A movement in the corner of her eyes made her jump. Mary was not due until tomorrow. Then she saw Annelie enter her study, not even looking toward the patio or the pool area.
Carolyn wrapped a towel around her shoulders as she padded through the living-room door and toward the study. When she entered, Annelie was browsing through a folder, her back toward Carolyn. A quick glance toward the wall clock let Carolyn know it was one thirty.
She wrapped her arms around Annelie from behind and planted a kiss on her neck just below the ponytail. "Welcome home. You're early."
Annelie gave a muted gasp and pivoted in Carolyn's arms.
"Whoa, Carolyn, you scared the living daylights out of me! I didn't think you'd be home."
"I never went out. Truth be told, I was relieved to just leave a message for Jared to ship my things. I've been reading the script and, as you can tell…swimming."
A small light, a glimpse of hope, glimmered in Annelie's eyes, making Carolyn's heart gallop. "I was stupid," Annelie whispered. "And jealous. I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I reversed roles, and the mere thought made me turn green. We're not ready for male companions and the Lisa-Betty-Jennys of our past yet."
Annelie leaned back against the desk and raised an eyebrow. "The Lisa-Betty-Jennys? What are you talking about?"
"I don't know the names of any of your exes—and I don't want to, yet."
"Lisa-Betty-Jenny. Sounds like you think I've had a complete harem," Annelie muttered, but the happy spark was back in her eyes.
"Of course you have. You're the most beautiful woman in the world—who could ever resist you?"
Annelie tossed her head back and broke out in uncharacteristically resounding laughter. "God, you kill me, Carolyn," she snorted. "Your sense of humor. Wicked and wacko."
"Wicked and wacko, huh?" Carolyn shook her head. "Sounds like a sordid C-movie to me."
"If I ever produce such a movie, I know who to typecast."
"Watch it, Peterson. You're skating on thin ice."
"Oh, yeah?" Annelie disregarded the fact that Carolyn was soaking wet under the towel and pulled her in for a kiss. "How's this for melting the ice?" She dipped her head and captured the smiling mouth beneath hers.
Feeling both relieved and euphoric because they were back on track, Carolyn returned the kiss, losing herself in Annelie's familiar taste. "You melt me…you turn me on like no one has ever done," she moaned. "You are so wonderful."
"And you're shivering. You can't stand here, half naked and wet, with the air-conditioning going."
"I should take a shower, I guess."
Annelie raised a hand and tucked a dripping lock of hair behind Carolyn's ear. "I can scrub your back, if you like."
Carolyn sighed in contentment. "Please, feel free to scrub any body part you like."
"I'll remind you that you said that."
***
Annelie checked the rearview mirror of the powerful car she was driving. The tan leather seat smelled of lemon leather polish. The 1969
Tweety-Bird yellow Chevrolet Corvette Stingray was in mint condition, and she had given the dealer a handsome tip for making this happen.
She had called him from New York. Remembering the longing tone in the actress's voice when she talked about such a car, Annelie had decided to surprise her with one.
The dealer had connections all over the U.S. and Canada and found the exact brand and year within two days. His mechanics installed air-conditioning, a Bose sound system, and airbags in the hardtop.
Checking the rearview mirror again, Annelie spotted Jem driving her Mustang two cars behind. Her friend had raised not one, but two, inquisitive eyebrows when Annelie revealed her surprise.
"A car?" Jem asked as she sat down in Annelie's office. "That's pretty special. I mean, it doesn't have the same connotation as giving her a diamond necklace, but…" She hesitated. "You really like her, don't you?"
Annelie leaned back in her chair, folding her hands in her lap. "Yes, I do. I know you're suspicious of her, but she's different when you manage to find the real Carolyn behind the diva."
"I saw some of that at the luncheon and then in Orlando," Jem said. "Still, her rep isn't exactly encouraging. Don't lose your head…or your heart."
Annelie tilted her head, regarding her protective friend fondly. "I think it's too late for the latter."
Jem's eyes widened. "Oh, kiddo, are you sure? You're not just… well, starstruck?"
"I'm falling head over heels, and I'm terrified. I can't help it."
"And what about her?"
"She says she's falling in love with me." Annelie could hear her voice soften and knew Jem picked up on the change. "She's bewildered, especially regarding the physical aspect. Guess she never realized she could be attracted to a woman. I'm trying to give her space and time."
"But?"
"She seems not to want it—or need it."
Jem's lips stretched into a broad grin. "So, she can't keep her hands off you?"
Blushing, Annelie shook her head. "It's mutual. You know I don't kiss and tell, but you're my best friend and…well, I haven't felt this way, ever. I'm not sure where we're heading. I want to make her happy, and giving her this car is an attempt to show her how I feel. Also, I'm dying to see the look on her face. For some reason she's as crazy about this kind of car as I am about the Mustang."
"Hey, I'm not arguing. If anything comes between me and my Beemer, I won't answer for the consequences."
After she and Jem pulled into the driveway, Annelie jumped out of the Corvette and shouted, "Wait here. I'll go in and find her. She's probably in the pool."
"All right."
Jem stepped out of the Mustang and leaned against it while Annelie walked toward the door. As she strolled through the quiet house, she saw several signs of Carolyn's presence. Her purse on the hallway table, the script on the coffee table, and in the kitchen, several bags of Royal Copenhagen stacked next to the coffeemaker.
Annelie could hear Mary humming in the laundry room as she walked out to the patio. She found Carolyn resting in a deck chair in the shade, half a glass of orange juice next to her on the ground. Annelie knelt beside the chair and kissed Carolyn's lips softly. "Hello, there."
She had to admire the other woman's composure. Carolyn merely opened her eyes and gazed at Annelie from under heavy eyelids, a lazy smile on her lips. "You're home early."
"Yes, and I have a surprise for you." Annelie tugged at Carolyn's hand. "Come on, it's out front."
"A surprise?" Carolyn raised an eyebrow. "Will I like it? Maybe I should've told you. Surprises make me nervous."
"You'll love it." Annelie tried to sound reassuring, hoping she was right. She wanted Carolyn to accept the gift in the spirit it was given. Holding her lover's hand, she led her through the house and opened the front door.
Carolyn stopped dead and stared at the Corvette. Glancing between the vehicle and Annelie, she looked like a spectator at a tennis match. "Annie?"
"It's for you. I want you to have it, for landing the role…and also I know you'd never indulge yourself."
"What do you mean, for me? Oh! Oh!" Carolyn padded on bare feet down the garden path and over to the driveway.
She waved absentmindedly at Jem, who looked astonished at the sight of the usually elegant star circling around the Corvette in only a swimsuit and damp hair. Moving her feet quickly, actually skipping from one foot to another, she looked like an eager child, even though Annelie knew the hot cement was the real cause.
Annelie sauntered down to join the other two, not taking her eyes off the dumbfounded woman, who was now opening the door and climbing into the car. Carolyn slid her hands over the wheel and up over the dashboard, a reverent look on her face as she touched the tan leather.