Guilty Pleasures (13 page)

“But it’s Christmas. How am I going to get on a plane?”

Ashley smiled. “I’ll take care of it. Now, you call Robert and tell him that you’ll be there tomorrow, that Ryan will text him the details so he can meet you. Okay?”

“Okay,” Nina said. “Thank you, Ashley. I never thought I’d be seriously interested in another man after Charlie died, but I am. I’m not even really interested in the Channel any longer.”

“Ohh,” Ashley said with a grin. “The sex is
that
good, huh?”

Nina nodded. “It is! Last night I was so mad after I hung up on Robert that I accessed the Channel, but instead of having my hero seduce me, I made him drop his trousers and whipped his butt raw. I made the poor thing cry. I was so surprised at what I had done that I exited the fantasy.”

“Too much information,” Ashley said, but she giggled.

Nina blushed. “Oh, God!” she said. “What a mess I am.”

“By this time tomorrow, you’ll be with Robert, and all will be forgiven,” Ashley said, smiling. “Take Christmas week off. I’ll see you after New Year’s. We don’t get a lot of returns or exchanges, and I will love getting out of the house. The kids are off the wall right now. It will be worse after Santa delivers. And you know how generous my mother-in-law is. She’s coming today, and she loves having the kids to herself.”

“You are the best damned boss,” Nina said.

As expected, they had a very busy day. When it was over, Nina drove home to Maple Lane. The Mulcahys’ driver, Bill, would pick her up at nine p.m. to drive her to the airport. To Nina’s surprise, however, Bill did not take her into the big major airport that served New York City. He drove her to the small private airport about thirty miles from Egret Pointe.

“Mr. Mulcahy has rented a private Leerjet for you, Mrs. Parsons,” Bill told her. “Mrs. M. says, ‘Grab Mr. Talcott and fly right home.’ The jet will be waiting for you. You should be able to escape the press people that way.

“There will be a car and driver waiting for you in L.A. It’s yours until it brings you back to the airport. It’s all taken care of for you. Mr. and Mrs. M. said to tell you it’s your Christmas present.”

“Some gift,” Nina remarked. “Tell them I thank them.” Nina was astounded, but then both Ryan and Ashley had individual fortunes, and they were generous.

When they reached the airport, Bill took her luggage and escorted Nina through the small, elegant terminal to her plane. The steward hurried down the steps from the plane to take her small bag. As she had no intention of remaining in California any longer than it took to extricate Robert from his ex-wife’s clutches, she hadn’t packed anything but the essentials.

“I’ll be waiting when you and Mr. Talcott get back,” Bill said. “Have a good trip, Mrs. Parsons.” Then he left her.

Nina lowered herself into a luxurious, soft leather seat. The plane taxied down the runway and took off into the winter night. The cabin was gorgeous. Thick carpeting. Comfortable swivel chairs. She could get used to this, Nina thought, grinning. She was on her way to California to take her man back from one of Hollywood’s most beautiful and talented actresses. Nina Parsons. Fiftysomething shop manager. She had to be crazy or in love. Maybe a little of both, Nina decided.

“Mrs. Parsons, I’ve made up a bed for you”—the steward was at her elbow—“and I’ve laid out some essentials in the lavatory for you. I understand you’ve had a long day, and I expect you’re tired.”

“Why, thank you. . . .” She cocked her head to one side.

“Joseph,” he responded with a smile.

“Thank you, Joseph. You’re right. I could use some sleep,” Nina agreed.

“We get into L.A. after midnight. Since this is your private jet, I imagine you’ll want to sleep here until morning. Where are you headed from the airport?”

“Malibu,” she told him. “I want to be there in time for breakfast.”

“I’ll wake you in plenty of time, then, and see your car is waiting, Mrs. Parsons,” Joseph said. Then he disappeared.

Nina got up and went down the aisle of the plane. Right behind the wing window, she saw the bed all nicely made up with a silk sheet, pillowcase, and down comforter. She went into the lavatory, which was larger than on a commercial plane, and undressed. Then she put on her nightgown, which had been laid out for her. She washed and creamed her face, and brushed her teeth. Then she exited the bathroom and got into the bed, certain she wouldn’t sleep despite the luxurious comfort.

“Mrs. Parsons.” Joseph was gently shaking her shoulder. “Mrs. Parsons, it’s just after six a.m. western time. If you’re ready to get up, I’ll get you some coffee and juice.”

