by Hale, Beth
“It’s just stupid,” Emma exclaimed. “They’re tryin’ to cook up some stupid rivalry story when there isn’t one. I don’t believe these people.”
“I know,” she replied with sympathy. “It really does suck to have your privacy invaded. But after you’ve been in the business long enough you get used to it.”
“If you say so.” Emma began putting the food away and changed the subject. “Mama is excited about the cruise.”
“I’m glad. You’re a good daughter to do that for her.”
“She’s fifty-one. It’s time she got to do some of the things she’s always dreamed about. And, Happy Birthday to you! Since you and Mama share one I can’t forget.”
“I share age with your mom, too.” Norah sighed mournfully.
“You do not,” Emma laughed. “She’s got eleven years on you.”
“Still, I’m feeling old.”
“Aw. Cheer up. Do you want your present?”
Norah’s eyes lit up. “Gimmie.”
Emma went into the other room and came back
with a box wrapped in pale green paper and topped
with a pretty white bow. Norah ripped into it and
pulled out a violet silk shirt.
“I love it! Thank you so much, Emma!” She gave Emma a hug and stripped off her shirt to try the new one on. “How do I look?”
“Gorgeous. Still young.” Emma grinned.
“Smart ass. I’ll wear it tonight, at my birthday bash.” She had reserved the VIP room at Tristan’s the week before and invited her She-Wolf companions.
“Will Richard be there?”
“No; he had to fly to Oregon and begin work on his new film. He sent me flowers and a note thanking me for the good times.”
Emma shook her head. “I still can’t get over the way y’all hook up so causally whenever you work together. I’m not judging,” she said quickly. “I just don’t think I could do it.”
“I know you don’t judge. But what do you think is going to happen when we’re through here? Are you and Jack going to call it quits? Have you talked about doing a long distance relationship?”
Emma was silent for a long minute. “I don’t know,” she finally admitted. “We haven’t talked about it. I hadn’t even thought about that.” But she filed it away to think on later.
“Well, I’m sure you will work it out. Meanwhile, who do you think I should be next? The jilted wife accused of murder or the slightly neurotic virgin convinced she had a phantom lover?”
Emma sat with her to discuss the options.
Chapter 14
Emma and Norah were escorted to the VIP room, with Norah stopping occasionally for autographs and photos. When they walked through the doors, the people inside broke into a chorus of Happy Birthday.
“Thank you, thank you.” She and Emma shrugged out of their coats and tossed them onto a nearby chair. The weather had turned even colder and it had started to rain. “And thank you all for coming.”
She went around the room giving hugs. When she reached Janet, Roger’s wife, she was complimented on her blouse. “Emma gave it to me.”
Janet nodded at her. “You have excellent taste, my dear.”
Emma smiled and looked around the room. It boasted its very own bar and bartender, a great sound system, and mood lighting. There were tables placed about and a few booths tucked into the corners. The music was already pumping.
Jack walked over to her and she accepted his kiss. “There’s my girl.” His warm blue eyes slid over her. “You’ve raindrops in your hair. They make the brown sparkle.”
Emma laughed and lightly shook her head. “Such flattery,” she teased. The conversation with Norah crept up, and she forcibly pushed it aside. She wouldn’t ruin the evening by moping. She smiled brightly and pulled him towards James.
Jack saw the shadow of sadness in her eyes and wondered what was wrong. Before he could ask, she was putting her arms around James’s neck and kissing his cheek.
“Lovely Emma.” James returned the affection.
“I’m delighted to see you again. This is Anna,” he indicated the busty brunette poured into the yellow minidress at his side. “I talked her into being with me tonight.”
Emma smiled. “Nice to meet you.”
“Oh, you, too!” Anna bounced excitedly and Emma thought her boobs would pop out of the dress. She noticed James’s eyes glued to her chest.
She rolled her eyes and resisted the urge to poke him.
