A Night of Scandal

‘It was another step up the ladder.’

‘How many steps does this ladder of yours have? You might want to think about taking two at a time or you’re never going to reach the top.’

‘Do you have to be sarcastic about everything?’

‘That play would not have progressed your career.’

‘I had some really original ideas for the costumes. My name would have been on the credits.’

‘Which three people would have seen. Anyway, you’d never have got the job.’

‘Thanks. So not only did you stop me going, but now you’re telling me I’m rubbish at my job.’ She turned her head deliberately and looked out of the window. ‘Just because I don’t work in Hollywood doesn’t mean I don’t have feelings. I think you’re incredibly mean.’

‘Mean?’ Fighting an inexplicable urge to laugh, Nathaniel stared at the back of her head. ‘I haven’t heard that word since I started at boarding school.’

‘I bet you were a complete nightmare at boarding school.’

‘I had my moments. And for your information, I wasn’t being “mean” or sarcastic, I was being honest. They wouldn’t have given you the job.’

Her shoulders grew a little stiffer. ‘I heard you the first time. You don’t need to repeat yourself.’

‘I saw the costume plot. Your drawings are in a class of their own.’

‘Just because I’m not—’ Her head turned. ‘What did you say?’

‘Your drawings are in a class of their own. You have great talent. And you would have terrified them. Your work is far too imaginative and original. They would have gone with something “safe” and predictable that has been done a thousand times before. Provincial, boring producers don’t want to rock the boat.’ That assessment was met with a long tense silence.

‘You think I have talent? You’re not just saying that because I’m angry with you?’

‘I’m saying it because it’s the truth.’

‘Oh.’ A confused frown pulled at her brows. ‘Well, that’s nice. Unfortunately you admiring my work won’t pay my bills or help me up the ladder. Not that I expect you to understand. You live in a world of private jets, bodyguards and limousines. I live in a world of rising debt and unemployment.’

She knew nothing about his world.

‘Relax, wardrobe. I’ll make some calls and get you work in Hollywood. If it doesn’t work out with Alicia, then I’ll call Rupert Schneider or Howard Kennington.’

Her mouth opened and closed. ‘You know all those people?’

‘Yes. And they’re always on the lookout for new talent. They’d love you.’

‘Y-you’d introduce me? Seriously?’ She looked stunned. ‘Well, thank you. It’s nice to know you do, in fact, have a conscience.’

‘Don’t endow me with qualities I don’t possess. I’m introducing you because you have talent, and because I can’t stand a woman who sulks, especially if I’m stuck on an island with her.’

‘You should have thought of that before you forced me to come along with you. There is such a thing as karma, you know. You’ll be punished in some way for doing this to me.’

‘I’m already being punished. I’m about to be trapped on an island with a woman who can’t stop talking. Man’s idea of hell, believe me.’ Smiling, Nathaniel leaned back against the seat and closed his eyes. Immediately, reality closed in and his thoughts turned dark. He saw Jacob sitting in the front row. Saw those dark eyes looking at him. Knowing. They were bound together by the past. Nothing was ever going to change that.

His smile faded and his eyes flew open.

Oh, yes, he was being punished.

‘Are you all right?’ Katie’s big green eyes were full of concern. ‘Only you’re gripping your seat really hard.’

Nathaniel released his grip and the blood flowed back into his fingers. ‘I’m a nervous flyer.’

‘You flew a plane in your last film. You have a pilot’s licence.’