Her temperature shot up ten degrees. "Don't you dare laugh at me, you rodent! This is all your fault! My life was perfect until you showed up!"
"I'm not laughing." His expression carefully blank, he innocently widened his eyes. But amusement shimmered in the jeweled green depths. "Perfect, was it?"
"I really don't like you," she gritted.
His lips twitched and he pressed them together. "You've mentioned that. I told you, I don't blame you."
"Will you stop agreeing with me!" she yelled.
"Okay. I mean no. Or is that yes?"
Tessa's hands clenched into fists, and she growled at him.
Losing the battle for self-control, he threw back his head and roared with laughter. "Damn, sweet thing, you are gorgeous when you're mad."
Her temper exploded. She snatched up the cold cream and threw the jar at his head.
He blinked, ducked. The jar missed by a mile and smashed on the door frame behind him.
For a brief, satisfying moment, she reveled in his startled expression. Ha! How'd you like that surprise, Mr. Adventure! Almost instantly, cold dismay doused her anger. She gasped. "I could have hurt you! I don't know what came over me. I'm sorry."
He brushed blobs of cold cream and stray glass chunks off I his jacket, as his steady gaze studied her face. After a moment, one dark brow arched. His lightning grin flashed. "Feel better?"
She shook her head. "I feel like a two-year-old. I don't know what's the matter with me, I've never lost control."
"That's exactly what's wrong, honey. Everybody needs to blow off steam now and then. With everything you've been through, I'm surprised it took you this long. Don't apologize for acting human." He grinned again and glanced over his shoulder. "Lucky for me, you've got lousy aim."
She sank into the chair, her head in her hands. "I need a few minutes."
"Sure. I'll wait in the hall." He opened the door, turned back. "I meant what I said. You're beautiful, Tessie." The door gently closed behind him.
She stared into the mirror. Beautiful? A stranger with wild hair, flushed cheeks and flashing eyes stared back at her. "Who are you?" she whispered. The woman didn't answer.
She closed her eyes, forcing her rioting emotions back into their steel cage. She couldn't afford to fall apart now. In six hours, she had to go onstage.
Tessa watched the minute-hand of the chrome clock on the dressing room wall twitch to seven fifty-five. She gulped as the butterflies in her stomach started bungee jumping.
Valiantly trying to keep from throwing up, she tugged at her neckline for the third time. Why, oh why, had she agreed to this? She wasn't some sexy blues singer.
A fist pounded on the door, and she nearly jumped onto the vanity top. "Ten minutes, Miss Aron!" a man's voice shouted.
She pressed her sweaty palms over her churning stomach and groaned. She only sang at home, where no one else could hear. She had a decent voice, but could she carry this off? Leo liked her, but what if the audience didn't? What if Leo discovered she was a fraud and sicced the gigantic Vic on Gabe?
The door swung open and she whirled.
Gabe breezed in. "You decent?"
"Fine time to ask, after you invade the place."
With a flourish, he pulled a dozen apricot roses from behind his back. "Pour vous, ma belle."
A lump lodged in her throat. He'd remembered her favorite roses. "You shouldn't have."
"I believe roses are traditional for opening night. I know I'm supposed to give them to you afterward, and they're usually red, but—" He smiled. "I was never one to stand on tradition. I thought flowers might settle your nerves."
"Thank you. But I doubt anything will help. Unless you have an elephant tranquilizer handy?" Her hands shook as she laid the perfumed bouquet on the dressing table. "Yesterday morning, I was sitting at my desk like always, then we were in the alley, and next thing you know, I've got the bright idea to audition for Leo. I'm not sure I can do it."
He gripped her hands. "Buck up, Houdini. You'll knock 'em dead." His warm gaze caressed her. "You look incredible."
She glanced down at her full-length midnight-blue velvet dress. The close fit and scoop neckline had been her only concession to Leo's demand that she dress sexy. If Drumm didn't like her gown, too bad. "Blue velvet isn't quite in the same league as red spandex, but I suppose it will do."
He reached up and fingered a lock of hair at her temple."And your