Tell that to her tingling, happy parts longing for a repeat performance, wondering if there was a small broom closet nearby…
Oh, hell no. Brielle dismissed the absurd notion the moment it surfaced. Her chin rose. And there was nothing happy about her parts. She was just relieved to know which brother was which. And now that she did, she could get on with the show.
As each actress stepped forward to meet the groom, she used the time to resurvey the room, noting more details. Posh, cream-colored furniture, shiny mahogany floors, French doors to the outside, gold tapestry drapes and an open door to what appeared to be a study on the left. The owners can’t be all bad, she reasoned, as her gaze settled on their taste in artwork. An Andy Matthews original painting hung above the handsome men patiently standing in front of the fireplace. Two thumbs up for the show’s producers. They sure scouted out a beautiful location. Although, the mansion did seemed a bit over-the-top for a bachelor and his brother. That was Hollywood for you.
Uneager to give them her attention, she swung her gaze back to the other contestants.
On her left, the red-dressed brunette frowned. Brielle recalled the files mentioning this woman to be a twenty-seven-year-old marketing director. The curvy blonde in blue next to her appeared worried, chewing her lower lip. The hand model.
Heat, like an open oven, blasted the right side of Brielle’s face. Forcing herself not to turn toward it, she knew that appraisal, had felt it before. Basked under the scrutiny, until her whole body had been on fire. Dodger’s stare. She ordered her libido to cool off, and her mind back to task. The assignment mattered, not the sexual frustration she’d ignored since her last Dodger encounter.
Turning her scrutiny to the pretty brunette in white, she was surprised to find warmth behind the eyes of the woman smiling at her. Shorter fingernails and lack of ‘poshness’ to her appearance matched the characteristics of a teacher.
Only one suspect left. Shifting her attention to the final contestant, Brielle’s gaze collided with a frank green appraisal. The woman glanced at her up and down, then raised a perfectly arched brow. Not one to glance away, Brielle did some assessing of her own. Dressed in red, this exotic beauty with long, silky black hair oozed confidence and a tough-cookie demeanor. The nude model.
She should prove to be a fun roomie.
Only when the woman dropped her gaze did Brielle refocus on Greg's approach.
“And this is Brielle Bennett.” He took her hand and led her down the four-stepped landing toward the Anderson brothers.
She did not feel like she was walking to the gallows. Okay, yes, she did. She really did.
“Brielle is a twenty-seven year old dance instructor from Sacramento.”
Time to face the music.
Heart hammering out of control, she couldn’t shake the fear Dodger might recognize her, even though the chance was slim. Under other circumstances, and in the distance future, she actually wouldn’t mind getting to know him better. But not now. Hell no. Damn sexy man was way too distracting. And she could not afford that right now. The case would be so much easier to work if he didn’t realize they knew each other. Very well. Intimately well.
“Brielle, meet Matthew Anderson, our bachelor.” Greg stopped in front of the closer of the two brothers.
The epitome of tall, dark and handsome, Matthew confused her. With a smile that made his brown eyes sparkle in devilment, cheeks dimple while flashing, even, white teeth, she couldn’t understand why he was on the show. Surely the guy never lacked for dates. What was going on? A question she intended to ask the moment they were alone.
“Hello, Brielle.” Warm fingers grasped hers as he lifted her hand to brush his lips over her knuckles, all the while holding her gaze. “I’m glad you’re here.”
She let her smile widen and lied through her teeth. “So am I, Matthew.”
“This is my brother, Jack. He’s helping me out on the show.”
He placed her hand into Dodger’s strong grip. Heat instantly slashed through her belly.
Brielle drew in a breath, then released it in a gush, taking comfort her unease fit with her character. Unease her foot. The tremors were pure desire.
Dammit. Apparently the zing she’d experienced at The Limelight hadn’t been a figment of her imagination, either. Nosiree. The energy was as real as the gorgeous man frowning down at her.
