by Jill Downey
He pulled away reluctantly. “Whoa, Penelope, maybe we should dial it back a notch.”
Her answer was to deepen the kiss. He gave in and opened his mouth to cover hers. He pushed his tongue inside, tasting, taking, exploring. He was acutely aware that there was only the thin fabric of white silk between him and her naked body. She seemed desperate as she clung to him. Not now, not like this.
His voice was husky with restraint. “Penelope as much as it pains me to say this, I’m not about to take advantage of your vulnerable state, not here, not now.” He kissed her forehead. Softly he said, “I’ve fantasized about this moment a thousand times, I want to kiss every inch of your body. But the first time we make love is not going to be on the proverbial director’s couch. I want it to be special and I want to be sure you’re ready and it’s not just a reaction. I promise you, I’m going to seduce you like you’ve never been seduced before.”
Still breathless, her eyes soft, she brushed his hair back from his brow. “Tell me all about your fantasy.”
“Soft music, candlelight, rose petals, hot oil,” he murmured, voice low and sexy.
“More…”
“Me inside of you, making you crazy with desire for me, you on top of me, your lush breasts bouncing as you ride me…”
“Yes,” she said softly.
He moved quickly and flipped her onto her back and began raining soft kisses across her face then her neck and shoulders, until she began giggling.
“Is that a promise?”
“Stop…that tickles.” She squirmed underneath him.
“Promise me. Say it.”
Breathless from laughing, she said, “I promise. It’s a date.”
“This Saturday.”
“This Saturday,” she agreed.
He relented and got up, pulling her with him. “I’m glad we don’t have any sex scenes this afternoon,” he said.
“We still have a scene to shoot together. But it’s rated G. You’ll be fine.”
“I’m going to my room to take a cold shower. You have a scene with dickhead this morning, don’t you?”
“Yeah, but it’s only PG…swear words are involved.”
“See you on set.” He stared into her sparkling pools of green and knew he was lost. He grabbed the offensive magazine and rolled it up and stuck it in his back pocket. He left even though everything inside, screamed at him to stay.
22
Penelope watched as Stewart paced back and forth waiting for the rest of the cast and crew to show up for the impromptu meeting he’d called. Griffin sat slumped down in a chair, arms crossed, with an endearingly serious expression on his face.
“Am I the only one not worried?” she asked.
“You’re taking this too lightly,” Stew said.
“It’s an intimidation tactic. It’s not going to work.”
“Penelope, we have to take all threats seriously. We don’t know for certain who left this for you. I’m going to have everyone keep their eyes open for anything unusual. I should have had the meeting last Friday after the firing, but a lot of people had already left for the weekend.”
After Stewart was satisfied that everyone available was present, he pulled out the magazine and held it up for them to see. “This piece of smut was slipped underneath Penelope’s door sometime between Friday and this morning when she showed up for work. I don’t think I need to emphasize the seriousness of this.” He passed it around for them to get a better look.
“What many of you might not know is that I had to fire Jack Feldner on Friday for making aggressive and inappropriate physical advances toward Penelope. We have no evidence that he’s responsible for this lewd display, only strong assumptions. However, he is no longer welcome or allowed anywhere near this building, Penelope or any off-site film locations. If anyone sees or hears from him, you are to report it to me immediately. Are we clear?”
Everyone nodded, some of them wearing shocked expressions. “Now, I’d like to hear from you. Did anyone see Jack anywhere near here after three on Friday?”
Someone from set design volunteered, “I saw him in the afternoon, not sure when. We spoke and he seemed normal, so I’m sure it was before he was fired.”
Stewart nodded, “Yes, he was quite angry when he left. Stormed out in a rage. Just stay alert. We always need to be on the lookout, not just over this incident. It’s important we look out for one another. If you see someone or something out of place, pay attention. That’s all for now. Any questions?”
Everyone seemed concerned, a few shook their heads, and some stopped to offer their support to Penelope before heading back to their tasks.
Stewart sat down next to Penelope, “How are you feeling?”
“To be honest, I’m a little embarrassed over the attention we’re giving it. I think everyone is making a bigger deal out of it than it deserves. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the concern and don’t mean to sound ungrateful.”
“You can never be too cautious. Doesn’t hurt to have everyone looking out for anything out of the ordinary. With the pandemonium of production at times, the more eyes the better. It’d be easy to slip something by.”
Griffin who had been quiet until now said, “Stewart, what do you think about hiring additional security?”
“I’ve thought about it and already made the call.”
“I think she should have a guard stationed outside of her house.”
“You can’t be serious!” Penelope exclaimed.
“Dead serious,” Griffin said.
“I have to agree. You’re used to security on your publicity tours. It’s not so bad. The peace of mind far outweighs any inconvenience. You won’t even know they’re there.”
“Easy for you to say,” she said, her lips tight.
“I know you think it’s overkill, but I’m beefing up security…and someone will escort you to and from the set and be stationed outside your residence for now.”
Griffin reached for her hand and she pulled it away.
Stewart quickly glanced at his watch. “We’ll take a short break now, then we’ll caravan to the beach location set. You’ve got fifteen minutes.”
