Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-One
Her pulse throbbed in her ears after the insane drive from the Reno airport, over the mountains, to Incline Village along Lake Tahoe. She’d assured Jake that she would arrive in time to go with him and several team members on the catamaran boat for a sunset cruise. She hadn’t been prepared for the road with its sharp turns winding around the mountainside. It could have been enjoyable—the scenery was breathtaking—but with the strong winds, she had to hyper-focus on keeping the car on the road. Finally, she pulled up under the carport at the hotel across the street from the lake. Her phone buzzing to life in her purse.
Jake : Hey, they’re loading the boat. They said ten minutes … Send
Rakell : I’m here … Send
She answered her phone when she saw his electric-blue eyes pop to life on her screen “Hey Jake, just a second.”
A tall, bald man sporting a genuine smile opened her car door. “Are you staying with us, Miss?”
“Yes, um,” she said, swinging her legs to the side and stepping out. “Jake,” she said into her phone, “I just got here. Where do I get a key?”
“Sweets, can you hand the phone to the attendant? I think it’s Dennis…I can tell him.”
She shot the man a sheepish look. “Um, my boyfriend, he’s the Condors quarterback…huh…”
He pulled his eyes together, the thin line between them growing deeper as she gestured to her phone.
She heard Jake say, “Tell him it’s Jake Skyler.”
“I heard,” Dennis stated, extending his hand to her, reaching for the phone. “Hey Jake, this is your girlfriend? Okay, I just wanted to make sure it wasn’t another fan trying to figure out which room you’re in.” He made a clucking sound, then added, “Got to protect you from the fanatics.”
Rakell automatically rolled her eyes, twisting her head away, hoping he hadn’t seen her reaction. It's like I’m some Skyler acolyte scrounging around for his room number, so I can just show up, and what? Offer myself to him? Is that what he’s used to? She unlocked the back door of the rental, jerking her suitcase from the seat. She needed to change out of the T-shirt dress and white sneakers she’d worn for traveling.
“Okay, sure thing, no problem. I know the bungalow you’re in, lakefront, yes, of course. I’ll ensure all her belongings get there. Yes, everything you requested will be in place, sir. No need, I’m happy to do it, Jake. I’ll have her down to the dock in five,” he said, handing the phone back to Rakell. “Miss, just leave your luggage, and I’ll take it to your room. I'll also get a golf cart to take you down to the lake.”
She nodded as Dennis picked up the suitcase, returning it to the back seat of her rental, realizing she wasn’t going to have time to change.
She heard Jake saying her name and put the phone to her ear. “Hey, sorry, your personal bodyguard was talking to me. I mean, really, how many women are just going to camp out in front of your door for a glimpse of your famous cock?”
The roar of his laughter felt like being squeezed in one of his bear hugs. She smiled, her pulse slowing, the tension in her shoulders easing as if his low throaty drawl was wrapping around them.
“I only want one, and she’s finally here.”
“Sorry, the drive from the Reno airport was slow. The winding road around the mountains and that wind…”
“Shoot babe, sorry, I didn’t even think about that. Listen, they’re waiting to push off from the dock, so Dennis will get you down here. Then he’ll drive the rental, park it, and unload for you, so don’t worry about any of that. You can trust him. He’ll get everything to our bungalow. You’ll need a sweater or a jacket. Once the sun goes down, the lake wind can be bitter. There are blankets on board and, of course, me, but you might want another layer.”
Dennis looked to be in his sixties but moved like a man in his thirties. He chatted with her about Tahoe as they made the quick drive down the paved path to the beach. “This way,” he said, jogging toward the dock that jutted out from the cabana-covered beach into the dark blue massive body of water.
She scanned the mountains but had to work to keep up with him. “Sorry, my breath,” she forced out.
He chuckled. “No, I’m sorry, I always forget this air. I’ve lived here since the summer after my freshman year at Berkeley. I came here to work for the season and never left. Made my parents furious.” He spread his arms out wide. “But look!” Awe rushed from his voice as he made a sweeping motion across him like he was painting the horizon. “If there is a God, she’s here. The mountains around the lake remind me of the hands of an old woman cradling a body to protect it.”
