"Don't sulk, sweetheart. It doesn't suit you. You know there’s a good reason Stuart made that decision - only the best for our girl.”
Alicia laughed, even though she was choked up by his comment. As a child, all she ever wanted was a family of her own. After Gray and Eric she thought she’d lost that forever, but she’d underestimated her friends. They gave her more than she dared to wish for.
“I’m getting used to the idea. From everything Sarah’s told me about Brad Morgan he sounds pretty intimidating, almost perfect in fact.”
“Nobody’s perfect.”
“You’re pretty damn close, Burton!”
As he busied himself making their coffee, Alicia leant against the unit, talking as he worked. It was the first time she’d relaxed in days. She told him about the decisions they had made about the film, her excitement only tainted by Jack’s absence. He entertained her with stories of his latest movie. She laughed deliciously at his antics; he was renowned for being a practical joker. Josh refused to grow up and she loved that about him.
“So, when are you going to tell me about it?” he asked, nudging her with his elbow.
“I told you everything I know.”
“A phone call isn’t the same. I want to know how you really are. We keep you in a bubble and we shouldn’t.”
“That’s not true, Josh. I still remember how cruel life can be. I know you try to protect me, but I’m stronger than I look. I’m angry more than anything else, angry that someone tried to hurt Jack. I won’t tell you what I’d like to do to them.”
“There’s my girl,” he said, his eyes dancing with merriment.
“I met Abe Donovan earlier. He coordinates site security. He’ll be working closely with Brad Morgan and his team.”
“That’s reassuring. He’s a good guy.”
“Like you said - only the best. Stop worrying about me. I’m going to be okay.”
“I’ll try.” He pulled her hand so that she stepped into the circle of his arms. “You know how much I love you, right?”
“Yes, the fact that you’re here proves it. I love you too.”
They both turned at the knock. It was hard enough to rattle windows. They knew it was Stuart before he stepped into the trailer. Stood just behind him was a stranger. He was tall, easily 6ft 4, and all but filled the doorway. It was a safe bet to assume Brad Morgan had arrived – his whole body language screamed soldier.
“What’re you doing on my set?” Stuart asked Josh, managing to keep a deadpan expression – but only just.
“Don’t pretend it’s not good for publicity, old man.”
“Haven’t lost your modesty I see. It must be hard being you.”
Joshua grinned boyishly. “It’s a constant struggle.” He dropped a kiss on top of Alicia’s head and released her. “I’ll let you catch up. Is it okay if I hang for a while, Stu?”
“Sure, as long as you don’t get in the way.”
His laughter boomed around them. “I’ll be on my best behaviour, I promise.”
The snort from Stuart amused him all the more. “Why doesn’t that make me feel any better?” he asked dryly.
“Aw, don’t be like that, Stu.” Josh slapped him on the shoulder. “It’s good to see you.” He turned back to Alicia with a grin. “You owe me coffee.”
She looked down at the cups they hadn’t even touched. “Maybe you could drink it next time.”
Josh’s attention was already elsewhere. “Nice to almost meet you,” he said, nodding when Brad stepped aside so he could pass. He left on a chuckle; the sound floating behind him until the door swung closed.
Stuart cleared his throat. “Okay, then. Al, as I’m sure you’ve guessed - this is Brad Morgan.”
For some reason the odd introduction and their clumsy first meeting amused her, she had to bite down hard on her lip to stop the laughter. “It’s good to meet you,” she said, offering her hand.
Brad stared at it for a moment, shaken. The time he’d spent studying her had done nothing to prepare him for seeing her in the flesh. He’d known she was beautiful, but this close, she was breathtaking.
When he realised both Stuart and Alicia were looking at him expectantly he took the hand lightly in his; the jolt he felt from her touch cleared his head again. “Likewise.”
“There’s something I need to take care of, so I’ll leave you to get acquainted and see you in a few,” Stuart said, already tapping away on his Smartphone.
Don’t go. Alicia shook off her discomfort and smiled, despite the nerves fluttering in her stomach. “Thanks, Stuart.”
He looked up long enough to smile, pausing a moment longer to shake Brad’s hand, before he left with the same harassed expression he’d arrived with.
“So, how does this work?” Alicia asked, turning the smile in Brad’s direction.
The smile lit up her face; it made him forget that she’d asked a question. It wasn’t until the silence grew uncomfortable that he remembered he was supposed to say something. “It’s pretty simple really. My job is to protect you. I’ll be as inconspicuous as possible - you shouldn’t notice I’m here most of the time.”
Like that’s even possible. “Will I meet the team?”
“Yes, at some point. When you’re on set I’ll be your protection, relieved when necessary by a member of my team. There are also two close protection officers on patrol as back-up, and they belong to AD Securities.
“Yes, Abe told me about that. I met them this morning.”
Brad acknowledged the comment with merely a tilt of his head. “Your assistant sent a loose schedule for today. It would be useful to have something more concrete.”
“I’ll arrange that this morning at some point during the shoot. Is there anything else you’d like to know at this point?”
The forced politeness in the room was almost painful. She could feel the tension building between them and it threw her. She wasn’t prepared for it.
