Crossing the Line: Without a Trace series, a contemporary erotic romance novel (14 page)

“Fine. I’ll tell you. But you cannot—I repeat,
cannot
— tell Noah. Not until I’ve told him.” When she nods solemnly, I rethink my terms. “And you can’t laugh or tease me about it, either.”

She makes a show of crossing her heart. “Promise.”

I take a deep breath, both thrilled to have someone to share my secret with, and terrified of telling someone. “I’m seeing Ian Crane.”

Lux’s dove gray eyes, always expressive, go wide as saucers, and for the first time in the years I’ve known her, I think I’ve actually shocked her. Her mouth opens, but no words come out.

“Okay, it’s not
that
improbable, is it?”

“No! That’s not what…I just…he’s a bit, um, well…”

“What?” I narrow my gaze. “Out of my league?”

She shakes her head emphatically. “Absolutely not. You’re out of
his
league, Ells. You’re smart and kind and sweet, and he’s…well, he’s a bit of a cad. I mean, that’s what I’ve always seen when he’s in the news with Mick Jeffries, at least.”

I’m stunned at her assessment. “A cad? I thought you said he was one of the city’s most eligible bachelors?”

“He is. I mean, come on, he’s hot, has celebrities all around him, and he’s a well-known attorney. But he’s…well, who knows the truth, really? Gossip certainly isn’t reliable.”

“But what gives you the impression he’s a ‘cad’?”

She shakes her head, but I can tell she’s holding back. “Nothing—I mean, really, it was just an impression. That much crap going on in the media, and normal people seem like something other than they are.”

I press her to spill the details, but she refuses. “I’m not repeating celebrity gossip when you’re clearly under a different impression. Besides, he’s been in the columns quite a bit—you can look him up and come to your own conclusions. And I trust your instincts much more than
TMZ
.” She smiles brilliantly, then continues. “So…tell me how this happened.”

I make a face at her, but relieved to have an outlet, I tell her everything—all the sordid, sexy details. And I admit: I enjoy the admiration in her eyes. I’m used to Lux seeing me as Noah’s quiet, semi-innocent sister.

“Damn. When you jump, Ells, you go all the way.” She holds up her hand for a high-five. “Go you.”

I slap her hand, though I know my cheeks are bright pink. “Go big or go home, right?”

“Oo, is he big? Like really big?”

I cover my face, my skin flaming, and giggle. Yes, I giggle. When I can compose myself enough to form words, I avoid it altogether and nod.

Lux holds her index fingers up. “Just nod when I’m close.” She slowly draws them apart, wider and wider.

I finally nod, just to get her to stop, though it’s probably pretty accurate.

Lux sobers and nods. “Damn. ‘Go big or go home,’ indeed. I have all new respect for you, Ells. I never thought you had it in you.”

Though I grin, her words sit with me for several minutes. She’s popped in her headphones, but I tap her arm.

“Hm?” She removes a bud and glances at me.

“What did you mean, ‘I never thought you had it in you’? I’m not offended. I’m just curious what you mean. I feel like…this week has challenged a lot of the notions I’ve had about myself, and I’m curious how you view me.” It’s an honest question, but one that carries with it a lot of danger, I know. I can see it in Lux’s eyes. “I’m not trying to trap you, Lulu. But I’m starting to see the last few years as a sort of…hiding place. And I want to change that fear that keeps me there.”

She grabs my neck and pulls me over so she can kiss my forehead. “I’m so glad to hear you say that. Because I think you are brilliant and wonderful, Ells. Truly. I’ve never met anyone as smart or as fast-thinking as you are, and you get business and people. It’s amazing. But I’ve always wondered if Jonathan broke you. Noah’s worried about that, too—not that we’ve been talking about you behind your back,” she quickly interjects, “but his concern over how long it’s been since you dated anyone—”

“Over three years.”

My interruption floors her. “Seriously? Wow.” She takes a few moments to process the information, then continues. “So he had a point, I daresay. But yeah, it’s been hard to watch, seeing you keep your light from the world, when I have no doubt, you are designed to shine quite brightly.”

Her words—and the clear belief in her eyes—sober me. I’ve never seen myself as anything all that special, but I know I’m good at writing. And Elementary has done pretty well for a new business, which is in part both because it’s a booming niche market—who doesn’t want to come home and have a whole evening’s food and entertainment arranged without lifting a finger?—and because Noah and I are good with people. Still…I’ve never stopped to think about how others might see the situation.

“Thank you. I needed to hear that.”

She grins and stretches in the chair, careful not to move her feet.

“My turn: how’s things with Evan?”

“Good, I think.”

“You think?”

Lux shrugs and fingers the edge of the towel holding her hair. “I never know how to judge these things. While you are a serial monogamist, I’m anything but. I do better when relationships are fluid and open, but let’s face it: that doesn’t match the desires of most partners. So I’m trying. And Evan’s great. And romantic.”

“And submissive.” I wink.

“True. That man definitely knows his place.” She smiles a bit easier, but there’s still a shadow behind her light eyes. “I wish I knew if this is how it’s supposed to feel.”

I give her comment some thought. “How what’s supposed to feel? Moving in together? Or being in love?”

“Both? Either? What’s it feel like for you with Ian?”

I don’t hesitate. “Amazing. My stomach’s pretty much vibrating with nerves 24/7 but in a good way.” I can’t help laughing, though there’s no reason for it.

