Trusting Jack Read online

  Norah laughed. “Please join us. I’m so glad to see you again before we start work.”

  Jack and James squeezed into the booth. “I’m terribly excited to begin filming,” Jack said. “I’ve done some reading on Edward II, beyond what we learn in school. It’s interesting.”

  “Emma thinks so, too. She’s knows all about those kings and princes and such,” Norah smiled and waved her hand. “I know I can count on her to keep the facts straight.”

  Jack looked at Emma. “I hope we can spend some time discussing it, then.”

  “That sounds fun. Norah’s eyes glaze over if I talk about history too long.”

  “You’re from the American south, yes?” Jack asked.

  “Mississippi,” Emma confirmed. “Born and raised.”

  “I love hearing you speak. Your accent is

  delightful. American, yes, but with a slow twist.” Jack

  smiled into Emma’s eyes and the warmth in them caused her to blush yet again.

  “Thank you,” she murmured and turned to James. “Are you in the business?” she asked him.

  “I’m afraid not. I’m just a dull, dreary accountant.” A waiter came by and he ordered them another round. Emma laughed.

  “I’ve got an accounting degree,” she confessed. “After graduation I went to New York and that’s when I met Norah. My career had a change of plans.”

  “I’m glad it did, otherwise you wouldn’t be here now. And that, lovely Emma, would be a shame.” He ran a hand down her arm, and smiled at her. “You feel it too, don’t you?”

  She frowned, afraid of what was coming. “Feel what?” she asked warily.

  “That feeling you get here,” he touched her chest lightly, just above the swell of her breast, “that says ‘I like this person immensely and I know we’ll be great friends… but nothing more’.” He grinned when Emma’s laugh rolled out.

  “I do,” she admitted. “I hope you’re ok with that.”

  “I am. You’re beautiful, but much too smart for me. I’m ashamed to say I like a more simple female in my bed. Less complicated.”

  “I do like you,” Emma declared with another laugh. “And I’m relieved I won’t have to crush you with a rejection.”

  “What’s so funny?” Norah wanted to know. She and Jack had been discussing mutual friends, and had lost track of the other conversation.

  “James was telling me what he likes in a woman.”

  “Is that so?” Norah sipped her wine.

  “Yes, and I have to say she meets more than a few of the requirements.” James felt Jack scowl at him and his grin widened. He’d noticed the glances Jack had given Emma. “She and I may have to discuss it further.”

  Norah grinned back at him; she’d noticed the glances, too. Their conversation flowed easily from movies, to New York, to what type of pet was best for an actor. Emma would catch Jack looking at her from time to time, and the unmistakable interest in his eyes made her nervous. She would stutter her words and look away. Jack Brandon unsettled her and she wasn’t entirely sure she wanted to know why.

  It was almost two in the morning when Norah and Emma stood to leave. “I have to get some rest,” Norah explained, “since we’re playing tourist the next few days.”

  “Thank you for a wonderful evening,” Emma said as she held out her hand to James first.

  “It’s been our pleasure,” he replied as he drew her closer for a casual hug. James saw Jack frown and grinned wickedly. He kissed her lightly on the lips. “Lovely Emma, I enjoyed meeting you. And you, Norah.”

  “I hope to see you often,” Norah told him with another smile of her own. Jack and Emma’s response to each other was apparent.

  “Make Jack bring you to the set now and again. Jack,” she said, turning to him. “I can’t wait to begin working with you.”

  “I have a feeling we’ll have fun,” he replied. “Emma, I hope to see more of you, as well.” She looked at him.

  He had unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt. She could glimpse the muscular chest underneath, and his jeans rode low on his hips.

  She took the hand he offered, and those long fingers curled around her wrist. They both noticed how her pulse jumped.

  “Same here,” she managed and quickly took back her hand.

  The men watched as Emma and Norah left the club, then James turned to Jack. “Emma’s lovely, isn’t she? I wonder if that tight little body I felt under the dress is as pretty as her face.”

  “Jesus, James.”