The door closed behind him and Griffin took Penelope’s chin in his hand and said softly, “You okay?”
“Yes, I just wish you hadn’t involved Stewart. It was high-handed.”
“I tend to take threats against the people I care about seriously.”
She looked up at him through her lashes. “I know you mean well, but there is so much in my life that’s controlled by others…it’s overwhelming at times.”
“When you put it like that…I understand a little better.”
“I hope so. I’m not trying to be difficult.”
“I’m sorry Penelope, I shouldn’t have gone to Stew behind your back. Forgive me?”
She bit her bottom lip and nodded.
“You’re killing me, you know that don’t you? I want you all to myself. I want to hole up somewhere for a solid week. Just you and me. Hell, I want to be your bodyguard.”
“Sounds good to me…you can put in your application at the front desk.” She smiled wanly, her face drawn and pale.
“Can you manage an overnight this weekend?”
“Yes,” she said, without hesitation.
“Where I’m taking you, we won’t need security.”
“Where is that?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“Not even a hint?”
“Nope.”
“I hate to bring this up, but Stewart took notice of you trying to hold my hand and I really don’t want anyone speculating about us. I know he would never say anything, but I think we need to be discreet,” Penelope said.
“I caught that too. I agree one hundred percent, but any friend would have done the same. I wouldn’t worry about it with Stew.”
“I’m not, I just want to be extra careful.”
“Absolutely, I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
She smiled.
“Not that I won’t be thinking about it.”
He traced her lips with his finger before opening the door, “After you Ms. Winters.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bennett.”
“See you on set.” He turned and walked purposefully away.
Griffin went back to his dressing room and made a quick call to his brother Kyle. High-handed or not, he wasn’t leaving anything to chance. Despite his apology to Penelope for taking things into his own hands earlier, this was different. He could justify this to himself.
He needed to find out everything he could about Jack Feldner. Did he have a record, a history of violence, anything they could dig up. Maybe even have them do a preliminary on the rest of the crew to see if anything jumped out. Kyle had many connections and had made use of private investigators in the past. He’d know who the best of the best was. Penelope might not be worried, but he was.
23
“Dolly are you sure you don’t mind watching Archie overnight?”
“Of course not.” Dolly’s cheeks turned bright pink, and she said shyly, “Ben’s coming over tonight to keep me company.”
“Ben? Ben Donavan? When did this happen?”
“We’ve been hanging out some at work. He’s really nice.”
“Good for you. I like him.”
“I’m going to make dinner for us then we’re going to watch Netflix together. Where is Griffin taking you?”
“He’s being all mysterious about it. He did say that where we’re going, we won’t be needing security for the night.”
“Very intriguing and romantic.”
Penelope looked off dreamily, “Yeah, he is that.”
“Just take it slow. But you seem happy.”
“Dolly this can’t get out. I don’t want anyone to know. Please don’t mention it to Ben. Not that I don’t trust him, I just don’t know him that well. I’ve never worked with him before.”
“My lips are sealed. The sharks would gather in a feeding frenzy if there was even a hint that you were seeing someone…especially if that someone was not Noah Davis.”
She shook her head. “It would be a nightmare.”
“I didn’t tell Ben where you were going or with who, only that I had the place to myself tonight.”
She heard the car pull into the drive and gave Dolly a quick hug. “Thanks, I owe you.”
“Have fun.”
Penelope stopped to talk with her security guard stationed at her house, who had already been informed that he wouldn’t be needed until the following day. “Thanks Luke, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“You’re welcome Ms. Winters. Have a nice time.”
“I intend to.”
She climbed into the Audi as Griffin held the door. His eyes scorched her as they roved across her face. He threw her overnight bag into the back, then climbed into the driver’s seat. Reaching across her body he grabbed her seatbelt, his arm brushing against her breasts. She inhaled sharply as she caught his heady scent, clean and fresh with a hint of aftershave.
“Hi,” she said breathlessly.
“Hi back.” His voice was husky and full of desire; his thumb stroked her cheek.
“Security is going to follow us until we get launched,” he said, nodding at the black SUV parked in the street.
She arched her brow. “Launched?”
His lips turned up. “Yeah.”
“Does this involve water?”
“Yes. We’re taking my yacht out overnight.”
“That sounds fabulous!”
“It will be. We’ll anchor once we find a spot offshore from one of the barrier islands; it’ll be just the two of us…all night long.”
She grabbed his hand and squeezed, “Heavenly. Thanks for arranging this.”
He raised the back of her hand to his lips and kissed it, “You’re welcome, but it’s pure selfishness on my part.”
He drove with a relaxed confidence, handling the vehicle easily like he did with everything he attempted. He was so sexy. She felt her belly tighten with need. He took that moment to glance over and his eyes heated, the blue darkening to almost cobalt. Her pulse fluttered erratically.
“How big is your boat?”
“Forty-one footer. It’s a Bavaria, German engineering,” he said, pulling into the Yacht Club’s private parking lot. He jumped out and she watched as he spoke with the valet. When he returned, he grabbed their bags from the back and opened her car door.