“Yes,” Rakell said, thinking it was a description she’d never forget.
He pointed at the two guys on the pier near the docked boat. “Have fun. The sunset on the lake is not to be missed.”
“Thank you,” she said, passing him as she power-walked the length of the long pier, which had a bar perched at the end.
One of the guys greeted her, instructing her to be careful as she stepped onto the large pontoon. She recognized Tracey, the backup quarterback, with his broad smile and shoulder-length blondish hair. Stretching his open palm in her direction, "You need a hand?” he asked.
As she reached for his outstretched fingers, she saw a familiar muscular forearm extending toward her. “I got this, Skip,” Jake mumbled, his blue eyes focused on Tracey before lighting up on Rakell, his gaze warming her. Seeing him felt like coming home, she thought to herself, no matter where they were. It was as if they both understood that they could create a cocoon around them. With one long step onto the deck, she was entangled in his arms. His lips moved to hers, lingering a few seconds until the boat erupted in clapping cheers as they pushed away from the dock.
Releasing her, Jake tugged her hand toward the starboard side, where Dwayne was sitting. Some chatter, snickers, and whispers floated through the air, most of the words lost in the brisk wind. A few fragments bounced off the water. “Jumbotron,” “How long?” “Another model,” “Man-eater,” “Those breasts,” “Skyler will kill you,” “It’s not going to last,” “I heard she’s nice.” She smiled, looking at Jake before sliding her gaze to Dwayne. Externally, she knew that her face displayed only a good-natured little smile, but internally, her middle finger shot up, so accustomed to the whispered assumptions she’d heard when working as an escort. “She’s paid for,” “She’s too young,” “She’s too big,” “She’s too tall,” “She’s a prostitute.”
As they approached, Dwayne broke off his conversation with a couple of other guys, his dark, animated eyes sparking to life when he saw her. He had an uncanny ability to make a person feel almost nostalgically special as if they were his long-lost friend from grade school. “If it isn’t the Jumbotron queen,” he bellowed, jumping up, his arms outstretched toward her. She gladly let Dwayne wrap her up in a big hug. “Damn, so glad you made it. I thought Pretty Boy was going to wet his pants pacing back and forth.”
“Ass, I was not,” Jake defended, his tone lacking any conviction.
“It’s okay, blue eyes, we all know you’ve been bit and hard.” He winked at Rakell. “But hey, seriously,” he said, eyes fixed on her, “glad you made it.”
She pursed her lips, trying to stop the laughter aching to launch from her throat. “Thanks, I found out from Dennis that the route I took here is not the one recommended. It looked like the shortest but it’s not the fastest because of the winding roads.” She shrugged her shoulders, then felt Jake’s large hands kneading her upper arms over the thin sweater she was wearing.
“Sorry about that, Sweets,” Jake said. “Let me get you Champagne or a beer or…”
“Actually, water, a bottle of water would be great. I’m parched.”
“Mountain air,” Dwayne said, jumping in. “Make sure you drink a lot of water tonight.”
The young guy driving the boat blew a loud whistle, and the bombastic chatter dulled to a low hum. “Hey, most of you know, I’m Josh. Welcome, Condors! I’m a big fan…” He was cut off by the guys’ hoots, claps, and yelps, so he whistled again.
Dwayne stepped into the middle of the swarm of muscular beings and yelled, “Hey guys, respect. Come on, this is our captain.”
Rakell watched Dwayne’s eyes as they scanned the group, stopping momentarily on a guy she didn’t recognize. That guy was facing away, looking south to the far side of the lake, toward the mountains. She couldn’t help but think that the guy seemed like he didn’t belong, almost like he was barely tolerating this group. Nothing about him signaled engagement.
Her eyes took in the panoramic view, noticing that some of the mountains still had on what looked like little white hats. It was as if the snow had decided it would remind the summer party-goers that it ruled the mountains and was directly responsible for this pure water.
