serving bowl?” he asked, pouring the pasta into the strainer and setting the pot next to the sink

  “Behind you. Cupboard next to the stove.”

  Turning again, Sean opened the cupboard and bent to look inside. “Where?”

  “It should be right in front.”

  “I don’t see it.”

  She moved to stand beside him. “It was there last week.” She put her hand on his back and leaned down, her face level with his as they both peered into the cupboard. The clean scent of her soap surrounded him. “There it is. Behind the salad spinner.”

  “Salad spinner?” he managed to ask. She smelled so good, and her fingers seemed to burn right through his shirt to his skin. He imagined her touching him in other places and instantly felt a tug of arousal in his groin. She was so close he could feel her breath, warm on his cheek. Turning his head, he met her gaze. Her eyes could make a man forget to breathe. Dark, sultry, exotic. What was he looking for again? Whatever it was suddenly ceased to matter when her mouth touched his and lingered. A million dollars could be in that cupboard for all he cared. The kiss was brief, but long enough for him to know he wanted more. A lot more. Her lips were soft and she tasted of peppermint. Toothpaste perhaps? When she pulled back, he opened his eyes, all he could feel was the restless throb of desire in his veins.

  “The green thing.” A hint of a smile curved her lips.

  “Green thing?”

  “The salad spinner,” she said, patting him on the back and straightening.

  Taking a deep breath, he moved the green thing aside and reached for the bowl behind it. Closing the cupboard door he turned to find her setting the table. Oblivious to his scrutiny, she folded one of the napkins into some weird origami shape and then set in the middle of one of the placemats. Unable to take his eyes off of her, Sean couldn’t remember ever feeling this comfortable with a woman.

  He could get used to this.

  * * *

  Sean set his fork on his empty plate. “For sauce from a jar, that wasn’t half bad.” He leaned back in his chair and met Kayla’s gaze from across the table. “Did you get enough to eat? There’s a little pasta left.”

  Putting her hand on her stomach, she shook her head. “No, thanks. I’m full.”

  Letting his gaze linger on her face, he could see she was still pale. And a couple of stifled yawns throug
hout dinner told him she was exhausted. “I think you should go to bed.”

  “No. You cooked, I clean.” She wiped her mouth with her napkin and set it next to her plate.

  “Normally, I’d accept that offer. But not tonight. You’ve had a rough day.”

  “Okay, but next time I’m cleaning up.” A whisper of smile played over her shapely lips. “In fact, after everything you’ve done for me, I owe you dinner.”

  Sean grinned. “Didn’t you mention something about not cooking very much?” he asked, pleased to see she was in better spirits than when he’d first brought her home.

  “Yes.” She paused and her eyes gleamed with amusement. “But I’m really good at ordering take-out.” Her smile lit up her face. “In fact, I’ve been told it’s one of my better skills.”

  “Really?” He wouldn’t mind sampling some of her other skills.

  “Yes.” She nodded. “Trust me, I can order a take-out meal to die for.”

  “Then how can I resist?”

  “You can’t,” she said, in a voice so soft and low it was almost a caress. Staring into her dark eyes, all he could hear was the sound of his heart as it hammered in his chest. She was right, he couldn’t resist. And he didn’t want to.

  * * *

  When the last plate was in the dishwasher, Sean wiped down the granite counter top and stainless steel stovetop and then glanced at his watch. It was only eight-thirty yet it felt later. Maybe it was because of the erratic sleep he’d gotten the evening before, or everything that had happened after work, but he was wiped out.

  Moving to the window, he opened the blinds to make sure the window was locked and noticed a black coupe cruise slowly in front of the house. It was a convertible, but the top was up and because it was dark outside he couldn’t make out the driver. His body tensed and his heart started to pound as he watched the car disappear from sight.

  He checked the lock, found it was secure and then closed the blinds. Turning, he spotted the manila envelope lying on the kitchen table. Staring at it, he couldn’t tamp down the raw fury that knotted his gut. The letters she’d received and the vandalism to her car was tangible proof that there was some freak out there fixated on her. Now he couldn’t help but wonder if that flat tire he’d helped her with was related to the letters and today’s vandalism.

  Tearing his gaze from the offensive thing, Sean moved to the arched entry to the living room and paused when he saw Kayla asleep on the sofa, still clutching the remote in her hand. She hadn’t said one word the whole time he was cleaning up the kitchen, which meant she’d probably gone out like a light the moment she sat down.

  If he let her, she’d probably sleep there until morning. But considering what she’d been through the best place for her was bed. Crossing the room, he pulled the remote from her limp fingers and placed it on the oversized trunk that served as a coffee table. Bending his knees, he slid his hands underneath her and lifted her so she was cradled in his arms. Her head lolled against his chest and she made a soft sound but didn’t wake up.

  Carrying her from the living room, he maneuvered down the hallway until he reached her bedroom. Once inside, he laid her gently on the mattress and then covered her with the quilt folded neatly at the foot of the bed. She’d left the lamp on her nightstand on and its soft glow illuminated her face.

  In sleep, her beautiful face was serene. There was no sign of the worried expression he’d seen for a good part of the evening. Her mouth was slightly parted, her lips dewy soft. A lock of dark hair covered her cheek. Reaching out, he brushed it away from her face and couldn’t help but caress her cheek. Her skin was like satin, and a hot pang of longing shot through him.

  It was no use pretending he didn’t want her. Despite all of his well-founded reasons for not becoming involved with her, he couldn’t seem to control his growing feelings. He was drawn to her in a way he’d never experienced with any other woman.

