"Annelie," Carolyn growled, her voice a low purr. "So, what do we do when we feel this way, then? Leave the room?"
Annelie kissed the tip of Carolyn's nose. "No, silly. Let's just play it by ear. We'll know when the time's right. Tonight, I wanted you to see how much I want you."
Carolyn tugged at a blanket lying at their feet. "And you did," she whispered. "You let me touch you. You liked how it felt."
"No, you're wrong," Annelie objected, pulling Carolyn closer under the blanket. "I loved how it felt."
***
The limo driver navigated through the heavy Manhattan traffic on the way to the Pierre, a famous hotel next to Central Park. The press conference would take place in the Wedgwood Room.
Annelie glanced at Carolyn, noticing a frown on the otherwise smooth forehead as she stared out the tinted window.
"You were exhausted when you got back yesterday. I never had a chance to ask what your sister and brother-in-law said when they heard about the role."
Carolyn turned her attention from the traffic and gave Annelie a quick smile. "Beth was delighted, of course—partly because I'll be working in New York once we start to shoot. I tried to tell her I won't be able to go to D.C. very often during filming, but I'm not sure she heard me."
"How's she doing? She okay?"
Carolyn raised a hand and rubbed the back of her head. "I think she's doing fairly well. However, she seemed a bit…I don't know, too animated. She couldn't sit still while we were talking. She kept getting up to fetch things or to go to the bathroom. Joe seemed concerned."
"Did he say anything to you?" Annelie had felt Carolyn's stress level rising ever since she'd returned from the capital the previous night.
"We talked when he walked me to the cab. Sounds like all her test results are fine. She doesn't show any of the signs she did when she lost the other two babies. Still, I couldn't help feeling something was wrong."
Annelie took Carolyn's hand. "She's scared. Perhaps her fear's affecting her more than she realizes. She's at a crucial period, isn't she?"
"Yes, she's eleven weeks now. I know time will work in her favor, and I tried to tell her so."
"I'm glad you could be the bearer of good news. They must've been thrilled you're going to play Maddox."
"Me too. The news did distract Beth for a bit."
They rode silently in the limousine the rest of the way, Annelie careful not to let go of Carolyn's hand until the vehicle stopped at the back entrance of the Pierre.
"We've arranged to come in through the back door, since we don't want to spoil the surprise. If everything goes according to plan, Harvey and Helen should be there already." Annelie squeezed Carolyn's knee reassuringly just before the driver opened the door and offered them a hand.
"Welcome." Gregory met them at the hotel's rear entrance. "Nice to see you again, Ms. Black. Annelie, everyone's here and we're ready to begin."
"I know you wanted me to speak, but I'm glad we decided for you to make the introductions," Annelie said.
"Only if you listen in the wings and keep an eye on us." He grinned.
"That's my specialty. So, how's the media turnout?"
"The place is packed. All the major networks and entertainment channels are here, as well as newspapers and magazines, even several e-zines."
Annelie discussed some last-minute details with Gregory while they walked through the hotel toward the Wedgwood Room. She glanced at Carolyn gliding beside them, concerned as she saw the other woman press her lips together. She hoped this was merely a sign of how Carolyn focused before an appearance.
Harvey, his wife, and Helen greeted them in the green room. To Annelie's relief, Helen's presence seemed to distract Carolyn, who lit up as soon as she saw the other actress.
Gregory winked at them, rubbing his hands together. "Wish me luck, folks. This is it."
As he disappeared through the doorway, Annelie could hear cameras go off before the door closed behind him. Someone spoke Annelie's name, making her turn around.
"Annelie, good to see you again." Regina Carmichael extended a hand. A striking woman in her mid-fifties, she had been Annelie's first choice as director of the Maddox films. The charismatic woman was known for adapting several other best-sellers for the big screen. Regina kept a strict regime on her sets and enjoyed an impeccable reputation for sticking to budget without compromising on quality.
"Regina, you look wonderful. Carolyn, this is Regina Carmichael. Regina, Carolyn Black."
"Regina, how are you? It's good to see you again."
"I'm fine, and you look ravishing. I told you, black's your color."
Carolyn gave a husky laugh. "Oh, please, not again."
"A private joke?" Annelie looked from one woman to the other. "Now I'm curious."
"I directed Carolyn in a movie made for TV about five years ago. Our designer insisted on dressing Carolyn in psychedelic colors, so we had constant battles with wardrobe. We tried to tell her—where this lady is concerned, less is more, and preferably black."
Annelie had to laugh at Carolyn's visible distaste. "Psychedelic colors? Oh, goodness, that must've been a sight."
"It sure was. I confiscated the negatives." Carolyn smirked.
"Ms. Carmichael, you're on."
Regina squared her shoulders. "See you in there."
Annelie watched as Carolyn began to dig frantically in her purse. "Did you forget something?"
"Damn it, I need a smoke before I go out there." She sighed impatiently when her search seemed fruitless. "Shit."
Annelie cupped the other woman's elbow and guided her toward a private niche. "Carolyn, you can't smoke in here, and you don't have time to do it anywhere else."
Dark gray eyes looked back at Annelie. Frowning, Carolyn slapped her palm against the wall. "God, I don't know why I'm so damn nervous. I hate when my nerves do this to me. I should know how to deal with the jitters better."
"I know a way to beat them." Carolyn's eyes narrowed, and Annelie knew she was taking a big chance.
"You do?"
Glancing over her shoulder to make sure they were out of sight, Annelie pulled Carolyn into her arms.
"You'll do just fine out there, and I have something for you far better than any cigarette."
"Really?" Carolyn breathed, wrapping her arms around Annelie's waist.
"Yes."
Tipping Carolyn's head back with a gentle fingertip under her chin, Annelie brushed her lips softly.
"Annie…" A soft gasp.
Taking advantage of the half-open mouth, Annelie deepened the distracting kiss, which turned into a passionate embrace. Only the fact they were close to Helen and Harvey kept Annelie from losing herself in the woman in her arms. Slowly letting go, she looked down at the dazed expression in Carolyn's eyes. "There, you see, all relaxed."
Relieved to see the familiar slow smile appear, Annelie dared breathe again. "So, purely for medicinal purposes?" When Carolyn wrinkled her nose, she added, "I aim to please."
Carolyn laughed and reached into her purse. "Lipstick for me and handkerchief for you. You were wearing colorless gloss, right? Here, let me help you." She carefully wiped Annelie's lips before reapplying wine-shaded lipstick to her own.
As Carolyn turned to go back into the green room, Annelie stopped her. "I have a suggestion," she said in a low voice. "When we're done here, we have a week before the whole circus begins. Why don't we go back down to Florida in the meantime? I have things to take care of down there and—"
"And I need to start studying the script. Sounds like a plan. Can we leave tonight?"
"If possible, or tomorrow morning."
"Deal."
They walked back into the room where Helen was sitting on a couch, talking with Harvey and his wife. Annelie looked at Carolyn as she made her way over to the other three, now every inch the self-assured professional.