Dwayne held a plastic glass with clear bubbles up in the air. “I want to thank these guys: Josh, Malachi, Sergio. These three signed up to take care of us all week, ensure we get to the hiking paths, and even selected the strenuous one we conquered yesterday.” A collective groan rumbled through them. “They’re working with us on everything to make sure we get a little workout in, along with a lot of fun.” Dwayne elevated his cup in the air, and the guys cheered. “This Tahoe retreat was the idea of our fearless, sensitive, sweet, caring…”
Rakell smirked when Jake stepped forward, his hand engulfing Dwayne’s shoulder and she heard him whisper to Dwayne, “Enough, or you're going overboard.”
“Seriously,” Dwayne went on as Jake took a step back, “Jake had this idea to start a bonding retreat when he signed on with the Condors as our lead quarterback, and it’s become a tradition for anyone who can make it. We always insist the new guys join since being a family is the basis for a strong team.” Rakell saw Dwayne’s eyes travel back to the guy who was standing with his back to everyone, then move around the group. “So, to Jake, thank you for understanding what makes a good team great. And to you, family, on the field and off.” The guys clinked plastic glasses, then gulped the remains before fishing beers out of the cooler and passing them around.
Josh steered the catamaran and said, “Everyone, please make sure you have a cocktail in hand. We are heading to Emerald Bay to get a panoramic view of the sunset.”
A gust of air scooted up Rakell’s dress, leaving a trail of goosebumps over her bare legs. She shivered as frigid wisps tickled her sheer lace-covered crotch. “Oooh” popped from her mouth.
“Get over here,” Jake said, tugging her arm, “you can sit on my lap.” He motioned to the cushion-covered bench where Dwayne had been sitting.
She arched her head, catching the flit in his eyes. “Not sure that’s a good idea, Mr. Skyler, not sure I can trust you.”
He sat and pulled her down to his lap. “Darlin’, you know exactly what to expect from me,” he said, overemphasizing his Texas drawl as his hands slowly began to knead the flesh above her knees, the cotton material inching up her thighs.
“Jake,” she admonished, sinking deeper into his lap.
He shifted her closer so her right ass cheek sat solidly over his pelvis. “Don’t move,” he whispered in her ear, reaching for one of the wool blankets sitting on the cushion. “It’s going to get even colder,” he said, pulling the blanket over her legs and up around her waist, covering their laps.
“Jake, the sun,” she hushed, awe infusing her tone, looking above the bay of water they were entering. The glowing ball was already kissing the top of the Sierra Nevada mountains that encased the lake. The cove was a hidden enclave encapsulated by commanding pine trees. In the middle stood a small island with an impressive rock mansion. It looked as if it had been made by the Earth, not man, so formidable yet hospitable to the surrounding landscape.
“Yes, it’s unique,” he murmured in her ear, sending a shot up her core. It had been ten days since she’d seen him in Austin.
“Jake, I swear, don’t tease me,” she hushed, pinching his inner thigh below the blanket. “Or I’ll…” Her fingers crawled up the inseam of his jeans as her eyes scooted around the boat. Most of the guys were drinking and laughing, some pointing at the tops of the mountains where the sun toyed like a seductive dancer, ending her show with one last bow before slipping behind the curtain. It was partially hidden, brushing the sky with a rusty hue, bursting with jagged swirls of fuchsia and canary yellow. “It’s amazing.” Her hand stilled on the crease of his leg and hip, just to the side of his pelvis.
“I told you, and for the record, I don’t tease…I promise. The same way appetizers at great restaurants are a promise that the main dish is going to rock you.” He snickered in her ear before continuing, “So nice to get a snack before the main course.” She gasped as he slipped two fingers under the lace covering her crotch. “You know how much I like starters.” He grinned at her as if they were casually talking about dinner, her walls clamping down as he dove into her knuckle deep.
