by Anne
"I've got one more hug left," he called to her.
The girls giggled, but Sara stayed where she was. He let go of the girls slowly.
"Is she mad at me?" he asked them in a stage whisper.
Kari shook her head. "I don't think so, but she says we have to leave."
The thought was frightening and the smile left his face. She couldn't leave, not yet. He needed her too much. He walked over to where she was and sat down on a nearby chair. He bent down awkwardly to take off his shoes.
"Sore?" she asked quietly.
He shook his head in spite of the ache in his side. "Only a little stiff.'" She wouldn't want somebody old and decrepit, or unreliable. That was how her ex-husband had sounded. No, he had to be strong for her. He pulled his shoes and socks off and walked over to join her at the edge of the pool. The girls had gone back to the diving board, but seemed rather subdued.
"What's this I hear about you leaving?" he asked as he eased his feet into the water. The bottoms of his jeans went in with them, but he didn't care.
"Vacation's just about over," she said, staring across the water. "Ifs time we went back to the real world."
"Why?"
She laughed and turned to look at him, "You sound like the kids. They'd stay here forever if they could. Unfortunately, it's less than two weeks until school starts."
"So stay another two weeks," he said. He couldn't let them go, he thought.
"Mike," she protested. "I only rented the camper for three weeks. I have to have it back a week from tomorrow."
"Then you can stay another few days at least," he pointed out. "It won't take you a week to drive back."
"We had some side trips planned."
"So skip them."
"Why?" she asked with a sigh. "It's been fun, but what's the point of one more day?"
He didn't know what to say and just stared at the girls splashing around in the shallow end of the pool. He wanted to get tired of them, but how could he explain that to her? He wanted their presence to become so ordinary and boring that he wouldn't care if they left. That would be better than his constant concern about her opinion of him and his Irrational anger when she spoke about the creep she had been married to.
He had known his share of women, and he had grown tired of each one pretty quickly. No matter how exciting one seemed In the beginning, before too long she'd be just the same as all the others. He had to reach that point with Sara. He had to stop looking forward to seeing her again, looking forward to feeling his body next to hers. The only time he really felt alive was in her arms, he thought wildly. If he let her go now, he would be letting his life go too.
"One of my friends is giving a big party the day after tomorrow," he said suddenly. "I'd like to take you."
"I don't belong at a party given by one of your friends." she said sharply. "I didn't belong at that studio. What in the world would I say to your friends?"
"You can talk to me," he pointed out. "And if nothing else, it'll give you something to brag about back home. Carlton gives one memorable party."
"Carlton Bennett?" she asked, sounding Impressed.
He wondered cynically for a moment If she, too, was a frustrated actress who would give her eyeteeth—or her children—to meet the internationally known director, but then she dissolved into laughter.
"I'd probably ruin your career for you," she told him. "One look at me in my J. C. Penney summer clearance dresses and they'd throw you out of Hollywood. You'd have to trade in your Wonder cape and start delivering Wonder Bread." She sobered up suddenly and grew silent.
"It's not that big a deal. If you're worried about clothes, I can bring you something from wardrobe at the studio. Dress, shoes, jewelry." He was suddenly seeing the possibilities for giving her all sorts of things she'd never buy for herself. Wonderful, expensive things, not like paying for a tank of gas or giving the girls some cheesy Indian costumes.
"Mike, you can't be serious,11 she protested quietly.
"I am," he said, reaching down to hold her hand tightly. There was a look of doubt and fear in her eyes that he wanted to wipe away. He wanted to replace it with the one of love and joy he had seen in her eyes each night when she lay in his arms. But now wasn't the time and this wasn't the place, not with the girls just a few feet away. "I really don't want you to leave."
She said nothing for a long time, just stared out over the pool, her hand tightly held in his. "All right," she said finally, sighing. "But it'll only be for a few more days."
