Danger Zone (7 page)

He set his glass down and got back to the topic. “Did you do any other stunts?”

She grinned shyly. “I did three other falls. The one I did first was the last sequence. Usually they shoot the end first in case something goes wrong.”

“Ah, that’s the reason you’re doing all the tough stunts now at the beginning of the movie,” Quinn said.

She tapped her nose. “Bingo.”

“Okay. You did all these falls and you were brilliant. What happened next?”

Shaking her head, she blushed again. He loved watching the color rise in her cheeks. “At the end of the night, Al, the stunt coordinator, gave me his card and told me to call him the next day. He said he liked my style and he’d take me in. Teach me the ropes. I still had to prove myself and I had a lot to learn, but I had a good look as far as Hollywood went. I could double for just about any blonde in town.”

“Not to mention the brunettes,” Quinn reminded her. After all, Julie Fraser was as brunette as it got.

Ellie grinned. “Julie and I had met a few years ago on her show and we got along, so anytime she needs a stunt double, I get the call.” She sipped her iced tea.

Quinn had seen every episode of Julie’s show
The Only Way
and he never remembered any stunts. “What episode did you do?”

“Well, I did a total of three. The first time was when Julie’s character flips the karate instructor. Actually, I was the one doing the flipping.”

“No kidding?” Quinn couldn’t help but be impressed. He’d seen that promo a hundred times during the week before it aired. The woman had been a knockout even wearing a white, shapeless gi. Hell, now he really wanted everything. “What else did you do?”

“The episode where she jumped in the pool at her boss’s party, that was me, and when she fell out of the tree spying on her sister.”

“Those were the best episodes!” Quinn sputtered. “And it wasn’t even Julie? It was you?”

She nodded. “Me.” Her green eyes sparkled and pride shown bright. Not conceit, but pride. She liked that she’d surprised him. Almost as if it were something she didn’t get a chance to do often.

Quinn shook his head. “You’ve totally screwed with my whole image of Julie Fraser, but it’s okay. That’s probably a good thing really.”

“How so?”

He leveled her with serious eyes. “Now I see who should really be getting the credit.”

A reluctant smile curved her lips and an unexplained sense of warmth crept into Quinn’s chest. He liked her reaction to him. Hell, he damn well liked everything about her.

“Julie deserves a ton of credit. She’s very talented. People have no idea how hard it is to be funny. She’s got great timing and she’s a nice lady. I hope this movie does well for both her and Trace’s sakes.” Her sincerity came through in her voice, but their gazes locked and turned into something electric.

Ellie cut the connection and continued to play with the water drops on the table. Her shyness fascinated him. She worked in a town full of narcissistic people yet she seemed to be anything but one of them.

“What was the next stunt you did?”

“Oh, no. We’re not talking about my stunt work all night,” she said, shaking her head. “I’ll tell you that Al was very nice and taught me so much. I’ve learned a ton and I’ve made a living, but there’s a point in your life when things have to change.”

The food arrived and that seemed to end the conversation as Ellie concentrated on her dinner. She shelled her lobster like a pro. After slicing it, she eased half onto his plate. Quinn reciprocated and gave her half his dinner too. He couldn’t take his eyes off her hands as she cut off a bite of lobster, dipped it in the cup of butter and wrapped her lips around the fork. A tiny drop of butter slid down her chin and Quinn felt the instant throb of lust between his thighs.

Shit. He’d been doing so well.

He’d followed the limo. Seen the restaurant. It was just like Reynolds to flash his money. The guy only knew one way to impress a lady. He’d been keeping tabs on him since the accident six months ago and this was Reynolds’s first foray back into the dating scene. Maybe his last.

That thought brought a smile to his lips. Reynolds had no idea what was coming his way.

So, did he hit him tonight, or did he wait? He could still get the company without killing Reynolds. He’d already made one man disappear, so two might be suspicious. And, obviously, he didn’t want witnesses. It wasn’t fair for the blonde to die, but she’d put herself in the danger zone so she’d suffer the consequences if need be.

He had a gun. He could take them both out in a heartbeat. If he made it look like a robbery then there’d be less suspicion in the long run. Los Angeles was a big city. Bad things happened. They were on a secluded beach, so it might work… And the blonde was a knockout. Maybe, if he had time, he could enjoy the experience while he was at it. Scared women were most often willing women. He knew that for a fact.