  James laughed at Jack’s pained expression. “I caught you looking at her several times, mate. If you’re interested, say the word and I’ll back off.”

  Jack ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. “I’m interested,” he admitted. “There’s something about her that draws me.” They made their way to the door.

  “Why, that’s brilliant then.” James clapped him on the back. “I’m glad; you haven’t looked at a woman that way since the bloody mess with Sarah.”

  Jack stiffened a bit, but then relaxed. That was over and done with. “We were together almost three years. I’ll admit it was rough going at times trying to forget what happened.”

  “She’s a royal bitch,” James said cheerfully as they got into a cab, “and you’re well rid of her. Lovely Emma is like a breath of fresh air. She’s beautiful and sweet.”

  Yes, Jack thought, she was. He smiled as he realized just how drawn he was to her.

  Chapter 4

  “This is fabulous! Oh, yes, we can be happy here.” Emma laughed as she looked around the house. “Did you see the upstairs? I got dibs on the bedroom closest to the stairs.”

  Norah smiled. “It’s yours. I want the one with the huge bed and closet to match. Have you checked out the bathrooms yet?”

  “Yep. Big, deep tubs. Steam showers. And the kitchen? I can cook some good meals in there.”

  “When I heard small house, I was thinking something really small,” Norah admitted with a little laugh. “But this is perfect. Two bedrooms with walk in closets and a bathroom each upstairs. Kitchen, living room, bathroom and laundry down here. And enough luxury to satisfy even me.”

  Emma went back upstairs to unpack. She looked around and grinned. The king size bed was covered with mounds of pillows, deep blue sheets and a thick white comforter. Her closet had built in shelves and drawers lined with pale gray velvet and scented with lavender.

  The bathroom made her sigh with happiness. The deep marble tub was simply gorgeous; she couldn’t wait to wallow in it. And the shower, with its rainfall shower head, begged to be used.

  “It’s a shame we’re going to Devon so soon,” she called down the hall to Norah.

  “I know,” she called back. “I’m not looking forward to that half as much as I’m looking forward to jumping in this tub.”

  “Want me to cook tonight?”

  Norah came to join Emma in the hallway. “You just want to get your hands on that kitchen.”

  “You got me. All that stainless steel, the butcher block counters. I am my mother’s daughter.”

  “How about we grab some lunch, go to the last meeting with Thomas, and stop at the market on the way home. You can make me some of your famous drunken chicken.”

  “Deal.”

  ***

  Emma watched as Norah and Richard Solomon—portraying Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer—plotted to overthrow Edward II. She smiled, thrilled at how the two managed to bring the scene to life on the open field.

  “They’re brilliant together.” A pert blond with green eyes and a pregnant belly came to stand beside Emma.

  “Yes,” she agreed. “They complement each other very well. I’m Emma.”

  Alison,” she returned as they shook hands. “Jack’s assistant. You’re Norah’s girl, then. I’ll introduce you to our other comrades when we stumble across them.” Alison smiled and Emma sensed they could easily become friends.

  “I see there’s going to be a little one.”

 
With a refuel laugh, Alison patted her stomach. “Not so little I’m afraid, judging by this. And I have two more months to go.”

  “I’m impressed that you’re on location. All this heat. It must be difficult for you.”

  “Some days. But Jack is so good to me that I

  want to stay as long as I’m able. He’ll be without me

  for almost three months.”

  “I’m sure he’ll manage.”

  “Not likely,” a voice behind her said. Emma turned and found herself looking into Jack’s eyes. He smiled warmly. “Alison is a Godsend. I’d be lost without her. She keeps me informed on everything I’m supposed to be doing.”

  “If you would put half as much effort into learning your schedule as you do your lines,” Alison began, then fell silent when the director yelled cut.

  Norah came towards them with a pout on her face. “This damn dress weighs at least thirty pounds,” she complained. “It’s hot as hell out here, too. Emma, will you get me some water?”

