“I knew it,” the woman exclaimed. She practically jumped up and down with excitement.
Sasha stared at her in surprise.
“I told my girlfriend it was you. We’re here on vacation.” She beamed with delight. “I can’t believe you’re here in the flesh. Wow. Pierce Deveraux. We’re from Maine. Figure the odds of you being here when we are.”
“Yeah, isn’t it something?” Sasha added with a smile.
Pierce regarded Sasha. “You never know where I’ll turn up.”
“Do you…would you mind if we got your autograph and a picture, Mr. Deveraux?”
“Please, call me Pierce.”
The woman about swooned at that. Sasha had to stifle a laugh.
Pierce stood and sauntered around the table. He grasped her hand in his. “Of course…Miss?”
The woman placed a hand over her heart. “Oh my goodness, it’s Courtney.” Shyly, she beckoned her girlfriend over. “And this is Gail.”
Sasha watched in disbelief as the eager woman almost knocked over her glass of water and was inches from bumping into a waiter in order to reach Courtney’s side next to Pierce.
By the time he finished signing their autographs, more people from the terrace had come over to meet him. Pierce laughed and chatted with them for a few minutes before Courtney turned and extended her arm to Sasha. “Would you mind taking our picture?”
“Not at all.” She scooted her chair back and stood to retrieve the cell phone Gail offered. Sasha watched as the two fans sidled up next to Pierce. His muscled arms wound around both women’s shoulders to pull them close. All three slid on photo-perfect smiles.
“Say cheese,” Sasha coached unnecessarily.
Ten minutes later, Sasha had taken countless pictures with three different cell phones of the famed football star and his adoring fans. Bemused, Sasha shook her head. Pierce caught the look and winked at her.
She put her finger in her mouth to represent gagging. A chirping noise from her cell phone interrupted her teasing Pierce. She picked it up and answered.
“Hi, Miss Lambert. It’s Lana Bingham.”
“Hi, Lana. Great to hear from you, and please call me Sasha.”
“Okay, Sasha. I uh, I wanted to let you know that I’ve got your mailing list organized, and I’ve drafted your first newsletter and emailed you the rough draft. When you have time, can you look it over and let me know if you have any changes? If there are no changes, I’ll send it out immediately.”
“Wow. Thanks. I’ll check it over now.” Her gaze turned toward the crowd. “It’s not like I’m doing anything.” She chuckled.
“Are you at a party?”
“Huh? Oh, no. That’s just…it’s a…a friend of mine is taking some pictures. He’s an athlete and apparently pretty popular.”
“Really? What’s his name? I don’t watch football that much, but maybe I’ve heard of him.”
“Pierce Deveraux.”
“Sorry, I’ve never heard of him, but…”
Sasha could hear the clicking sounds over the phone. It was obvious Lana was checking the internet for info on Pierce. Seconds later, her suspicion was confirmed. Her assistant let out an exclamation, followed by a loud sigh.
“Holy cow, he’s gorgeous,” Lana gushed.
Sasha shook her head. Another fan.
“Yes, he is.”
“Did you know he’s got his own fragrance line?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Wow, that’s pretty cool. It must be amazing being friends with someone so famous,” Lana replied. “I mean I don’t know anyone. I don’t get out much, and…well that’s neither here nor there. Oh, I didn’t mean…I wasn’t trying to imply that you’re not famous.”
“I didn’t think that at all. And for the record, I’m hardly famous.”
“Well, you are to me, and now I can say that I know you.”
When a sob escaped her lips, Sasha frowned with concern.
“Hey, are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m sorry. I’m just being silly and emotional. I wanted to say again how much of a pleasure it is working for you, Miss…Sasha. I just love your book, and I’m thrilled to be able to help you. Can you believe that after all the hours of enjoyment I got from reading your book, now I work for you? Who’d have ever thought I’d ever have the opportunity to do that?”
“I know what you mean,” Sasha replied, caught up in her enthusiasm. “I still feel like pinching myself when I think about how far I’ve come in such a short time.”
“I can’t wait to read your next book.”
“I’d be thrilled for you to be my beta reader—that is when I finish.”
The young woman squealed with delight. It was so loud, Sasha had to move her ear away from the receiver.
“I’m so excited. Yes, I’d love to, but…what’s a beta reader?”
“It’s a person that reads over the author’s manuscript before it’s been published,” Sasha explained. “While it’s still in rough draft form, then provides feedback on it. You know, what you liked about it, didn’t like. Anything that didn’t ring true for you. Just your honest opinions about the story.”
“Oh, I feel foolish for not knowing what that was.”
