Private Scandals

America talking. What kind of relationship do they have, and what part does Goofy play in it? These burning questions need to be answered—and who knows, it might help take some of the heat off us?”
    “We were dealing with American traditions,” she shot back. “On the need for entertainment and fantasy, and the enormous industry that fuels it. Which is every bit as relevant as watching politicians sling insults at each other. More,” she said, gesturing with her glass. “People need some mode of escape, particularly during a recession. You do your shows on global warming and the socioeconomic troubles in the former Soviet Union, Riley. I’ll stick with the everyday issues that affect the average person.”
    He was still grinning at her. Deanna took a sip of her mimosa and scowled at him. “You’re riding me on purpose.”
    “I like the way your eyes get dark and edgy.” He set his glass aside so that he could slide forward and lay his body over hers. Water sloshed lazily over the lip of the tub. “And you get this line right here”—he rubbed his thumb between her brows—“that I get to smooth away.”
    His free hand was busy smoothing something else. “Some might say you’re a sneaky bastard, Finn.”
    “Some have.” He nipped at her lips. “Others will. And speaking of Mickey and Minnie.” His hands cruised over her hot, soft skin.
    “Were we?”
    “I was wondering if we can compare our relationship to theirs. Undefined and long-term.”
    While the jets of water frothed around them and between them, she stroked a hand through his damp hair. It felt so good to be here, to know that at any moment the comforting heat could erupt into explosive heat. “I can define it: We’re two people who love each other, who enjoy each other, who want to be with each other.”
    “We could be with each other more if you’d move in with me.”
    It was a subject they’d discussed before. And one they had been unable to resolve. Deanna pressed her lips to his shoulder. “It’s easier for me to have my own place when you’re away.”
    “I’m here more than I’m gone these days.”
    “I know.” Her lips slid up his throat as she tried to distract him. “Give me some time to work it out in my head.”
    “Sometimes you’ve got to trust your impulses, Deanna, your instincts.” His mouth met hers, tasting of frustration and desire. He knew if he pushed, she’d agree, but his instinct warned him not to rush her. “I can wait. Just don’t make me wait too long.”
    “We can give it a trial run.” Her blood was pulsing as frantically as the bubbling water. “I’ll move some things in, stay here through next week.”
    “I’ll make it hard for you to leave again.”
    “I bet you will.” She smiled, pushing his hair back, framing his face. “I’m so in love with you, Finn. You can believe that. And I swear, the rumors about me and Goofy are all lies. We’re just friends.”
    He tipped her head back so that her body slipped farther into the water. “I don’t trust the long-eared son of a bitch.”
    “I just used him to make you jealous—though he does have a certain guileless charm I find strangely appealing.”
    “You want charm? Why don’t I—damn.” Finn tossed his wet hair back and reached for the tubside phone. “Hold that thought,” he told her. “Yeah, Riley.”
    Deanna was considering several interesting ways to distract him when she saw the change in his face. The water shifted and slopped over as he climbed from the tub to reach for a towel.
    “Get Curt,” he said, dripping as he slung the towel around his waist. “And contact Barlow James. I want a full crew, a mobile unit on the spot five minutes ago. I’ll be at the site in twenty minutes.” He swore, not so lightly, under his breath. “You can if I tell you that you can.”
    “What is it?” Deanna turned off the tub and rose. Water streamed from her as she shook out a towel. She already knew he was leaving.
    “There’s a hostage situation over in Greektown.” With a quick flick of the wrist, he turned on the television even as he headed into the bedroom to drag on clothes. “It’s bad. Three people are already dead.”
    She shivered once. Then as quick, as brisk as he, she reached for her robe. She wanted to tell him she’d go with him. But of course she couldn’t. There were several hundred people waiting for her in the ballroom of an Indiana hotel.
    Why was she so cold? she wondered as she bundled