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“So do kidnapping and perhaps even attempted-manslaughter charges when you intentionally trap someone in an oven and leave her for dead.”
“I think the heatstroke has gone to your head. I only intended to delay you until after the show. I even sent Christian for you. Too bad Rory couldn’t separate work from pleasure and had to go as well. That’s clearly changed today. Whatever went on between all of you last night, he’s obviously aligned himself more appropriately, concentrating on the success of this venture, not your drama.”
“And here I’d thought all this time that I was the desperate one,” Bayli said, a hint of sadness in her voice. “I understand your ambition, Lily. I’ve lived and breathed it for so long, I know it’s hard to let it go.”
“Great. We’re on the same page. So glad to hear it, because I don’t have time to continue this discussion. I have a show to star in.”
“You know, I really felt bad when I slept with Christian, then Rory, while I was trying to land the hostess job at that restaurant. It didn’t seem right, ethical, whatever. But I haven’t stooped the way you have. I never would. Never could. I feared I was nearing the end of my rope financially and professionally, but I’d rather pack away my dreams and go home to River Cross with my tail between my legs than stab someone in the back to get what I want.”
“That’s why I’ll be famous. You won’t be. That e-mail stalker of yours really came in handy. I just piggybacked off his ominous comments and left everyone thinking he was the one threatening you. Worked like a charm. Now step aside, beauty queen. I’ve got this.”
Bayli’s teeth gritted. She squared her shoulders. “You just try to take my stage.” Her pulse pounded in her ears; her skin crawled as though all those spiders Lily had sent her crept through her veins. Yet she hitched her chin. “I dare you.”
Lily scoffed, “Go back to the sandbox, Bayli.” She whirled around on her sandals.
Bayli’s heart launched into her throat.
Lily cried out.
In the opening of the tent stood Christian and Rory. Scarlet. Along with two federales, automatic rifles resting in the crooks of their arms.
Bayli said, “I’m guessing a live confession in front of six people will hold up in a court of law. Hmm, Mexican prison.” She made a soft tsking sound. “You might want to check your bedcovers and shoes, Lily. No telling what you might find…”
* * *
Christian was on the patio enjoying an expensive cigar and the phenomenal view—that being Bayli in her bikini as she swam in the infinity-edge pool that gave way to the scenic ocean stretching south with no barriers.
Rory plopped onto a chaise longue beside him and said, “We knocked it out of the ballpark today with the taping. Bayli was perfect.”
Without taking his eyes from the object of his and Rory’s desire, Christian puffed on his stogie, then told him, “You were both perfect together. The way you shift and move with each other, the banter—whether intelligently witty or comically snarky—doesn’t matter. You two were extremely entertaining. We’re definitely going to have a huge hit on our hands.”
“Let’s hope so.”
“I’m not just talking about the show.” Christian set aside his cigar and sipped his cognac. Then said, “I’m talking about our girl.”
Rory grinned. “Yeah, she’s something else.”
They were quiet for a few moments.
Christian knew what Rory was contemplating as surely as Rory knew where Christian’s thoughts were headed.
Rory eventually said, “I’m not the only one in love, right?”
“Right.”
“Then here’s to finally finding the woman we’ve dreamed of, personally and professionally.” He lifted his cocktail and clinked rims with Christian’s glass.
“Ah, playing nice, I see,” Bayli teased as she ascended the steps and grabbed a towel to rub her hair. “No more fighting over little ole me?”
“Well, no guarantee there,” Rory mockingly grumbled.
Bayli sank onto the cushion of Christian’s chair and told them, “I was sort of hoping we could all get along, Rory.”
“Maybe make this a more permanent arrangement?” Christian suggested.
With a radiant smile, Bayli said, “I did get a little thrill over the thought of staying with you after my apartment was trashed. Though I’d really like the live-in arrangement to include Rory, if you could handle that.”
“Long as he keeps his hands off my dick.”