“I’m so excited to be here,” Anna continued. “I’m going to get everyone’s autograph and dance with you all. I’ve never met anyone famous before.” She reached behind her and grabbed a small notebook. “Will you sign for me?”
“I’m afraid I’m not famous,” Emma laughed. “But Jack is. I’m sure he’d love to help you out.” She winked at James as she dodged Jack’s grab for her hand and left to join the others.
“Is she tipsy already?” Roger asked. “Or merely that empty headed?” He grinned when Marcus laughed and earned a reproachful look from Janet.
“She just young,” she told him as Emma sat. “Like Emma.”
“Yes, well, young as our Emma is, she’s always been professional.”
“Can I have your autograph?” she asked, fluttering her eyelashes, and caused Roger to snort.
“Silly girl.” He held up an empty glass. “I believe I’ll go order another. Can I get you anything?”
“A vodka tonic, please,” Emma told him.
“I like those as well,” Janet said. She was still attractive at 64 and a full fourteen years older than her husband. It had caused a minor scandal when they’d wed five years before. “And I like your outfit.”
Emma had elected to wear a short oatmeal
colored sweater dress with a pleated skirt and paired it with dark brown tights and tall boots. “Thank you.”
“You look sexy, as always,” Marcus put in with a toothy grin. “Did you notice the karaoke machine in the corner?” She hadn’t but she glanced at it now. “I hope we make use of it; I’ve been told I have a marvelous singing voice.”
Janet tried and failed to suppress a smile as Marcus wondered towards the bar. “He’s a bit pompous,” she said. “I don’t care for him, really, and I believe Roger is beginning to tire of him. Oh, look, Roger’s bringing nachos. Delightful.”
Everyone ended up pushing the tables together so they could share the bar food. The conversation turned inevitably to She-Wolf.
“We’re slightly ahead of schedule.” Pleased, Thomas popped a fried pickle in his mouth. “We’ve only got two on locations left. Cologne and Whales. Where you, Roger, flee with Piers Gaveston.” He waggled his eyebrows. “Your lover.”
“Despenser,” Emma corrected absently as she tried to decide between a cheese stick or more nachos. “Hugh Despenser the Younger was rumored to be Edward II’s lover then. Piers was murdered by the barons in 1312 and Despenser became the king’s favorite.”
She trailed off and flushed when she saw everyone looking at her. She cleared her throat. “Anyway. Sorry.”
Norah grinned. “Told you she knows her history.”
“I’ll say.” Thomas wiped his mouth, pushed
back his chair and held out a hand. “Let’s dance and
you can tell me more.” Emma stood and let him lead her out onto the floor.
After dancing with Thomas and Jack, Emma stood at the bar and decided she’d try a Highland Fling. “You’re right,” she told the bartender. “It is good.”
James came up and ordered a drink. He looked slightly rumpled with his shirt half way unbuttoned and his hair mussed. “Marcus has Anna cornered, telling her about the big part he’s about to land. He’s already signed her little autograph book.”
Emma grinned and eyed his drink. “What’s that?”
“It’s called a Turkish Delight. Taste?” He held the glass to her lips and she sipped.
“Mmmm. I’ll get one of those after this one.”
; “Are you thinking about tying another one on?” Norah asked as she and Jack paused beside them.
“God, no,” she replied. “One of has to stay sober so we’re not late tomorrow.”
“True.” Norah and Jack both grinned as they danced off.
“You and Jack seem to be enjoying each other’s company.” James reached for an olive.
“We are.” For now.
“I’m glad,” he said easily. “I like you, even if you did toss me over for him.”
Emma burst out laughing. “If I hadn’t of then you wouldn’t be here with Anna.”
“Ah, sweet Anna. I’ll be enjoying her later tonight.”
“I bet,” she replied dryly and nodded at Marcus as he walked up.
