“Not that I’m complaining or anything but why on earth would he bring the whole crew down here for a few shots? I get how famous you are but isn’t that going a bit overboard?”
Bella looked a little uncomfortable with his question. “Well, it’s more than that actually. When I made the suggestion they come here I used the dinner as a kind of drawcard, said he could film the whole thing if he wanted to so I didn’t have to go back there.”
“And he went for that obviously.”
“Yeah, he did.” She snuggled against his neck, her warm breath rolling over him. “Kind of an end of series finale. A bit different to what we usually do but I think it will work well. Don’t worry, the ratings will more than make up for the cost of the production if I know Russell.”
“You were arguing with him.”
“I always argue with Russell. We’re both driven and often clash but it always works out well in the end.” Bella pulled him back through the foyer, ducking television staff as she went. “Watch out for the cables. They’re everywhere.”
Russell looked up as they came back into the kitchen, gave Jake a condescending look, and pushed himself off the kitchen counter where he looked so much as ease. “So, this is the man who shall not be filmed, is it?” The producer arched his eyebrows as he stepped forward giving Jake the once over.
“That’s him. Jake, meet Russell. Russell, behave.” She pointed her finger at him.
“Hello, nice to meet you.” Jake held out his hand, shook, and then stepped back.
“You really should change your mind, Bella. Nothing the public would like more than seeing you with a brooding hunky fireman, especially one who looks this good. The ratings would soar, darling.”
“Do not go there. You’ve been warned, Russell.”
Russell smiled and didn’t answer, just continued to scrutinize Jake as if he was sizing up a side of beef.
Bella pulled Jake over to the corner of her prep area away from Russell. “I don’t think I’m going to get home early enough to spend any time with you tonight. I’m really sorry.” A frown appeared between her eyes.
“Can’t be helped. You have a job to do.”
“Yes, but I was kind of hoping to snuggle with you for a bit and forget my crazy world. Doubt that will happen until after the dinner is over and I get rid of this lot. Too much going on as you can see.”
He watched people vying to get her attention and decided to make a move. “Look, do what you have to do and I’ll see you tomorrow night. You have enough to worry about without adding me to the mix.” He cupped her chin in his hand. “I didn’t mean to get annoyed back there. Put it down to raving hormones that I can’t hold back when you’re around. You’ve ruined me, Bella Moore.”
“You were jealous of Russell? Seriously?”
“Not just him. Everyone having a piece of you, I guess.” Jake kissed her and stepped away. “Go get ’em, Bella.”
She grinned and when he turned at the door, she was still watching him with a smile on her face ignoring those around her.
This was her world, not his, no matter how much he tried to kid himself.
Chapter Sixteen
Jake straightened the bow tie and took another look in the mirror. He ran his finger under his collar, grimaced, and tried to loosen it before it squeezed the air out of him.
“You’re going to make a mess of it if you don’t stop fiddling.” Woodsie smacked Jake’s hand away and put it back in place, half choking him. “Now leave it be, will you?”
“It’s killing me.” He ignored the giggle from Cory and looked at his reflection in the mirror. He hadn’t worn a suit since he got married and was surprised to find one in his closet that still fit. The bow tie had been his father’s idea.
“Grow up and stop acting like a baby. Damned if you’re going to show your face around Hollywood stars looking like you’ve come out of the barn. Bella wouldn’t appreciate it.” His father smoothed a brush over the shoulders of Jake’s black dinner jacket and made him turn around. “Guess you’ll do.”
“Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence. I do know how to behave, you know.”
“You look great, Dad.” Cory gave Jake a head nod. “Bella’s gonna tremble at the knees when she sees you.”
“Oh, please. Don’t get so carried away.” He gave himself one last glance in the mirror.
The scar over his eye had faded to a pale bruise giving him a rugged vibe, the stitches adding to the edgy look. “Almost forgot to ask, Cory. How did the cookies go with the class?”
“They were a hit. Nobody could work out who sent them either. The office claimed they didn’t see who delivered them, so that was cool.” He blushed a little.
“Guess that gives you time to work out your next move, eh?”
“Yeah, I guess.” He wiped a hand over his chin, pondering. “So, talking of moves, are you really going to give that to Bella?” He pointed at the small gift wrapped box on the dresser.
“I think so.”
“Cool.” He shuffled his feet. “Dad, I have something I want to say to you before you go.”
After a quick talk where his son blurted out his idea, Jake had to leave or be late. “Can we discuss this in the morning? I don’t want you to think I don’t appreciate it, I do. But it’s not a decision to take lightly.”
“Sure, Dad. I just wanted to let you know what I was thinking.”
Jake hugged his son good-night, walked out the door and got in his truck. “Behave for your grandfather.”
“Sure, always. Hope Bella appreciates the trouble you’ve gone to.”
“It doesn’t matter, Cory. This is her night. Hers and Mari’s. I’m only an observer and support person.”
His normal calm nerves were stretched tight as he pulled up at the hotel. The parking
