Beneath the Covers (Kimani Romance)

by Girard, Dara

  Claudia shrugged. “Okay, so she’s a little shallow. But in spite of that, she has a good heart. We’ve had our fights, but she was there for me when I needed her most.” Claudia remembered Tamara being by her side throughout her stay at the hospital, cheering her on through recovery and helping her deal with her shattered heart. “I don’t know why you don’t like her.”

  “Aside from the fact that she’s flirting with my husband?”

  “Every woman is,” Claudia said, noticing the other women gathering around him. She suddenly thought about Noreen’s fears about Michael’s travels. “Are you worried that he might stray?”

  Noreen looked at her, surprised. “No, never.”

  “Sorry, I just thought that might be why you’re worried.”

  “It’s not that. I trust him.”

  Claudia looked at the men pensively then said, “How did you two know Rick and Michael were worth the risk of loving again?”

  Suzanne looked at Noreen then shrugged. “I know that people analyze love, affection, loyalty and marriage, but it’s not something you can dissect. You just know.”

  Claudia opened her mouth to ask her what she meant by that. Her scientific mind didn’t like such a vague response, but then she felt something tugging at her skirt and looked down to see Suzanne’s son, Luke. He looked up at her with wide brown eyes and a serious expression. Although only seven, he was already a miniature version of his father. She was surprised to see him, because he was dreadfully shy and didn’t like crowds.

  “Hi, Luke.”

  “Thank you for my gift, Miss Claudia.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Where’s your grandmother?” Suzanne asked.

  Noreen motioned to an older woman by the side of the house. “Taking a cigarette break.”

  “She said I could come down,” Luke said.

  “Probably because she knows she can’t smoke in the house.”

  “I wanted to give something to Miss Claudia,” Luke said, reaching into his trouser pocket.

  Suzanne held out her hand. “Wait. You make me nervous when you say things like that. Is your gift wet, slimy, sticky or breathing?”

  He solemnly shook his head.

  Suzanne sighed. “Okay. Go ahead.”

  Luke took out ten large green cotton balls glued together and sprinkled with glitter and dots. The three women stared at the object, none wanting to guess what it was.

  “It’s beautiful,” Claudia said, taking the creation from him. “The best I’ve ever seen.”

  Luke beamed.

  Claudia bent down and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you, sweetie.”

  He giggled then ran away.

  The three women were silent, then Noreen said, “What is it?”

  “It’s a caterpillar,” Rick said, joining them. “He made six, but I convinced him to only give you one. He hasn’t stopped playing with the bamboo train you got him. Thank you.”

  “He’s worth it.”

  Rick turned to his wife. “Could I talk to you for a minute?”

  Suzanne excused herself then followed him. Claudia watched Rick affectionately rest his arm around her shoulders and Suzanne lean into him as they walked away.

  Noreen cleared her throat; Claudia looked at her. “Yes?”

  “I saw that.”

  “What?”

  “That look.”

  “What look?” When Noreen raised her brows in a you-know-what-I-mean look, Claudia added, “I’m just glad Suzanne’s happy with Rick and you’re happy with Michael and I’m happy with my work. We’re all happy.”

  “Uh-huh.” Noreen rested her hands on her hips. “So are you ready to tell me what Peter Warren is really like?”

  Claudia thought of Peter kissing her scars; their night together in Hawaii when he told her about his brother; his fantasy of how he would have married her in the hospital if he had known. She wanted to tell her friends how wonderful he was, and that he would make a great husband. She stopped, startled by the thought.

  Husband? It wasn’t like her to even consider marriage. She had no illusion about it; she’d studied its history and propaganda and was too smart to enter into such an institution.

  On her own she’d achieved every goal and ambition she’d had, and she didn’t want that to change. Her entire career was based on her single status, and she couldn’t risk it because of the sentimental feelings of a woman she no longer was. Besides, she doubted he would ask her. He had just as much to risk as she. She would tell her friends about her brief affair once it was over. She hadn’t even told Tamara how things had changed. For now, the secret kept their tenuous relationship safe and special. “I’ll send you a postcard.”

