“Mmm,” she murmured against the comforter. “That stuff smells good.”
“Glad you like it. I’ll leave the bottle here when I’m done.” Laying his palms over her back, he started kneading the muscles, feeling for knots of tension. He found a few near her shoulder blades, so he focused on that area for a while, hoping to knock out some of the kinks and help her relax.
“That feels wonderful.”
“I know you had a rough day. We both did.” Before he could tell her about what happened at the office, she started up again.
“I just can’t believe Mia acted that way. She’s really very immature for a woman her age.”
“Some people just don’t know when to exercise good sense.”
“It’s incredible. I mean, she’s not bad as an actress. But her attitude is just a hot mess. She’s got to get it together.”
“You’re right. The woman obviously needs a therapist or something. By the way, I—”
“I tried not to get her in trouble, tried to keep her from losing her job. She just wouldn’t quit.”
Neither will you. He kept massaging her, working down along her spine now. “I hear you, Sierra. But dwelling on it isn’t going to help you or her. Now, if you really want to hear a story, let me tell you what happened at my office today—”
To his amazement, she interrupted him again, rambling on about what Mia had said to her. He shook his head. He could recall Tiffany’s penchant for endlessly rehashing an event, and for interrupting him when he tried to speak. His ex-wife was the last thing he wanted to be thinking about while he was touching Sierra, but there it was. When it became clear she wasn’t going to let him speak, he gave up trying and continued the massage in silence.
He pressed his fingertips against her tailbone, and she moaned low in her throat. “Oh, yes.”
“Like this?” He applied deep, but gentle pressure to the spot.
She trembled beneath his touch. “Yes. That feels fantastic.”
He loved giving her pleasure, loved hearing her say she liked what he did to her. He kept up his attention to that spot, until he felt the kink in the muscle wall melt away beneath his touch. “There. You should be feeling much better now.”
“I am.” She purred the words as she rolled over onto her back.
The sight of her breasts, with her nipples hard and wanting, made him suck in a breath. “Whew.”
“Do you have any other tricks up your sleeve to relieve my tension, Campbell?” She stared at him with hooded, desire-filled eyes.
“I’ll see what I can do.” He leaned over to kiss her.
She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and drew him down into her embrace. “Then I leave myself in your very capable hands.”
He nuzzled his lips against the warm hollow of her neck. “Something’s happening between us, Sierra. Can you feel it, too?”
She didn’t respond verbally, but she squeezed him tighter, closer to her heart.
He smiled. Holding her close for a few moments more, he finally admitted his truth aloud. “I love you, Sierra.”
She looked up at him, her eyes damp and emotional, and gave him a quiet nod.
That was good enough for him. Choosing not to dwell on it, he let desire take over and answered the call of her body.
Chapter 14
Thursday night, Sierra met Campbell at Shoreside Grill again, this time for a double date with Hadley and Devon. They sat in the same booth as before, with each couple occupying one side of the table. Sierra did her best to keep her attention on the conversation, but she couldn’t help thinking about what Campbell had said. He loves me. The weight of that had caught her so off guard she’d been unable to respond. Now she wondered what she would say when the subject inevitably came up again.
They’d been chatting easily throughout their meal. Over dessert, their conversation turned to the set of The Shores.
Devon, sipping coffee with his slice of cheesecake, remarked, “We let Mia go. We’re already searching for her replacement.”
Sierra shook her head. “I’m sorry it had to come to that, but like I told Campbell, she seemed determined to sabotage her own career.”
“It’s a sad situation, but she brought it on herself, based on everything Dev’s been telling me.” Hadley cut into her strawberry shortcake with a fork.
“So, what happens after you find a new actress to replace her?” Campbell asked. “Will you keep the same name for her character?”
Devon shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. We’ll probably pull together a focus group from the viewers on social media and get their opinions. I’ve seen shows do that before. Remember Darren number one and Darren number two on Bewitched?”
Everyone at the table nodded.
“The reactions to things like that can be pretty mixed. I’m thinking of creating a new character, a half sister of Fiona and Xander. That way Grayson’s character isn’t affected by Mia’s leaving the show. He shouldn’t have to pay for her bad behavior.”
Sierra nodded. “I agree. Grayson is a great guy, a professional through and through.” She sipped iced water from her glass. “I like the idea of giving him a new half sister. How likely is that to happen, though?”
“Not sure yet. The other producers have to agree, and then we’ll have to see what the writers can come up with. If everything works out like I hope, we can move forward with season two without too much inconvenience to the existing cast and crew.”
“Hopefully it will be a smooth transition for the new actress, as well.”
“Right.” Devon polished off the last of his cheesecake. “The last thing we need is more drama on set. That could run her off before she ever films a scene.”
Sierra gazed out the window. It was a windy evening, and the waves were crashing against the shore. “I hope Mia will get herself together. I really did try to keep things professional.”
“We all know you did, Sierra.” Hadley touched her hand. “Remember, hon. You can’t save someone who doesn’t want to be saved.”
