by Lauren Canan
“What are you doing?”
“If you don’t go, I don’t go.” He walked into the bedroom and pulled back the covers on the bed. “I’ll just stay here with you. I’m betting we can find something to do.”
“You can’t do that to Mona.” Then she straightened as the light dawned about what he was doing. “This is blackmail.”
He shrugged. “As they say, all’s fair. Which is it going to be, Kelly? Are you going to accompany me downstairs or do we get out of these clothes and spend the night together in that bed like we both really want to do?”
“Don’t do this, Jace.”
“I haven’t done anything. Yet.”
“Jace.”
He walked up to her and cupped her face in his hands. If he didn’t get them out of this room fast, neither of them would ever make it to the ballroom. His mother might be a little pissed, but he was past the point of caring.
“Take me very seriously, Kelly.” His eyes held her gaze. “There’s nothing I want to do right now more than remove that dress, inch by inch, and carry you to the bed.” He took her hand and pressed her palm against his throbbing erection. “You need to decide. Now.”
* * *
As soon as they stepped off the elevators, they were surrounded. People filled every available space, in the corridor, around the elevators, in the ballroom, even filling the elegant hotel lobby. As soon as Jace was spotted, reporters came out of the woodwork. Cameras flashed while reporters stood in line for an interview. Jace held Kelly’s hand, refusing to let her fade into the background. He gave interview after interview focusing on the charity. He noted his mom across the room doing the same thing. Kelly stood quietly at his side until some of the questions were directed at her.
“Ms. Michaels, are you excited about this charity ball tonight?”
“Of course.” She looked into the camera, a beautiful smile on her lips. “We’re all excited to be a part of this very worthy cause.”
“What about the man standing next to you? Any wedding bells in the near future?”
Before Jace could open his mouth, Kelly responded to the question. “We’re here tonight to raise money to help women who are abused and desperate to find a better life for themselves and their children. It’s a serious concern and I would expect the media to respect that and focus on the women who so desperately need our help.”
“So you’re refusing to comment on any personal relationship between yourself and Jace Compton?”
“Yes. As a matter of fact, I am. This is neither the time nor the place for questions of that nature. Now, if you’re willing to hand me a check for a million dollars made out to the NCAW, I might be tempted to answer.”
Jace was stunned by just how easily Kelly shut the man down. It was as though she had years of experience in front of the reporters’ cameras. The poor guy never had a chance. He mumbled something about not having quite that much in his pocket, the others laughed, and further questions along those lines were dropped. Jace had never been prouder of anyone in his life. Though her body trembled the entire time, she’d handled it like a pro.
After dinner, the orchestra began playing. Couples rose from their seats and headed for the dance floor. Jace stood, placed his linen napkin on the table, and held out his hand to Kelly. She gracefully accepted.
He pulled her close, taking advantage of the opportunity to have her next to him. It felt so right.
“Remember when we danced in that little hotel lounge in Calico Springs?” he murmured near her ear. “It was dark. The only light was from the candles on the tables. I could have held you like that forever. And we still fit together perfectly.”
“Only because you’re a great dancer.”
“Dancing has nothing to do with how impeccably you fit in my arms. If you like, I can demonstrate other ways we fit together.”
“Be nice.”
“I’m trying. But all I seem to want to do is be naughty. Very, very naughty.”
“I don’t know whether to laugh or take you seriously and issue a reprimand.”
“Serious works for me.” He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “You can even spank me if you want.”
“Jace!” He loved the delicate blush that covered her fine features.
“What?” He intentionally assumed a look of pure innocence. Then couldn’t hold back the grin at the expression of reproach on her face.
“You are bad.”
“Mmmm. That’s not what you said a week ago.”
“May I cut in?” asked a man standing next to Jace, his eyes all over Kelly.
Jace nodded and pulled a gulp of air through his nose, aware he couldn’t say no.
He watched helplessly as the man stepped up and put his arms around Kelly. She gave Jace a strained smile before they disappeared into the crowd.
“Well, hello there, handsome.”
