AllFreeNovel
Share Us
This was the part of their relationship that made the most sense. Falling into bed was so much easier than falling into love.
In the sweet, sweaty aftermath, Jake rolled onto his back and starfished on his bed.
"I have wanted to do this for weeks." He made an abbreviated snow angel in his twisted sheets.
"What? Burrow into your own bed?"
"Yes, with you." He traced a finger down her bare arm. She curled into his side like a kitten and snuggled in, running her fingers through the dark hair on his chest. "I've wanted to share this part of my life with you."
Frankie didn't say anything to that, not wanting to spoil the lovely mood, but she still wasn't convinced there was space for her here, despite the ocean of taupe satin she was currently lounging in.
"You're still nervous about tomorrow, aren't you?" This was more statement than question, so Frankie didn't offer up an answer. He sighed when she sat up and began to put her clothes back on. "Okay, okay. I get it. Let's go find you a dress."
CHAPTER22
Jake followedFrankie up the gangplank and only stared at her ass once. He'd gotten distracted by her hips, and then followed the bare curve of her spine from her waist to her shoulders. She'd kill him if he kissed her there, at that spot where her neck curved into her hair. They were at a work function, and she was still nervous. He wasn't about to add to that by broadcasting their relationship. But he'd kiss that spot twice later to reward his restraint.
He was so gone for her. It was getting harder and harder to do his job around her. He found himself easing off on the challenges he threw in her path on the jobsite. He had the bulk of them filmed already anyhow. It was really hard to watch her struggle, but it was going to make her triumph all the sweeter. And he had no doubt in his mind that she would triumph.
She was the most determined person he'd ever met and had the skills to pull it off. The show was going to be a hit once they finished the last bit of filming. Juggling one build over six different episodes was challenging, because everything was going to be done at about the same time, so he couldn't put any of the episodes in the can until they were completely finished and had filmed the reveal. He couldn't wait. In a few short weeks, all of his hard work would pay off when he could show the network that they had been right to trust him.
Frankie fiddled with the strap of the gown they'd found yesterday. With the help of a stylist he'd worked with in the past, they had settled on a red backless calla lily number with thin straps and a plunging neckline. The long slit up the front turned her leg into the stamen of the lily, while the dress formed the curled petal. Frankie's thin frame played off the barely there maxi-dress beautifully. The true genius though was the long skirt. It rippled and rolled as she walked.
She'd fought him on heels. He'd wanted to see her legs in them, even if stilettos were banned on deck. She could have worn the wedges. Frankie argued that being in a dressandon a boat were challenges enough, and that she needed to be able to walk. The bohemian tan leather sandals she wore gave the dress a more laid-back vibe. Just the right approach for a party like this. Put together but not trying too hard. His director's eye and his lover's heart were in agreement.
She was confident beauty in motion as she strode onto the yacht and joined the line at the bar. And he was the lucky fuck who got to stand by her side.
Jake grinned as she came back with two flutes of champagne and handed him one. Life was good.
He scanned the growing crowd on board, seeing fellow showrunners and executive producers he'd worked with in the past. There were a few "talents" mingling as well. Nobody too outrageous. He could just swan through the next five hours, glad-handing and small talking, and then he'd have the rest of the weekend to hole up with Frankie.
Jake wondered if he should make reservations at his favorite brunch place, or if that would be presumptuous. He toyed with the idea of taking her up to the Getty. Would she like that? She literally tugged him from his thoughts, her grip tightening on his arm.
"Is that Wilder Malone?"
He followed her gaze through the crowd, and noted the baseball-star-turned-home-designer. "It is indeed. He's doing a show where he creates sports-themed man caves for guys and surprises them with celebrity visits. Want to meet him?"
Frankie whimpered and turned her back on the guy. "I. Can't. Do. That," she hissed.
"Of course you can. I'll just ask him to come over—"
She gripped his button-down shirt up by the collar and pulled him down to her level. "Don't you dare." Her glare was furious but he saw the fear beneath it.
"Frankie, listen. I know you feel out of your depth here, but I'm going to let you in on a little secret. You are a talent too. People here will want to meet you because they've fallen for you on TV. They are waiting anxiously for this new show. You one hundred percent belong on this boat as much as anyone else does." He clinked his champagne to hers. "You're a star, baby."
Frankie shook her head and laughed. "You're crazy, you know that?"
"Crazy for you." It scared him a little to think how much he meant that. He caught himself right before he leaned in to kiss her.
"Hey, hey! If it isn't J.R. Hudson!"
Great, Fowler is here.
"Very funny, Greg. You know I go by Jake Ryland now."
"I'd heard…but I'm not looking for Jake. I need J.R."
Greg Fowler was a new hotshot showrunner whose style was all flash and little substance. Jake turned away, intending to dismiss the asshole, but the man grabbed his arm.