“I have a number of questions for you, but they can wait. I understand that you’re anxious to get to work.”
She realised something else that was odd too - everything he said sounded like he was reading from a script. “I think everyone is.”
“Then I’m ready when you are.”
She looked into his eyes, wondering if he felt the same awkwardness. They were a dark, intense grey – interesting, but unreadable. He shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny. When he did, she was fascinated at the subtle shift in colour. It reminded her of storm clouds; she almost felt a fizzle in the air.
“Did you have another question?” He was amused now, she could tell by the sudden curve of his lips.
"No... I…just give me two minutes, okay?" With a brief nod, Brad turned to the door and let himself out.
That was fun. Alicia shook her head, amused by the route her mind had taken. It was not how she’d expected their first meeting to go. She’d been so bowled over by his presence that her normal charm had vanished. It had been a long time since she’d felt intimidated.
‘Pull yourself together, Al, it’s probably lack of sleep.’ But her voice didn’t sound convincing. She made an irritated noise as she shook her head again. ‘What the hell is wrong with me?’
Feeling foolish, she walked to the door and tried to gather her crazy thoughts. It wasn’t like she’d never been attracted to a man before; she just usually had more finesse. When she stepped out and saw the activity on set, her mind settled again. She had a job to do and she always found focus in her work.
She couldn’t locate Stuart, but she did see the group of people she was sharing the first scene with. As she made her way towards them, her gaze wandered the set. She hadn’t been looking for Brad exactly, but her eyes sort of found him of their own accord.
He looked oddly like a caged animal, ill at ease in his surroundings. He also looked like the type of man you’d want fighting your corner. She took a moment to run her eyes over him appraisingly; she was only human after all. He was wide, not rugby play
er wide, but certainly broad enough to shoulder the hundred and ten pound rucksack she imagined he carried as a marine.
“He’s gorgeous, isn’t he?” The soft voice in her ear made her heart stutter in surprise.
She turned to see Jennifer Adams, one of her co-stars, and had the decency to blush. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Honey, please, you’re practically drooling.” Jennifer chuckled under her breath. “There’s nothing wrong with looking. He’s a fine male specimen.”
Alicia laughed, throwing embarrassment to the wind. “You’re right. I feel bad ogling him like a piece of candy. But damn it, he looks good.”
A strangled laugh escaped before Jennifer could stop it. “Come on, before I get us into real trouble.”
She linked her arm through Jennifer’s and started out towards the refreshment table – it was the place people gravitated to when they weren’t working. As she listened to her talk about the upcoming scene, she couldn’t help glancing across at Brad again. He had his head down so she couldn’t see his eyes; a lock of hair cast his face in shadow.
He was talking to Doug Chambers, the assistant director. Since a general crew call had been made, there was a crowd of people waiting for the day to start.
“Hi, Alicia,” Tim Johnson called out as they approached.
She’d worked with him once before. He was a pleasant man; professional to a fault. “Hey, Tim. You ready to rock and roll?”
“Not sure there’s much rocking involved, but you could always change the script!”
Alicia mimed a gale of laughter and turned to Jennifer. “Do you know this clown?”
“Never seen him before in my life.” Jennifer winked at him, her version of an apology. “How’s it going, Timmy?”
“Fine since you asked me five minutes ago.”
Alicia walked over to grab a bottle of water and chat with Mia Gregory. She was a little surprised that Josh hadn’t resurfaced – Mia was his current leading lady. She hadn’t worked with her before, but from what she’d seen so far they would get on well.
“Hi, Mia.” She offered her a friendly smile.
Mia only had time to return the smile before Carl Jones was tearing across the set and demanding all the attention.
“Is this the real deal or another false alarm?” he asked, completely unaware of the attention he drew. Alicia smiled at her old friend, charmed, as always, by his obliviousness. He lived in a world of his own creation and had no concept of time.
“The real deal. But you already knew that.”
His eyes twinkled. “Is it my fault there’s been so much drama over the past couple of days.”
“You get that, it being a movie set and all,” Mia said. She stood aside to make room for Tim and Jennifer.
“We’re making a movie?”
Alicia batted his arm playfully. “Behave yourself, CJ.”
He held up his hands in defeat. “Okay, okay, so we’re ready.” The grin was practiced; it was aimed at his co-workers as he moved to shake Tim’s hand and flirt a little with Jennifer. As he was doing an over-zealous air kiss, something caught his eye.
“Hey, who’s the stud?”
Alicia went through the motions and peered over her shoulder; she knew exactly who he was referring to. “That would be Brad Morgan.”
He let out a whoop that diverted attention again. “Oh, honey, you’re going to suffer for that. I can’t wait to see what the press make of him – he looks like he belongs in front of the camera not behind it.”
“What… the diva surrounding herself with pretty people?”
His responding chuckle was at least more subtle. “Can’t argue with that, can we, guys?”
Alicia spotted Stuart and Josh coming out of the production office. “It looks like it’s about that time.”
She threw a wave in Josh’s direction, watching as he gave Stuart a hearty pat on the back. To his credit, Stuart took it in his stride. He hurried over, looking more centred than he had earlier. “Thanks for your patience this morning,” he said, addressing the whole group.
