Page 26 of Blood Stone
No one with a brain would believe it, but too many people would think she had troubles and wonder if she was handling the movie business as well as she might. The next time she wanted to raise money for a movie, they would remember and they would hesitate to give it to her.
It was that fear that had kept her going for these last few days and allowed her to pretend to everyone that everything wasjust fine, thanks.
Now she was abruptly aware of her clothing and her general appearance. The tee-shirt was a surplice tee-shirt that crossed over at the front. It dipped down low and gave a hint of cleavage, and she was suddenly glad she had reached for this one rather than a standard tee-shirt this morning.
For Adrian’s thumbs were stroking her midriff, as if he were trying to reach higher, as he watched her with his steady gaze. Then his fingers stilled as if he realized what he was doing.
Kate linked her arms around the back of his neck. “I stocked up on hundred dollar bills,” she told him.
He didn’t show any reaction, except for a slowly in-drawn breath that filled his chest and made his shoulders lift.
Then her phone vibrated on her desk, low and demanding.
His gaze slid toward it.
“It’s him. It can wait,” she assured him.
“Finish it off,” he told her, his voice low. “I want your undivided attention for a moment.”
His tone and the implication in his words made her clit throb. Kate stayed where she was, reluctant to move. But, too, concern prickled through her. “Adrian...”
His hands around her waist tightened. He lifted her off his lap, picking her up like she weighed ninety pounds, which she didn’t. She wore size eight, even at her height, but she kept that size because of working out with weights and disciplined cardio routines. She’d swapped body fat for muscle years ago, and muscle outweighed body fat by three to one. But Adrian picked her up and put her on her feet like she was a toddler.
“Deal with Garrett first,” he said. His voice was the same low, implacable rumble. But his eyes were flickering with a hot promise that made her reach for the cellphone, more than willing to get rid of Garrett as swiftly as possible.
She read the message. @Lind’stream The Standard, High Noon it is. Your lunch date can be your second.
“Fuck,” she muttered, annoyed.
“What’s he done now?” Adrian asked.
“He wants you there.” She passed the phone to him. “I guess he wants a witness to my humiliation.”
Adrian read the message. “He wants a witness for your signature that isn’t one of his people. He’s probably got papers already drawn up. You could always take someone else.”
“No, I’d rather it was you. That is...do you mind? Can you spare the time tomorrow?” She grimaced. “It’s short notice, I know.”
“I’ll move a few things around,” Adrian replied. He handed the phone back. “Answer him.”
She bit her lip, thinking for a moment. Then she thumbed out the message.@DoveAngel. Seconds at the ready. Swords or revolvers?
She turned the phone for Adrian to read the screen. He glanced at it, then gave a dry laugh. “It’s perfect,” he said. His smile lingered. “Send it.”
She sent it and tossed the phone again. “Now, where were we?” she demanded, turning back to face him.
“You had just asked me to come with you on location.”
“No, I meant the bit after that,” she said, leaning toward him to link her hands around his neck again.
He caught her wrists in his hands. “No, Kate,” he said softly. “No hundred dollar bills just yet.”
She shook her head. “They’re for a special occasion,” she agreed. She could feel her mouth pull down into a grimace all on its own as she thought about her movies in the past. “That’s probably not going to be any time while I’m on location, Adrian. You should know that up front.” She settled herself on the desktop, knowing she should probably get this over and done with. She had just opened up her mouth and invited him on to the set, so he was going to get to see this. He’d better be forewarned.
Adrian settled back in his chair without comment. He was good at silence, she realized. That was a rare skill. Especially in this industry.
“While I’m filming, most occasions aren’t going to be special,” she admitted. “I turn into a hybrid Godzilla and Michael Corleone on steroids on location. I have to warn you.”
“Don’t most directors?”
