Edward Black looked up when the producer approached him. “Looks like you got your wish. The officers just called and reported that your ex-wife and her cousin are in custody. They couldn’t hold Gena though and she’s on her way here they believe.” The look of dread in the producer’s eyes was not reflected in Edward’s. He knew the woman was petty and vindictive, but she’d never grown up. She’d dig her own grave in respect to her image and reputation. “She doesn’t know what’s happening, does she?” Edward asked. The producer shook his head. “I don’t believe so. Or she doesn’t know the severity of it.” Her uncle’s arrest turned into many arrests throughout Gena’s family and their businesses. Edward’s defense team not only found proof he wasn’t involved in the crimes Gena’s family had pinned on him. They’d found evidence of who orchestrated the crimes originally. They’d found evidence to prove who was the offenders to the mastermind in charge. Now the pro
“So, the rumors about Yuri were true? He hurt those women, and someone paid them off?” Josalyn asked. Jake nodded. His stern expression told her he wasn’t happy about all of this, and he watched the paramedics load Gena into the ambulance. Everyone could hear Gena call out in weak, plaintive tones for Everett. “It looks likely now. Gena was spotted by a parking attendant struggling with Yuri’s driver. He noticed what he thought was blood and called security. They called the police immediately.” Jake tried to ignore Gena’s cries, but Josalyn could see a painful expression mixed with annoyance on his face. She faced a second attack within weeks. This is insane. Who did this? Was it Yuri or his driver that did this?” Josalyn knew little about Leo, Yuri’s driver. Only that he lurked on set when Yuri worked. No one felt comfortable with him around and several times he’d been kicked off a sound stage. “I don’t know about the first attack, but
Josalyn’s day-long headache vanished when an evening rainstorm arrived from the lake. With relief, realizing the headache was a false alarm. The storm lasted an hour. Sufficient to cleanse before departure. The parking lot examination was brief, as they concluded the limousine was the crime scene. Once the ambulance was gone and the police cleared the parking lot of people. The wedding coordinator insisted on the wedding reception continuing. While the inn boasted enough space in their grand dining hall, and the shift into the inn happened fast. The locals suspected it would rain and prepared for it.Jake and Edward kept their promise and the wedding planner guided everyone through the rituals until Jake whispered to Josalyn. “It’s time we made our escape. The boat is ready, and we can be gone before anyone realizes it.”“I thought this time would never happen. Have you heard anything about Gena’s status?” Josalyn asked. She was more than ready to end this even
Jake closed the cottage door behind Josalyn. “It’s just us again. I’ve waited all day for this. It’s been nothing but a pain watching that disaster. But we fixed our mistakes and I’m hoping this means we’re back on the right track again with our lives.” Josalyn listened to Jake and could see his eager happiness. She believed he wanted this to happen, especially after rushing to the hospital with her. Josalyn didn’t want to show her financial situation to him. He’d question the purpose of the medical bills. He was aware of celiac disease, but not its true impact on her. But after he revealed the cottage renovations, and the staff. Josalyn feared their divorce would worsen from the earlier one. Both times he’d promised not to divorce her. Would he fail this time to keep that promise? She couldn’t ask him about that right now. Josalyn struggled with her guilt about Gena and her memories of lying there alone, losing her child. “Jake, would i
Jake led Josalyn into the bedroom, turning on the water and helping her out of the dress. “Can you explain to me why wedding dresses always seem to have either a million buttons or miles of ties holding them closed?” “Anticipation of unwrapping the present? I don’t know, it’s tradition. I’ll be glad to leave this. Do you know how heavy this is? I’ll be honest, I regret not having a reception dress to change into. Dancing was difficult, and using the bathroom was even worse. Men ponder women’s group bathroom visits. It takes many hands to protect a dress like this from accidents.” “Well, it’s served its purpose. Will you keep this dress? I know you sold the first one for rent.” “Yeah, I sold it. But what else could I do? We wouldn’t have had a roof over our heads if I hadn’t. Nor did I get much for it.” “What happened to the photos?” “Some photos were stuffed in an attic drawer. I didn’t have the heart to look at t
Josalyn lay on their bed at Jake’s teasing mercy. His hungry gazed followed his hands, and he toyed with her body. He’d just told her he wanted to see her orgasm before he satisfied himself. Then, without missing a beat, his fingers found her depths and thrust into her core, searching for that spot that would send her spiraling out of control. Her breath became heavy. “I want to share this pleasure with you. Let me touch you, Jake.” “Later. Now focus on what I’m doing and enjoy it. Breathe and focus. His other hands slid along her inner thighs with gentle caresses that left her thighs shaking and her mind forgetting to breathe. Along with her rich moans, the room filled with the slick sound of his fingers thrusting in and out of her. Josalyn knew he loved to hear what his actions did to her body. “Jake, oh god. Please I want to touch you.” “You know the rules love. I want to start tonight off right. Come on my hand. Show me h
The next morning, they ate their breakfast on the back deck overlooking the lake and enjoyed the silence of nature as the sun rose. Josalyn forgot the joy of sitting without worrying about schedules, scripts, or getting through the day. Jake’s presence was soothing rather than grating on her nerves. She viewed him differently last night, absorbing new information about her long-held experiences. Her fears were unfounded sometimes and in others she found herself exposed to far too much. This time, when she tried to bring up the problems, Jake stood with her, and they formed a consensus. With that consensus came a plan. The plan’s activation is uncertain, but it would provide clarity to the public. They agreed not to involve the Studio’s PR handler. They’d handle it alone and let the chips fall where they may. She came clean about her finances and today they’d hand them to Jake’s family’s accounting firm and allow them to sort out her debts. Jake wasn
Jake and Josalyn relaxed and enjoyed their usual activities at the cottage. Without the crowd of friends, of course. This time they weren’t window shopping for antiques. They could go through the shops and buy whatever they wanted. Though Jake found Josalyn hesitant to use his money. He couldn’t risk lowering his guard. He had to watch her to see what caught her eye and then ensure that he purchased it. These pieces weren’t for the cottage, but for their city house. Once they completed the renovations, they needed to refurnish the entire house. They needed everything from the floorboards to the ceiling. They won’t understand everything right away, but they can start. Afterwards, he would hire a professional to finish the space. “Jake, over here. Look at this. I love these cabinets; wouldn’t they make perfect nightstands for the master bedroom?” “Found a blanket box bench over there. Place it at the bed’s foot. It’s not just a box but has several dra