"Great," he shouted, and leaned over to brush her lips gently with his. "It’ll be terrific, you'll see."
Ten
"You look pretty. Mommy.'1 Kari sighed.
"Not pretty,” Megan corrected. "Beautiful. Really beautiful."
Sara smiled at the girls as she took a last look at herself in the mirror. The vivid green dress Mike had borrowed from the studio for her was something she would never have chosen for herself. Certainly the color highlighted her eyes; green always did that. But she had feared she didn't have the figure for the heart shaped, strapless bodice and tier-ruffled skirt which were the height of fashion. Looking at her reflection now, though, all her doubts vanished. She felt absolutely gorgeous, and for once was not afraid of embarrassing Mike.
She had been uneasy with the whole borrowing issue in the beginning. It had seemed fairly straightforward when he had suggested it, but she soon found it wasn't exactly like borrowing a cup of sugar from a neighbor.
The dress hadn't fit quite right, so a seamstress from the studio had come over to make some adjustments. Then there were the boxes of shoes to choose from, all looking brand-new, yet whichever pair she chose would not be returned so unscuffed. Mike had assured her it didn't matter, but it still didn't seem right. She liked to return things in the same condition she got them.
She wasn't too happy with the jewelry he had provided either, although the pearl-studded choker collar and matching earrings were gorgeous. They looked as if they were worth a fortune, even if Mike said they were only costume jewelry.
"They know how to make it look real," he had assured her. "The studios don't want the hassle of worrying over the real stuff, so they buy the best fakes."
She certainly was no expert on jewelry and Just put the lovely pieces on, wondering what her fellow teachers would think If they saw her. She took a long look in the mirror. They probably wouldn't recognize her; she barely recognized herself.
There was a knock at the door and the girls flew off to answer it. She picked up the small purse that matched her shoes and followed at a more sedate pace. The girls had let Mike into the living room. He was wearing a dark conservative suit, but his pale silk shirt was open hallway to his waist. He didn't quite look like the Mike she had come to know in the last week.
'My, my," he said, his eyes widening appreciatively as they went over her. "You look good enough to eat."
The girls giggled.
"You look pretty nice yourself," Sara said. He looked different, but that didn't stop her heart from racing or her cheeks from heating up. Her desire for him was greater all the time.
"I like his Captain Wonder suit better.'1 Megan announced.
"I do have to wash it sometimes,” Mike reminded her.
After giving the girls a million instructions to behave and not cause Fred any problems, Sara followed Mike out to the Mercedes convertible. The party was only a few blocks away, too close to suit her. There was barely time to be alone with Mike, to touch him and whisper her desires. Suddenly they were there.
A white-coated young man came running over to open the car doors, then drove it off to be parked. Mike put his arm around Sara's shoulder as they walked up to the door and gave her a quick kiss Just below her ear.
"I think we should have just stayed home," he said softly, 'so I could have had you all to myself."
"It wasn't my idea to come," she replied. "I'd much rather have been alone with you."
A house servant opened the door just as Mik
e bent to kiss her waiting mouth. They were ushered inside.
The place was a madhouse. Everyone was talking—or was it yelling? Sara thought—at the same time. The rooms seemed to vibrate with the brilliance of the guests' outfits. The wildness of the colors was challenged only by the strangeness of some of the styles.
A man dressed all in black hurried up to them. He kissed her hand suavely, then turned to have a rapid conversation with Mike. She guessed it was their host, but she could hardly hear a word he said. Someone had turned on a stereo, and the music was deafening.
Just as quickly as he had joined them, their host departed. Mike took her arm and led her further into the house. She met a great many people but didn't really try to remember their names. She knew they were not interested in her, and all she was interested in was Mike, so it all worked out fine.
