Beneath the Covers (Kimani Romance) (11 page)

France

T
he French countryside greeted Claudia with rich architectural treasures featuring historical chateaus, cathedrals and lavish palaces. But when the car she shared with Ashley and Eugene drove up to a magnificent structure, she could hardly breathe. The exquisite beauty and charm of the castle, which sat prominently on a large manicured estate, was the centerpiece in a small picturesque town in southern France. The castle’s setting among a landscape of hills, woods and ponds provided excellent imagery for the film crew.

The exterior was gorgeous and the interior breathtaking. Claudia marveled at her room, which was decorated with sumptuous blue fabric wallpaper, gold-plated picture frames with images of France’s history and superbly carved ornate furnishings. Claudia immediately set out to explore. Located on the first floor in one of the towers was a suite with a large living space and an enormous marble fireplace, a large double-size poster bed and a panoramic view of the French gardens below with a lily pond, filled with koi goldfish, gray geese and ducks.

On the second floor of the tower was another suite with a large living space, marble chimney and view of the surrounding countryside and woodlands. It had beautiful silver-gray damask wall fabric and antique furnishings. Claudia heard the door open below, went to the main staircase and saw Peter enter.

When he looked up and saw her, she wanted to rush into his arms, but she gripped the railing instead. Only a week had passed, but it felt like years. He nodded in greeting. No one would have suspected that over a week ago they’d shared a shower and created enough heat to melt plastic. Claudia knew now wasn’t the time to get together, so she just smiled and turned away.

“Can you believe this place?” Ashley asked, coming to stand beside her.

“No. I can’t believe we get to stay here.”

“Thank Frank for that. He arranged everything. When he told me his idea to shoot an episode in a castle, my mind went wild with ideas. You won’t believe what I selected for you to wear. I’ve been shopping. Come on.”

Once in Ashley’s room, the two women went through each of the items Ashley had selected. Claudia stopped when she saw a large garment bag hanging on a hook behind the door. “What’s in here?”

“That’s for the party,” Ashley said, pushing it back out of sight. “I’ve scheduled a tailor to come the night before the party to fit you.”

“Can’t I have a peek?” Claudia asked with mounting curiosity.

“No, it’s going to be a surprise.”

Claudia didn’t get to see Peter that day and was surprised when Frank scheduled a shoot for the next day featuring her, alone, taking a perfumery course. The classes were held in a sprawling eighteenth-century farmhouse just outside the town where they were staying. Claudia and the crew arrived early the next morning, traveling in one of the two minivans they’d rented. During the introduction the instructor, a tall sophisticated woman, told them what they would be doing and that they would concoct their own signature scent.

Following a full day of testing, smelling and sampling different fragrances, in the evening the instructor treated them to a full meal of roasted duck breast with pomegranate sauce, rice pilaf, steamed vegetables and a warm chocolate torte with wine from a nearby vineyard. Before leaving, each student was given a take-home sample of his or her creation in a carry-on container that met the airlines’ requisite three-ounce limit. Claudia had hoped to share her creation with Peter, but she didn’t see him that night or the next.

France was a whirlwind of long, exhausting days that kept Peter and Claudia apart, from taping them going for a scenic bike ride, to visiting an old cathedral and exploring a cave. Claudia declined to be part of the cave expedition. On the set, Peter and Claudia felt that all eyes were on them, and they didn’t get a chance to be alone.

“Feel like running away?” Peter whispered while the crew set up. He stood with his back to her so that others wouldn’t notice.

“Yes. Sometimes I get the feeling you’re avoiding me.”

“I’ve been working with Frank. You can always slip into my room at night.”

“By the time night comes, I’m too tired to move. I wouldn’t leave until morning.”

He turned and fingered a strand of her hair. “Sounds like a good idea.”

Claudia brushed his hand away and glanced around in case anyone noticed. “No one can know about us,” she hissed.

Peter grinned. “Don’t worry. People
expect
me to flirt.”

Two more days passed before Claudia had a moment to talk to Peter again. The crew was scheduled to film her and Peter attending a French-cooking class. She looked forward to the class because she knew this would probably be the one chance to get him alone. The class was held in the private town house of a renowned French chef, who had converted the ground floor into a professional kitchen for lessons. Unfortunately for Claudia, the three other female students who had signed up for the class were thrilled to be featured on a travel show from America, and two of them wouldn’t leave Peter’s side.