  Chapter 16

  France

  The French countryside greeted Claudia with rich architectural treasures featuring historical chateaus, cathedrals and lavish palaces. But when the car she shared with Ashley and Eugene drove up to a magnificent structure, she could hardly breathe. The exquisite beauty and charm of the castle, which sat prominently on a large manicured estate, was the centerpiece in a small picturesque town in southern France. The castle’s setting among a landscape of hills, woods and ponds provided excellent imagery for the film crew.

  The exterior was gorgeous and the interior breathtaking. Claudia marveled at her room, which was decorated with sumptuous blue fabric wallpaper, gold-plated picture frames with images of France’s history and superbly carved ornate furnishings. Claudia immediately set out to explore. Located on the first floor in one of the towers was a suite with a large living space and an enormous marble fireplace, a large double-size poster bed and a panoramic view of the French gardens below with a lily pond, filled with koi goldfish, gray geese and ducks.

  On the second floor of the tower was another suite with a large living space, marble chimney and view of the surrounding countryside and woodlands. It had beautiful silver-gray damask wall fabric and antique furnishings. Claudia heard the door open below, went to the main staircase and saw Peter enter.

  When he looked up and saw her, she wanted to rush into his arms, but she gripped the railing instead. Only a week had passed, but it felt like years. He nodded in greeting. No one would have suspected that over a week ago they’d shared a shower and created enough heat to melt plastic. Claudia knew now wasn’t the time to get together, so she just smiled and turned away.

  “Can you believe this place?” Ashley asked, coming to stand beside her.

  “No. I can’t believe we get to stay here.”

  “Thank Frank for that. He arranged everything. When he told me his idea to shoot an episode in a castle, my mind went wild with ideas. You won’t believe what I selected for you to wear. I’ve been shopping. Come on.”

  Once in Ashley’s room, the two women went through each of the items Ashley had selected. Claudia stopped when she saw a large garment bag hanging on a hook behind the door. “What’s in here?”

  “That’s for the party,” Ashley said, pushing it back out of sight. “I’ve scheduled a tailor to come the night before the party to fit you.”

  “Can’t I have a peek?” Claudia asked with mounting curiosity.

  “No, it’s going to be a surprise.”

  Claudia didn’t get to see Peter that day and was surprised when Frank scheduled a shoot for the next day featuring her, alone, taking a perfumery course. The classes were held in a sprawling eighteenth-century farmhouse just outside the town where they were staying. Claudia and the crew arrived early the next morning, traveling in one of the two minivans they’d rented. During the introduction the instructor, a tall sophisticated woman, told them what they would be doing and that they would concoct their own signature scent.

  Following a full day of testing, smelling and sampling different fragrances, in the evening the instructor treated them to a full meal of roasted duck breast with pomegranate sauce, rice pilaf, steamed vegetables and a warm chocolate torte with wine from a nearby vineyard. Before leaving, each student was giv
en a take-home sample of his or her creation in a carry-on container that met the airlines’ requisite three-ounce limit. Claudia had hoped to share her creation with Peter, but she didn’t see him that night or the next.

  France was a whirlwind of long, exhausting days that kept Peter and Claudia apart, from taping them going for a scenic bike ride, to visiting an old cathedral and exploring a cave. Claudia declined to be part of the cave expedition. On the set, Peter and Claudia felt that all eyes were on them, and they didn’t get a chance to be alone.

  “Feel like running away?” Peter whispered while the crew set up. He stood with his back to her so that others wouldn’t notice.

  “Yes. Sometimes I get the feeling you’re avoiding me.”

  “I’ve been working with Frank. You can always slip into my room at night.”

  “By the time night comes, I’m too tired to move. I wouldn’t leave until morning.”

  He turned and fingered a strand of her hair. “Sounds like a good idea.”