  Emma nodded and walked to the tent where the crew stored food and drinks. Her phone vibrated in her pocket. It was a text from Chris.

  How goes it?

  Fine, she texted back. Shooting in Devon.

  Nice. Plan to fly over for a week’s stay. Be there next Friday. Can’t wait to see you. Much love.

  Love back. Emma put her phone back in her pocket, got the water from the cooler, and rushed back to Norah. “Chris is coming over.”

  “That’s great. When?” Norah drank deeply.

  “Next week. I can’t wait!” Emma danced a little with her excitement.

  Jack felt a stab of jealously at the obvious affection in Emma’s voice and frowned. “I hope he’s aware we can’t stop filming because he’s come to visit,” he said harshly.

  Emma stiffened. “He does,” she replied coolly.

  “Chris is a playwright and producer. He won’t interfere.” She dismissed Jack with a flick of her eyes and turned to Alison. “I hope you get to meet him; he’s wonderful.”

  “That would be great,” Alison replied. She was staring at Jack. She’d never heard him speak that way to an assistant before. She began to follow him as he turned and stalked off. “See you,” she waved.

  “Can you believe him,” Emma fumed. “Talking to me that way, treating me as if I don’t know any better.” She pulled the elastic band from her hair and then swept it up again in frustration.

  Norah studied her thoughtfully. “I think he was upset at how excited you were about Chris.” She wanted to tear the veil from her head, but knew she’d catch hell from Thomas.

  “Why should that upset him? He doesn’t even know Chris.”

  “Exactly. He doesn’t know you two are practically brother and sister. I think he likes you, Emma.” She drank again, then twisted the top back on the bottle, and began to fan herself.

  “He’s got a funny way of being friendly.” Emma stomped around some more, agitated with Jack and the heat. “I thought it only got this hot back home.”

  Norah rolled her eyes. “No, silly. He likes you—as in the romantic sense. And don’t change the subject.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous,” Emma said. “He’s got any number of beautiful women he can choose from. He’s not interested in someone like me.”

  Norah sighed. “I keep telling you you

  underestimate yourself. But we’ll talk later,” she said as

  she noticed it was time to begin another scene. She

  handed Emma back the water and made her way to the director.

  Emma was kept busy for the next several hours. Norah became increasingly sullen due to the sun beating down during the shoot. That, combined with the heavy period clothing, made her waspish.

  “Water,” she snapped as she stomped towards the tent again. She was wearing a purple silk gown and held it away from her as much as possible in an attempt to cool down.

  Emma handed her the water and angled a small battery operated fan towards her as she sat. “You look miserable.”

  “I am. We’d have been finished an hour ago if those damn fool extras would do as they’re told. God, my head aches.”

  “We’re almost done,” Emma soothed. “And then we can go back to the trailer.” She thought longingly of their house but knew it would be a few more days before they had that luxury. She stood behind Norah and placed a cool, damp cloth on her neck. “Alison says this kind of heat is unusual and shouldn’t last long. The nights are already getting cooler.”

  “That’s good news,” Norah muttered as she accepted the Tylenol caplets Emma offered. “I’d give several thousand dollars to be back in London. These moors are depressing.”

  “I like them. They’re so empty and open.” Her eyes took in the sweeping land, the fields of heather and the blue, blue sky. “It’s beautiful.”

  Norah eyed her. “There’s not a town for miles

  around, and damn few people out this far,” she complained. “I’d go crazy if I had to live out here alone. And this weather. How are you not hot?”

  “I am. But I’m lucky enough to be able to wear shorts and a tank, not ten yards of material like you. And being out here, getting to see this…I’m enjoying myself.”

  “I’m glad someone is. Damn it, they’re ready to go again.” Emma bit back a smile as she watched Norah trudge back to the crew.

  That night, as Emma cooked, Norah sat at the small table with a glass of wine and watched. “Thomas says we should finish shooting here in two days or so if things keep going so well.” She didn’t enjoy living in a Winnebago during an on-location shoot.

