Karen peeked beside her all the while giggling. “Look how hairy he is.”
Gwen averted her eyes. “We shouldn’t stare.”
“They shouldn’t parade around naked.”
“They’re in their own yard.”
“Surrounded by two-story houses.” Karen flashed a brilliant smile. “That’s the crazy crap you never get when you’re locked behind security gates at an estate.”
Gwen couldn’t argue with that. She took another quick look.
The phone rang and both of them jumped.
“We shouldn’t stare.”
Karen continued to watch while Gwen answered the phone. “Hello?”
“There’s noise coming from the backyard.” Neil skipped pleasantries and started issuing orders. “Make sure the doors are locked.”
“You know, Neil, normal people say hello when they call on the phone. A little ‘hi, how do you do,’ stuff like that.”
“The motion detectors are off the charts.” There was frustration in his voice.
Gwen purposely hesitated to say anything.
She heard him sigh. “Hello, Gwen. Can you tell me what’s going on over there?”
Isn’t that better? “Why hello, Neil. Nice of you to call. Nothing’s going on. Our new neighbors are enjoying their hot tub. Perhaps their tub is interfering with your equipment.”
“I should come over and see for myself.”
“Don’t you dare.”
“Why not?”
“I do not need my new neighbors thinking I’ve invited people here to gawk at them.” That wouldn’t be the way to introduce herself.
“Gawk? Who said anything about gawking?”
Gwen peeked through the shade again, catching the unwelcome sight of the hairy man’s backside. “Apparently their hot tub is clothing optional. They opted out.”
“They what?”
“They’re enjoying the jets naked. And I’ll not have you coming over to stomp around my backyard with them out there. If something needs repair, then you can come over tomorrow.”
“They’re naked?”
“That’s what I said. The doors are locked and the alarm is set. We’re fine, Neil. I promise.”
“Fine. I’ll be there in the morning.”
“Suit yourself. I won’t be here, I have an early appointment.”
“Fine.”
“Good night, Neil.”
He clicked off the phone. Apparently saying hello and good-bye was too much to ask for in one conversation.
Chapter Five
Gwen visited the corner bakery where she picked up her morning tea and biscuits before meeting with Michael for the second time.
The skeletons in his closet weren’t unexpected, and none raised any alarms for Samantha, Karen, or Gwen.
Karen was cautiously excited.
Since Michael checked out, it was his turn to approve of Karen’s portfolio before they met.
She drove through the locked gates of his estate, which was located well off the main streets of Beverly Hills. A star map purchased for a small price would point out Michael’s estate, but a tourist would have to scale a twelve-foot block wall to see his yard.
The stone drive reminded her of home. But that was where the similarities ended. The Spanish influence of the architecture was evident everywhere her eye was drawn. Bougainvillea climbed up the columns of the entry, welcoming guests in shades of purple and red. Arched windows and doors reminded Gwen of one of the many missions sprinkled along the California coast.
Michael walked through his front doors with open arms. “Lady Harrison.”
He kissed both her cheeks.
“Gwen, please. No one calls me Lady Harrison unless they want something.”
“We both know I want something. Come in.”
“Your home is beautiful.” She was expecting something modern…sleek.
“Not what you expected?”
“Am I that transparent?” Inside the home the visual delights continued. Expansive walls filled with luscious art led to vaulted ceilings with iron chandeliers.
“It’s the closest thing to a Spanish villa this side of the border…well, that I’ve found anyway.”
“It’s lovely, Michael.” Karen’s going to love it.
“I’m sure if everything works out you’ll be here often enough to enjoy it.”
He led her to a great room with massive windows allowing a view of a garden courtyard. The sound of water flowing drew her eye to a fountain in the center of the yard. Splashes of color mixed in with trees and shrubs.
“I thought you’d lean toward a modern décor.”
“Hard edges and black and white lines…not me. For some of the characters I’ve played, maybe.” Michael indicated for her to sit. “I come from a small town where people take more pride in their yards than they do their cars. I guess some of it sunk in.”
“I’m sorry to admit this, but I’ve not seen your films.”
“So you told me. What about the woman you’re showing me? Has she seen my films?”
Gwen centered her attention on her client. “Karen knew who you were the instant I uttered your name.”
“A fan?”
“Fan would be short for fanatical. Karen isn’t enamored with anyone. Well, perhaps a child with a sad story to tell. But not fame. Not even money believe it or not.”
He leaned against his chair and crossed his arms over his broad chest. “Then why would she agree to this marriage?”
“She wants the money this agreement will make her, Mr. Wolfe, but not so she can live a life of opulence and grandeur.” She spread her arms wide indicating the room they were in. “This isn’t a life she wants permanently.”
“I’ve yet to meet anyone who wouldn’t want this.”
Gwen reached into her case and removed Karen’s file.
Michael took it and glanced at the photo. “She’s beautiful.”
Gwen shrugged. “And if you were attracted to women you might be tempted to keep her. But we both know that will never happen.” Samantha’s background check did find the name of his first lover, but not many after. Michael had done a superb job of keeping his personal life personal.
Michael offered her half a smile and flipped the page. “Mind if I read this?”
“Of course not. That’s why I’m here.”
“Can I get you something to drink?”
“Water would be nice.”