He flicked her an unfriendly glance. “We get along best when we don’t speak.”
Alexa felt annoyed, although she couldn’t fault his logic. She also felt oddly hurt, which made no sense at all. Fine, she told herself. Let him be rude. It only reflected on his character, not hers. Thankfully, the music started soon, so she didn’t have long to feel uncomfortable with the silence between them.
Alexa loved to sing, and was glad to recognize several of the hymns and praise songs. To her surprise, the bodyguard beside her sang each song in a low, pleasing baritone. Clearly, he knew the songs well.
Could he possibly be a Christian?
Alexa found this hard to believe. However, who was she to judge? Her behavior lately had been far from exemplary. Only God knew Jamison’s dark heart.
In the quiet, reflective prayer time, Alexa asked forgiveness for her own sins. And she wondered again why it was so hard to curb her tongue around Jamison. He was obnoxious, yes, but something else about him disturbed her.
During the last moments of prayer, quiet truth opened up in her heart. Jamison reminded her of the partying men she had met in college. Not that she could ever imagine Jamison uncoiling enough to party. No. But like those aggressive, confident men, he wasn’t predictable or tame. He unnerved her. Even so, it was no excuse to beat him off with sarcastic words.
She enjoyed the sermon. Perhaps appropriately, the topic focused on dealing with one’s enemies.
The pastor advised, “‘Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. And remember Psalm twenty-three, also. ‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…’”
A shiver slid through Alexa, for his words reminded her of the threatening note and her near death experience in the city.
Toward the end of the sermon, new verses nipped at her conscience, too. Like loving one’s enemies and praying for them. She slid a glance at Jamison. Maybe he wasn’t exactly her enemy, and she certainly couldn’t imagine liking him, let alone loving him. But she could pray for him—and she could try to treat him with more kindness. Lord help me.
Alexa brought her digital recorder to lunch, along with her notebook of questions and a photo album. So far, she had found it impossible to schedule time with Colin, except for this lunch. Frequent meetings kept him out of the house. She had seen him for a few seconds here and there over the last few days, but that was it. On those rare occasions, she had been able to ask him a few questions, but hadn’t been fully prepared to take advantage of those moments. Now she realized she had to be ready at all times.
In fact, Alexa was beginning to suspect Colin balked at the idea of actually sitting down and working on the book. Colin appeared to be a free-spirited sort of a man. He was outgoing and charming, but he wasn’t much of a planner. That was Eve.
Alexa discovered the secretary was already seated at the table with Colin when she arrived for lunch. She was ridiculously disappointed—not to mention apprehensive—to see Eve. So far, she had managed to avoid Colin’s mercurial secretary.
“Alexa.” Colin stood and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek. Eve glanced away, taking a sip of water while this transpired. Alexa didn’t feel comfortable enough to kiss Colin back, but she gave him a quick hug and found her seat. Colin sat at the head of the table, with Alexa and Eve on either side of him.
Alexa lifted her recorder. “Be prepared to be taped, Colin. You’re a hard man to pin down, so I’ve got to take advantage of every opportunity.”
Eve eyed the recorder with suspicion. “You can’t record our private conversation.”
Colin chuckled, and dimples appeared in his sharply angular face. He smiled warmly at Alexa. “Alexa’s got my number, as they say in America. It’s okay with me.”
“I’ll warn you before I turn it on,” Alexa promised.
French onion soup came first, served in a china bowl so thin Alexa could see her fingers through it. She knew, because she surreptitiously experimented. She ate carefully, needless to say. Each time her silver spoon clanked against the bowl she flinched, afraid it would shatter. After that, they ate beef Wellington, and then a warm bread pudding.
During the meal, encouraged by Alexa’s questions about pictures in the album, Colin serenaded them with stories from his youth. He laughed at the picture of him and a huge shaggy dog, both covered in mud.
