“I’d be happy to show them…if I were wearing my bathing suit. As it is, I’ve been given one, generously I might add.” She nodded to a smirking Carla, busy applying sunscreen. “But it's two sizes too small.”
Carla’s head snapped up. “Too small? How can it be too small? We’re the same height.”
“I believe Ms. Bennett is a little…curvier than you, Carla,” Matthew said from the doorway.
Brielle suffered Carla’s glare and sipped the lemonade Danni handed her.
“Curves aren’t everything, are they, Jack?” The centerfold smiled toward the mansion.
Jack? Brielle froze. He was still here? Why? She thought he’d gone back to the main mansion. Fighting a rush of panic, she peered beyond Matthew to see his brother regarding the scene with amusement. Great. He’d heard them discussing her curves.
“Don’t go getting me mixed up in this. I’m only here to observe.” He held up his hands, gleam in his eyes way too pleased for her fluttering heart.
Carla batted her eyelashes. “Does that mean you can’t put lotion on my back?”
“P-a-a-lease,” Danni grumbled, dropping into a nearby chaise.
Swallowing her mouthful of lemonade…for the second time, Brielle settled down in a chair near the umbrella table. Long and trying now topped the lunch menu. The last thing she needed was Jack to see her in a bathing suit. Her heart rocked against her ribs. Hard.
What if he recognized her body? Granted, she’d gained a few pounds since L.A., and her mermaid henna tattoo was long gone, but jeez, the former Ranger had stared at her during her performances night after night at The Limelight…and on one occasion—he’d done more than stare. He’d had an intimate view. A very intimate view. Heck, he’d brought new meaning to the words up close and personal.
Heat rushed through her body in a flooding wave, tingling those damn happy parts to life.
“Does somebody want to tell me why Brielle doesn’t have her own bathing suit?” The bachelor stepped around his brother, now busy applying lotion to a smug Carla.
Blue eyes regarded her closely, no doubt waiting to see how she answered. But, she was spared when Mandy jumped to her feet and linked arms with Matthew.
“You aren’t going to believe this. Somebody ruined all of Brielle’s clothes.” The blonde stared up at him with wide eyes then snuggled closer, laying her head on his bicep. “I was scared. I thought maybe someone had ruined all our clothes, but your brother checked everything out and said only Brielle’s had been shredded.”
“Shredded?” Matthew’s gaze snapped to hers. Concern washed the amusement from his face. “Brielle, were you hurt?”
“No, I wasn’t in the room at the time,” she rushed to assure. “And it’s nothing a quick trip home wouldn’t fix if Bill would let me, but he said it’s against the rules, so his staff is getting me a new wardrobe.”
“Protocol. Sorry,” Bill called from his corner spot off to the side.
She glanced heavenward. “Yeah…I can hardly wait.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re safe.” The artist placed his free hand on her shoulder, while Mandy still claimed his other.
“No worries. Everything is fine.”
“No, everything is not fine,” Danni spoke up, swinging her feet to the ground. “Whoever ruined Brielle’s clothes left a yellow note in her room, too.”
“What?” Matthew pulled out of Mandy’s grasp and took the chair next to Brielle. “There was a note in your room, too?”
Great. Just what she wanted. Attention. Her gaze skipped from the cameras to five pairs of eyes watching her. The unwanted interest left her no choice but to play along.
“Yes,” she said, ignoring Carla’s eye roll and Jack’s grim face. “It was on my closet floor. But it's okay, your brother is having it processed.”
“What did it say?”
“Go home.”
Matthew’s muttered curse echoed over the patio. “I’m so sorry, Brielle. I don’t know who keeps doing this, but I don’t want to be responsible for any of you getting hurt. I’d understand if you wanted to leave.”
All eyes, all cameras turned to her, waiting yet again for her response. Brielle had had enough. Time for a distraction to get everyone off topic. She patted Matthew’s hand and smiled. “Thank you, that’s sweet, but I’m not going anywhere. Except, maybe in the pool.”
Standing up, she disrobed. So much for staying covered up and out of the limelight. Her pulse jumped. Bad word choice.
