a black Lexus SUV these days?
Then paranoia gripped her by the throat.
What if Wake was having her followed?
No, she told herself. Wake had either moved on or was stumped, thanks to her name reverting back to Revere. No white roses today equaled a milestone in her book. Sydney turned the radio on and cranked up the volume. She sang along to an oldies station until she arrived at the Corrigans’ house. Pulling into the long driveway, she saw another car and figured the Camerons had arrived. She parked and went to the door.
Cassie greeted her with a warm hug. “How’s my favorite director?”
“She’s happy. We’ve caught up after the hiccups from last week. Keely’s been flawless after an early bout of nerves. It was smooth sailing today.”
They walked into the living room, which had a spectacular view of the Pacific.
Melanie embraced her. “It’s so good to see you. Happy birthday, Sydney. I know from Ken that the best gift will be getting this film in the can.”
“That’ll happen before I know it. Dad’s longtime editor, Sadie Sistern, has already started work, cutting the first part of it. She’s really pleased—and Sadie never admits to being pleased about anything.”
“How is your dad doing?” Melanie asked. “Cassie said rehab’s been going well.”
“He’s stronger every day. He’s been watching the dailies and has given me advice. Not much, but I gobble up every crumb I can.” Sydney looked to Cassie. “Where are the guys?”
“Doing guy-like things outside. They’re grilling steaks. Nothing fancy tonight. I hope you’re not disappointed. Just steaks, baked potatoes, and a tossed salad.”
“It sounds heavenly to me,” Sydney said. “Thanks again for having me over.”
“You do have one surprise,” Cassie told her. “Rhett insisted.”
“Okay.” Sydney glanced around the room.
“It’s in Rhett’s study. You can, oh, wait a minute.” Cassie pulled her cell from her pocket. “Hello? Hold on.” She covered the phone. “Melanie, would you mind getting the salad and dressings from the refrigerator and putting them on the table? Sydney, go grab your surprise. If you’ll excuse me for a few minutes.” She put the phone back to her ear. “I can do that,” she said and walked out of the room.
“I’m off to earn my supper,” Melanie said. “I’m glad I don’t have to sing for it. If I did, they’d throw me out since I can’t carry a tune. Be right back.”
Sydney turned and went down the hall to a bedroom that Rhett was using as an office this summer. The door was closed. She pushed it opened and stepped inside, looking on the desk’s top to see if some package waited there for her.
Suddenly, the door closed behind her. Sydney spun around and saw Dash standing there.
His jet black hair gleamed almost as much as the hungry look in his ice blue eyes. He gave her that sexy smile that she’d grown to love. Before Sydney could say a word, she found herself in his arms.
His hands ran up and down her back in lazy strokes as his mouth descended on hers. Sydney wrapped her arms around his neck and opened to him, welcoming the taste of him after such a long drought. His tongue plunged in, seeking hers, sending shivers through her. Dash drew her close, the heat from his body scorching her. Desire shot through her like a lightning bolt. Sydney clung to him, her fingers threading through his hair as his hands grazed up her arms and cupped her face. His kiss went from possessive to gentle as strong thumbs tenderly brushed her cheeks.
Dash broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers. She breathed in his masculine scent, happiness bursting through her like warm sunshine.
“So, you’re my surprise.”
“Yeah.” He kissed her forehead softly. “It’s a landmark birthday. Thirty. I had to spend it with you. I’m sorry Cassie deceived you.”
Sydney gazed at him with all the love in her heart and playfully tugged on the hair at the nape of his neck. “I’m not sorry at all.”
This time, she kissed him, long and deep, until he groaned. He pinned her against the closed door, raising her wrists above her head and capturing them in one large hand while his other dragged slowly down the front of her body. Dash teased her along the way as his mouth took hers again. Slowly, his hand came to her thigh and slipped under her skirt. He cupped her as she moaned.
Then he slid a finger under her panties and pushed them aside, slipping the finger