“Ah, yes. I remember that time. Mutt and I got into a great many scrapes. That time, I’d heard that mud baths were supposed to be cleansing. My mum said so. She always talked of visiting a spa when she had saved up enough. I didn’t see why she had to pay for a spa when we had plenty of mud in the lot next door. I decided I’d give her a mud bath for her birthday. But I experimented first on Mutt and me, just to make sure we’d come up smelling like daisies.”
Alexa choked with laughter. “And did you?”
“Let’s just say me mum didn’t get a mud bath for her birthday. Or ever.”
Even the serious secretary cracked a smile. All during the meal she had repeatedly glanced between Colin and Alexa, as if searching for a place to find fault. It made Alexa feel uncomfortable.
The meal drew to a close. Colin dabbed his mouth and put his napkin on the table. “Sorry I’ve got to run, but I have a meeting with Paddy in an hour. Have you got enough material for the book, Alexa?”
“Enough for a few days. But I’ve got more questions I need answered. You want me to leave the photo albums here, right?”
“Correct. Eve can answer your questions.” He grinned at the secretary, and she blossomed into a smile at his attention. A faint blush stained her cheeks. “Eve knows everything about me.”
With a smile, Alexa attempted to joke, “You must be his number one fan, Eve.”
“That would be my mum,” Colin said with a rueful grin. “Cheers, you two. I’ll see you both tomorrow morning. We’ll leave for Heathrow at nine sharp.”
“Okay.” Alexa smiled after Colin, and then directed it to Eve. “I appreciate you helping me with the photos.”
“You’ll have to give me back all of the albums and scrapbooks tonight.”
Alexa frowned. “But Colin said I could bring the scrapbooks I hadn’t finished.”
“I’ll be in charge of them. We can’t have any getting lost.”
“Do you think I would lose them?”
Eve had the grace to look a little embarrassed. “Maybe not on purpose.”
“I’ll keep the one I’m working on and give you the others,” Alexa compromised. “I’ll work on it while we travel to Paris.”
Eve’s eyes narrowed. “Fine,” she said shortly. “But be careful with it. They can’t be replaced.”
Goodness, she was prickly. Alexa searched for a safe topic, and remembered the earliest scrapbooks she had already read through. “Did his mother make all of the scrapbooks?”
“Most. I made the latest ones.”
Alexa smiled, still striving to be friendly. “I’ll bet that’s something you didn’t find in your job description.”
“Colin didn’t ask me. I just do it.”
Somehow, that struck Alexa as a bit odd. “That’s nice of you.”
Eve shrugged. “Now ask your questions. I have work to do.”
Clearly, Eve did not want to be friends, and frankly, Alexa was tired of trying. She asked questions, received succinct replies in response, and then Alexa retreated to her room to begin transcribing the recording.
Clearly, the secretary saw her as some sort of a threat and had made up her mind to dislike Alexa. Fine. It wasn’t necessary to be friends. But it was too bad someone that close to Colin didn’t like her. She hoped Eve’s critical attitude didn’t warp Colin’s view of her. And she hoped Colin would be easier to interview while on the tour. Otherwise, writing this book could prove to be extremely difficult.
Chapter Four
The next morning, they flew to Paris in Colin’
s private jet. Alexa knew the band equipment would arrive via trucks on the slower ferry across the English Channel.
April in Paris! Alexa had dreamed of visiting ever since taking French in high school.
Driving out of the airport, she rode in the front seat of Colin’s car, next to the driver, Hathaway. He was a balding man, and the silent sort. The cars carrying the band members and the bodyguards followed behind them.
Overhead, the sky was a deep, clear blue, and a faint breeze ruffled the tree leaves. In the distance, she glimpsed the Eiffel tower, and as they pulled into the heart of the city, the car crept along with the slow afternoon traffic toward their destination.
Alexa drank in everything. Hurrying people, cafés with striped awnings; the entire air of Paris sizzled with a new kind of energy—unique from New York or London, or any other large city she had visited. Even better, she soon learned that their apartment building was within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower. How perfect!
“Here we are,” Hathaway said, stopping before a massive, stone-fronted building with narrow, arched windows. It was seven stories high. Ornately carved, double wooden doors hinted at the luxury within. “I’ll check you and the gov in at the office. Wait here.”