“Emma. Care to dance?” She didn’t see a way
to refuse politely. She sat her drink down and followed
him. Once they hit the floor, he spun her out and back,
causing her skirt to flare. She let out a surprised laugh and he grinned down at her as they fell into the beat of the music.
“I enjoy dancing,” he told her.
“Me, too. You’re very good.”
“Finally, a compliment from you lips,” he teased her. “I’d all but given up on you noticing me.”
“I’ve noticed you.” Mainly acting like an ass. “I’ve just been too busy to talk to anyone much.”
“Except for Jack.” He spun her again. “I still don’t understand why you won’t join me for lunch. I’m as good as he is.”
“When I’m with someone, I’m with only him,” she replied with frost in her voice. “I don’t play around.”
“As if he’d know. I don’t kiss and tell, love.”
Emma stiffened in his arms and tried to pull away. “Excuse me. I think I need to sit down now.”
His hold tightened. “I’m sorry; I shouldn’t spoil our dance.” He held on and Emma danced stiffly. She didn’t want to make a scene and ruin Nora’s night.
“All right, everyone,” Norah called as the song ended. “Let’s karaoke!” She was tossing the microphone from hand to hand, grinning drunkenly. “Who’s first?
“I’ll give it a go.” Marcus moved away from Emma and caught the mike Norah threw at him. “How about a song from Mr. Robert Palmer? Addicted to Love?” Norah punched in the number for him and went to sit with the others. Marcus launched into the lyrics and it wasn’t long before the group was tapping their feet and singing along.
“Who’s next?” he asked when the song ended.
“Me!” Anna stood and wobbled her way to the front of the room. “Like a Virgin.”
“Not for a good, long time would be my guess,” Norah whispered to Emma. Emma snickered.
James had his turn, and Roger and Janet sang a duet. Thomas entertained them with his rendition of Moves Like Jagger. Norah demanded a performance from Emma and wouldn’t take no for an answer. Resigned, Emma studied the options and settled on Something to Talk About.
The music began and Emma sang, “People are talkin’, talkin’ bout people…’” Her boot heels clicked in tandem with the beat. She grinned when the rest of them began clapping along. She made it to the chorus and held the mike out to Norah.
Norah stood and swayed as she screeched the chorus out with her. Emma managed not to laugh as she helped her back into her chair and moved away to finish the song.
They partied into the early hours. Emma had switched to water halfway through the night so she was sober enough to pour Norah into a cab. She and Jack climbed in after her.
“I had a good birthday,” Norah announced as Emma helped her up the stairs.
“I’m glad.” She turned back the comforter and eased Norah onto the bed. “Do you need help with your clothes?”
“No, I’m not that far gone.” Norah yawned. “Emma? Thanks for brushing my pillow.” She toppled backwards and closed her eyes. Emma smiled and gently closed the door.
“She’s going to pay for this later,” Jack observed.
“She’s going to be a bitch when I get her up for
work. She always is after a night like this.” She eyed Jack. “Are you staying?”
“Depends. Can I bunk with you?”
She flashed him a wicked grin. “Depends. Will you promise not to keep your hands to yourself?”
Jack laughed and followed her into the bedroom.
Chapter 15
It was after twelve o’clock before Emma surfaced. She wiggled out from under Jack’s arm. He squinted at her. “’S’wrong?” he muttered.
“Nothing. I’m just going to take a shower.”
She ran the water as hot as she could stand it and stepped under the spray. She stood still for a minute, and some of the fog lifted. She shampooed her hair, and tilted her head back to rinse the suds away.
She started violently when the shower door was jerked open. “Jack,” she squeaked. “What are you doing?”
“I thought we’d share.” He stepped in and winked suggestively. “I’ll wash your back.”
Desire licked at her. She wordlessly handed him the bottle and turned.
Jack poured some of the peach scented soap into his hands. He started at her shoulders and trailed his fingers to the small of her back and up again. He kneaded her neck and she felt tension melt away.
“Such knots, darling. Let’s see what we can do about that.”