She could feel Jack’s gaze burn into her skin like a branding iron, scorching her flesh with unrelenting heat. Ah…the Dodger stare. God, she’d missed it. Chin held high, she strolled toward the deep part of the pool and did her best to ignore the former Ranger. Why the hell did he have to be so damn potent? Knowing everyone was still watching, she prayed her bathing suit would stay in place and executed a simple dive.
Cool and refreshing, the water swallowed her barely-clad form, granting her a brief moment of freedom. No longer clearly visible to those above, her pumping legs propelled her across the pool and away from the crowd.
Heaven.
For the first time that day, she found a modicum of privacy. No eyes, no camera, just Brielle. Reluctant to end her bliss, she had no choice when her lungs protested their lack of oxygen. With a quick check that her suit was still in place, she broke the surface and gulped in air.
“May I join you?”
Turning, she spied Danni, hovering near the steps. “Please do.”
“I know I should be putting the moves on Matthew, but I couldn’t take any more of the flirting.” The girl nodded toward the others. “Between Carla coming on to Jack and Mandy practically sitting on Matthew, I thought my drink might make its way back up.”
Brielle glanced at the now bare-chested men and her mouth dutifully watered. Damn. When had she stepped into Patio of the Gods? Clad only in their bathing suits—Matthew’s a blue Hawaiian print and Jack’s black with a navy side stripe—they were the epitome of hard bodies.
Grinning, the pair faced her as two smiling females coated their backs with sunscreen. Although both bronzed and defined, it was Jack who took her breath away. When they’d…gotten together in her dressing room, he’d still had most of his clothes on. She knew he’d had muscles but…damn.
She swallowed and drank in his six-pack. No wonder his T-shirts had been stretched to their limits. Even Dodger’s ripples had ridges. Matthew had a nice spattering of dark hair over his broad, trim artist physique, but Jack? The man had a cut, chiseled, military, hard body complete with a tattoo on his right bicep. His pecs were hairless, but…alleluia…those lickable, washboard abs sported a happy trail. And, oh yes, she vividly remembered what was at the end of that trail, and every silk-over-steel inch of it had been happy. Very happy.
“The Anderson brothers are yummy, aren’t they?” Danni asked, cutting into her heated memories.
Brielle slowly turned as if encased in quicksand and nodded to the woman. Yummy didn’t do Jack justice, but it did make her wonder. Did they have chocolate syrup in the kitchen?
Danni chuckled. “We all had that same reaction when we first saw them.”
God, she hoped not. Unable to stop, her gaze returned to the beckoning ridges, then climbed north, meeting a pair of amused blue eyes. Air funneled into her lungs. Busted. She held his gaze a moment longer, then dove under the water.
No Dodger. No Jack. No attraction, she silently chanted with each kick, and soon the wall’s smooth surface met her hand. Remaining submerged, she flipped her body around and pushed off toward the middle of the pool. The exercise did her mind and body good. With the water cooling her down and desire reduced to a dull ache, she surfaced with her back to the men, wiped the water from her eyes and faced a terrified Danni.
“What it is?” Senses on high alert, Brielle planted her feet on the bottom and stood. “What’s wrong?” she asked just as a slippery form brushed the back of her knee, knocking her off balance.
�
��Snake!” Danni’s finger shook as she pointed to a submerged yellow mass.
Snake? Brielle’s heart rocked. Whatever just touched her was too big to be a snake, wasn’t it? A pair of reptilian eyes broke the surface as the creature turned and swam toward her, again. She stilled. A Burmese python. Albino. She’d seen this snake before.
In Carla’s room.
“Get out of the water, Brielle. Now,” the woman yelled, hauling butt to the edge of the pool.
How in the world had it gotten out? More importantly, who let it out?
“Brielle, swim to me.” Jack’s voice penetrated her thoughts as the snake drew near.
“No. Stay still. Butterscotch won’t hurt you,” Carla insisted.
Brielle’s mind raced to recall what she knew about pythons. Non-poisonous, but their bite could be severe. Pythons constricted their prey.
“Butterscotch? You named that fifteen-foot monster, Butterscotch?” Danni’s shrill voice echoed across the water.
“He’s not fifteen feet, yet,” Carla corrected. “Butterscotch is just a baby.
