Page 38 of Impulse

Jillian entered the gazebo ahead of him.“So how did you recognize Shay?”

“She was on my list.”

“List?”Then she remembered.“Oh,thatlist.”There was a tray with a bottle of champagne, two flutes, and hors d’oeuvres.She guessed all Lex had to do was give an order and people jumped.Instead of sitting, Jillian remained standing and searched for Shay.

The gazebo gave them a perfect view of the pool deck and the eighty odd guests milling around.A catering company was starting to set up the dinner buffet on the main deck by the house.Watching Shay talk to one of the production assistants, Jillian imagined her as Lex’s fake wife.She was gorgeous and closer to his age.They would have made a cute couple, except…

“She’s too sweet.You would have walked all over her.”

Lex laughed.“I’m insulted.I would have treated her with the same respect I give you.”

Jillian gave an unladylike snort.But then the smile disappeared.Would he have kissed Shay the way he’d kissed her?She didn’t own Lex, but at the same time, she didn’t like imagining him with any of the actresses either.What criteria did he use to choose the women?She studied the actresses, trying to deny the reason she was interested in that stupid list.Jealousy was a new emotion to her.

“Who else was on your list?”And please don’t tell me Margo made it,she added silently.“How did you choose them?”

~*~

Lex leaned against the gazebo pole and studied Jillian.The sparkle was back in her eyes.Earlier, when she’d locked herself in the bathroom, he’d thought that he’d scared her away.That she was still around and hadn’t told him to take a hike was proof he’d chosen well.None of the women he’d selected before could touch her.

“You’re not drinking your champagne,” he said.

“And you are hedging.”

“The other women are not important.You are.”He pressed a kiss on her shoulder and felt the shudder that rocked her body.Her response to his touch amazed him.

“Lex,” she whispered.

“We’re being watched,” he added.Across the pool, Chris and Greg were done talking to his mother, and the three were staring their way.He could see the disapproval on Chris’ face.The man needed to get over himself.

“I should talk to Chris,” Jillian said.

“Eat something first.”He didn’t want her to leave yet.He picked up the plate and offered her the appetizer.She took a piece of shrimp and dipped it in the sauce.Lex grinned when she ate it and reached for another piece.He placed the plate on the ledge of the gazebo and joined her.

“So how are you related to Chris?”he asked.

“He’s more like an honorary uncle.He’s close to my family and mentored me in everything I know about stunts,” she added quickly.

“He’s very protective of you.”

“Yeah.It’s kind of sweet.”She scrunched her nose, a gesture he found utterly adorable.“How do you know he’s protective of me?”

“He and I spoke briefly.”

Her eyes widened.“When?”

“At Eros.”

Jillian frowned and looked at the other guests as though searching for Chris.He was gone and so was Lex’s mother.

“He’s an interesting guy.”

Her eyes met his.“Yes, and amazing too.I would not have navigated Hollywood without him.When Mom died, he helped me cope with my fears and got me back on the bike again.I owe him a lot.”She continued to search, craning her neck.

She had a beautiful neck.Long.Graceful.He couldn’t help reaching out and stroking it.He loved that she leaned against his hand, welcoming his touch.

“He went into the house,” Lex said, and she shot him an uncertain look.“Go.I’ll be here when you come back.But first, can I have that?”He pointed at her hand.She was still holding a stuffed mushroom.

“Sure.”She offered it to him, but Lex opened his mouth.He held her hand in place and sucked on her fingers while watching her reaction.“Mmm, tastes better.”