She drank champagne and danced, lost in the heaven of Mike's embrace. She was barely conscious of the noise and people around her. She felt beautiful, and the light in Mike's eyes told her he thought so too. The movement of his hands across her naked back was slow and sensuous, spelling out the message of his desire in ways that only she could understand. She began to look forward to leaving. The magic spell that had enveloped them grew stronger and stronger, and Sara wanted to be alone with Mike to give free rein to the fires smoldering within.
"Love ya. Captain Wonder," the tall, gorgeous redhead murmured as she kissed the air next to Mike's cheek.
"My pleasure, honey." Mike said lightly.
The woman moved off into the crowd on the arm of a short, bald-headed man.
"Is she a fan or an ex-love who just cant forget Captain Wonder?" Sara asked, half-joking. The redhead had been about the tenth woman he'd obliged by having her picture taken with him.
"Neither," Mike said. "That was just business."
"Business? All those beautiful women snuggling up to you is business?"
He looked more tired than amused, although he did try to smile. This town is filled with gorgeous former beauty queens who come here expecting to make it big. Then they find out they're just one of thousands who have great looks and no special talent. So they scratch and scramble for every advantage they can find. Getting an invite to a party like this is a plus. Getting your picture taken with an established star is even better. Maybe one of those I posed with tonight will be real lucky and get that picture placed in some trade magazine or gossip column. For a few days she'll be a name people recognize, until the same thing happens with some other woman."
His eyes looked old and weary and Sara again wished they could just go back to his home. Alone with him, she could make those eyes sparkle and burn. She put her arms around his waist and drew herself close.
"Don't you resent being used like that?" she asked.
He just shrugged. "It's part of the game."
Sara said nothing in reply. As much as she had enjoyed Mike's company this evening, she had observed that it wasn't just a party to Mike or any of the others. It was a business meeting and, for Mike's sake, she would stay as long as he wanted. She had just accepted another glass of champagne from Mike when their host rushed up.
"Hey, Mike baby. Horowitz is here. Let's, huddle."
"I'm not sure that I'm up to it right now," Mike said hesitantly.
"You're the one who's always bitching about prancing around in those damn tights," Carlton snapped. "This is a once-in-a-llfetime chance. Horowitz is interested in you. Big screen. Straight role. The whole smash. Yes or no?"
Mike glanced at Sara. She read the uncertainty mixed with desire. "Yes, I want it. But I'm not really into late night meetings."
Their host glanced at her. She didn't like the hard smile that creased his face. "What's the matter? Worried about your little dolly?'"
"Now look here—" Mike began angrily.
Carlton put his hand on Mike's arm. "Don't worry, man. She's my guest. And my mother always told me to treat a guest like the queen herself. " He turned and beckoned to a young man with dark, wavy hair. "Hey, Lance baby. Get your buns over here."
A young man left his companion and hurried over to the host's side.
"Yes, Mr. Bennett?" he asked.
The man turned to Mike. "See, we'll leave her with a playmate. She'll be fine."
"Look, Carlton—"
Sara waved Mike off. As much as she needed him, she knew that she was not the only thing in his life. She was an adult and could wait. It wouldn't be much longer before they left. Then he would be hers alone, so she could share him now. "Go ahead, Mike. Good chances don't come along very often."
"Hey, smart girl you got there, guy," Carlton said. "Listen to the lady." He pulled the still-reluctant Mike away with him. "Give the lady your personal attention. Lance," Carlton called over his shoulder. "Anything her little heart desires. Anything."
Anything? Sara smiled inwardly. What she really wanted was to be lying in that wonderful sunken bathtub back at Mike's . . . with a glass of champagne, some slow, sensuous music, and Mike to wash her back.
'Well?"
Sara stared up into Lance's face and sighed. She recognized him as someone she'd seen on TV. He was probably considered handsome, but he wasn't Mike. There wasn't any warmth in his eyes, or any laughter either.
"So what do you want, lady? You heard the man. You got the key to the kingdom."
Sara couldn't help smiling cynically. "I've already been to Disneyland, thank you."
Lance didn't even blink, "So, is there anything else you want?"
