“Stop being flippant. Just what did you think you were doing last night?” There was an edge of anger to his voice.
“I wanted to talk to the man. Is that such a wild idea? Honestly, Jesse, you can look so intimidating when you want to.”
“I can be intimidating when I need to be. You were asking for trouble last night and you know it. I can’t blame Brian if he was worried, you scared the hell out of me. Have you ever listened to yourself? You sound sexy, Saber. Very erotic. You can’t tease this guy.”
“I’m not teasing him. I don’t want to be afraid of him either. I figured I might as well find out what he wants. And in any case, if he ever caught up with me, he’d find out I’m not in the least bit sexy.”
His palm slid up her leg from ankle to calf and back. “No? You obviously don’t see yourself the way I do.”
His touch sent little tongues of fire licking along her spine. Muscles bunched in her stomach and along her thigh. Her womb spasmed. Wild color spread, turning her complexion rose. She ducked her head, avoiding his hungry gaze.
“You’re not to do it again, Saber. No more invitations to this man. You don’t know what he’s like. You could be feeding some sick fantasy of his. I mean it, you’re not taking any phone calls. I called Les this morning and Brian will be told this evening.”
“You can’t do that. Phone calls are a big part of my show-you know that.”
“I can do anything, baby, I own the damn station.”
“Don’t you dare pull rank on me, Jesse. If this were Brian’s show you would never have said such a stupid thing!”
“Brian isn’t you.”
“And that’s supposed to justify it? You can’t mess with my show.”
“Well I just did. No calls,” he ordered, implacable and stony-faced.
Her chin tilted at him. “And what if that makes it worse? It could, you know.”
Jess’s palm glided over her smooth skin in a mesmerizing caress. “You don’t believe that.”
Saber bit at her full lower lip. “Well, maybe not,” she admitted reluctantly. “What if I just don’t take his call? Brian can vet them all first, and if it’s him, Brian just won’t put him through.” She could barely think with Jesse’s fingers on her, brushing back and forth in that amazing way.
“I had Les send the tapes over to me. This is a nutcase, honey, and he’ll call again. And if Brian can say you can’t take calls from anyone, this nut will have no reason to think he’s being singled out.”
“That’s crazy. Wrap me in bubble wrap, why don’t you?”
“Better yet, why don’t you stay home from work for a few days? We can say you’re ill.” Jess’s hands dropped lower to take her foot into the palm of his hand, massaging it gently. “We could go on a trip together, honey.”
“What kind of trip?” In spite of herself Saber was interested. Going away with Jess would be heaven. Going anywhere with him.
“You name it. I don’t care.”
Saber sighed, reached out to brush a lock of hair from his temple with gentle fingers. “You can take me dancing and we’ll call it good.”
“You do love dancing, don’t you?” His eyes met hers, black with hunger. Saber felt as if she were dissolving, melting into him. She actually leaned toward him, her breath catching in her throat, heart thudding painfully.
The shrill ringing of the telephone had both of them jumping. Jess swore under his breath. Saber pressed the back of her hand to her mouth.
“We don’t have to answer the damn thing,” Jess groused.
“It’s the only safe thing to do,” Saber said unsteadily, lifting the receiver. “Hello.”
Jess winced at the sultry sound of her voice.
“Saber, I’m glad you’re up already.”
“Brian, what’s up?” Saber reached down to ease the grip Jess had on her calf.
“I thought maybe we could grab a bite to eat before work tonight. It’s silly for us to take two cars,” Brian said.