~*~
Lex leaned back against his seat, rolled the pen between his fingers, and studied the men and women hashing out the details of the contract.His team was on one side and the French on the other side of the table.
The Caribbean island of St.Martin with its duty-free goods was a favorite tourist destination for Americans.Split into two regions, the Dutch side was famous for the festive nightlife, while the French side had its nude beaches.When he’d acquired a resort on the French side, he’d envisioned endless possibilities—renovating the villas, providing unique entertainments, and making the resort surpass the ones on the Dutch side.The rush that often accompanied a new project was missing.Only one thing consumed him now.
Jillian.
The image of her in the silver dress was etched in his brain.Not that she needed outer trappings to set him ablaze.Even in worn-out jeans and a leather jacket over a simple shirt, and hair mussed from a bike ride, she’d taken his breath away.But the silver dress would always be special.That he’d spent the evening knowing that she wore nothing underneath it and did nothing about it was a testament of his self-control.
Lex forced himself to focus on the discussion around the table.He’d pushed his people hard, cramming negotiations that could have taken a week into three days just so he could go home to Jillian.Their conversations, though stimulating, hadn’t lessened the gnawing need to make her his.He checked his watch.If he left in the next hour or so, he could be in L.A.by ten tonight.He’d already assembled a team to handle the project and had agreed to work with a local construction company.The bidding should start in a couple of weeks.
He also planned to expand the project to include a helipad and helicopter services to and from the island’s two main airports.He’d endured the drive to the resort a few days ago and swore never again.His time was too valuable to spend it in traffic.His guests shouldn’t have to deal with that either.
His private cell buzzed.Frowning, he glanced at it and saw Douglas’ number.After two rings, it stopped, which meant it wasn’t an emergency.Still…
Lex nodded at Hank Beaumont—the head of Caribbean office of Fitz-Valdez—stepped out of the conference room, and walked to the balcony.The air, which was heavy with moisture, thrummed with the island music.Below, tourists sunbathed topless while the daring ones went nude.
He redialed the number.“Douglas?”
“Sorry to interrupt your meeting, sir.You said to inform you when Ms.Jillian asked for the briefcase.”
The unease Lex had felt the first time Jillian had asked for the money returned.Why did she need that kind of money?Did she have a gambling problem and owed a bookie?She didn’t look the type, but the need to protect her was there.
“Sir?”Douglas prompted.
“Go ahead and take it to her.Call me once you drop it off.”
“Is there anything else you’d like me to do, sir?”
Lex smiled.The man had been with him too long and knew him.“Keep an eye on her once you drop off the briefcase.If she leaves her house with it, follow her.Don’t interfere.Just make sure she’s safe.”
There was silence, then, “If Ms.Jillian is in trouble, sir, I can take care of the problem.”
Douglas was his secret weapon, the man Lex used to do background checks on prospective employees, deal with security breaches within his companies, and take care of threats to Lex and his family.He had foot soldiers to do his biddings—former buddies who didn’t mind making a quick buck now and then.Lex was concerned about Jillian, but he didn’t want Douglas following her around yet.
“Not this time, Douglas.I should be back by ten tonight.I’ll let you know the exact time.”
Hanging up the phone, Lex checked his watch.He needed to close the negotiation and head home.
~*~
“We’ll redo that last scene tomorrow morning,” the director said, his eyes sweeping past Jillian to rest on Keith.“I don’t want to use a stunt double, Keith, but if you want to sit this one out…”
Jillian crossed her fingers and hoped he said no.She was beyond exhausted.She only had two minor scenes tomorrow and didn’t mind adding a third.
“I’ll be ready tomorrow,” the Aussie said, then smiled briefly in her direction and took off.
The strain of dealing with a temperamental actress was getting to Keith.Watching Margo go over her scenes had been painful.Zombies had more life.Maybe she needed a break.No, they all needed a break.They’d been filming nonstop for two months straight.One more month and they’d be done.The plan had been to join her brothers on their tour once she finished.The bike stunts and aerial shows were the heart of the Bay Area Circus.Now her thoughts always went to Lex.
Jillian entered the trailer to find Chris putting away his things.He ran a tight ship, hiring stuntmen and women, choreographing and tailoring each scene to the director’s vision, and making sure every gadget worked properly.When the actors didn’t get the scene right, he took it personally.
“We’ll get it right tomorrow,” Jillian reassured him, locking the door.He mumbled something unintelligible.She sighed and started unbuttoning her shirt.How long was he going to treat her like a pariah?She hated the way he was ignoring her.
She studied him from the corner of her eyes.
“That’s it,” Jillian said, marching to his side.“Yell at me.Tell me how disappointed you are in my behavior.I sold my talent to the highest bidder or whatever, but you can’t sulk or give me the cold shoulder.We are family, Chris.We get angry, yell, hug, and make up.”
He stood, eyes narrowing.“You think I’m disappointed in you because an opportunity came your way and you took it?You have more talent in your little finger than the actresses traipsing around here, Jillian.And Lex Fitzgerald is lucky you agreed to help him.You are worth every penny he’ll pay you.”
