Return to You

pointed to one of the tables lining the far right wall.
    "Okay. Thanks."
    She smiled at the server. Incompetent questions
couldn't get her down today. Not even the fact that Sophie
Martineau, star of the movie and the belle of the ball, hadn't
shown up yet, could burst her bubble. Life was good and she
intended on reveling in it.
    The wrap party was in full swing, cast, crew, and
select locals mingling merrily. Lainie surveyed the crowd, seeking
out Everett. She found him talking to a couple of the minor cast
members. Tonight he wore a tuxedo and looked more dashing than Sean
Connery.
    And he was hers.
    At least, she was working on it. They'd gone out
several more times and each time was better than the last. He was
everything she ever thought he'd be—gallant and fascinating and
attentive. During the day, he was circumspect, ever the demanding
employer. At dinner when they went out, he was different. And the
way he kissed... She rubbed at the goosebumps that rose on her bare
arms.
    She'd been a nervous wreck the day after their first
kiss outside the restaurant. They'd gone home separately. Actually,
she went home and he went someplace else. She heard him come back
an hour after she did. She lay in bed and listened to him move
around the house. She wanted to crawl into his bed and wait for him
but she just couldn't. Even if she were bold enough she knew it
would be a tactical error. Subtle, Olivia would tell her. Make him
fall to his knees.
    The next day, he gave no indication that the kiss
had ever happened and she'd been beside herself. But that night
he'd taken her out to dinner again—just the two of them. They
weren't out of the restaurant three steps before he drew her to him
and kissed her. Really kissed her. And then they went to the car
and kissed some more.
    She sighed happily. Everett lifted his gaze and met
hers, cocking his brow. His eyes flickered over her quickly before
he returned his attention to his conversation.
    There was promise in his gaze. She felt a flush
creep up her chest to her face even as she tingled on the
inside.
    They hadn't progressed beyond their steamy kisses
and a few masterful caresses on his part. She stopped him before
they got very far. She didn't want to ruin this by going too
fast.
    Sometimes she wanted to say to hell with caution.
But there was more at stake here than momentary pleasure.
    "Elaine, wow! You look great."
    She turned to smile at the director of photography,
who was dressed in his customary jeans and heavy metal band
T-shirt. "Thank you, George." She smoothed her dress over her
hips.
    His whistled appreciatively. "I mean—wow. I've never
seen you in anything like this before."
    She smiled. There wasn't much call to wear strapless
dresses to the office.
    "Can I get you a drink? Maybe a glass of
champagne?"
    "Okay," she said, a bit puzzled. He wasn't coming on
to her, was he? He was a good ten years younger than her.
    He squeezed her hand warmly. "I'll be right
back."
    She looked up to find Everett scowling at her. She
tipped her head inquiringly and the frown lines around his mouth
deepened.
    She blinked. Could he be jealous?
    "Here you go, Elaine." George handed her a glass
with a smile. He touched his glass to hers. "Here's to getting to
know you better."
    What did that mean? She was puzzling it out when she
felt a solid wall move in behind her. She stilled, recognizing the
magnetic force.
    Everett took her elbow. Possessively. "George."
    George took one look at the way Everett was holding
her and stepped back, giving them a measuring look. He lifted his
glass to Everett in salute. Everett acknowledged him with a lift of
his brow. George bowed, turned on his heels, and disappeared into
the crowd.
    Lainie faced Everett. "What was that about?"
    "He was about to fall face first into your
decolletage."
    Her cheeks burned. The dress was a little indecent. It
was red, strapless, tight, and barely covered her breasts. Olivia
insisted it looked great on her. "That concerned you?"
    Everett didn't move, but suddenly it felt like they
couldn't get any closer. "I don't share, Elaine."
    His voice was low and rough and made the goose bumps
come back with a vengeance.
    She cleared her throat and looked away. Didn't he
know if he kept staring at her like this that she wouldn't be able
to refrain from throwing herself at him? "The party is a success I
think. Everyone's mingling nicely."
    When he didn't reply, she went on nervously. "The
caterer did a great job. And we were