Jace turned to find Lena Maxwell, her dark auburn hair soft and wispy around her bare shoulders.
“Lena. How are you?” His eyes darted from Lena to the crowd on the dance floor as he tried to keep Kelly in sight. “Thanks for coming tonight.”
“The pleasure is all mine.” The sultry actress gave a deep-throated laugh. “Now dance with me before I have to take another breath without your arms around me.”
With a tight smile, Jace complied.
“I heard you bought a ranch. Surely you’re not retiring from pictures?”
“Haven’t decided. Just knew I needed a break. What about you? Still fending off the offers with a stick?”
She laughed again. Jace searched the room for Kelly.
“She got to you big-time, didn’t she?”
“Who?”
“The little blonde on your arm tonight. Congratulations on fatherhood, by the way.”
“Thanks.” Lena was trying to dig for gossip. She loved the spotlight, and knowing something no one else knew kept her right where she wanted to be.
“Brilliant idea to bring her here tonight. It will be all over the front page by in the morning. Good for the charity. Great for your career at the same time. Rumors are going to fly. Your name will be bandied about for weeks.” She gave a sultry laugh. “Now I understand why we haven’t seen you for a while.”
Jace clenched his teeth in an effort to keep his temper at bay. Lena was the perfect example of why Kelly had been so concerned about attending tonight. He only hoped she wouldn’t see this as a setup and think he was using her exactly as Lena described.
“May I cut in?” Another woman was waiting patiently by their side.
“So much for keeping you all to myself,” Lena muttered, but politely stepped away. With a quick wink at Jace she disappeared toward the refreshment bar.
“Still have to stand in line to get to the great Jace Compton.” The pretty brunette stepped into his arms. “Some things will never change.”
“How’ve you been, Audrey?”
Jace absently moved to the music, only partially listening to the woman’s ongoing chatter. He’d attended dozens of these affairs but tonight, for the first time, he saw nothing even remotely enjoyable in the experience. He didn’t want to make small talk. He didn’t want to be on center stage. Suddenly all the phony flirting and keeping up a front turned his stomach.
He wanted the quiet of the ranch and the privacy it offered.
And right or wrong, he wanted Kelly beside him.
* * *
The next man who stepped on her foot was going to regret it, Kelly decided as yet another intoxicated, overbearing fool asked her to dance. What was with the hands? This was an upscale event to raise money for a very worthy cause, not some grab-’n’-go on the shady side of town—even if she was half-naked. The cowhands had better manners.
Mona had called it right. There had to be at least four hundred people crowded into the ballroom. More than half were men, and she speculated that the majority of those were either blitzed or well on their way.
She’d spotted Jace a couple of times, each ti
me trying to sidestep a different woman. They flirted shamelessly with him. He smiled politely but didn’t appear to encourage them. He looked extraordinarily handsome in a tuxedo. At one point, their eyes met. He didn’t smile, but the look that flared in his eyes warmed her down to her toes.
When the song ended, Kelly took the opportunity to excuse herself and leave the dance floor. She made her way to the ladies’ room, hoping the evening would soon end. While it wasn’t as bad as she’d first imagined, her feet were aching and her facial muscles actually hurt from continuously smiling, something she’d never before experienced. Perhaps it wasn’t too late to call Mrs. Jenkins and again check on Henry.
She entered the elegant powder room, passing through to get to the bathroom facilities. As she was getting ready to exit, she heard the voices of several women in the first room.
“So...what did you think of Jace’s new friend?”
Several giggles were the reply.
“I think she’s nice,” one of the women said.
“Oh, honey. She is going to be his downfall. I can’t believe she managed to get pregnant. My husband said Jace was not enthusiastic at all about the new film. I guarantee it’s because he feels responsible for that woman and her baby.”
“Surely he won’t turn down the role?” another woman asked. “I heard he is going to be offered the lead.”
“She will probably let him do it. As long as it puts more money in her bank account.”