  Sean gave her cheek a final gentle caress and then turned off the light. He left the bedroom and went to the guest room. She’d be surprised to see him in the morning, but after what had happened today there was no way in hell he was leaving her alone.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Shay: I can help you. I think really fast on my feet and I’m good back-up.

  Jared: Forget it. This is police business. Stay put and crochet some booties or something.

  Late the next afternoon, Kayla stepped out of her dressing room to find Sean leaning against the wall opposite the door. She was surprised to see him. Just as she’d been surprised, touched and more than a little apprehensive to see him making coffee in her kitchen this morning. Why? Because she could get used to having him around, that’s why. Meeting his concerned gaze, she felt the familiar flutter in her stomach his presence always seemed to evoke in her.

  “How did it go with the detective?” he asked.

  “Like I expected,” she said, and then doing something she hadn’t done since she started working at Lantern Studios, she used her key and locked the deadbolt on her dressing room door. “Unless there are fingerprints on the car, or on the letters, there’s no way to know who’s doing this to me.”

  “Did they dust your car for prints?” Sean asked as they walked down the hallway side by side.

  “Yes. And they have the letters.”

  “Have you thought about Lisa’s offer?” Sean asked as they rounded the corner. A harried looking production assistant came out of Amanda’s office. She held up two envelopes as both Kayla and Sean came to a halt in front of her.

  “Script changes for Friday,” the P.A. said and then handed one to Kayla. After Sean took his, the assistant gave them a brusque nod, stepped around them and continued down the hall without another word.

  “Of course, I’ve thought about it,” Kayla said as she shoved the script into her tote bag. It was all she’d been thinking about. The shock of the letter and the vandalism had worn off. She was no longer afraid, just mad as hell. Someone was toying with her and she wasn’t going to play their sick game. Sean wouldn’t be happy with her decision, nor would Lisa, but it was her life and she was going to do things her way. “I’m not going to let anyone run me out of my home.”

  “Are you serious?” Sean exclaimed. He stopped and reached for her arm, pulling her to a halt beside him. He turned toward her, his expression still and serious. “Your car was vandalized. You’ve received several threatening letters.”

  “I know that.” Anger filled her. Not at Sean, but at the unknown lunatic who was obviously getting off on this little game they were playing. “But the letters have come here to the studio, and this is where my car was vandalized. I doubt this…this…person knows where I live.”

  “Are you willing to bet your life on that?”

  “The alarm company rep is coming tomorrow morning,” Kayla reminded him. “I’ll be fine for one more night.”

  “Are you going home now? I’ll follow you to make sure you get there safely.”

  “I appreciate your concern, but I’ll be fine. Besides I’m not going straight home, I have an appointment—” she glanced at her watch, “—in a half hour at an auto body shop for an estimate on getting my car repainted. They specialize in classic cars. I should get going. I don’t want to be late.”

  Pulling her arm from Sean’s grasp, she strode past Amanda’s office and headed down the hall. “I don’t like this, Kayla,” he said, following her.

  “Too bad,” she said, not sparing him a glance.

  “Jesus, you’re hard-headed.” Sean moved in front of her to open the door. They crossed through the small lobby toward the exit door. Kayla pushed it open and stepped outside with Sean on her heels. “For the record, I think you’re being stupid.”

  Kayla stopped in her tracks and turned to meet his annoyed gaze. “Would you leave your house?” she demanded.

  “Probably not, but…”

  “But you’re a man so that’s different, right?” She gave an unladylike snort, whirled around and marched
toward her car.

  “It’s not a double standard. The fact is I’m bigger and stronger than you are,” Sean said, trailing close behind.

  “Yes. You’re quite the he-man, and I’m the damsel in distress who needs saving,” Kayla snapped. As soon as the words were out of her mouth she regretted them. What was wrong with her? Was she channeling her sister? A sharp barb like that was something Kelly would say. The only difference was Kelly wouldn’t regret it.

  As they approached her car she saw that someone from studio maintenance had been kind enough to put two removable signs over the offensive words, but knowing her beloved Mustang was still desecrated pissed her off all over again.

  “Can you do something for me?” Sean asked, putting a hand on her arm, gently pulling her to stop.

  “And what’s that?” she asked, looking up at him. The late afternoon picked up the highlights in his golden hair. The ends of it curled carelessly over the collar of his shirt. He looked like a surfer god. They’d kissed twice and there was no way she could deny she wanted more. It would be so easy to let him keep taking care of her, so easy to rely on him. But she couldn’t do that. She’d started to trust and depend on Greg and look how that had turned out. Granted, Sean was nothing like Greg, or at least he didn’t appear to be. But Greg hadn’t shown his true colors until she’d known him a few months. Letting Sean get that close could be disastrous—especially since they worked so closely together.

  “Be careful. And don’t answer the door.” His steady gaze bore into hers. “For anyone.”

  “I’m not a complete idiot.” Oh, my God. Why was she being such a shrew? It wasn’t Sean’s fault someone had targeted her. But still, she didn’t like him trying to order her around. She’d lived alone for seven years and wasn’t used to anyone telling her what to do.

  “I didn’t say you were.” A frown marred his handsome face. “Pardon me for worrying about you.” He let go of her arm and without another word headed for his Jeep.

  After she’d stowed her tote bag in the Mustang, Kayla braced her arm on the door frame as Sean backed the Wagoneer out of its space and took off. With a heavy heart, she watched him until he turned the corner and disappeared from sight. A dry sob burned in her throat but she refused to let it out. Instead she climbed into the car and closed the door. Damn it. Whoever was behind the letters and the vandalism had been able to do what seven years in Hollywood hadn’t. Turn her into a stark-raving bitch.