He warmed to the idea. Waiting for Mac Reynolds to rein in his little brother held very little appeal. He could follow them home tonight. Do the deed and be done.

This would be Quinn Reynolds’s last vacation. Maybe, if the mood suited, he’d let Reynolds die a quick death. Just knowing he held the man’s life in his hands gave him a sense of power. He pulled the strings and Reynolds would realize that by the time he died. It was just a matter of when.

Ellie reached for her napkin and quickly dabbed at the butter on her face. “Oops. Sorry,” she mumbled. How embarrassing. The heat of Quinn’s gaze sent her heart thumping harder. Had the restaurant suddenly gotten warmer or was his undivided attention making her sweat?

She broke their stare and sipped her tea. “Your turn,” she said. “I don’t even know what you do. Are you helping with the movie in some way?”

Shaking his head, he swallowed a bite of food. “No. I’m here on business. I need to talk to Mac, but he’s been preoccupied.” Quinn took a sip of his drink. “I run our company.”

The man took charge of every aspect of his life. He certainly had a presence about him.

“What company?” she asked.

“Formula Racing Design. FRD. We design and build Formula Ones and have our own race team out of London.”

“Sounds…interesting.” And expensive. But she’d been working around people with money for ten years and it wasn’t what impressed her about a person.

“It’s not that interesting. Not to me at least,” he said.

“Why do you do it if you don’t like it?”

“My sentiments exactly,” he said, pointing his fork at her. “You want to talk to my brother and tell him that for me. He’s apparently gone deaf when it comes to my voice.”

“He must have a reason.”

Quinn took another bite of his dinner and made a snort/growl sound. “Oh, yeah…” His voice got louder and dripped sarcasm. “He’s got a lot of reasons,” he said around his food. “But they’re all based on—” He looked up, his light gray eyes filled with frustration. “Sorry.” Swallowing his bite, he wiped his mouth with a napkin. “This isn’t an easy subject for me. Mac and I…” He shook his head, couldn’t seem to elaborate, but it didn’t sound good. “I gave myself two weeks to convince Mac that it’s time to sell the company. He told me not to come. Said he’d be consulting and had to work to do, but I’ve been letting him stall me for months and I’m done waiting. Just when I think I might get some time, he starts talking to the stunt coordinator or the director, or Trace needs him for something. I can’t believe I’ve been here six days already and I’ve hardly had ten minutes alone with the guy.”

Obviously Mac was a sore subject, but maybe Quinn needed someone to talk to. Seemed like the least she could do since he was picking up the dinner tab. “Sounds like you knew it was going to be tough.”

“What I know is that I need the break. I’ve been working nonstop for two years to get the company to this point and if I want things to change, now’s the time to strike.”

“How do you want things to change?”

Quinn shook his head and closed his eyes. “There are too many ways and not enough time to answer that question.” When his fascinating light gray eyes opened and focused on her it was as if the noise of the restaurant disappeared. “It comes down to this. I want to lead my own life. My way.”

“You and Frank Sinatra.”

He smiled at her, not the grin that melted her bones, but one that spoke to her heart. “I’ll do anything, talk about almost anything, but do you think we could change the subject?”

Wow. How could she refuse a request so sincere? Not for the first time, she realized there was more to Quinn than he let show. No reason to make the man miserable. Their one date didn’t have to be a washout. They’d be better off sticking to trivial matters anyway.

“Okay. Didn’t mean to hit a sore spot.”

“Not a problem. Tell me more about you.” He sat forward and took another bite of his dinner.

She played with the potatoes on her plate. “You already know about my job and living arrangements. And my
age
,” she added. “Don’t think that got by me.”

He laughed and wiped his lips with a napkin. “C’mon, you’re gorgeous. Don’t tell me you’ve already fallen into the age trap. I swear it’s this state. The women in Europe aren’t at all as paranoid about age.”

“The women in Europe don’t work in a town where age discrimination is so prevalent either.”

He nodded. “Gotcha. Point made. And if it helps at all, we’re the same age.”

Dinner continued with a steady stream of conversation. Movies, music, food. Whatever came to mind. Quinn laughed at her jokes and one-liners and she enjoyed his just the same.

The waiter came by offering dessert menus.