What? Grabbing the handle, Kelly wrenched open the restroom door and turned toward the women in the powder room. She’d put up with that gossipy bullshit in school. All the talk about her father. Accusing her of breaking up marriages. She’d be damned if she would quietly take the hits again or hide like some thief in the night and say nothing as she had before.
“Frankly, I doubt she cares one way or the other. Would you? I mean, she’s got her hooks in the most eligible bachelor on this continent. But she’d better ask herself how long she can keep him toeing the line.”
“Maybe we should ask her for some pointers.”
“Yeah. Maybe you should,” Kelly interjected, staring at the speaker and wishing her gaze could do serious damage. “It certainly couldn’t hurt.” She let her gaze slide from the woman’s face down to her feet and back, keeping a look of disgust on her face. “But it absolutely won’t help. Excuse me.”
Kelly pushed her way through the little group and looked into the large floor-to-ceiling mirror. Puckering her lips, she pretended to check her lipstick and then turned her head from side to side, her hand brushing down the side of her face and neck as if looking for flaws before shrugging her shoulders as though not finding any. Turning to look at herself in profile, she sucked in her stomach, arched her back and stuck out her boobs. What little she had.
“Mmm.” She muttered in a disgruntled moan. She ran her hand over her stomach then across her breasts. “There’s just too much material to this dress. Don’t you think?”
The three women stared, each presenting a different level of shock, resentment and indignation.
“Oh well. I guess I’ll leave that up to Jacie. Maybe he likes taking it off better.” Fake smile. “You girls know what I mean.” Fade to frown. “Oh. Or maybe you don’t.” Uncaring shrug. “Pity.”
“Don’t you live on a farm?”
One of the women, the oldest, apparently decided she had what it took to bring Kelly down a peg or two. Bring it on, bitch. These women were nothing compared to the kids at Calico Springs High.
Pointing finger. Surprised tone. “You’re Celesta Mason!” Aha look. “I thought I recognized you.” Big smile. “Your husband is the one who was caught humping one of the cooks in the kitchen two years ago. Naughty, naughty boy. But then...” Conspiratorial tone. “...can anyone really blame him?”
The gasps from all three could have sucked the plaster off the walls. Thank God for Mona’s idle chitchat while they were placing the name cards earlier today. With a last glare in Kelly’s direction, Celesta stomped toward the door, her face getting redder with each step. Her friends followed close behind.
“Bye-bye,” Kelly called in her sweetest voice before the heavy door closed. And good riddance. She was gaining a much clearer picture of the way this game was played. Take away the million-dollar entitlements and these people were no different from the wannabes in Calico Springs.
She walked out of the ladies’ room intending to check in with Mona and return to her suite. Her feet were killing her. Four hours in five-inch heels was not her thing. Before she could take three steps, she felt an arm slip around her shoulders.
“I was afraid I’d missed you, sweetheart.” A man she didn’t know smiled down at her. “I’ve waited long enough. Let’s dance.”
Oh, brother. He took her hand and pulled her into the ballroom, holding her far too close. He reeked of alcohol. His eyes looked cloudy; his pupils were dilated, making her wonder if he was high on booze or drugs. Probably both. He leaned forward, placing a kiss on her shoulder.
“Don’t.” Kelly was beyond disgusted. She’d had enough.
“You staying here at the hotel?”
She ignored his question, trying to think of a way out of this situation without making a scene.
“Come on, baby,” he persisted, “what say you and me get out of here? I can think of a lot better things to do.”
“I don’t think so.” She tried to push away, but he held her firmly in his arms.
“Don’t be a fool.” His voice suddenly sounded malicious. “If you think you and your kid are enough to make Jace leave the industry, you’re sadly mistaken.” He laughed harshly. “Yeah, I saw the way you looked at him across the room. But he’s too into Lena Maxwell to care about anyone else. It’s been that way for years. If you’re smart, you’ll let it go.”
“You seem to know an awful lot about Jace Compton.”
“We go way back. Sorry babe, maybe I should have introduced myself. Most people know me on sight. I’m Bret Goldman.”
