A Holiday Fling by Mary Jo Putney Read Free Book Online

next thing I know, I’m off again." He smiled wryly. "I’m this big success, yet I live like a kid just out of college."
    "California has wonderful houses. What would you like? A beach house?"
    "I’d rather have a place up in the hills where you can see to forever. I love that kind of spaciousness. And I like modern architecture —airiness and lots of texture from natural materials."
    "It sounds as if you’ve thought about this." She knew the kind of house he meant. She had visited one or two of that type when she was in California. "As dreams go, this shouldn’t be too hard to achieve. Perhaps you should make a New Year’s resolution to call an estate agent."
    "Maybe I will." His gaze traveled around her living room. "Being here reminds me of what I’m missing."
    Hearing more than he was saying, she said hesitantly, "It sounds as if you want not only a house, but a home. Real estate is easy. Homes are harder."
    "I think you just put your finger on it." He gave a jaw- cracking yawn. "Sorry! Jet lag is mugging me again. I’d better go to bed while I can still manage the stairs."
    He stood and offered her his hand, raising her easily. She skimmed her palm across his bare chest, thinking again how well he had filled out since they first met. He’d been an appealing youth. Now he was a rather splendid man. "My bedroom or yours?"
    He gave her a slow smile. "Yours, if you don’t mind having me there."
    She closed the fireplace doors and turned out the lights, then slid her arm around his waist and they ambled toward the stairs. His height made her feel small and feminine. She tried to remember when she had felt so peaceful, but failed. Too long.
    Greg hadn’t been joking about his fatigue. After washing up and brushing his teeth, he hit her bed like a felled tree. She didn’t mind, not when he drew her close against him. She gave a sigh of pure pleasure.
    Plato jumped onto the bed, looking for an unoccupied corner. Jenny was about to shoo him off when Greg began absently scratching the cat’s neck. Not bad for a man more asleep than awake.
    As Plato settled down, purring, Greg murmured, "If I had asked you to stay after we finished shooting Almost Crazy —would you have?"
    How had she felt then? Conflicted. "I don’t think so," she said honestly. "I was desperate to go home. Being offered that Jane Austen role went a long way toward repairing my battered professional pride."
    He exhaled, his soft breath stirring the hair at her temple. "That’s what I figured." His breathing became slow and steady, but it was a long time until Jenny slept. Probably she would have gone home no matter what Greg said then—but she wished she’d had the choice.

 
     
     
    Chapter 6

     
    Greg swiftly checked over the lights, reflectors, and other equipment. "Great," he said as he signed the manifest. "I really appreciate you guys lending me all this."
    Sean, the young Londoner who had driven the borrowed equipment to Upper Bassett, said, "It’s an honor, Mr. Marino." He hesitated. "Could I stay and help today? I’m a camera assistant, so I might be useful." Despite numerous piercings and crimson hair that defied description, his gaze was as worshipful as a spaniel. "I really want to see you work."
    Greg felt very old. How had he gone from being an eager kid like this one to an elder statesman? Trying not to think of the occasional gray hairs that were starting to appear, he said, "Sure, the help will be welcome. We’ll start by rigging these lights."
    They spent a long, sweaty day working on the catwalks above the stage, with Greg explaining the reasons for every equipment placement. His assistant nodded solemnly and jotted quick notes. With Sean’s help, the installation was finished before the evening’s dress rehearsal. Greg could never have managed that on his own.
    Jenny flitted in and out, alluring in jeans and sweater as she attended to countless details. Whenever she appeared, all male activity temporarily ceased. She