She grins a bit wistfully. “See, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced that. With anyone. Maybe I’m just not wired that way.”

“Maybe things just happen differently for you. Do you love Evan?”

She doesn’t answer right away, but then she nods. “I think so. He’s a good man, and I couldn’t ask for a better match.”

That she can’t embrace her relationship with Evan fully makes me sad, but I don’t want to make it worse. “Give it time, Lux.”

“I know. And I haven’t had a traditional relationship
ever
, so I’m being a bit unrealistic. Hell, I don’t even work a traditional job.” When she smiles now, it’s a bit more “Lux.”

“See?”

We’re waiting for our finger and toenails to dry when Lux asks, “So when are you going to tell Noah about Ian?”

“After the party tomorrow night. Once Ian’s not technically a client anymore, I won’t feel quite so weird about the whole thing.”

Lux grins at me. “And Noah will have slightly less to tease you about.”

“Exactly.”

Noah seems fine when I get home, and when I try to talk about the day before, he shrugs it off.

“Don’t stress it, Ells. I was being a douche. You’re entitled to have some fun in life, and you’ll tell me when you’re ready.”

It’s such a normal answer for Noah, I almost believe him. But something in his eyes is off, and I know it’s my fault. But is it my secrecy, or his own demons surrounding his career that are bogging him down? I don’t know, and that makes it hard to concentrate. But I call back prospective clients, double-check all the catering needs for a party this week, confirm the arrival of the live band, and review Noah’s final invoice calculations.

Ian texts me later that day.

So if live sex acts are out, can you stay over? :)

I laugh to myself, thankful Noah ran out to grab food for us so I can enjoy the moment.

No, I’ll have to clean up and help load. It’ll look really weird if I stay. I promise to be there bright and early on Sunday.

After I hit “send,” I rethink my message.

Correction: I’ll be there on Sunday at noon. Not enough sleep, and I won’t be much good for anything. ;)

After a few minutes, his response dings.

I’m happy to see to your *every* need, so you don’t have to move a muscle. In fact, I might insist on it. Even if that means I have to tie you up. ;)

My stomach flips hard, and my whole body heats up. I’ve never played with restraining anyone, despite Lux’s insistence that it can really rev up your sex life. Do I trust Ian enough—after barely a week—to let him have that much control?

Noah’s key scrapes at the door, so I text back quickly.

Hm. We might have to explore that further. Talk to u l8r. xoxo

CHAPTER 14

MUCH ADO ABOUT...

A
drienne! No!” The devastation in Noah’s voice as he falls upon his beloved’s inert body draws a hush across the room.

“You’ve killed her,” he whispers into the deadly quiet, his face dropped to Adrienne’s. “I will come for you, Maden. I
will
find you.”

Someone darkens the lights, and the audience awakens from their thrall and applauds. As the lights return, a warm glow spreads across twenty people or so, all seated around Ian’s huge dining table that was recently cleared of plates from a sumptuous meal where vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free options were offered. The food was praised, as I knew it would be, and I hope it made all of Misha’s work worth it, as she really outdid herself, especially with so many food restrictions present.

I join in the applause, amazed once again by Noah’s performance, as well as the other four actors who are present. They take a bow together, amid the hoots and whistles of their captive watchers. I eye Mick Jeffries’ reaction, pleased to see his handsome face grinning. He claps the loudest, which gives me hope that maybe, just maybe, he’d be interested in championing Noah’s acting career.

When the actors head upstairs to change, I slip out, joining Misha in the kitchen.

“Sounds like you made magic again.” Her sharp, angular face cheers with a broad grin. “Damn, Ella, you are good.”

I fight to contain my smile. If she only knew just how good…

I slap her high-five before helping her assemble the last of the puffed pastries, strawberries, and dark chocolate drizzle. This evening is a coup: a wealthy client, celebrity clientele, and an opportunity for future bookings with the like. And it has gone off like a charm, which helps allay the nerves that have been climbing up my throat most of the evening. Not to mention, keeping my hands off Ian has been…challenging.

Dessert proves to be yet another high point, and though several party revelers complain that they are much too full, they manage to pack it in. Misha’s creations are too tempting. As I leave to rejoin Misha in the kitchen, Ian catches my wrist.

“Ella, I cannot thank you enough. This was spectacular.” His eyes meet mine, ebullient.

“I’m so glad you enjoyed it.” I can feel a flush creeping up my neck.

“This has been the best birthday I’ve had in a long time.”

“I’m glad.” I give him a small smile, enjoying the feel of his hand on my mine and the way his fingers trace the pulse point below my palm. His gaze darkens as his eyes devour me, but we’re interrupted by the actors as they return to talk to the guests and answer questions.

Tonight’s mystery,
Much Ado About Death
, is one of a three part series that I wrote the end of last year. While each story has a stand-alone mystery—in this case, the lead characters must catch a thief who stole a priceless (fictional) first edition of Shakespeare’s
Much Ado About Nothing
. They manage to nab the perpetrator, but one of them dies (or at least, she appears to…) in the process. If the attendees want to see the next installment, they have to book us.

I’m about to step away when Mick Jeffries calls out, “Hey, Ella, you have to tell us what happens next!”

I turn, unable to resist grinning at the stunning Mick. He’s really as good-looking as he appears on a glossy magazine cover, maybe even more so. “You want to see more, you have to hire us for your next party.” I say it with a wink and a flirtatious tone, and he laughs.