“Ummm, yes, please,” Nina murmured, opening her eyes. Turning, she looked out the portal by the bed. They were on the ground. The sky was very blue, and the sun was slowly coming up. Nina got up, washed, and dressed. She switched the wool slacks she had worn last night for a pair of cream silk slacks and a deep green silk shirt, along with a pair of elegant leather sandals. “Will I be warm enough?” she asked the steward when he brought her the juice and coffee.

“You should be fine, Mrs. Parsons. Merry Christmas!”

“Oh, my goodness, it is Christmas morning, isn’t it?”

“Yes, ma’am, it is. The pilot would like to know if you know how long you’ll be gone. He’ll get the plane gassed up and ready for the return.”

“I will be gone as long as it takes me to get out to Malibu, fetch Mr. Talcott, and drive back,” Nina said in such a firm and certain tone that Joseph didn’t question her.

“A couple of hours, then,” he said. “It’s about twenty miles to Malibu from this airport. We’ll be ready to go by noon for you, okay?”

“Perfect,” Nina agreed. “If we get here earlier, we can leave earlier.” She drank the small orange juice. It was fresh squeezed. She asked him to put the coffee in a travel mug. After debarking, Nina walked to the waiting Town Car. “You know where you’re going?” she asked the driver.

“Yes, ma’am,” the chauffeur said.

“Good, ’cause I sure as hell don’t.” She fastened her seat belt and sat back. Soon they were driving along the Pacific Coast Highway. Reality began to set in, and Nina asked herself just what the hell had ever gotten her to agree to come to California and take Robert back with her to Egret Pointe. What if he wouldn’t go? What if he wanted to stay with Sallie Blair? She sipped the coffee and was surprised to find it was a sweet cappuccino. Geez, being rich certainly had its perks. The car began to slow down. Nina swallowed hard. Her armpits felt damp. She hoped they didn’t stink too. What was she going to say? Oh, God! She sipped the cappuccino slowly, then, realizing she would have coffee breath, put it down and scrambled in her clutch for some mints. She chewed furiously as the car swung into a narrow, short driveway lined with greenery.

Her vehicle stopped. The driver jumped out and came around to open the door. “I’m supposed to wait,” he said as he helped her out.

Nina nodded silently. There was no going back now, and she hadn’t come all this way to wimp out now. Taking a deep breath, she strode to the heavy wood door of the house, raised the horseshoe-shaped knocker, and pounded on the portal. There was no answer. Nina banged on the door again and then suddenly it swung open.

“Who the hell are you?” Sallie Blair demanded. “Why are you banging on my door on Christmas morning?”

“I’ve come for Robert,” Nina said. Damn! The actress was really gorgeous.

“Who? There’s no Robert here.”

“Robert Talcott,” Nina insisted.

“I’m telling you there is no Robert Talcott here,” Sallie Blair said.

“You were married to him for twenty-three years and you don’t know his real name?” Nina was astounded. “Lyon Roberts.” She was angry now. This selfish woman was horrible. “I’ve come for Lyon Roberts, then.” She pushed past the petite actress and into the house. “Robert! Robert! Where the hell are you?”

“I’m calling the police,” Sallie Blair said. “You’re crazy.”

“Call them!” Nina dared her. “Robert, damn it! Answer me! I haven’t flown all the way to California for nothing. You’d better get that cute butt of yours out here right now, or I’m going room to room to find you.”

He came into the tiled hallway, and he was laughing. “You are one helluva woman, Nina Parsons! You actually flew out here to get me?”

“Yep,” Nina said, walking straight up into his now outstretched arms, and letting him kiss her very thoroughly. When they broke off the embrace, she told him, “Get your things, Robert. The Mulcahys got me a plane, and it’s waiting to take us home.”

“Lyon! Who is this woman? What does she mean take you home? We have parties all week.” Sallie Blair suddenly looked frail and vulnerable.

God,
Nina thought,
she is good
. “I’m Robert’s fiancée, Ms. Blair. While you have my deepest sympathies on your loss, you cannot have my man.”

“He was mine first.” Sallie Blair’s voice quavered with what appeared to be genuine emotions. She appeared ready to collapse.

“He was
your beard,
Ms. Blair. You let him go because you didn’t need him anymore. And he has a life back east. On Broadway. In Egret Pointe with me,” Nina said, not in the least impressed by the other woman’s attempts at keeping Robert with her.