She nodded, acknowledging the truth in Hadley’s words. She liked Campbell’s baby sister. The two of them had spent time chatting on set, and had had lunch and coffee together when Sierra had time off but Devon was busy with things at the studio. Hadley was caring, considerate and honest, and it was easy to see why Devon loved her so much. If Mia had been more amenable, Sierra imagined they could have gotten to know each other on a friendly basis, as well.
Sierra wished she could put aside the twinge of guilt she felt about what had happened to Mia, but it remained, lurking in the corners of her mind. I guess it will go away in time.
“I expect the atmosphere will be much better on set now.” Devon pushed his plate away and excused himself from the table. “Be right back.”
Hadley leaned closer to Sierra. “Have you been onto your social media profiles lately?”
Sierra sighed. “No, but I can guess what they look like.”
“Girl. Mia is out there acting a fool online, cursing your name to anyone and everyone.” Hadley gestured to her phone. “It’s a mess.”
“I figured as much. That’s why I haven’t been checking.”
Campbell reached for Hadley’s phone. “Mind if I take a look?”
“Go ahead.” She passed it to him.
Sierra watched Campbell’s facial expression as he scrolled through the things displayed on the phone’s screen. What started as confusion morphed into surprise, then anger. He passed the phone back to Hadley. “Sierra, you need to turn these posts over to Roland, so he can add them to the database at the police station.”
Her eyes widened. “Are they really that bad?”
His face remained grim. “Let’s just say Mia might have finally gone off the deep end.”
Sierra nodded to indicate her understanding. How in the world did I get into s
uch a mess? When she’d taken the job on the show, she’d been hoping to enjoy a new challenge. She’d done miniseries and made-for-television films, but never an ongoing series. And as much as she loved playing Karen Drake, the role had come with much more drama in her real life than she ever had on-screen.
Devon returned to the table then, and seemed to sense the mood. Sitting down, he asked his wife, “Baby, what happened? Y’all see a ghost while I was gone?”
Hadley shook her head. “I showed Campbell what’s going on with Sierra’s social media.”
He answered with a solemn nod. “I see.”
Sierra searched Devon’s face. “You’ve seen the posts, too?”
“Yes. And I really think you should tell the police about what’s going on.”
“That’s the same thing I just said,” Campbell interjected.
“Take their advice, Sierra.” Hadley drew a deep breath. “I’m worried.”
Sierra took out her phone. “Don’t worry, Hadley, I’m calling Roland right now.” When he picked up, she let him know to collect her social media information from her assistant, and sweep the accounts for malicious activity. When she hung up, she reported what he’d said. “He’s at my place now, but he’s putting in the necessary calls, and he says he’ll be on the lookout for anything suspicious.”
“Good.” Campbell sounded relieved. “Now that the police know about it, maybe they can put a stop to it.”
“I hope so.” Devon draped his arm over Hadley’s shoulder. “Online bullying can be hard to prosecute. But if you need anything, anything at all, don’t hesitate to ask us.”
“Thank you, Devon. I really appreciate that.”
Later, as she and Campbell sat on the sofa inside the condo, she said, “How did I get mixed up in all this, Campbell?”
He sighed. “I don’t know, baby. Just a run of bad luck, I suppose.” He gave her a squeeze. “Don’t worry about it. I’m here for you.”
“Didn’t you tell me you were taking a few vacation days?”
He nodded. “Yeah. Finally got caught up on paperwork, so I don’t have to go in tomorrow. Might take off Monday, too.”
“I know it’s short notice, but I’m headed up to New York tomorrow for a meeting. Would you like to come along?”
“It is short notice. But I don’t mind. It’s what, an hour’s flight from Raleigh?”
“About. If you’re willing to go, it won’t cost you anything. The director I’m meeting is sending a private jet for me.”
“Very fancy.” He looked impressed.
“I agree. I usually fly commercial, but he offered, so I accepted.”
“How long are you staying up there?”
She shrugged. “I’ll probably fly back Saturday. I may take in a few sights, but I don’t want to keep you away too long.”
“Will I need business attire?”
“Nah. You don’t have to come with me to the meeting, so you can wear whatever you like.”
“Okay. If we leave for the airport early enough that I can grab some things from my house, I’m game.” He yawned. “As for right now, I just want to lie here and hold you.”
“No arguments here.” She snuggled closer to him, pushing away her fears and letting his embrace be her balm.
Lying there in silence, she thought back on his declaration of love the night before. She’d heard him, and hadn’t said anything back. He hadn’t brought it up, so she didn’t know what to think. He’s in love with me, and I don’t know how I feel about him yet.
Was it wrong for her to keep seeing him, while she was uncertain of her feelings? Was she leading him on, knowing he’d already invested his heart?
She cared about him, and she knew her feelings grew and deepened as she spent more time with him. Maybe she did love him. But saying it out loud would make it real... Perhaps a little too real.
She had lots of questions and no answers, so she tried to push the thoughts out of her mind. She needed him right now, in more ways than one.
She just hoped she didn’t end up hurting him.