  Claudia brushed his hand away and glanced around in case anyone noticed. “No one can know about us,” she hissed.

  Peter grinned. “Don’t worry. People expect me to flirt.”

  Two more days passed before Claudia had a moment to talk to Peter again. The crew was scheduled to film her and Peter attending a French-cooking class. She looked forward to the class because she knew this would probably be the one chance to get him alone. The class was held in the private town house of a renowned French chef, who had converted the ground floor into a professional kitchen for lessons. Unfortunately for Claudia, the three other female students who had signed up for the class were thrilled to be featured on a travel show from America, and two of them wouldn’t leave Peter’s side.

  The course started early in the morning, following a 6:00 a.m. trip to a large open market to buy fresh ingredients. For the next several hours, they created three courses—a starter, main course and dessert. During the class Peter had a terrible time trying to measure some of the ingredients and following instructions, so Claudia helped him by completing the measurements. By late afternoon, they had finished cooking and prepared for a delicious lunch featuring their culinary creations. Outside on a large stone patio, the chef’s assistant displayed their work, which consisted of asparagus and goat cheese tart, Vietnamese monkfish cooked in caramelized nuoc mam (fish sauce) and almond macaroon galette with strawberries. A green-leaf salad, cheese and a selection of French pastries including madeleines and mille-feuille drizzled with chocolate and a light vanilla icing, as well as a wonderful French wine, were added to the main dishes. While Lance and the other members of the crew focused on filming the delectable array of food, Claudia pretended to clear something and moved close to Peter. “Will I see you tonight?” she said under her breath.

  “You’ll see me at the party,” he said, referring to the fiftieth-wedding-anniversary party the residing owners of the castle would be having and were gracious enough to allow them to film.

  “That’s not the same.”

  “Do you like your room?”

  “I’ll like it better with you in it.”

  He smiled. “I’ll see what I can do,” he said then left.

  The day before the party, a tailor arrived at the castle promptly at 8:30 a.m. along with his assistant, and spent most of the morning fitting Claudia with her gown, adding a touch of sparkle with a priceless set of jewels.

  “I didn’t order this jewelry,” Ashley said, stunned by the selection.

  “These were in my instructions,” the tailor said, setting the items on the table.

  Neither woman argued.

  Peter was the first to see Claudia as she made her way down the majestic winding staircase wearing a shimmering hand-beaded gown that clung to her form like a second skin. Her hair was pulled back, forming soft waves that tapered off at the base of her neck, where a thin white-gold necklace hung above her cleavage. A pair of stunning diamond-pearl earrings and finely woven white lace gloves completed the outfit.

  Peter’s look of enchantment was just the response Claudia wanted. But when he walked up to her and reached out for her hand, she drew away.

  “Careful, we’re on camera,” she said, motioning to Lance and Roy.

  “They’re just getting fillers of the guests and capturing the atmosphere. They’re not paying attention to us.”

  “They will if you don’t behave yourself,” she whispered, removing his hand from around her waist.

  Peter’s gaze dipped to her cleavage. “I don’t feel like behaving myself.”

  Claudia lifted his chin. “Try.”

  “You’re not wearing a bra, are you?”

  A slight smile touched her lips. “I’ll tell you later.”

  “Claudia—”

  “You look amazing,” Frank interrupted, measuring Claudia with his eyes. “I couldn’t believe how much Peter spent—umph,” he said when Peter jabbed him in the ribs. He rubbed his side and coughed. “Uh, I mean you look amazing.”

  Claudia smiled. “Yes, you said that.” She turned to Peter. “So I have you to thank for all this?”

  “No, I just helped,” Peter said in a gruff tone, but she saw his ears turn red and he sent Frank a sharp look.

  Frank rubbed his head then cleared his throat. “Okay you two, let’s get to work. I want to start shooting in the main entryway, the great hall and then with you celebrating along with the happy couple. Celebrating lasting love always makes for great television.”