He spun her around and savaged her mouth. Emma grabbed his shoulders to keep her balance. She fisted her hands in his hair and he growled as he shoved her against the shower wall. He skimmed his lips down her throat. He nipped at her, then soothed it with his tongue.
Emma moaned as his hands closed over her breasts. She gasped as those hands slid to her hips and he slid to his knees.
“Jack?”
“Shhh. Let me…” He traced the outline of her
navel before dipping his head lower.
Her breath caught as the wave of sensations washed over her. Her head fell weakly back and her hands slid as she sought purchase on the slick wall. She didn’t know if the steam came from the hot water or their scorching skin.
Jack continued to work magic with his mouth and tongue and fingers. Emma felt the rising crest and could only think God, my God before her mind emptied and a long, low moan escaped. The orgasm ripped through her and her legs went weak.
Jack stood and grasped her waist. He boosted her up and lowered her until he was inside her completely. Emma wrapped her legs around him as he started to move with long, sure strokes. She moaned again, surprised to feel the pressure build again so quickly. She buried her face in his neck as the tremors started.
His thrusts became erratic. He stiffened and let out a strangled groan as he came. He kept her suspended for a moment before lowering her back to the floor. They simply held on to each other because they were too weak to stand alone.
Jack rubbed her cheekbone with his thumb. “Are you ok?”
“Mmm-hmm. Not sure I can walk yet.”
He chuckled weakly and dropped his forehead to hers. “That was amazing. You’re amazing.”
“You’re pretty amazing yourself.”
The water began to cool, so Jack quickly turned it off. He grabbed a towel and wrapped her in it before tying one around his waist. He watched as she dried herself and began to rub lotion into her skin.
“I can help you with that,” he offered and made
Emma laugh.
“Oh, no,” she replied. “We’d just end up back in bed and I don’t know if I could survive another round right now. Besides, I’ve got things to accomplish today.”
“Pity.”
“I know. I’d much rather spend the day lazing in bed with you and your hands. But the set awaits.”
“Pity,” he said again and looked on as she tugged on jeans and pulled an orange sweater over her head.
“You don’t film today, do you?” she asked.
“No, not for a few days, actually. I’ve a dinner meeting with my agent this evening, t
o look over some offers.”
Emma’s eyes grew sad again as she pulled on her shoes. “Norah has a couple of projects she’s thinking about.”
“She’ll be on set for most of the night I think.”
“Yeah, tonight and tomorrow night.”
“Well, then. Since I won’t have the pleasure of your company I guess I’ll have to make due with James.”
“I hope he’s recovered from Anna. I wonder where he found her.”
“Most likely the same place he finds all of them. The cad,” he said and made Emma smile a little.
“Norah will be free for a few days after this while Roger is in Wrexham getting his escape scenes in.”
“Maybe you’d like to come with me to visit
Alison,” he suggested. “She and baby Jake came home
yesterday.” Jack noticed the same look she’d had in her
eyes the night before. He cupped her cheek. “What’s
troubling you?”
She looked away. “Nothing.”
Jack dropped his hand. “I won’t push you. But please, Emma, know I’m here when you’re ready to talk to me.”
Emma looked back at him with big eyes and bit her lip. “I’ve been thinking,” she began and heard the clock chime three. “Oh, damn it, damn it! Norah’s due at four! I’ve got to get her up and dressed and shove Tylenol down her throat.”
Jack felt a stab of frustration. She’d been so close to telling him what was wrong. “You’ve got your work cut out for you.”
“You got that right. We’re talkin tears, threats, and curses. Mostly mine.”
He couldn’t help but laugh as he finished dressing and went to hail a cab.
***
“Action.” As the cue to begin sounded, Edward II began berating Isabella for speaking ill of Huge Despenser.
“It is not your place to question my friends or my motives.”
“As Queen, it is my place to question your loyalty to me, and to the subjects of your realm. They are not happy, my lord.”