A few minutes later, the driver emerged with a liveried doorman and they packed the bags from two cars onto trolleys. Apparently, the band would travel to their hotel later. Hathaway handed Colin several packets of keys.
Alexa wondered how much to tip the doorman, and then realized she didn’t have any euros. Now he would think she was a rude American. Great.
“Hathaway will see to the bags,” Colin spoke up. “Everyone else come to the penthouse. I’ve ordered in food and drinks. Let’s celebrate the start of our road tour!”
Well, good. Now Alexa didn’t have to worry about tipping the doorman. And she would get to see a penthouse for the first time in her life. What could be better? Quickly, she packed the scrapbook and laptop she had used on the plane into her half-empty case and put it on a trolley, so she wouldn’t have to lug them to Colin’s penthouse.
She followed Colin and the others into the elevator and rode to the top of the building. Polished mirrors lined the elevator walls, and Alexa found them disconcerting, for everywhere she looked were people, people, and more reflected people.
As a nod to arriving in one of the most fashion conscious cities in the world, today Alexa wore gold sparkly heels, a crisp linen skirt, and a golden silky blouse over an ivory camisole. Jamison wore black, as usual, and stood silently ahead of her.
Colin opened the double doors to his flat, and a burst of sunshine and shimmering chandeliers met Alexa’s eyes. Exquisite vases and paintings decorated every available space. The sitting area came first, followed by a bar and kitchen. Long, narrow windows skirted by exterior black railings punctuated the length of the large apartment, affording a glorious view of Paris and a park. Alexa slipped over to investigate. The breath caught in her throat. The Eiffel Tower appeared close enough to touch.
“Champagne, everyone?” Colin called. “Or soft drinks. Choose your poison.”
Everyone collected drinks and snacks from the platters of cheeses and fruit on the counters.
Alexa realized she was starving, and heaped her napkin high. Jamison brushed by. “Hungry?” he muttered.
She frowned, but managed to control her tongue.
“Hear, hear.” Colin raised his champagne flute. “To the tour! As you know, we’re scheduled for four performances in each city, with a day’s rest before and after. I figure that’s about a week at each stop. I expect everyone to work hard, and play harder. Cheers!”
“Cheers,” chorused the others. Alexa sipped her cola while the others drank champagne.
The party hummed after that. Alexa mingled, speaking to the band members she had met at the concert, and meeting still others. Mart laughed loudly, and ribbed a couple of the guys near him. She noticed that even Jamison smiled and talked with everyone. What a surprise that a cordial side to his personality existed! The bodyguard drank a clear, fizzy liquid. Not champagne like most everyone else. That was Jamison, always controlled and watchful. Always kept his wits about him and his head on straight.
“Alexa.” Colin nudged her arm and his warm grin made Alexa melt. He truly did like her. No matter the warnings from her sister, Alexa felt deep in her heart that Colin was a genuine guy who wanted to be liked for himself, just like everyone else. And she definitely liked him. How could she not? He was the perfect man, and fit every one of her criteria—except she still wasn’t sure if he was a Christian.
“Hey,” she grinned back. “Great party. And I love your penthouse. What a fabulous view.”
“I’m glad you like it. I’ll invite you to dinner one night. I’ll order in and we’ll enjoy the view together.” His blue eyes sparkled.
Alexa took a quick sip of cola. He was flirting with her! She smiled as steadily as she could. “I’d like that.” But she also knew Colin and his hectic schedule. He meant well, but he’d be terribly busy the entire time in Paris. Not to mention, he’d perform four of those nights.
“Colin.” Paddy’s brusque voice interrupted their conversation. “I’ve got the latest numbers.”
When Alexa would have stepped back to give them privacy, Colin’s quick touch detained her. “Is Paris sold out?”
“Not yet. And numbers in Barcelona and Rome aren’t moving.”
“I trust you, Paddy.” Colin clapped the burly man on the back. “You’re the man to get things rolling. Have you got a plan?”