She shook her head. Without Mike at her side, the evening had turned sour. He was the only reason she fit In with these people, the only way she belonged there. She reminded herself that she had sent him off to talk business, but it didn't help. She felt lost amid all these strangers and hungered for his arms even more.
"You want to swim?" Lance asked. "Hot tub? How about a little snort?"
"Snort?11
"Yeah," he said. "You know. A little happy dust. Snow. The real thing, cola free."
"No, thank you." she snapped.
"Maybe you want to go to Tijuana," Lance persisted. "The man said anything you want. I can do anything you ask."
"Anything?" Sara asked impatiently, ready with a suggestion for him.
He nodded. "I know more positions than the Kama Sutra."
"I want you to take a walk."
"Where?"
"Out of my sight" Sara said coolly.
They stared at each other for a long moment. Lance's eyes blinked as if he was having difficulty processing her order, but finally he shrugged his shoulders and left.
She watched him go. Being alone was better than having to endure that creep's company, She mused that the funniest thing about the situation was that that very jerk always played the good guy. On television he was the one who got the girl, but up close he was nothing.
Some people got their parts all mixed up with themselves, she thought. They believed the image some director chose for them. She was glad Mike wasn't like that. An uneasy memory nagged at her as she remembered her own doubts about where Captain Wonder stopped and Mike began. But Mike wasn't anything like Lance. He was real, not an illusion. He wasn't Just the role assigned to him. The man she loved was flesh and blood, not a comic book hero.
The room was suddenly stifling and she longed for a breath of fresh air. She pushed her way through the crowd, catching snatches of conversation along the way.
"Did you see Geri's nose job?"
"His belly sticks out so much that he has to wear a corset for any full profile shots."
"You call that acting? My dog does better when he catches hell for tinkling on the rug."
"Did you see that blonde Edgar brought? She'd have a hard time doing an impersonation of a bump on a log."
Sara stepped out onto the balcony with relief. It was much quieter there; the only people around were occupied in non-verbal activities. She took a deep breath and looked down at the twinkling lights of the estates below them. The view was
serene and peaceful, and she felt herself begin to relax.
She had overreacted. Lance had been such a creep that he had affected her good sense. And she was tired, exhausted really. That didn't help her think too clearly either. She had to have some faith in herself. She had fallen in love with Mike, after all. As silly as it might have been to lose her heart, she would hardly have done it if he had been as shallow as Lance.
The couple to her left broke their clinch; Sara stood still and listened to the sound of footsteps retreating. Suddenly she felt a presence next to her.
"You're Mike's little schoolmarm, aren't you?"
Sara found a precisely made-up woman with long, blond hair standing at her side. "I beg your pardon?"
"I'm Sylvia," the woman said with a laugh that was harsh and grating, rather than happy. "Everyone's heard about you. Mike's school teacher from Iowa."
"I'm from Missouri."
"Whatever," the woman said, gesturing carelessly. "Everythings the same out there."
Sara clenched her teeth but did not reply. The woman appraised her with a slow glance that went from Sara's head to her feet.
"Well, If you make It with Mike, you're going to bring the clean-scrubbed, wholesome look to this town." Again she gave the short, harsh laugh.
"Is there something I can do for you?" Sara asked. She wanted to end the conversation, but she wasn't going to run away. It was pleasant out here on the balcony, and her stubborn streak wouldn't let her be forced back Inside,
"Don't give me that innocent country girl routine, dearie," Sylvia said with a sneer. "You've only been In his house a few days and you've already got a de la Renta out of him. not to mention the small fortune around your neck."
"It's from the prop department at the studio. Mike just borrowed it for me."
"Sure, sweetheart. And the Easter bunny wears pantyhose."
Sara's irritation with Sylvia faded, replaced by anger at herself and at Mike. How stupid she had been! Mike had played another one of his little games and she had fallen for it completely.