The course started early in the morning, following a 6:00 a.m. trip to a large open market to buy fresh ingredients. For the next several hours, they created three courses—a starter, main course and dessert. During the class Peter had a terrible time trying to measure some of the ingredients and following instructions, so Claudia helped him by completing the measurements. By late afternoon, they had finished cooking and prepared for a delicious lunch featuring their culinary creations. Outside on a large stone patio, the chef’s assistant displayed their work, which consisted of asparagus and goat cheese tart, Vietnamese monkfish cooked in caramelized nuoc mam (fish sauce) and almond macaroon galette with strawberries. A green-leaf salad, cheese and a selection of French pastries including madeleines and
mille-feuille
drizzled with chocolate and a light vanilla icing, as well as a wonderful French wine, were added to the main dishes. While Lance and the other members of the crew focused on filming the delectable array of food, Claudia pretended to clear something and moved close to Peter. “Will I see you tonight?” she said under her breath.

“You’ll see me at the party,” he said, referring to the fiftieth-wedding-anniversary party the residing owners of the castle would be having and were gracious enough to allow them to film.

“That’s not the same.”

“Do you like your room?”

“I’ll like it better with you in it.”

He smiled. “I’ll see what I can do,” he said then left.

The day before the party, a tailor arrived at the castle promptly at 8:30 a.m. along with his assistant, and spent most of the morning fitting Claudia with her gown, adding a touch of sparkle with a priceless set of jewels.

“I didn’t order this jewelry,” Ashley said, stunned by the selection.

“These were in my instructions,” the tailor said, setting the items on the table.

Neither woman argued.

Peter was the first to see Claudia as she made her way down the majestic winding staircase wearing a shimmering hand-beaded gown that clung to her form like a second skin. Her hair was pulled back, forming soft waves that tapered off at the base of her neck, where a thin white-gold necklace hung above her cleavage. A pair of stunning diamond-pearl earrings and finely woven white lace gloves completed the outfit.

Peter’s look of enchantment was just the response Claudia wanted. But when he walked up to her and reached out for her hand, she drew away.

“Careful, we’re on camera,” she said, motioning to Lance and Roy.

“They’re just getting fillers of the guests and capturing the atmosphere. They’re not paying attention to us.”

“They will if you don’t behave yourself,” she whispered, removing his hand from around her waist.

Peter’s gaze dipped to her cleavage. “I don’t feel like behaving myself.”

Claudia lifted his chin. “Try.”

“You’re not wearing a bra, are you?”

A slight smile touched her lips. “I’ll tell you later.”

“Claudia—”

“You look amazing,” Frank interrupted, measuring Claudia with his eyes. “I couldn’t believe how much Peter spent—umph,” he said when Peter jabbed him in the ribs. He rubbed his side and coughed. “Uh, I mean you look amazing.”

Claudia smiled. “Yes, you said that.” She turned to Peter. “So I have
you
to thank for all this?”

“No, I just helped,” Peter said in a gruff tone, but she saw his ears turn red and he sent Frank a sharp look.

Frank rubbed his head then cleared his throat. “Okay you two, let’s get to work. I want to start shooting in the main entryway, the great hall and then with you celebrating along with the happy couple. Celebrating lasting love always makes for great television.”

“I wish it hadn’t been an anniversary party,” Claudia said, following Frank.

“Anniversaries make you nervous?” Peter asked.

“No, I just…” She sighed. “Do you think lasting love really exists?”

Peter looked at the elderly couple as they gazed at each other with a glow of affection. He then turned his gaze to Claudia, and the light of desire illuminated his brown eyes. “When I look at them, I do.”

T
hat evening Claudia lay in her bed and stared up at the ceiling, remembering the party and Peter. Yes, he’d looked amazing in his tuxedo, and his devilish grin was distracting. But it had been his words about love that had made it hard to focus. He believed in lasting love? And the way he’d looked at her had sent shivers of delight through her. Did that look mean he loved her?

Claudia sat up and ran a hand through her hair, shocked and frightened by her thoughts.
Love? Marriage?
Those were two words Claudia Madison never thought about. But she couldn’t ignore them now. What she felt for Peter was more than infatuation or sentimentality. It was deep and real. Did she love him? There was only one way to find out.

She checked her watch. It was 2:00 a.m. and she hoped he would still be up. She quickly changed then grabbed her coat and peeked her head out to make sure the hallway was clear. Then she hurried to Peter’s suite and knocked.

Peter opened the door and pulled her into his arms and welcomed her with a leg-weakening kiss. “I was wondering how long it would be before you came,” he said.

“Why didn’t you just call me?” Claudia asked, still recovering from the feel of his lips on hers.

“I like to play hard to get.” Peter buried his face in her neck. “Hmm. You smell good.”

“I made the scent myself.”

“You liked your perfume class?”

“I love everything about this trip.” She tugged on the buttons of his shirt. “Especially this.”

He covered her hands. “Wait.”

“What?” She turned to face Peter’s front door. “Did you hear someone?”

“No. I want us to take our time and enjoy this.”

“I always enjoy doing this.”

“I know, but I think we should try a slower pace.”

“Slower?”

Peter nodded. “Unbutton
slowly
,” he said, emphasizing the word.