Not quite as tall as Matthew, Jack’s strength and confidence filled the room, along with a bunker load of magnetism. Jaw shaved, hair cut into a short, alpha male style, he looked like a man hardened by world experience and ready to take on more. Lord help her, he was even more attractive than before…if that was even possible. She hoped his mind was as broad as the shoulders blocking out the cameraman behind him, and prayed Dodger/Jack wouldn’t recognize her when she finally worked up enough nerve to meet his gaze.
Chapter Two
Brielle’s heart literally hiccupped in her chest. Those eyes…those magnificent blue eyes, warmed her, heated her, pulled her into a place she longed to be, teasing her mind and body with memories of acute arousal. And utter satisfaction.
Pulse jumping, mouth dry, she worked hard to keep any signs of recognition from her face, but failed to suppress the tremor of awareness shooting down her spine. Her nipples beaded. Damn them. And her happy parts tingled. Great. This was going to be a hell of a lot more trying than her Limelight assignment.
Jack blinked, then cleared his throat. “Hello, Brielle. Welcome to the show.” He released her hand, his smile guarded.
“Thank you, Jack. It’s nice to meet you.”
He jammed his hands into his pockets and nodded. Good. He didn’t recognize her. At least, if he had, he didn’t show it. And she was more than happy to do the same. Just dealing with the knowledge of who he was and what they’d done was enough to keep her tongue firmly planted in her mouth.
Bad word choice. Her body heated at the memory of her tongue eagerly exploring his mouth.
Damn sexy man was too dangerous. Hell. Jack surpassed dangerous and went straight to lethal. She had known something was off about him at The Limelight; no way had this hot man been at the club just to blow off a little steam. Women fell at his feet. In droves. He didn’t need to go there for sex. Although, he’d found it…with her.
That was beside the point.
Uncle Franco may have said everyone checked out except the remaining four contestants, but Brielle was adding the older brother to her suspect list. Her attraction to him gave him top honors. She'd learned not to trust her judgment in this type of situation.
This reality show investigation had to be different. Would be different, dammit. She hadn’t felt anything nearly this strong for…what’s-his-name…from that other show? Grant. Right. She hadn’t felt anything nearly this strong for Grant, and look at the mess that had gotten her into. No. She would not be fooled again.
So what if Jack was the groom’s brother and supposedly investigating this show—he could still have motive and be the perpetrator. After all, the man had full access to the client, the set and the convenience of hiding behind the title of Security.
“Brielle, if you’ll join the other contestants, we’ll get the night started.” Greg motioned toward the group of women standing across the room.
Alleluia. Happy to distance her body from the blue-eyed temptation, she made her way across the room to where the trio of white-tuxedoed hunks handed out flutes of champagne. Taking a healthy sip, she savored the bubbly and listened to Greg explain the night’s festivities.
“Ladies, tonight is elimination night. But with the arrival of the new girls, specifically chosen by the groom’s parents,” the host paused to nod at Brielle and the two actresses before continuing, “Matthew has to eliminate three out of the now remaining seven contestants.”
A bout of groaning filled the air. The contestants turned to her and glared. Why did they only look at me? What about the two actresses? She sipped her champagne and tried to ignore the familiar heat bla
sting her right side again. Dammit. Her willpower took a direct hit and lost. She snuck a peak at Jack. His intense blue eyes followed her every move. She shivered. This was going to be a long four weeks.
“But have no fear,” Greg continued with a smile, “Matthew and Jack will both get alone time with each of you tonight. So remember ladies, this is your chance to impress the men.”
Her grip tightened around her glass. How did the women do this every week? It was nerve-wracking and the show wasn’t even real for her. She glanced at the contestants. The things people put themselves through for love. Was it worth it?
She was still contemplating the answer when the first two actresses were called. One went outside with Matthew while the other followed Jack into the study, giving her some alone time with the other four contestants. Suspects.
“We might as well have a seat. This is going to take a while,” the blonde said, plopping onto a cushioned chair.
Brielle positioned herself between two of the contestants on the couch as the remaining girl settled into another chair.
Seated next to her, the woman in white smiled. “Hi, I’m Danielle.” She extended her hand. “But my friends call me Danni.”