“Don’t be,” Sasha said quickly. “I’m sure there’s a lot of firsts for both of us.”
“I’d be honored, Sasha. I just can’t believe how lucky I am. You’re such a wonderful person. And it’s obvious from Mr. Deveraux’s bio that he’s pretty cool, too.”
“Hey, would you like to try one of Pierce’s fragrances? I’d love to send one to you. I just need your address, and I—”
“Oh no, that’s okay. I never wear perfumes or anything. I break out in hives just going down that aisle at the store.”
“Well, I’m sure I can find something else you’d like. Trust me, Pierce has got lots of great things to choose from.”
Eventually, the small gathering dissipated, and Sasha spotted Pierce heading back to their table. “Oh, I’ve got to run, Lana. Thanks again for all the hard work you’ve done. I’ll read everything over and get back to you.”
“It’s been my pleasure, and thanks again, Sasha, for asking me to be your beta reader…and for the offer to send me something of Mr. Deveraux’s.”
“My pleasure. Don’t forget to send me your address.”
“I will.”
After hanging up, she noticed Pierce had returned to their table. They resumed their now cold meal.
“Sorry about that,” he apologized between bites of food, “but I suppose you’re used to it by now.”
“I am,” she agreed. “Milo’s soccer team is very popular. He was always getting bombarded for pictures and autographs. I’d just step aside until they were done.”
Pierce looked up. “Actually, I was talking about you being on tour to promote your book.”
“Oh.” Her expression mirrored her surprise. She shrugged. “To be honest, I’m still not used to it,” she admitted. “People lining up just to see me. I was just telling my assistant Lana all this is still so surreal, you know?”
“I don’t think anyone ever truly gets used to it. The constant demands on your time, the fast-paced lifestyle, the hard work, or the unexpected…pitfalls.”
There was that note in his voice again. This time she caught his guarded expression. She waited for him to elaborate, but he remained close-lipped. Seconds were ticking by at an uncomfortable pace. Sasha tried to lighten the tension that surrounded their table like a force field. She decided to tease him.
“I don’t know, Pierce. You seem right at home in the middle of a crowd of ecstatic females. By the way, I told Lana all about you.”
“Who?”
“My personal assistant,” Sasha replied. “She’s not a football fan, but she looked you up while we were speaking. You do get marks for being good-looking.” She laughed. “She’s not big on perfume, but I told her I’d have you send something with your autograph on it. I just need to get her address.”
“So what you’re saying is your personal assistant is the only woman so far who doesn’t want to be dazzled.”
“Don’t worry,” Sasha remarked stiffly, mistaking his dry humor for melancholy. “I’d wager there are quite a few women pining for your return. They must be beside themselves at your up and leaving without a trace.”
This time when his eyes connected with hers, his somber mood had dissipated. His usual teasing nature was securely back in place. “It’s no big deal. I’ll catch up.”
When they’d finished eating, Sasha and Pierce were sauntering by another table when a man stopped them.
“Pardon me, sir,” he said when they drew closer. “Might I trouble you for an autograph?”
“Sure,” Pierce exclaimed, taking the proffered notebook.
“You too, miss. If you don’t mind?”
Surprised, Sasha stepped forward. “Oh. No, not at all.”
“Imagine my good fortune at seeing both of you this morning. Miss Lambert, I must confess that my wife thoroughly enjoyed your book. She saw your interview on the telly. She ran right out to get a copy and hasn’t stopped raving about it actually.” He turned to Pierce. “And I figured by all the hubbub you must be someone of considerable notoriety.”
Sasha tried to hide the smile forming on her face at Pierce’s consternation at the man’s confession.
“I’m a former football player turned entrepreneur.”
“Is that right? I’ve seen an American football game that was hosted here in the UK. Quite a sport, eh?”
“That it is,” was all he said.
“I’m glad your wife liked my book,” Sasha spoke up, trying to change the subject. Should I make this out to her?”
“If you don’t mind. Her name’s Gretchen.”
“Here you are.” Sasha handed him the notebook. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Mister…?”
“Jeffrey.” He took her hand in his. “Believe me, the pleasure was all mine.”
Pierce shook the man’s hand before guiding Sasha back inside.
They headed to the elevator. When they were inside, Pierce pressed the button for their floor. Sasha remained silent. He stared at her for a minute before letting out a loud sigh.
“Don’t say a word.”
At that Sasha erupted into laughter. “I hadn’t planned on it…Mister?”
“Ha ha. Remind me to recommend you for open mic night at Goodnight Comedy Club.”
She’d been to the popular Raleigh comedy spot. Unable to help it, she dissolved into laughter. Pierce rolled his eyes with annoyance.
