“Put on your pants, Ray. Please?” I jumped between him and the door. No way was he going out there naked in front of Valdez. “I’ll wear your shirt.”
“What’s the matter? Afraid Rafe will get jealous if he thinks you and I did the wild thing in here? Or report your infidelity to Blade?” Ray feinted right, then left, but I didn’t fall for his tricks. I just stayed in front of the door.
“I’m serious, Ray. This is nonnegotiable. If I have to”—I grabbed a lamp—“bean you over the head, you’re going to put on those pants.”
Ray grinned and picked up a lamp of his own. “Dueling lamps. Let’s go, baby. I’d love to see Blade lose his security deposit.”
I just shook my head. I knew what Ray was doing. Playing to save his pride and maybe give me time to get over my urge to cry, which was pretty strong right now. I think I loved him more in that moment than I ever had. But having sex with him wasn’t the right move here. Wrong place, wrong time. I wished for a shred of dignity. Forget it. Not while I was standing there naked, wearing nothing but a frown.
“Humor me. I refuse to flaunt my love life in front of the hired help.” God, I hoped that hadn’t carried into the den. I’d never thought of Rafe as just an employee. But whatever worked at this point. “We can waste time like this until the sun goes down and Jerry comes out of his bedroom. Don’t think that’s a threesome you’d enjoy. Blade would be wanting to kill you for being here. But it’s your call.”
“Shit.” Ray grabbed his pants and stepped into them. “Now, move.”
I smiled and did just that, then grabbed his shirt and slipped it and my thong on. They covered me enough for modesty, and I followed Ray. Twilight streamed into the living room through the sheers, and Ray stopped and stared for a moment. Then he was slapping Rafe on the back and talking a mile a minute.
“See that Jet Ski? I have one like that on the island. No, mine’s got a larger engine.” He leaned forward. “Fool’s going to turn over.” He laughed. “What did I tell you? Glory, check it out. Look what’s coming down the sand. You ever see a dune buggy before?”
I joined him at the window. “Not until this morning. Funny how Ian’s formula works differently on some of us. Guess Jerry is still dead to the world.” I took Ray’s hand. “And a double dose let you stay up all day.”
He grinned. “Blade will be sorry he missed this. But I bet the Campbells stop feuding now that Blade’s realized Ian’s stuff is the real deal and he saw the sunrise this morning. He did see it, didn’t he, Glory?”
“Sure did. He’s all for ending the feud now. That’s what he plans to tell his father.”
“Guess he’ll shift out of here when he wakes up.” Ray turned to Valdez. “Rafe, call Fred and arrange to have the limo pick up Glory and me here after dark. You know, I want to buy a place on the beach. I wonder if this one is for sale.” Ray couldn’t quit smiling.
I saw Rafe pull out his cell phone. He just turned his back and hit speed dial. The hired help. Okay.
“Talk to Chip. If you’re staying in L.A., he has several properties he’s trying to sell. Check out all his listings.” I turned back to the beach. A group of teenagers had gathered wood and looked ready to light a bonfire. What fun.
When I’d been sixteen, I’d already run away from home and married an actor. It had been a hard life and, after he’d died, worse than hard. My parents had decided it was better to pretend I was dead than admit I’d made such a foolish choice. So I’d had no support. No wonder Jerry had been so important to me and I’d jumped at the chance to be taken care of.
Of course I’d loved him and been dazzled by his power and sensuality. I’d never known a man like him before, a vampire. I’d been so grateful that he’d wanted me I’d been blinded to the complications my choice to join him for eternity brought with it. And every time I’d tried to think, to analyze why I might hesitate, he’d put his hands on me and I was lost. Damn. No wonder I had this simmering anger that had no place to go.
I turned to Ray. Not angry with him. But not going to take advantage of his gratitude either. I smiled.
“Do what you want, Ray. But no hasty decisions. That’s my best advice.”
“You’re right, Glory. I’ll take my time and do this right. Rent first, then buy later. L.A. is where I need to be. Close to Ian and his miracles. And close to the music scene. Nate’s told me that a time or two or six.” Ray slipped his arm around me. “Stay. We can have a ball here.”
I leaned against him. “I’m tempted, but no. I’m heading home tomorrow. I’ll check into flights.”
“The limo’s not that far away. With traffic, it should be here in half an hour. Right after dark.” Rafe walked up to stand beside me. “Nice evening. I get this is big for both of you. Guess MacDonald is something of a genius.”