Bret Goldman. The man she’d spoken to when she’d called to tell Jace about the baby. So this was the jackass in person.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. You’re new. You’ll learn.”
“What will I learn?” She pushed back from him enough to look at his face. He was handsome enough, but his arrogance overshadowed any attraction someone might feel. Plus, he had some serious graying at the temples, and he carried the general look of one who overindulged. In everything, apparently.
“Who to be nice to and who doesn’t matter. I matter.”
“Really? To whom?”
His eyes narrowed. She needed to get away from this guy. Making a scene was becoming less and less important. Elite gala or not, he was about to be on the receiving end of an easily understood no.
He laughed contemptuously. “Be very careful, honey. Some people you don’t say no to. I’m one of them.”
Kelly could only gape at his arrogance. She tried her best to stifle a laugh, but the giggle broke free in an uncontainable snort. Suffice it to say it did not go over well with Mr. Full-of-Himself.
The man glared and seized her wrist. “Let’s see if I can give you a better understanding upstairs.” He began to pull her out of the room toward the elevators. The conceited jerk was serious. This had gone too far.
“Remove your hand. Now.”
“A little wildcat. I love it.”
“I don’t think Ms. Michaels wants to party, Bret.”
Bret stopped and Kelly looked behind her into Jace’s strong face. He was clearly holding his anger in check. To someone passing it would appear they were all just having a nice conversation. But Jace had a deadly look in his beautiful green eyes. Anyone with any common sense at all would know to back off. Immediately.
“She’s a little tease. We’ll get past that upstairs.”
Kelly struggled to remember...was she stronger with her left knee or her right?
“Let her go, Bret.”
“Or what?�
� the man challenged.
There were no more words as Jace’s fist shot out, landing squarely against the man’s nose with a force that would have made Rocky Balboa proud. Bret released her arm as he crashed to the floor, taking out a waiter carrying a tray full of dirty plates in the process.
With a few muttered curses, Bret got to his feet. He brushed at the trickle of blood running from his nose and the sight of it seemed to set him off. He lunged at Jace and grabbed his arm and swung him around, his fist flying toward Jace’s face. With a quick, easy move, Jace avoided any contact and sent the man flying across the room and crashing into the wall with a roundhouse kick. Jace made it look easy. Bret attempted to keep his balance and actually came at Jace again.
This time Jace let go with a right uppercut to the head that once again sent the man flying from one side of the room to the other. When his body made contact with the opposite wall he slid to the floor like a sack of rotten potatoes.
The sight was unreal. Camera flashes filled the room. Jace’s face was wrought with rage, his nostrils flaring, his mind and body not yet receiving the message it was over as he walked over to Bret, his fists clenched in anger. Jace was still in fight mode as two men stepped between him and his now unconscious—and no doubt soon to be former—manager. Their voices were low as they talked Jace down, assuring him it was over.
There was a moan and Bret struggled to sit up. Someone handed him a handkerchief and he held the cloth against his nose, not yet realizing that blood had soaked the front of his shirt.
Jace’s eyes cut to Kelly. In that moment, he seemed to visibly calm down before a look of remorse and dismay flooded his features. He shrugged out of the men’s hold and glanced at Bret, still lying on the floor, and then back at Kelly.
A moment passed between them before Jace turned and walked out of the room.
Fifteen
Jace entered his suite, letting the door close behind him. Shrugging out of his jacket, he tossed it onto a nearby chair, pulled off the tie and ripped open the dress shirt, sending the buttons flying. At the en suite bar he poured a triple and threw it down his throat. Bracing his arms against the countertop he stared at the image in the mirror. The contorted face that stared back, partially concealed by shadows, was not Jace Compton. It was a man with deadly eyes and a cold, menacing stare. The mouth was a thin straight line with deep grooves of leftover rage on either side. The white shirt hung open, bearing traces of Goldman’s blood. Jace clenched his jaw as he stared at the face of George Compton in the mirror. His father had rematerialized and displayed all the trademark brutality and cruelty of Jace’s childhood.