“A baby? That log is a baby?” Danni stammered.
“Yes, he only measures about seven feet, and he’s a sweetheart.”
Not daring to breath, Brielle stood stalk still as the python brushed her stomach. When he passed without incident, she swam for all she was worth to the nearest edge of the pool.
Meeting her there, the Anderson brothers grasped her wrists and yanked her unceremoniously out of the water.
“Did he hurt you?” Jack asked, one arm around her waist, pulling her from his brother, the other cupping her face before her feet barely had time to touch the patio.
Pressed against his smoking hot body did funny things to her. Knees weak, mouth dry, she couldn’t speak.
“You didn’t get bitten, did you?” Matthew’s gaze raked her up and down.
Bill appeared, hugging his clipboard. “Oh, dear. Please tell me you weren't bitten.”
She swallowed and managed to shake her head. “I’m fine. Honestly.” Her voice sounded a little throaty. The others probably thought it was from fear, but Brielle knew better. Her eyes never left Jack’s. His concern warmed the chill from her bones. She didn’t know if it was real, but at that moment, she didn’t care. God, she could get lost in those blue depths.
“You’re sure?” He dropped his hand and his gaze. Now both were on her hips.
Shoot. Her skin shot from warm to burning as a fevered shiver wracked her body. In all the excitement, she’d forgotten about her skimpy, damn bathing suit.
“For goodness sakes, take pity on the poor girl. Here, Brielle.” Shoving the men aside, Danni handed her a towel.
The teacher just earned a spot on Brielle’s Christmas card list, even if she turned out to be the culprit. Prisoners were entitled to mail.
“Thank you.” Wrapped in the terrycloth barrier, she fought to keep the waves of shock at bay. “I heard of swimming with dolphins, but that was ridiculous.” Forcing a smile, she ordered her feet to walk toward the chair she’d vacated earlier.
“I don’t understand what all the fuss is about.” Mandy shrugged from her perch on a lounge chair, a slight downturn to her crimson lips. “It’s just Carla’s pet.”
Matthew shook his head. “Yeah, a pet capable of eating another pet.”
“That is not merely an escaped pet.” Jack stalked toward the women, gaze narrowed, mouth grim. “I want to know how the snake got in the pool, ladies, and I want to know, now.”
“Don’t look at me!” Mandy slapped a hand to her enhanced chest “He’s way too heavy for me to carry.”
“No he’s not,” Danni piped up. “I saw you with him the other day.”
The blonde’s eyes widened as she shrugged. “I was just helping Carla out.”
“Yeah, by holding him while she cleaned his cage.”
“Exactly.” Mandy nodded.
“Hah!” Danni clapped her hands, triumph coating her tone.
Brielle sat back, watching everyone quietly. She noted Matthew scratching his temple, his brown eyes looking a little bewildered, then her attention shifted to Jack. No bewilderment there. Nope. Muscles rippled as he folded his arms across that great divide he called a chest, stance stiff, alert, expression intense, he studied the women carefully. Wheels were turning behind those gorgeous blue eyes of his. The man missed nothing.
“What about you, Carla? Did you put your python in the pool?” he asked.
“Me? Hell, no.” The black-haired beauty winced, then turned on the outdoor spigot. “Chlorine isn’t good for him.”
“Then why aren’t you getting that thing out of the pool?” Danni asked, thrusting a finger toward the swimming snake.
Carla held up her wet hands. “Because sunscreen isn’t good for him either, and I need to wash it off first.”
Well, maybe if the model hadn’t been smearing the stuff all over Jack’s incredible muscles…
Brielle stifled that line of thought. Not going there. Besides, it was mute. Carla no doubt would’ve argued she’d had the sunscreen on her hands from coating her curves before Jack had shown up to take over.
Yeah, definitely mute, and stupid.
Towel bunched in her grip, she considered her facts. All three women had the capability and the opportunity to drop the reptile in the drink when she’d changed into her bathing suit. So did the crew, and even Bill.
Her focus turned to the producer’s lean arms. Bill may be thin, but he was certainly strong enough, and this snake stunt would make for great TV. Brielle’s stomach twisted. TV. Damn. The whole incident had been caught on tape. Now the world would see…
She sat up straight. “That’s it!”