  “I wish it hadn’t been an anniversary party,” Claudia said, following Frank.

  “Anniversaries make you nervous?” Peter asked.

  “No, I just…” She sighed. “Do you think lasting love really exists?”

  Peter looked at the elderly couple as they gazed at each other with a glow of affection. He then turned his gaze to Claudia, and the light of desire illuminated his brown eyes. “When I look at them, I do.”

  Chapter 17

  That evening Claudia lay in her bed and stared up at the ceiling, remembering the party and Peter. Yes, he’d looked amazing in his tuxedo, and his devilish grin was distracting. But it had been his words about love that had made it hard to focus. He believed in lasting love? And the way he’d looked at her had sent shivers of delight through her. Did that look mean he loved her?

  Claudia sat up and ran a hand through her hair, shocked and frightened by her thoughts. Love? Marriage? Those were two words Claudia Madison never thought about. But she couldn’t ignore them now. What she felt for Peter was more than infatuation or sentimentality. It was deep and real. Did she love him? There was only one way to find out.

  She checked her watch. It was 2:00 a.m. and she hoped he would still be up. She quickly changed then grabbed her coat and peeked her head out to make sure the hallway was clear. Then she hurried to Peter’s suite and knocked.

  Peter opened the door and pulled her into his arms and welcomed her with a leg-weakening kiss. “I was wondering how long it would be before you came,” he said.

  “Why didn’t you just call me?” Claudia asked, still recovering from the feel of his lips on hers.

  “I like to play hard to get.” Peter buried his face in her neck. “Hmm. You smell good.”

  “I made the scent myself.”

  “You liked your perfume class?”

  “I love everything about this trip.” She tugged on the buttons of his shirt. “Especially this.”

  He covered her hands. “Wait.”

  “What?” She turned to face Peter’s front door. “Did you hear someone?”

  “No. I want us to take our time and enjoy this.”

  “I always enjoy doing this.”

  “I know, but I think we should try a slower pace.”

  “Slower?”

  Peter nodded. “Unbutton slowly,” he said, emphasizing the word.

  Claudia hesitated, feeling a little silly, then gradually began undoing one button then the next. By the time she reached the fourth button, she
saw the benefit of a more leisurely approach to discovery. Her deliberate motions made their anticipation grow and heightened the atmosphere with an electrical charge. She watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down as he swallowed. “Like this?”

  His voice was raw. “Yes.”

  She pushed his shirt off his shoulders and let her gaze lazily skim over his broad shoulders and firm chest. Claudia felt his muscles contract under her fingers, and her breath quickened. Her trembling fingers moved to the front of his trousers, and once they were undone she gradually dragged them down.

  “Don’t stop now.”

  “I don’t plan to,” Claudia said, and his underwear soon followed the same languid path. She looked up at him while still on her knees, her gaze soaking in the beauty of his naked form. She touched the sleek muscle of his thigh and the firm roundness of his calf. He was well made in every part. If things had been different, they would have been celebrating their anniversary. Claudia suddenly realized that her feelings for him had nothing to do with reason. She still loved him. Soon his image was blurred by her tears.

  Peter pulled Claudia to her feet and searched her face. “Hey, what is it?”

  She lowered her gaze, unable to face him. “Nothing.”

  He lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him. His eyes bore into hers. “There can’t be any secrets between us, CC.”

  Claudia squeezed her eyes shut and hugged him, burying her face in his neck. “I’m just so happy. The last time I was this happy—”

  Her words were cut off when he lifted her into his arms and cradled her close. “Nothing’s going to happen to separate us. Not this time.” He walked over to the bed then gently set her down. “I won’t let it.” He pressed a finger to her lips before she could protest. “Trust me,” he said then undid her coat. His eyes glowed at the sight he saw underneath. He removed her coat then stepped back to let his gaze encompass every part of her. “You look better than I imagined.” He slowly untied the sexy red teddy she wore. “And now I get to take it off.”