“Nice to meet you, Danni. I’m Gabrielle but my friends call me Brielle.” She shook the woman’s hand, liking her sturdy grip.
“Okay, Brielle. This is Stacy, Mandy and Carla.” Danni pointed to the tall brunette, short blonde and exotic sitting on her other side.
Brielle had already known from their photos and bios in her file, but she nodded to them, surprised again by their guarded, yet non-hostile greetings. “It must be hard to go through this every week,” she said, observing their reactions.
“Yes.” Danni sighed. “It is.”
“I hate it,” Mandy announced with a pout.
Stacy nodded. “Me, too.”
“Not me.” Carla smiled. “I enjoy the drama.”
Brielle eyed the woman, noting her relaxed posture. “You do? You like the suspense?”
“You bet. I thrive on it.” Her green eyes flashed as she tossed her hair back.
“You would.” Stacy snickered, seemingly unaffected by Carla’s lethal glare.
“So, Brielle.” Mandy pushed a blonde curl behind her ear. “You teach dance, right?”
Disappointed in the change of subject, Brielle reluctantly played along. “Yes. I teach all kinds of dance to all ages.” She smiled and lied through her teeth, one of the downfalls of her profession. She could lie and bluff with the best of them.
“Really? Do you teach erotic dance?” Carla slung her arm across the back of the couch and crossed her long legs.
At the mere mention of erotic dance, Brielle’s mind drifted to Dodger and The Limelight.
“Stacy, you’re next,” Jack declared from the opened door on her right.
Brielle’s head snapped in his direction, and she watched him step aside to allow the actress he’d been questioning to escape.
“Well, Brielle? Do you?” Carla prompted.
Jack’s raised brow made it clear he’d heard the question. He smiled, a devastating, yet watchful smile. “Please, don’t let me interrupt.”
Bravado lifted her chin and kept her attention fixed on Jack. “Yes, as I said. I teach all kinds of dance.”
Something unintelligible came out of his mouth, but she was too far away to understand. Brielle held his gaze until Stacy walked past him and he shut the door, lowering the tension back to a dull buzz.
“Geez, what’s up with him tonight?” Mandy rolled her eyes.
“Men. Who knows what’s up with them,” the actress said as she took a seat.
Danni raised her drink. “Here’s to being enlightened.”
She clinked her glass with theirs, and was about to take a sip, when Greg appeared and announced it was Brielle’s turn to meet with the groom on the patio.
Shoot. She’d wanted more time with the girls to use her ‘rookie’ status to question them.
Years of undercover work had taught her to switch gears without effort, so, that’s what she did. By the time she reached Matthew, the fresh, lavender-scented air and soothing sounds of water cascading into the fountain basin filled her with calm.
“Hi, Brielle,” he said, bending to kiss both of her cheeks.
Yep. Definitely an Anderson. She’d experienced the same treatment from his parents before his mother had gone for the jugular with a show of tears.
“You don’t have to watch what you say out here. The girls can’t hear you.” He grabbed her hand and led her to a stone bench.
She eyed the nearby cameraman. Bald, bearded and a ball cap worn backward, the man raised more than her brow. The look in his eyes didn’t help—almost devious. “What about him?”
“Who? Phil? Don’t worry about him. He’s been great, and this won’t be aired until the whole show is in the can,” Matthew said, reaffirming what Bill had told her an hour earlier. Once seated, he released her hand and sighed. “I’ll just be happy when I can let my guard down and not have to worry if the woman I’m dating is going to turn ballistic.”
She frowned. “Have there been any more threats?”
“No. I haven’t gotten any since last week, and your uncle knew about that one.” He sent her a small smile. “I’m sorry you’re being thrust into this, but I do appreciate it.”
“No problem. It’s my job. Although, I’ll be honest, I hate deceiving the innocent contestants, and that I’m making you send some home in order to keep me here.” She titled her head to get a better read on his expression before she continued. “Matthew, I have to ask, why are you even bothering with this show? Surely a good-looking man like you can find a date?”