“What is?” Matthew frowned, pouring amber liquid into a glass at the outdoor bar.
“The cameras.” She pointed to the devices secured to the tan brick. “Surely they would’ve captured the snake-handler.”
Jack unfolded his arms, but instead of looking pleased, he just shook his head. “Not necessarily. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this investigation, it’s that those damn cameras never catch anything useful.”
“But it’s worth a look.”
Their gazes clashed. Unwavering blue eyes narrowed and strong jaw flexed as he stared silently at her.
Why was he opposed? Was he afraid she might discover something?
“Yes, of course, Ms. Bennett,” he finally said, grabbing his shirt off a chair. “I fully intend to check out the footage. I was merely stating it’s not prudent to get your hopes up.”
“I see.”
What else could she say? Except, maybe…no, don’t put your shirt on. It wasn’t fair. He’d seen plenty of her. Turnabout was fair play.
Jeez Louise, what was she thinking? This was no time to play. She needed to get her priorities back on track.
“Here, Brielle.” Matthew suddenly appeared, concern darkening his eyes as he stood over her, shoving a glass in her hand. “Drink this.”
She stared at the amber liquid and frowned. “I don’t—”
“Yes, you do need it,” he cut her off. “Your hands are trembling.”
She glanced at her hands and blinked. What the hell? They were trembling.
“It’s just shock. The brandy will calm your nerves.” He motioned to the glass.
She nodded. “Thanks.” Warm liquid burned her throat as she sipped under his mother-hen gaze.
“It’s okay, Butterscotch, they didn’t mean to scare you.”
Everyone turned to watch Carla carrying the reptile from the pool like it was nothing but a garden hose.
“Now we have to give you a bath and get these nasty chemicals off of you.” The woman hoisted the snake around her shoulders and kissed his flat head. “Don’t worry, we’ll find out who tried to hurt you.”
“Hurt him?” Danni’s brows rose. “What about Brielle and me? We were the ones in the pool with that beast.”
Carla hissed not unlike her pet. “Beast?” She
placed a hand over the snake's head as if it had ears. “Don’t listen to her, Butterscotch. She just doesn’t know you like I do.”
“Enough.” Jack’s thundering voice silenced the patio. “Carla, you and Butterscotch come with me. Let’s see if we can figure out how the hell he got down here.”
“And Brielle and I will check out the footage from these cameras.” Matthew turned to her and winked.
Her lips twitched Good boy, Matthew. She could’ve kissed him. “Okay.” She stood, dropped her towel, then donned her robe. “Let’s go.”
“Wait.” Jack held up his hand. “My men can handle that.”
“Your men have already left,” Matthew said, slipping his shirt on. “There’s no reason why Brielle and I can’t do this, is there?”
Jack hesitated, his jaw working several times before he finally nodded. “Go on. I’ll meet up with you both when I’m done.”
“What about us? You aren’t going to just leave us here, are you?” Mandy whined.
“Don’t worry. We’ll be fine,” Danni said, walking toward the blonde. “We get to relax while they work.”
The blonde's furrowed brow smoothed. “Oh…right.” She smiled. “Have fun working.” Then she settled onto a chaise, closed her eyes and let out a contented sigh.
“Well, I have to get to the studio. We got some great footage today,” Bill exclaimed.
Yeah, at her expense.
The camera had been both friend and foe. Brielle knew going into this job her privacy would suffer, so there was no sense worrying about the world seeing her bopping around nearly naked. But, those same cameras might’ve also caught the perpetrator releasing the snake, and that would blow the case wide open. If so, her over-exposure would be well worth it.
“Come on. I’ll show you were the security room is,” Matthew said.
She already knew, but kept her mouth shut. Eager to look at the feed, she allowed Matthew to take her hand and pull her into the house straight passed Jack and the snake-toting brunette.
Carla cast a stern look their way. “Remember, you two, this isn’t a date. Matthew’s supposed to take one of us out tomorrow night, so stick to the rules. Keep it strictly business. Understand?” She stroked the snake draped over her shoulders like a feathered boa. “Don’t make me come in there after you.”
She Does Know Jack Page 8