“Come on, your sea-chariot awaits.”
She admired the array of gleaming boats moored at the marina. Then Griffin stopped beside the one they were presumably going to be sailing out on.
“Here we are.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“Wait till you see the interior.” He tossed their bags on, then climbed aboard and turned to give her a hand.
Giving her the tour of the yacht, he pointed out features of the watercraft. It offered both shade and sun, a sunroof covered lounge that with the flick of a switch could be in full sun. There was a hydraulically lowered bathing platform, for water toys or toe dipping. She gasped at the opulence.
No details were spared as far as she could tell. The bow had bright comfortable cushions to relax on, away from the sun. The kitchen and salon were combined and sleek, and there was already a bottle of wine chilling in a bucket on the counter. And the entire view from inside was unobstructed, the huge glass windows letting in plenty of light. She was impressed by the beautiful teak wood, colorful upholstered fabrics, and the gleaming metal.
He led her below deck, and they peeked into the first bedroom which had a double bed and bath. Then he led her to the master suite cabin and her eyes widened when she saw the rose petals scattered on top of the duvet. She glanced over at him and found him watching her intently.
“I hope you remembered your oil,” she said in a husky voice. His eyes flashed with desire. The king-sized bed and wood finishes were the lap of luxury. It had a lavish bathroom with a separate shower, and she gaped when she saw that there was even room for a sofa.
“I can’t believe how much space there is.”
“I think we’ll be more than comfortable. Come here you,” he said as he pulled her into his arms. He tipped her chin up then scattered light kisses across her face, her cheeks and nose, then her chin. He moved to the curve of her neck, nibbling, then he licked the hollow of her throat. She gripped his biceps, enjoying the powerful feel of his muscles bulging beneath her fingertips. When he pulled her pelvis against his, she felt his erection. He was rock hard. Mmm.
He plundered her mouth almost desperately, and she met his tongue thrust for thrust. He backed her up against the bed, then gave her a slight push and she was suddenly sprawled on top of the duvet. He straddled her, his weight pinning her down. Pulse racing, she raked her fingers through his hair as he kissed her fiercely. She moaned against his lips, surprised that the sound came from her. He lifted his mouth then buried his face in her hair, his breathing ragged.
“Penelope, I don’t know what’s happening to me. You’ve cast some kind of spell. I’m half-crazy with desire for you.”
She smiled, her lips curving into his soft hair. “Shouldn’t we at least make it out of the marina?”
He groaned softly, “Killjoy.”
He propped himself up on his elbows and gave her one last soft kiss on the lips before pushing himself up and climbing off the bed.
She scooped up a hand-full of rose petals and buried her nose into her palm, inhaling the sweet scent.
“I’ve never had anyone do something so romantic for me before.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
“It’s true. I’m having a lot of firsts with you Mr. Bennett.”
His eyes were intense and unfathomable as he stared into hers. “Me too.” Like a switch had been flipped, he abruptly grabbed her hand and tugged her off the bed. “Let’s get out on the water.”
24
The water was calm, buffered by the saltwater sounds. There w
ere inlets peppered throughout the North Carolina barrier islands, so boating was the perfect way to explore the coast. They had anchored offshore to enjoy their day out at sea. Griffin had lowered the deck bathing platform and Penelope sat on the edge, dangling her feet in the water.
“You ready to swim?” Griffin asked, plopping down next to her. His eyes skimmed across her face, then wandered slowly down her beautiful body. She was a goddess. His gaze lingered on her full breasts, continuing down to her flat belly and gorgeous thighs. He found himself getting aroused all over again. Fortunately, he had on his sunglasses, so he hoped he was getting away with the blatant perusal.
“Yes, if you are.”
“Let’s go,” he stood up, took off his shades and dove in, making a big splash as he entered the water.
She carefully lowered herself in, inch by inch, and propped her elbows on the deck. Griffin swam up, his arms pinning her on either side, his lips an inch away from her ear, making him hot with desire.
His voice soft and lazy, he said, “Chicken.”
“I’m just adjusting to the water temperature,” she responded breathlessly.
“Liar,” he whispered.
Her voice low, she said, “What are you doing to me?”
He chuckled, “Let go.”
As he tread water, his legs brushed against hers, the sensation sent desire coursing through him. “Come on,” he said. He pushed off and sank underwater, popping up several feet away.
She finally released her grip on the boat and kicked out. They swam around for a while, staying close to the vessel. Griffin pulled himself onto the deck and grabbed a couple of colorful noodles. He threw one to her then jumped back in with his. “This will keep us afloat so we can stay in the water a little longer.”
They relaxed, floating on the water’s surface until Griffin excitedly pointed to several dolphins less than twenty feet away.
“I see them all the time when I’m windsurfing,” he shared. “It never gets old.”
Her eyes went wide with surprise. “It’s incredible!”
Her hair was plastered to her head which accentuated her delicate features and classic beauty. Her lashes had droplets of water clinging to them. Griffin lost himself in her sparkling green eyes while she watched them.