“Great,” he muttered as the elevator doors swooshed shut.
“Thanks a lot.” She slammed the telephone receiver down. “For absolutely nothing.”
Sasha jumped off the bed. Irritated, she paced the room. It was after noon, and the constable hadn’t discovered anything new; there were no fingerprints found at the scene or on the projectile thrown through the window of her front door. Just thinking about it produced goosebumps on her skin. She ran her hands up and down her shoulders.
To top it off, the sweep of her hotel room produced the same results. They had no leads. Whoever it was had gone to great lengths to cover their tracks.
A thought popped into her head in an instant. Could Milo be responsible? Would he go to these extremes to mess with her head?
A shrill tone invaded the silence. On edge already, the upbeat Marimba tune on her cell phone was an unwelcome distraction that grated on her already frazzled nerves. Sasha hurried to her purse to retrieve the offending device. “Yes?” she snapped.
“Miss Lambert? Sorry to disturb,” a man replied. “I’m calling for Mr. Georgopoulos. He asked that you meet him at his home within the hour. There is an urgent matter that he would like to discuss with you.”
Indignant, she resumed her long-legged gait across the carpet. “I’ve already told him that we don’t have anything left to discuss. I can’t be plainer than that.”
“I understand, Miss Lambert. However, Mr. Georgopoulos specifically mentioned that it was of the utmost importance, and that he wouldn’t take up more time than—”
“Fine,” she cut him off. “I’ll be there shortly.”
“I’ll inform him straightaway,” the man replied. “Enjoy your day, Miss.”
Enjoy my day. Seriously? Other than her breakfast with Pierce and his entourage and Lana’s call, the rest of the day had been marred by one frustration after another. Just thinking about seeing Milo again made her doubt her sanity. It was stupid to agree to meet him.
She tossed the mobile phone onto her bed and stormed out of the room. Once she’d reached Pierce’s door, she knocked several times in rapid succession. Seconds later, she was staring into his sweaty face.
She took in his soaked shirt and glistening skin. “I see you’ve gone running.”
“Nothing gets past you, does it?” He stepped aside and allowed her to enter.
A sharp comment was about to fly off her lips until she noticed his growing smile. He had been teasing her. She relaxed a bit.
“You’re right. If I were more observant, we wouldn’t be here in the first place.”
His eyebrows rose. “Really? Do you have x-ray vision or some type of second sight that I don’t know about? Because if you do, I’d say you were in the wrong profession.”
“Ha ha,” she retorted.
Pierce headed for the bathroom and returned moments later with a towel wrapped around his shoulders. “What’s up with you, Writer Girl? You seem like you’re in a salty mood. What happened since breakfast that’s got your panties all in a bunch?”
“They’re not…in a bunch,” she said, huffing.
Pierce retrieved his bottled water off a table, downing the contents in one long swig. “Right,” he drawled, dumping the container in a nearby wastebasket.
Sasha threw up her hands in exasperation. “Fine. You’re right. My panties are in a huge bunch. In fact, they’re in knots. Is that what you want to hear?”
“Well, I didn’t really need that visual, but thanks.” He leaned against the edge of the table. “So what’s up?”
“I just received a telephone call from Milo. He wants to see me.”
The teasing grin at her sudden outburst disappeared instantly. “What for?”
She shrugged. “How do I know? One of his assistants called and requested that I meet Milo at his townhouse within the hour.”
“If it was so important, why couldn’t he call you himself?”
“Maybe he thought if I saw his number I wouldn’t answer.”
His eyes narrowed. “Would you have answered?”
She met his probing gaze. “Probably not.”
Piece’s eyebrows arched upward. “Yet you’re running over there to see him?”
Her face reddened. “I’m not…running. And yes, I know it may not be a good idea, but he said it was urgent.”
A skeptical expression crossed his face. “You’re right. It isn’t a good idea. In fact, it’s a pretty bad one, but it sounds as if you’ve already decided to go, so have fun. I’ll have plenty of things to keep me busy around here.”
As if to prove the point, his cell phone rang. When he made no move to answer it, Sasha shot him a perplexed look. “Aren’t you going to get it?”
“Why? We’re talking.”
“What if it’s important?”
“They’ll leave a message.”
Sasha couldn’t say why, but she just assumed he would go diving for his phone. “It may be one of your girlfriends.” She glanced over at the phone again.
“I don’t have girlfriends, Sasha. I have plenty of women friends, no girlfriend.” He rubbed his chin. “Well actually, that’s not true. I have women that I take out and spend time with, but they’re more acquaintances than friends.”
“With benefits?”