Ellie pushed back a twinge of anxiety and twirled the ring on her pinkie finger. Great. Another menu. Usually, playing this game of
pretend-to-read
didn’t bother her, especially since she did it so often, but tonight she felt strangely nervous.

“What looks good to you?” she asked Quinn. The letters all jumped out at her and very few made sense. She caught the words
apple
and
chocolate
, but it simply took too long to figure out most of the choices.

Quinn settled on chocolate mousse and Ellie ordered the same. Nice and simple.

After the most mouthwatering dessert known to man, Quinn paid the bill and they left. They stood off to the side of the building watching the water. “How about a walk on the beach?” he asked. “I haven’t gotten a chance to do that yet.”

The sound of waves crashing in the distance and a cool breeze had her senses alive and alert. The majesty of the ocean had always amazed her, awed her. Ellie checked her watch. “I’ve got another twenty minutes before we have to start back. Why not?”

He cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. “You seriously have to be back home by eleven? You know, you’re an adult now. No curfew.”

She nodded. He was too cute for her own good. “Self-imposed curfew. I told you I have a big stunt tomorrow. I don’t want to stay out all night and be useless. I need to concentrate.”

Quinn raised his hands in surrender. “Okay. Okay. Twenty minutes. C’mon.”

They walked around the building toward the water. The moonlight shone bright and mirrored off the Pacific Ocean. The rush of the surf and salty smell of the ocean filled her senses while the cool breeze blew through her long hair.

A funny prickling itched her neck and Ellie looked around. Nothing seemed out of place and she attributed the sudden shiver that ran down her spine to the light wind.

Ellie slipped off her sandals and Quinn followed her lead, taking off his shoes and socks. He rolled up his Armani pants and Ellie got a good look at muscular calves and… Holy Huge Feet, Batman. If foot size had anything to do with—

“You ready?” he asked.

She straightened with her shoes dangling in one hand. The killer smile on his face lit up the beach almost as much as the moon. “Yep.”

Ellie gathered her skirt and lifted it thigh-high as Quinn and she walked along the water’s edge. The cool tide washed around her ankles in a sensual caress. The peaceful sound of the surf relaxed her.

Her original assessment of Quinn hadn’t been too fair. She had to acknowledge that now. All through dinner, he’d been fun, engaging and downright likeable. Still, the cautionary phrase,
Don’t feed the ego
, rang in her head.

“How long have you and Ashley been roommates?” he asked.

“Since the end of high school. Once I started stunt work I was able to move out of my parent’s house and afford my own apartment. I didn’t have as much work then and I needed to be sure I could cover the rent. Ashley was working and going to school so it was smarter for us to room together.” The tide came in fast and cool around her calves.

“How come you haven’t gotten your own place? From the sound of it, you’re working steadily enough. Why keep a roommate?”

She couldn’t tell him the real reason they still roomed together, that without Ashley, she’d be unable to survive. Although she had more than enough money for a down payment on a house, she couldn’t imagine the paperwork involved. It was way beyond her grasp.

“Why not?” she answered. She stopped to brush off a tiny pebble stuck to her foot and Quinn stopped with her. “We’re saving money, we get along better than most sisters. Hell, we could be sisters. There are a lot of reasons.”

“Watch it!” Quinn shouted. Fear bolted through her at his warning. “Surf’s up!” In the next instant he swept her high in his arms and turned away from the water. The motion caught her off guard and Ellie held on to his broad shoulders when he swung her around. The rush of the tide splashed against her ankles even as Quinn held her high against his chest. With her palms braced on his shoulders, the water swirled around him almost thigh-high. The water rushed out as quickly as it had come in.

“Oh my God,” Ellie said, her heart beating frantically. “You scared me to death. I didn’t see that coming at all.” The poor guy. “You’re soaked.”

He still held her high, one strong arm wrapped under her ass, the other holding his shoes. He gazed up at her, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “But we saved your skirt. Mission accomplished.”

Looking down at his moonlit face, Ellie’s heart thumped hard for a different reason. His intense focus made her giddy and nervous. “I guess I owe you one.”

“I guess you do.” His low voice caressed her as soft as a touch. Sent a rush of goose bumps across her skin. Quinn took a few steps away from the tide and onto drier ground. The stars twinkling overhead had nothing on the sparkle in his eyes.

“I think you can put me down now,” Ellie said. It might have sounded more convincing if she hadn’t whispered it.