* * *
After their Friday morning flight to JFK, Campbell accompanied Sierra to the Plaza Hotel for her meeting with the director. Campbell kissed her on the cheek as she and her agent went into the meeting, then spent the next hour exploring the hotel and the surrounding block. He’d dressed comfortably in dark slacks and a solid blue button-down, and had no problem getting around in his leather walking loafers.
He met her back in the hotel lobby around two, as she’d requested. After they said goodbye to her agent, he asked, “How did the meeting go?”
“I think it went well, though the director was kind of hard to read.” She shrugged. “If all goes well, he’ll call me back with an offer.”
“What’s the movie about?” He held her hand as they stepped out into the afternoon sunshine.
“It’s a romantic comedy. Just the kind of role I’ve been looking for to break out of the Ice Queen box.”
He drew in a breath before asking his next question. “And the director? Was he...you know, professional with you?”
Her eyes said he knew what she meant, and she nodded. “Yes, he was a total gentleman. No creepy vibes at all.”
He enjoyed the relief that flowed through him. “Well, I’m sure that if that director wants a box office hit, he will hire you, Sierra.”
She smiled up at him. “Thanks, Campbell.”
He winked. “So, what’s on the agenda now?”
“How about we grab a late lunch? After that, there’s a great jazz spot here in Manhattan that Jazmin told me about. I’d love to go there and hear some live music, if you’re down,”
He wasn’t a huge fan of jazz, but he found it hard to deny her anything. “Let’s go.”
She smiled, leading him toward the edge of the sidewalk to hail a taxi.
They ate a fabulous meal at a little family-owned restaurant, and took a walk around Central Park to burn off some of the calories. After that, they took a horse-drawn carriage ride to Smoke, a jazz spot she’d mentioned earlier. While they rode through the streets in the carriage, Campbell noticed people who stopped and pointed in their direction. Sierra smiled and waved at them as they snapped photos of her, looking like a queen greeting her public.
The club’s interior impressed Campbell the moment they walked in. The long, redwood bar was worked by bartenders in black button-down shirts. Vintage crystal chandeliers hung overhead, and each one of the white-clothed tables was illuminated by candlelight. “Nice atmosphere.”
“Yeah,” Sierra remarked. “It’s even nicer than Jazzy described.”
The place was packed, and Campbell assumed it was like that most Friday nights. According to the board near the entrance, a jazz quartet would be performing in less than thirty minutes. “Looks like we got here just in time. A show’s about to start.”
She led him to the hostess stand. They lucked out, and were seated at one of the last available tables. “I just wish it wasn’t so crowded in here,” Sierra murmured.
“Me, too, but this is probably typical for a club on the Upper West Side on a Friday night.”
She nodded, but still appeared uncomfortable. Her eyes darted around the room, as if she were searching for someone...or something.
“You alright?”
“Sure. I’m fine.” She released a nervous little laugh. “I’m not a fan of crowds, and I like them even less since this whole mess with Mia.”
He frowned. “You mean, you’re an actress, and you don’t like crowds?”
“It’s one thing to be in front of a crowd for an event. It’s an entirely different thing to be part of the crowd.”
I never really thought about it that way, but I guess it makes sense.
“Besides, I don’t do very many live appearances. I act in front of a camera, a
nd no one is there but the rest of the cast and the crew. I record most of my interviews in advance. I very rarely do anything live, and when I do, it takes me a while to get my nerves together.”
Wow. It seemed Sierra had a lot of layers still left to uncover. “Do you want to leave? I don’t want you to be uncomfortable.”
She shook her head. “We came all the way over here, and our flight back doesn’t leave till morning. Let’s at least stay for a few songs.”
“Okay, if you’re sure.” He settled in for the show.
The quartet came out onstage and performed a laid-back set of jazz standards. Since he wasn’t a fan of jazz, he was somewhat bored by what sounded like fancified live elevator music. Still, he tapped his foot in time with the music, all the while watching Sierra, to gauge her mood.
By the fifth song, her jitters seemed to get the better of her. She turned to him and placed her hand on his forearm. “I’m ready to go.”
“Sure.” Happy to take the reprieve from this dull music, he grabbed her hand and walked outside with her.
The hotel she’d booked for the night was within walking distance of the club, so they made their way up the block, weaving through the thick foot traffic. Along the way, a group of squealing, college-aged girls approached, and Sierra smiled as she signed autographs and posed for selfies with them.
Once they were safely in their room, Campbell leaned down to give her a kiss. “Need me to take the edge off, baby?”
She returned his kiss, but with a little peck, devoid of passion. “Thanks, Campbell. I just want to crawl into bed and get some sleep.”
He nodded, and watched her disappear into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. What was her deal? She seemed to be shutting down, and shutting him out. He’d forced himself not to contemplate when or if she’d admit she cared for him. Was this her way of letting him know she didn’t return his feelings?
Lying across the bed, he stared at the ceiling and wondered what to do next. If she really didn’t love him, what would be the point of continuing to see her?
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