“
Lyon!
If you leave me I’ll kill myself!” Sallie Blair cried dramatically. She stumbled into the large open living room, which faced the ocean, and flung herself onto a couch. Her hand clutched at her heart. “I can’t bear any more hurt and sorrow!”

“Get over yourself!” Nina said sharply. “Robert may be fooled by your histrionics because he’s a sweet, caring guy with a conscience, but you’re dealing with me now.” She turned to the man in question. “Go pack,” she said. “Ms. Blair and I are going to have a little talk. Then you and I are heading home.”

For some reason, Nina’s tough, sensible attitude was getting through to him. Robert Talcott suddenly realized that his ex-wife had been taking advantage of him. He missed Egret Pointe, and he sure as hell missed Nina. He felt like a first-class fool. “I won’t be long,” he said to Nina.

“
Lyon!
Lyon was a star. I could make him one again!” Sallie Blair half rose, and then fell back on the couch, eyes closed.

“You’re good,” Nina said with a soft laugh.

The actress’s eyes snapped open, and she sat up. “I’m amazed a woman
your
age could attract a man like Lyon,” she said nastily. “He’s always preferred younger women. I don’t think I’ve ever known him to show interest in an older woman.”

“The sex is incredible,” Nina said wickedly.

Sallie Blair’s mouth dropped open with surprise.

“Now, listen to me,” Nina began. “You don’t want Robert. You just don’t want to be alone, and you want someone familiar around you. I understand. I’ve been widowed for a number of years. Robert coming into my life was a miracle. Do you have cable or satellite? Tomorrow I want you to call your provider. Tell them you want the Channel. You will not be alone if you do.”

“What are you talking about?” Sallie Blair wanted to know.

“The Channel is a secret, Ms. Blair. It’s for women only. Any fantasy you want, you can have with the Channel. Men don’t know about it because if they did, they would either take it from us or want it for themselves. Certainly you’ve heard of the Channel Corporation. I believe they own both your studio and the agency that represents you. I want you to trust me on this one. I’m not your enemy. I just want my man back. You wish you could have your Nancy back. Well, you can in the Channel.”

“How do you program a fantasy?” Sallie Blair asked, curious in spite of herself.

“Just think about what it is you want the first time you access the Channel, and it becomes reality. You can program two fantasies in your remote with the A and B buttons. Women all over the world use the Channel. As I said, trust me on this one, because I’m taking Robert out of here as soon as he’s packed. I’m tired of having to listen to all the rumors about you two getting back together again that your flacks are putting out to keep your name in the headlines. Order the Channel tomorrow, and you won’t regret it. If I’ve lied, you can put a hit out on me, okay?”

Robert Talcott came back into the living room with his suitcase. “I’m ready,” he said. “Let’s go home, brown eyes.” The look he gave her was filled with pure love.

Nina smiled. “Merry Christmas, Ms. Blair,” she said, noting even as she said it that there wasn’t a speck of holiday decor anywhere in view in the house.

“Lyon, please, I need you,” Sallie Blair made a final attempt.

“No, you really don’t, Sal,” Robert Talcott said. “Go to Aspen for the rest of the holiday. Don’t you have a picture beginning to shoot soon?”

Sallie Blair sighed. “You love her, don’t you?” she said.

“Yep, I do,” Robert Talcott admitted. “It’s my turn now, Sal.” He put his arm about Nina. “Let’s go home, brown eyes. Do we have snow yet?”

Sallie Blair watched them go, thinking as she did,
Now who can I call?

They walked out to the car. The driver put Robert’s bag in the trunk. Inside the black leather interior of the car, Nina snuggled next to her man. She had done it! She had stolen him back from Sallie Blair! If she had her way, neither of them would ever see the actress again, except maybe on the silver screen. “We should be home before Christmas Day ends,” she said to him. “I’ve got a present for you.”

“Do I have to wait until we get to Egret Pointe to get my present?” he asked mischievously. “I kinda thought we could exchange gifts all the way across the country, brown eyes.” Then he kissed her long and deep.

Nina’s head spun riotously. She broke away from him, laughing. “We have an onboard attendant named Joseph,” she told him.

“Well, then,” Robert Talcott said, “I’m sure when he realizes the situation, he’ll find himself a discreet place to nap for a couple of hours.”

“Are you suggesting we initiate each other into the Mile-High Club, Robert?” Nina asked innocently, eyes wide.

“Why, my darling, that is just what I’ve been thinking,” he said.

“It’s a long trip home,” she said, smiling as she caressed his cheek.