It flew out of Sasha’s mouth before she could stop it. Blushing slightly, she tried her best to ignore the surprised look on his face and his annoyingly arched eyebrow at her outburst.
The phone ceased ringing. The silence was suddenly deafening. Sasha tilted her head toward it. “What if that was one of those acquaintances?”
“With benefits?” Pierce laughed before she had a chance to respond. “I do have caller ID, you know. I’ll return the call, or they can try back later.”
Sasha decided to let the matter drop. “So, do you want to go with me?”
“It wouldn’t be high on my to-do list, no.”
Sasha tried again. “Let me rephrase that: Would you go with me?”
Pierce wiped the sweat off his face. “I don’t think it’s a good idea, Sash.”
She stared at him. “Sash?”
“I can’t imagine standing there while you’re having a pow-wow with your boyfriend,” he continued.
“Ex-boyfriend,” she instantly corrected.
“He’s still recent enough to make three a serious crowd. But then I gather you’re used to there being three people in that relationship, aren’t you?”
Sasha reared back. Her gaze grew wide with shock. “Wow. That was uncalled for.”
Pierce threw his hands up in frustration. “Why? It is what it is, Sasha. You are involved with a married man. Why the prim sensibilities every time someone points that out?”
Sasha shook with indignation. “Past tense. I was involved with him.”
“See? There you go again. News flash, Miss Lambert. You still are. You think a relationship that lasted for years is over in a weekend?” Pierce chuckled. “Boy, you are naïve.”
That last barb got under her skin. She shot him a look that would’ve sent a lesser man fleeing for cover. “For your information, it’s been months since we broke up, but then you already knew that. So I’m wondering if there’s a particular reason why you’re trying to be a jackass to me? Is it the money thing again? What happened, Pierce? We were getting along too well, and suddenly, you remembered why you really came here and decided to pour salt on my open wounds?”
His jaw clenched. “Don’t be so dramatic. I’m merely pointing out that you don’t need to go running every time he calls. He lied to you, used you, yet you still want more…all while proclaiming you two are over. How exactly does that work again?”
“You should know,” she shot back. “I’m sure during your illustrious career you’ve had your fair share of women being at your beck and call—among other things. In fact, weren’t you hot and heavy with Diane somebody or other for a while, then out of nowhere kicked her to the curb? Who’s the hypocrite now?”
In her anger, she’d hoped that would get under his skin, but Sasha wasn’t prepared for what came next. His temperament changed in seconds. The look of menace that crossed his face caused Sasha to instinctively take a few steps back.
“You don’t have a clue what you’re talking about,” he ground out. “It’s Carter. Diane Carter, and if all you’re interested in is trying to sling mud, keep her name off your lips. She wasn’t some groupie or flavor of the month. She was smart, beautiful and kind—on the inside, and out.”
Sasha stared at him. She didn’t know what to say to that. Suddenly, something he mentioned during his rant stuck out. Her curious gaze met his angry one.
“Was?”
As quick as the storm cloud arrived, it dissipated, leaving in its wake a desolate, eerie silence. Pierce turned away from her. She was about to leave when he spoke up. His voice sounded tired and purposely controlled.
“I don’t know where she is now…and we don’t keep in touch, which was my fault.”
“Pierce, do you want to—”
“No, I don’t.”
The finality is what got Sasha—and the silence. She was about to walk away when he spoke.
“Why go after what he put you through?”
It took Sasha a moment to even hear the whispered question. She took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly. “I’m not a masochist if that’s where you’re going with this.”
Turning around, Pierce slowly wiped a hand across his face. Sasha noted that he looked exhausted.
“People don’t do an about-face, Sasha. No matter how much you think you know about them, there’s always a place you can never touch, that you never see—until it’s too late.”
She stared at him closely. “Wait, are we still talking about me?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Pierce, it’s obvious there’s a few things you’re not telling me. I can see you’re upset. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to mention something that was unpleasant for you. Maybe if you—”
Pierce stepped forward. He got so close, it was unnerving. “I don’t need your fake concern, Sasha, so drop it. I’ll go with you. Just let me shower and change.”
“It’s not fake,” she shot back, holding her ground. “We may not always agree on things, and we may have started out as barely tolerating each other for the sake of our siblings, but…I don’t ever wish you harm, Pierce.”
He nodded. “So, you want my help or not?”
“I…I don’t want to put you out.”
“Too late,” he replied in a clipped tone before striding to the bathroom. “I’ll meet you in your room in fifteen minutes.”
It was obvious she was being dismissed. Pierce’s expression was too strained for it to be otherwise. She decided now was not the time to push further, so without another word, Sasha quietly let herself out. She made a mental note to find out more about Diane Carter.