“That’s okay. We’re used to Ali’s tantrums.” Carl jumped to one side when she moved towards him.
“Cut it out, you two, and let’s get down to business.”
Although Stuart aimed for a stern expression, she caught the smile he tried to fight back.
“Okay, then, why don’t you talk us through it.”
Stuart obliged, launching into his ideas for the scene. Alicia loved to watch his creative mind come to life. It really was something to see. Before long, she heard the AD ask the crew to lock it up and got herself into position. She was focused now, and ready to work.
Chapter 6
"CUT!"
Alicia let out a breath, following it through with a deep-bellied chuckle. “You can get off me now, CJ.”
They had been wrestling, in character, for the better part of an hour. The choreographed scene was harder than she thought. Suddenly, she was grateful for the new equipment in the gym.
Carl’s facial expression, what she liked to call his goofy look, got her every time. He tried to catch her out between takes, mostly to relieve the boredom - to liven things up a little. It wasn’t easy with cameras catching your every move.
“I nearly had you there. Well done for holding it in.” He jumped up in one graceful move, landing with his feet at either side of her.
“Take five, everyone,” the AD said to a chorus of relieved sighs.
She took the hand CJ offered and pulled herself up. “One of these days your face will stay like that. Then what’re you going to do?”
“What, like this?” he stretched his features into a comedic grin. It was a good thing he hadn’t tried it with cameras rolling.
“Cut it out, you clown. I’m going to grab a drink before the next roll.” She smiled at him over her shoulder. “Don’t try to cover the fact you fluffed a line or two with that funny face of yours.”
She didn’t have to imagine the face he was now pulling – she’d seen them all. But it made her laugh as she walked away to a chorus of… ‘It’s stuck,’ ‘Somebody help me, I can’t move my face.’
It took her a moment to realise Brad was following discreetly behind her. She had to admit, she was impressed. He’d meant what he said about blending in – his watchful eyes didn’t miss a thing.
“Can I get you a drink?” she asked, arriving at the refreshments table.
Those intense eyes turned to her and away again, sweeping the area. “I’m good, thanks.”
Alicia smiled, unable to resist a little teasing. “I know you have a job to do, but you’re allowed to relax from time to time.”
“I am relaxed. I’m just not here for the entertainment.”
“Oh, lighten up, or people will start to stereotype. I bet you can make small talk with me and still know everything that’s going on around you.”
He grinned; she had that effect on people. He’d been watching her all morning, it was hard not to. Wherever she was, people flocked to her naturally. “That’s true. How’s your day going so far?”
Alicia giggled - a surprising girly sound. He liked it. “There you go, didn’t hurt, did it?” When he said nothing she poured herself a glass of orange to give herself time to consider the question. “Actually, it’s going great. It’s not the same without Jack, but I adapted the script and it seems to be working.”
“You wrote it?”
“Yes, this is the fourth I’ve written for Gray’s Films. I wrote it with Jack in mind, so it’s been a challenge.”
Brad was surprised by both answers; he didn’t usually miss the details. “If you write for the company, why isn’t your name credited?”
“I use a pseudonym.” It flattered her that he knew enough about her previous films to notice. She wondered if he knew about the little crease between his eyebrows when he was studying something. She guessed he was curious about her reasons. “But that’s a story for another time. We’ll build up to it
!”
He smiled again, the kind that transformed him from distant to dreamy in under a second. “How does Jack feel about being replaced?”
She stepped back a little, surprised by the turn in conversation. “Nobody could replace my...”
“You don’t have to be embarrassed to say lover, I’m not your priest but I’m discreet. It comes with the job.”
The shock of his statement was like a hard physical blow. A feeling of bitter resentment rose up in her throat, and with it came the anger. “You disappoint me. I had you pegged as more intelligent than that. I’m used to the press jumping to such conclusions but you’re supposed to be a professional.”
“Now wait just a minute.” Brad had taken a step forward, his own temper circling.
She moved closer too, refusing to be intimidated and far too angry to think about what she was doing. “I accept complete responsibility for inviting this conversation. It was a mistake. I now see the merits of keeping you the hell out of my private life.”
His eyes widened a little, it was the only indication that he was fighting against an anger she couldn’t see. It shook her enough to know it was time to back down.
Brad’s hands clenched and unclenched by his sides. He was angry with himself; he shouldn’t have allowed himself to get dragged into her world, but god, she looked beautiful when she was riled.
Her reaction to his comment about Jack seemed a little over the top – he couldn’t figure out if it was guilt, or if the hurt on her face was genuine. Either way he had crossed a line, he shouldn’t have goaded her that way.
“You’re right, I’m ill equipped to deal with the drama,” he said. There were things about her life that he would never understand.
Alicia felt the resentment drain out of her. They were both right – she had instigated the discussion and he clearly wasn’t used to her world. Why do I behave this way around him?
“Perhaps we should try again. The drama, as you put it, will take some getting used to. But you’re a big boy, you can handle it.” She tried a smile and found it came easily enough. “I’m Alicia, and I can be a little sensitive about people assuming the worst in me.”
Sins of the Father Page 5
