Jane Millionaire
Page 70
“I.” She winced. “Yes, I’m fine. It’s just,” she paused, searching for the right words. “I think I forgot who I really am today.”
“Huh?”
She shook her head and ignored the tiny spurt of pain the motion triggered. She’d refused medication when Jeff offered. Good thing, too, as she was slipping out of character enough as it was.
When they entered the room set up for the filming of the show, Jill’s gaze immediately met Rob’s.
# # #
Rob’s breath lodged in his throat. Jill on Jeff Kensington’s arm wasn’t what he wanted to see. Although it should have been.
Her wide green eyes searched his. For what he wasn’t sure, but could guess. She had to be wondering if her dip in the lake had changed things between them.
It hadn’t.
Although he had slipped and called her by the wrong name. Had gotten caught up in the emotions of the moment and kissed her forehead.
None of the crew had mentioned the incident. Possibly no one had noticed.
More likely they just weren’t commenting.
Damn, he could have screwed up everything. He wouldn’t ruin this show. Not for any reason.
He looked away without acknowledging her presence, determined to not give any indication that she looked lovely in her elegant blue gown or that he’d wanted to take Jeff Kensington’s place at her side.
“Wow, I think she’s more stunning every time I see her.” JP walked up beside him.
He ignored the comment. Why admit that JP was right? “Is everything ready?”
“Of course.” JP nodded toward Rob’s tuxedo. “Have to say, you’re looking quite spiffy tonight yourself.”
Rob rolled his eyes. “Come on, let’s get this over with.”
When everyone was in place, Rob ran through his spiel as host. Smiling and providing a witty narration that led into scenes that would be inserted into the show at a later time.
When the filming ended, he turned to find Jill standing next to him.
She reached out to touch him, then stopped, her eyes full of confusion. “I wanted to thank you for what you did earlier.”
Rob shrugged. “It was no big deal.”
“You saved me.”
“Possibly.”
“I owe my life to you.”
“You don’t owe me anything.”
“Rob, about last night,” she said, but he shook his head.
“No. Don’t even say it. Last night never occurred.” He met her gaze and squared his shoulders. “You think you owe me something? Fine. Repay me by forgetting that last night ever happened.”
Shock registered on her face. “But.”
“No buts about it.” He scanned the room to make sure no one had noticed them. Only JP, a few crewmembers and a couple of bachelors remained. None were paying them any attention. “Last night shouldn’t have happened. Regardless of what we said, I should have sent you back to your room. If I could do last night over, that’s exactly what I’d do.”
But he was lying. He knew it and suspected she did, too. But he wouldn’t retract the words. She had to focus on Jane. On the bachelors. On Jeff Kensington.