Quinn kept her right where she was. “What if the tide comes in again?” he whispered.

“Then I guess we’ll both be wet.” The words were out before she realized the double entendre. Her face flushed and she hurried on before he could comment. “I feel bad. Your suit may never be the same again.”

“I don’t care. It’s just a suit.” His low voice and piercing gaze sent her pulse skittering faster. He couldn’t hold her like this all night.

The hairs on her nape stood on end and Ellie looked around. She saw another couple strolling along the water.

“You should put me down now,” she said again.

His grin widened and that outstanding smile decimated her. “Do I have to?”

She laughed at his disappointed little boy tone and nodded. “Yes. You have to.” Slowly, he slid her flush against his muscular chest until their gazes locked eye to eye. Ellie’s smile faded as she smelled the mint candy on his breath from the restaurant and caught the intoxicating aroma of his cologne. Good grief. If he set her down now, she might fall over.

“Just so you know,” he whispered, “I don’t mind holding you. I kind of like it.” He tipped his head a fraction as though he might kiss her. There would’ve been no better time. Under the moon and stars with the waves crashing nearby. It was movie perfect.

Maybe that’s what set off the alarm in her head.

“We should probably head back now.” Damn, why was her voice so soft?

His lips curved into a grin. “If you say so.”

She fully expected him to slide her down the rest of his body—just to make an impression. If he was anywhere near as aroused as she was, then he had a package in his pants as hard as a post. In her experience, a man wanted to “share the wealth.” Instead, he set her on the sand and stepped back. He buttoned his jacket, though his pants were soaked from midthigh down and clinging to his solid legs, making it hard for her to turn away.

“You poor guy. That must be really uncomfortable.”

“Not as uncomfortable as…forget it.” He shook his head and chuckled as if he had some inside joke. “C’mon, let’s go back.”

“Right.” That little encounter was too close for comfort. Her comfort. Brushing up against his hard body felt better than savoring the chocolate she’d had earlier. Imagine having a choice between Quinn and chocolate. Better yet, imagine licking chocolate off Quinn’s solid chest. God, she needed to wash her brain out with soap.

“Let me know how much the dry cleaning bill is. The least I can do is pay it since you saved my outfit.”

He glanced at her as they headed toward the restaurant. “You’re sweet to offer, but it’s not necessary. C’mon.” He held out his hand.

She took his hand and they walked back to the parking lot in silence. There was something about the way they moved together. In perfect step with each other. Something about the way his warm hand engulfed hers and gave her a sense of security she hadn’t felt in a long time. There was nothing creepy or sinister about him.

At the car, the driver opened the door. She looked behind her one last time and couldn’t shake that feeling of being watched. Doing stunts meant eyes were constantly on her and she knew the sensation. Still, she didn’t see anything and slid into the car.

Ellie did her best to avoid staring at the wet material clinging to Quinn’s legs. She watched the scenery of the Pacific Coast Highway instead.

“How come you’re so quiet all of a sudden?” he asked.

She met his liquid silver gaze. “I was just thinking about tomorrow. Sorry.” She twirled her ring.
Liar, liar, pants on fire
.

“Tell me about this stunt tomorrow.” His brows quirked together. “How dangerous is it?”

Ellie grinned, mostly to ease his mind. It had taken years to convince Ashley not to worry about every stunt so she slipped into calm reassurance mode. “There’s a certain amount of danger but I control the blast. It’s a self-detonator. I pull the plug and I jump. I’ll be clear when the car blows. I’m not worried, so you shouldn’t be.”

Quinn shook his head. The black strands glistened from the streetlights cutting into the window. “That just doesn’t seem right. It’s not natural.”

He wasn’t the first person to have this opinion, but she’d gotten used to it. It made her think of her mother. One of the only people who rarely inquired about her work or the dangers. Ellie sighed and pushed it out of her head. “It’s my job.”

When he looked at her the way he did now, with such intense focus, Ellie’s blood burned hotter in her veins. “Don’t you ever wonder that it’s time for a new job?”

“Yes, I do.” She grinned at his wide, searching eyes. “Surprised?”

“Then why stick with it?”

“To begin with, I don’t have a degree. I started stunt work as soon as I graduated high school.”

“So? You’ve been living with a roommate, you probably have money saved. Go back to school.”