He smiled, his eyes crinkling with well-worn practice. “You sound like my mother.”
“Gee, thanks, I think.” She grinned. “But you still haven’t answered my question.”
“Yep, just like my mom.” He threw his head back and laughed. Moonlight glinted off his teeth and sparkled in his dark eyes as he sobered. “Sure, I can get dates, but they always seem to be with women who are more interested in my bank account than my heart.” He rose to his feet and stalked toward the fountain. “Not once have I met someone who hasn't asked about my portfolio before our second date. I saw this show as an opportunity to escape that.”
“How?” she asked quietly, joining him at the cascading wall.
“The candidates for this show were told the bachelor was a struggling artist, which of course, I’m not.” He shrugged. “I don’t like deceiving them either, but it’s only a small lie. I am an artist.”
“Just not struggling.” She frowned, trying to recall what her uncle had told her about Matthew. For some reason, only Jack’s bio stuck in her mind.
“No. I’m far from struggling these days.” He chuckled. “I paint under the name Andy Matthews.”
Her head jerked. “You’re Andy Matthews? Wow.” She blinked several times. Her uncle certainly hadn’t mentioned that. Matthew was famous. Very famous. And very good. She definitely would’ve remembered. “Wow,” she repeated.
A smile tugged his lips. “That’s the reaction I usually get.”
“I’m sorry. It’s just that I’m a big fan of your work.” She smiled, feeling like a fool. “I own one of your paintings, it’s not as grand as the one hanging inside, but I love it just the same.”
“Really? I’m flattered.” Matthew’s pleased expression warmed his eyes. “What do you own?”
“One of your seascapes—Tranquil Shores. It’s hanging over my bed. Pure brilliance. Your use of light and colors transports me. I swear I can hear the roar of the ocean and feel the waves lapping at my feet every time I look at it.”
“I’m glad. Thank you.” His smile turned into a frown. “But please don’t tell the other girls. That’s the reason I came on this show.”
“Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me.” She nodded, then put her arm through his and led them back to the bench. “Believe me.
I understand your motives. I have a similar problem but for different reasons.”
His head tilted toward her as they sat down. “You do? But you’re so beautiful. Why would anyone want to leave you?”
She snorted. What was in this Hollywood make-up? Too bad she couldn’t score a lifetime supply. “Since we don’t have all night, I’ll give you the most popular reason. My job and proficiency at it scares the h—” She paused, glanced at the camera and continued with, “It scares them silly.”
“Well then, they’re just plain stupid.” He brushed a curl from her eye. “Your strength and confidence is very attractive, and if they’re too thick-headed to realize that, then they aren’t worthy of you.”
“That’s sweet of you to say.” Maybe she could bottle him up and use him when she needed ego-boosting. “I have one more question.”
“Okay, but you’d better make it fast. Unfortunately, our time is almost up.”
“Have you fallen for one of the contestants?”
His gaze dropped, but even under the soft glow of the garden lights, she noticed his flushed face. “Yes, I…ah…think I have, but I’m too afraid to let go and show it in case she’s the lunatic or worse.”
“Worse?”
“The lunatic might realize I have feelings for this woman and cause her harm. I couldn’t live with that.” Apprehension dulled the light in his eyes, while dread deepened the lines on his forehead.
Brielle’s heart clenched, and in that instant, she decided, no matter what, she’d see this job through to the end. Despite Dodger’s presence. Despite her past job-related mistake. This case would be solved, and she was going to solve it.
“Matthew.” She squeezed his hand. “You’re my client, and I promise I’ll do whatever it takes to flush her out.”
Tension eased from his body, and he smiled. “Thank you. You don’t know how much I appreciate it.” He patted her hand and brought them to their feet. “Don’t look now, but we’re being watched.”
Brielle didn’t have to look. A shadow in red had been spying on them for the past two minutes. Too bad she couldn’t tell if the woman had brown hair or black. It was just her luck two contestants wore red tonight.
She Does Know Jack Page 3