Paddy shot Alexa a curt, dismissive look. Clearly, he didn’t think she should be privy to their conversation. “Yes.”
“I knew it. Sign me up for more interviews, if needed.”
“Right.” With a forceful turn to his shoulders, Paddy headed for the bar.
“Forgive Paddy,” Colin said. “The concerts aren’t filling up as he’d like. He takes it personally.”
Maybe the manager took it too personally. Alexa eyed him across the room. Bottled up frustration rolled from Paddy in palpable, aggressive waves. He seemed primed to explode if anyone crossed his path.
The old memory of shattering pottery echoed through Alexa’s skull, and she abruptly shivered.
Colin frowned. “Alexa? Are you all right?”
“What? Oh…yes.” The past was done, and long ago resolved. Wasn’t it? Then why had that upsetting memory flashed? With an effort, Alexa focused into the present. “If the concerts don’t fill up, will you cancel the tour?”
Colin laughed easily. “No, love. We’ve sold enough tickets to cover our expenses. And I couldn’t disappoint the fans. We’ve nothing to worry about.” He smiled. “Paddy is a profit hound. As he should be. It’s his job. Plus, his contract guarantees his percentage of the profit goes up with a full house.”
Alexa relaxed. “So he has incentive to make sure it’s sold out.”
“It works out to everyone’s advantage.” Colin smiled. “I have no doubt Paddy will pull a miracle from his hat. It won’t be the first time.” His grin faded. “Unfortunately, I need to talk to you about something more serious. Jamison, old boy.” He got the bodyguard’s attention as he passed by, and then addressed them both. “Jamison knows, but you don’t, Alexa. We’ve received more threats on both of our lives. Specific threats.”
Alarm arose. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t want to scare you, but the authorities agree we need to take the threats seriously. The note sender is threatening that she—or he or they—is following us, and unless you go home now, she’ll kill us both.” He frowned. “She’s ordered me to stop seeing you.”
Alexa’s face warmed. “But we’re not…dating.”
“This person is crazy. Facts don’t matter. Besides, she understands what could happen between us.”
“Maybe I should go home. I don’t want to put your life in danger.”
“Are you frightened?”
Was she? “Not really. I mea
n, it all seems so bizarre, like a hoax. Maybe that’s all it is.”
“We can’t take that chance. If you want to stay and finish writing the book, I’d like you to. But it’s your choice.”
“I want to finish the book. I won’t let a disturbed person scare me off.”
“Good.” Colin smiled. “I hoped you’d say that. Here’s the thing. While you’re touring with me, I want you protected. And that means all the time. You’re not safe anywhere, not even in your apartment.”
“I’m not?”
“You’re not. Security is good here, but it’s not enough to satisfy me. That’s why I’ve taken the liberty of switching you over to a flat with a large sitting room and kitchen.”
She was confused. “You did? Why?”
“You’ll be spending most of your time there, and I want you to be comfortable. Also, the flat includes two bedrooms. All together, it provides plenty of room for you and your protection to live together comfortably.”
“Protection? Live together?” Alexa wasn’t liking the sound of this. Beside her, Jamison stiffened. “What protection do you mean?”
“Jamison, if you’re up for it, I’d like you to guard Alexa twenty-four/seven.”
Jamison’s jaw dropped, but then his teeth snapped together. He gave a short nod.
Alexa, however, was overcome with horror. “Jamison would live with me?” she cried out. “Colin, no! I mean, I appreciate your willingness to protect me, but… Jamison and I do not get along. Haven’t you noticed?” It was high time to return that fact to Colin’s attention.
Amusement sparkled. “Under the circumstances, it’s the best choice I can make. And don’t worry about Jamison. He’s a monk.”
Alexa slid a glance at the bodyguard. She wasn’t sure if she believed that. But she did believe that he was very self-controlled at all times.
Colin gave his bodyguard a grin. “Although I’m not sure why. Plenty of female fans go for him.”
Jamison’s shoulders shifted, as if uncomfortable.
Her Reluctant Bodyguard Page 7