As Xavier gave Kennedy a warm hug, he chuckled. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. You were obviously tired. That’s all there was to it. My friends definitely understood. They work every bit as hard as we do. Janine was worn-out, too.”
“Hold that thought,” she said. Kennedy was unable to stand still another second, not without dire consequences. “I’ll be right back.” With that said, she had to run the few steps to the bathroom just to make it in time.
Xavier laughed inwardly. No one was more surprised than him that Kennedy had fallen asleep on him. At first, it had bothered him, simply because he’d thought she might’ve been bored out of her mind. After he’d gone over the numerous things she’d told him she’d accomplished that week, he’d understood it all had to do with sheer fatigue. And he’d also fed her a huge meal, one big enough to make anyone sleepy.
Janine had also shared with Xavier how tired she felt, which had resulted in her and Jonathan’s leaving much earlier than normal. His friends hadn’t blamed his date one iota for falling asleep. They had told him he should feel lucky she felt comfortable and safe enough with him to fall asleep in his home. Actually, Janine had seen it as a good omen.
After splashing cold water on her face, Kennedy used one of the fancy guest towels to dry her skin off. She didn’t know what she’d say to Xavier, but she knew she had to hurry up and get back out there and face him. Stalling for time wouldn’t help matters any. And disappearing into thin air wasn’t an option.
Combing her fingers through her hair was the last thing Kennedy did to try and look more presentable. Before stepping back into the hallway, she said a silent prayer. Much to her joy, he wasn’t standing out there waiting to escort her back to where she’d left her purse and sandals. Upon spotting Xavier seated in one of the leather recliners, she smiled weakly, wishing she could’ve mustered up a more convincing one.
Xavier sat up straight in the chair. “I’d like to fix you a cup of coffee. It might help you stay awake if you’re thinking of driving home.”
She shook her head in the negative. “That’s not necessary. I can make it home okay. I think I’m wide-awake now.”
“Think? That doesn’t sound very convincing to me.” He looked over at the cable box to check the time. “Look, it’s darn near four in the morning. Please accept one of my guest rooms for the next couple of hours or so. You can leave at the crack of dawn if you want to.”
“I probably should leave now.”
“Why? Are you afraid to stay here alone with me?”
“Of course not! Don’t be silly. Is there a reason for me to be afraid?”
“Not a single one. You’re perfectly safe here with me. I wouldn’t harm a single hair on your beautiful head. You can trust me with your life.”
“That sounds promising.” Kennedy looked down at her sandals. Then she glanced at the clock again. “I don’t know. Maybe I should stay at least until the sun comes up.” Her garage had a door leading right into the house, but she thought about what elements might be out there to witness her driving around alone at this hour.
“Leaving at sunrise is the best and safest option. Don’t you think so?”
“You win. But I’ll just stretch back out here on the sofa and use the blanket you covered me with. I don’t want to mess up fresh bed linens for a couple hours.”
“Nonsense. A bed is more comfortable than any leather couch, no matter how soft it is. Come on. Let me show you where you can lie down until you’re ready to leave.”
Kennedy knew when she was in a losing battle. And she was too tired to continue haggling over something Xavier was obviously right about. “The bed it is. Thank you.”
The bedroom was lovely and cozy. The comforter on the queen bed was a field of flowers done in white, yellow and lavender. It made her feel as if she was in the middle of a spring day. The white wicker furniture looked new. Three oil paintings, all of them seascapes, graced oyster-white walls. The largest window overlooked the pool and patio, from where the mountain range was in full view. Recessed lighting was soft and glowing.
Kennedy loved the room, knew she’d be more than comfortable there. After she slipped out of her clothes, she put on the long sweatshirt Xavier had provided for her. As she lay there, the earlier vision of her and Xavier entwined suddenly sped into her mind.
The heat emanating from Kennedy’s body was no match for any fire burning hotly in a fireplace. As she thought about crashing into Xavier in the hallway, her heart began to pound hard. She looked over at the closed door, knowing his bedroom was right down the hall. The urge to get up and go slide into bed with him was overwhelming. Instead, she grabbed a pillow and shoved it between her knees and let the fantasies begin.
Chapter 3
Kennedy’s body had already flown through a flurry of poses. The executions were quick and done with keen precision. Dressed in a black flowing evening gown, long black gloves, her hair pinned up in a beautiful updo with flawless makeup, she was stunning.
Flirting openly with the camera was one of Kennedy’s favorite things to do.
“Run your tongue across your lips, Kennedy,” cameraman Danny George gently instructed the lead model. “That’s good. Now cross your arms up over your head. Hold it. Great!” The shutter went off in rapid succession. “That’s a wrap. We’re all through here. Thanks for always being so easy to work with. I wish all models were like you.”
“Models can be a little temperamental, including me. You’ve just been lucky not to get me on a bad day. For your sake, I hope you never do. Thanks, Danny. I appreciate how professionally you operate. Hope to see you again soon.”
“Take care, Kennedy. You’ll definitely see me again. Count on it.”
Kennedy rushed back into the dressing room to change into her street clothes. She sat down at the dressing table. Using lots of moisturizing cream, she stripped her face of all the heavy makeup. She then dabbed on a lighter base coat, dusting her face with powder and blush, which left her complexion with a more natural glow.
Xavier had invited her to lunch before she’d left his house earlier. She had happily agreed to meet him right after her shoot since she was often hyperactive after completing a job. Energy to burn. After locating her cell phone, she called his mobile to let him know she was through and could meet him within the hour. He had already picked out a restaurant near her home, one that she happened to be familiar with.
Xavier was already waiting in the parking lot of the Gray Whale. When Kennedy spotted his car, she parked right next to it. He immediately got of out of his automobile so he could open the door for her.
As Kennedy stepped out of her car, Xavier slid his hand down her arm and kissed her forehead. “Hello, there. How’d things go for you at work today?”
“Great.” Standing on her tiptoes, she kissed Xavier’s cheek and put her arm through his. “Have you ever worked with Danny George?”
“Many times. He’s the consummate professional. I like him a lot.”
“Me, too. He complimented me today on not being hard to work with. I hated to tell him he just hadn’t caught me on a bad day. But I decided to enlighten him.” They laughed.
Inside the restaurant Xavier stepped up to the podium and gave his name to the hostess. He hadn’t made reservations because he hadn’t been sure when Kenney would finish up her job. However, the place didn’t look too crowded and only a few people were waiting to be seated. After requesting a window table for two, he joined Kennedy.
Kennedy looked up at Xavier as he drew near. “Think we could sit at the bar until they call your name? I’m thirsty.”
“Sure, let’s go.”