  “That’s good.” Emma pulled the garlic bread from the oven and checked the pasta she’d set to boil. “You’ll be doing mainly inside scenes for a while after this. We’ll be closer to London, too.” She drained the pasta and tossed it with the spicy sauce she’d made to go with it.

  “That set is only a half hour away from our place. We’ll be able to stay home and drive back and forth.”

  “No more sharing a miniscule bathroom. This makes me happy.” Emma smiled as she brought their plates to the table. She poured a glass of the ruby colored Merlot and sipped.

  “Jack is coming over tonight,” Norah said around a bite of pasta.

  Emma’s fork stopped halfway to her mouth. “Why?”

  “We’re going to run some lines. Why does he bother you so much?”

  “He doesn’t….ok, maybe he makes me a little

  nervous,” she admitted.

  “He watches you.” Norah emptied her glass and poured another.

  “Does he?” Emma took a bite. “I haven’t noticed,” she lied.

  “Yes, you have. And I’ve caught you looking at him, too.”

  She defended herself. “He’s appealing. Jack has all that dark hair, and those blue eyes, and his voice is seductive. Any woman would look at him.”

  Norah smiled. “I think he wants to be more than appealing to you.”

  Emma shook her head as she finished her meal. “I don’t think he’s interested in me that way. I’ve seen pictures of Sarah Reed—his ex. I’m nothing like her.”

  “That’s a major point in your favor. She cheated on him, numerous times I think, before he finally ended it. You know,” Norah mused, “I could talk to him for you, maybe get a feel of what he likes in a woman.” Her eyes glittered with amusement.

  Emma raised her hand. “Don’t you dare. I don’t want—“she broke off at the knock on the door.

  “Come in,” Norah called. Jack and Alison stepped into the trailer.

  Jack sniffed. “Something smells wonderful.”

  “Emma cooked tonight. There’s plenty left, if you’re hungry.”

  “I’d like a taste,” Jack said, looking at Emma. He moved toward the stove and bumped into her as she crossed to the sink. He grabbed her arm to steady her, and felt his pulse race when she lifted startled green eyes to his face.

  Emma’s skin tingled as his hand trailed from her arm down to her w
rist. Her eyes locked with his and she stepped closer.

  “Emma,” he said in a husky tone.

  His voice snapped her from her reverie and she pulled away. She turned to Alison. “Want to go for a walk?” she asked brightly, forcing a smile.

  Alison cleared her throat. “Actually, I tagged along so I could drag you out to meet Marcus and Phillip. I believe they’ve planned on drinking a pint or two.”

  “That sounds fun. Let me put on my shoes and we’ll go.” Emma fumbled with her sandals, then stood and gave Norah a tight smile while avoiding looking at Jack. “Be back soon.” She and Alison stepped out, and Emma closed the door with a bang.

  Norah waited until the door was closed before she turned to Jack. “What are you doing?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Emma, Jack. What are you doing,” she repeated.

  “Do you object to me getting to know her, then?” Jack stood where he was and looked at Norah.

  “Not at all. But you need to know Emma’s not the type of woman for a quick bang.”

  He straightened. “I have too much respect for Emma—for any woman, for that matter—to ever treat her like that. I’m intrigued by her,” he said with a shake of his head. “I’d like to ask her to dinner but she won’t stay in my presence long enough for me to try.”

  “You make her nervous.” Norah stretched and poured more wine. She’d decided to do what she could to promote his interest. “She’s still unsure of herself.”

  “Unsure, how?”

  “Her ex-husband did a real number on her self-esteem, caused her to hide for a bit. This is her first foray back into life,” Norah told him.

  “That certainly explains a lot,” Jack considered. “She’s always jumpy whenever I come near her.”

  “That’s because she’s attracted to you but doesn’t know what to do about it.”

  “Is that right?” Jack’s grin spread slowly across his face. “I believe I can help her with that.”

  “She’s been hurt, Jack. She’s my friend and I don’t want her hurt again.”

  “I won’t push her,” he promised. “But I won’t step back either.”