Claudia hesitated, feeling a little silly, then gradually began undoing one button then the next. By the time she reached the fourth button, she saw the benefit of a more leisurely approach to discovery. Her deliberate motions made their anticipation grow and heightened the atmosphere with an electrical charge. She watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down as he swallowed. “Like this?”

His voice was raw. “Yes.”

She pushed his shirt off his shoulders and let her gaze lazily skim over his broad shoulders and firm chest. Claudia felt his muscles contract under her fingers, and her breath quickened. Her trembling fingers moved to the front of his trousers, and once they were undone she gradually dragged them down.

“Don’t stop now.”

“I don’t plan to,” Claudia said, and his underwear soon followed the same languid path. She looked up at him while still on her knees, her gaze soaking in the beauty of his naked form. She touched the sleek muscle of his thigh and the firm roundness of his calf. He was well made in every part. If things had been different, they would have been celebrating their anniversary. Claudia suddenly realized that her feelings for him had nothing to do with reason. She still loved him. Soon his image was blurred by her tears.

Peter pulled Claudia to her feet and searched her face. “Hey, what is it?”

She lowered her gaze, unable to face him. “Nothing.”

He lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him. His eyes bore into hers. “There can’t be any secrets between us, CC.”

Claudia squeezed her eyes shut and hugged him, burying her face in his neck. “I’m just so happy. The last time I was this happy—”

Her words were cut off when he lifted her into his arms and cradled her close. “Nothing’s going to happen to separate us. Not this time.” He walked over to the bed then gently set her down. “I won’t let it.” He pressed a finger to her lips before she could protest. “Trust me,” he said then undid her coat. His eyes glowed at the sight he saw underneath. He removed her coat then stepped back to let his gaze encompass every part of her. “You look better than I imagined.” He slowly untied the sexy red teddy she wore. “And now I get to take it off.”

Claudia caught her breath when the back of his fingers brushed across her breast, making her nipples hard. Her immediate response surprised her. He’d touched her many times before, but tonight her body was responding to him as if it was the first time.

He heightened her senses to the feel of the satin sheets at her back, his scent, the sight of the damask walls, the sound of his breath against her ear. When he entered her, it was in the same deliberate way he’d removed her clothes. He stirred her senses, surging her into ecstasy. In return she made love to him, letting her body say what she was too afraid to. She let her body worship his. She gave him honor and a pledge of faithfulness, with no thought of tomorrow.

He drifted off to sleep soon after, but Claudia stayed awake and watched him. She wanted to touch him—run her fingers along the stubble on his face; trace his full, soft lower lip—but resisted. How many women had seen him like this, looking as harmless as a little boy? Many, no doubt, but it didn’t matter. She wouldn’t think about them. She couldn’t make this more than it was. She had to leave.

Claudia carefully removed the covers then began to slip out of bed, but Peter’s arm shot around her waist and held her down like an iron grip. His eyes remained closed, but his deep voice didn’t sound sleepy. “Stay.”

“No.”

He drew her to him and nuzzled her cheek. “Please.”

“No.”

He opened his eyes. “I could make you stay.”

She lifted a brow. “But you won’t.”

Peter sighed and reluctantly released her, but not before playfully swatting her on the butt. “You’re too stubborn.”

She only laughed.

He lay on his side, resting his head in his hand. “You don’t have to go,” he said as he watched Claudia change back into the teddy and button up her lightweight spring coat.

“I can’t be seen leaving your room.”
I don’t want to be seen as just another one of your women.

“We don’t need to be secretive.”

Claudia slipped her shoes on. “It’s better this way.” She bent down and kissed him. “Good night.”

She checked the hallway again to make sure it was clear then left. As she turned the corner, she bumped into Roy.

Claudia jumped back and grabbed her chest. “You scared me.”

“He got to you, didn’t he?”

“What?”

“I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“Roy, I can take care of myself.”

“I know a lot more about Warren than you do. He’s not all that he seems.”

Claudia walked past and gave him a quick pat on the arm. “Go and get some sleep.”

“He’s a fraud and I can prove it.”

Claudia stopped and looked at him, intrigued. “I’m listening.”

“I always wondered how he can be friends with all the women he’s been with, and why he’s into a lot of art like the theater and galleries.” He leaned forward. “Musicals.”

Claudia shook her head. “Roy—”

“Haven’t you wondered why he dresses so…” He raised a significant brow. “You know.”

Claudia held up her hand, sensing where he was going. “Roy don’t go there. He’s definitely not gay.”

“I overheard him on his cell phone telling some guy he loves him, and it sounded…you know…serious.”

“It wasn’t—” Claudia stopped, not wanting to burst out laughing. She could imagine Peter’s response to the accusation, but she didn’t know if he wanted people to know about his brother. “He’s not gay.”