“You bet he is.” Ray walked to the door. “It’s almost dark. I’m going outside. If I freak or start frying, pull me in, Rafe.”
I started to call him back, then realized it was too late, Ray was already out there. He was right. The sun was slipping below the horizon. In about ten minutes or so we would have been waking anyway. Ray stood, arms out like he was hugging the last bit of daylight. Thank God he didn’t seem to be having any bad reaction to it. He grinned and waved me to come on out.
I ran to join him. So we stood there hand in hand and felt the magic. I tucked the memory away in my Israel Caine scrapbook. For once I wished for one of those damned paparazzi. A picture would have been nice. But, as the sun finally disappeared, I knew a photo wasn’t necessary. The smell of wood smoke, the crash of the waves and the giggles of teenagers along with the feel of Ray’s hand in mine were enough to make this a moment I’d never forget.
Nineteen
“You’re not really leaving, are you, Glory?” Ray watched me carefully fold that beautiful red dress and place it in my suitcase.
“’Fraid so.” I’d tried it on one last time. Snug. Of course. The reentry into Glory as usual had already begun. Actually going back to Austin would just make it official.
“I had Nate book you a first-class seat. Here.” Ray stuck a packet into the side pocket of the case.
“I’m not taking money from you, Ray.” I started to take it out, but he put his hand over mine.
“It’s not money. It’s a return ticket. So you can come back.” He grinned and pulled me into his arms. “You know you’re going to miss me.” He had me up against him and I had to admit I missed him already.
“Of course I will. But you’ll get busy and the women will be hitting on you, as usual. And”—I slid my hand along his jaw—“one of those hot female vamps we saw at that Masters’ Club will initiate you like you deserve.”
“I wanted it to be you, babe.” He turned his head and teased my fingers with his teeth. “We’d have been great together.”
“I know.” I laid my head on his shoulder. “Give me some space, Ray. I’m too tangled up in this business with Jerry to get involved, really involved, with you.”
“Yeah, I knew he’d be part of this.” Ray kissed the top of my head. “He’s in the living room. Surrounded by my guys from the band and looking like he wants to be anywhere but here. Too damned bad.”
I leaned back. “I didn’t even sense him come in.”
“Maybe because he behaved himself for a change. Used the elevator, not the balcony, and actually knocked on the door.” Ray put his hands on my shoulders. “You ready to see him? Is he going home with you?”
“Don’t know about that, but, yeah, I need to talk to him.” I smiled and pulled Ray’s head down to kiss his lips. “Thanks for being so cool about this, Ray. I’ll keep that ticket. And if you ever need me, I’m here for you.”
“Good to know.” His eyes glittered and he did what he always did, had to take this to another level. “If this is my kiss-off, Glory girl, it’s got to be a good one.” He pulled me to him, slid his hands down to my hips and snugged me as close as we could get with clothes between us.
I sighed and slid my arms up around his neck. I looked into his eyes and saw my reflection. I was Glory fangirl, Glory who melted when she heard the right song and Glory who knew a good man when she kissed him. I pulled his head down and let him know just how much he meant to me.
For a minute or more I thought I might not be able to go away after all. Oh, but he made me feel things. Then I heard the bedroom door open and the blast of music from the living room along with the shouts of the celebration still going on. Ray’s Grammy win. A boon for him and his band. The guys had been all over him the minute we’d walked back into the hotel the night before.
Finally, Ray lifted his head and licked his lips. “I’m going to remember that. But it won’t be enough.”
I gently eased my hands from around his neck and stepped back. I knew who was behind me. Now that he was in the room, I couldn’t miss his scent or his disapproval. I wasn’t about to turn around, though, and ruin this moment for Ray.
“Come visit if you get the chance.” I touched my swollen lips. “And I’ll remember that too.” I blinked back sudden tears. “Take care of yourself. Promise?”
“Brittany’s staying with me. She’ll be my watchdog during the day.” Ray glared at the man behind me. “He gives you any trouble, shout and I’ll throw his ass off the balcony.”
“You and what army, Caine?” Jerry’s voice was a growl.
“I’ll be fine. Go enjoy your win with your guests, Ray. I’m not leaving for another hour. I’ll see you before I go.”
“Right. Dismissed. I get it.” He frowned and kissed me on the cheek, then strode out of the room.