Roy gave her a once-over full-body scan. She kept her coat tight and up close. “Just because he can ‘seal the deal’ doesn’t mean he only likes women,” he said.

Claudia grabbed the lapel of Roy’s shirt. “In Peter’s case, he’s not pretending.” She gave Roy a light kiss on the cheek. “But you’re sweet to look out for me,” she said then walked away.

Roy watched Claudia leave, his cheek burning where her lips had just been. He touched his face and sighed. Warren was a lucky SOB.

The next day Peter noticed that Claudia was edgy. “What’s wrong?”

“Roy saw me leaving your room last night.”

“So what?”

“He said he was worried about me. He’s afraid you’ll hurt me because…” She bit her lip.

“Because what?”

“He…he thinks you’re gay.”

Peter blinked then threw his head back and let out a peal of laughter.

“It’s because you like the arts, and he thinks you dress too well,” Claudia added, barely able to keep the amusement from her voice.

Peter laughed even harder.

Claudia started laughing, as well. She fell against him, and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “And he overheard you telling your brother you love him, and he thought—”

“That he was my lover?” Peter finished.

She nodded and they shared a look then burst into fresh peals of laughter.

“What’s the joke?” Frank asked.

Peter waved his hand, begging to stop; Claudia wiped tears from her eyes, unable to respond.

“Well, I hope you two can get yourselves together. We’re ready,” Frank said in a stern tone.

Peter covered his mouth and nodded; Claudia drew in her lips and made a guttural sound indicating her acknowledgment.

Peter managed to control his amusement, but his eyes continued to dance. He glanced up and saw Roy and waved.

“What are you going to say to him?” Claudia asked, suddenly anxious.

“Nothing,” Peter said then swept her into his arms and claimed her lips with a kiss that had her mind spinning. He then released her and smiled. “I think that says everything.”

She stared at him, wide-eyed and shaken.

“This time I’m not doing it for the camera. Now our affair is no longer a secret.” He strolled away, pushing his hands in his pockets.

Claudia stood speechless. So did all the crew members. Then they broke out into a loud applause.

Ashley rushed up to her. “Oh my God, that was amazing. You’ve got so much color in your face you hardly need any makeup,” she said, dusting Claudia’s face with a brush. “Somehow I knew something would happen between the two of you.” She continued to smile.

“Hmm,” Claudia said, not knowing how to respond.

“You two sizzle. That energy had to go somewhere. You lucky girl.”

“Hmm,” Claudia said again, feeling her heart sink. With that one action, her affair with Peter had lost its magic and wonder, and she knew it would just be fodder for gossip and speculation.

“Too bad it won’t last,” Ashley said bluntly. “I see this happen all the time.”

Claudia groaned inwardly. It had been less than ten seconds and already she was getting advice she hadn’t asked for.

“Especially on movie sets,” Ashley continued. “And in the theater. They usually never survive the real world. I mean, how can a real relationship survive after traveling to exotic locations, wearing terrific clothes and staying in a castle?” Ashley swiftly inspected Claudia, tucking a stray hair behind her ear, then nodded. “You’re all set.”

Claudia looked at Peter. Ashley was right, of course. Their affair couldn’t last. But she hadn’t expected it to.

When something’s too good to be true, it usually is.
That’s what her mother kept saying through Claudia’s painful recovery from her accident. After weeks of no response to her letter, Claudia had begun to believe her, although she still had a faint hope that Peter would at least try to reach her. He didn’t.

“I just knew he wouldn’t stick around,” her mother had said. “Handsome and with all that money? No wonder he didn’t come back. He just wanted a good time and that was you, for a while. His type always has someone else waiting in the wings. I’m glad I had your brother get some of your things out of his apartment. It’s time to move on, just as Peter apparently has.”

“Maybe I should have told him about—”

Her mother firmly shook her head. “No, you did the right thing.” She grabbed a tissue and tenderly brushed away Claudia’s tears. “You didn’t want him to marry you out of pity. You’re young and you have so much ahead of you. This is a good lesson. You’ve got to depend on yourself. Don’t expect anyone to take care of you or be there for you. You’re my star. I’ll never forgive him for not replying to your letter or trying to reach you, but it’s best this way. You need to forget him. Look what love did to my life.

“But at least your taste is better than mine. Your father comes from a long line of losers, but I was in love and thought it didn’t matter. Don’t make my mistakes. Choose reason over emotion every time, and you won’t regret a thing.”

And Claudia hadn’t, and wouldn’t. As Ashley had said—it was the exotic locations and fascinating experiences they had that made the relationship work, but could it survive two careers or the harsh reality of deadlines, overdue bills and family? Eight years ago their relationship hadn’t gone through the fire—it had had an almost fantastical, fairy-tale quality. Then fate snatched it away.