Sucking in a breath, she fixed her focus on the sky’s canvas, the brush strokes a kaleidoscope of colors. As Jake’s fingers rotated inside her, she strained against his lap, trying to control the urge to wiggle and squeal. She’d never have let a client do this, not on a boat full of men—not in public, no way—but she also would not have done what she was preparing to do to Jake. She darted her eyes to his face, tilting her head, then she opened her mouth and whispered, “Oooh, I enjoy a little before-dinner munchies as well,” in a purposefully seductive tone. Her fingers moved from his inner thigh to the zipper of his jeans. She reveled in the controlled shock on his face, the way he cleared his throat when she toyed with the head of his zipper.
“ Rae- kale,” he choked out, eyes flitting around the boat. She delighted in his nervous expression.
Only tiny remnants of light were left as the sun bid farewell to the day, muted embers flicking at the tips of the mountains. The Tahoe night sky had kicked the sun out completely, differing from Austin’s summer night sky, which held on to the warmth for hours after the last shades of pink had disappeared along the horizon. The chilled Tahoe air entered abruptly as the light faded, impatiently rushing around them as if waiting for its cue to perform. She felt his fingers slide out of her, dragging down the inside of her leg, leaving a trail of her juices in their wake. His hand molded to her knee. “Okay,” he whispered back, “we’re even.”
Jake Skyler: forever the rule maker. I don’t think so, my dear sir. I don’t want to play by men’s rules, not even yours , she wanted to hiss, but instead, she spread her fingers out before laying her whole hand on his crotch. “Even? Are we playing a game? I thought this was just a taste of what’s to come.” Then she tightened her fingers around his shaft, feeling it thicken beneath his Levi's. “I think I like what’s to c-o-m-e.” She held back a giggle at his quick, breathy intake of air. “Yes, it makes me anxious for more.” She quickly squeezed his cock once more before letting her hand drop.
“Errrr,” he groaned deeply as she put one foot on the deck, scooting her pelvis out from beneath the blanket, standing, making sure to keep his crotch covered. “You may need that,” she said, eyeing the woven wool over his lap. “I’m going to get a drink,” she stated before turning to walk across the catamaran, feeling the deck shifting below. The boat started swaying as the lake’s temperament shifted unexpectedly from gentle lapping waves to rough, choppy waters. She could hear the water splashing against the sides. One of the guys working on the boat stood by the cooler. “Can I get some water?” she asked, pointing to it.
“Sure thing.” He opened it, plunging his hand into the ice, fishing around. There was a crack against the side of the boat as the sky let out a boom. Her head snapped upward as lightning pierced the purple sky, then a wave gushed against the side of the catamaran, water splashing onto the deck. She slipped, grabbing the side rail with her hand, her feet sliding around the smooth surface as she tried to regain her balance.
She heard the guy at the cooler yelp as he let the lid fall shut.
Suddenly, a pair of muscular forearms reached around her, clutching her waist from behind. “Stand,” she heard a gruff voice command. Not Jake’s or Dwayne’s. She’d never heard this accent before—garbled like his mouth was full of rocks. “Stand, now.” There was no hint of friendliness in his tone. Her pulse raced as her feet skidded on the deck, trying to gain footing. As she dug her heels in to steady her scrambling legs, he jerked his arms, yanking her up to standing. Before she could turn to face him, Jake was looming over her, his eyes flicking with anger, focused on the person behind her. Reaching forward, Jake scooped one hand around her waist, gripping her shoulder with the other, grounding her.
The driver yelled. “We’re getting close to shore, but it's about to let loose. Sorry, the forecast predicted this would come much later. When we get to shore, we’ll get you off quickly.”
“I got her,” she heard Jake snip to the guy behind her.
She caught her breath. “Jake, he was helping me.” Jake’s grip on her steadied her as she twisted around. “Thank you,” she hushed, “thank you.” In the fuzzy moonlight reflecting off the water, she could see the outline of a beard and longish, messy hair spilling over his forehead. A diffused beam peeking through the rumbling clouds illuminated a neck covered with art. It looked like it scrolled under the beard. She couldn’t distinguish the color of his eyes as they flew from her to Jake, but his expression was unsettling.
“It’s fine, you’re welcome,” he muttered. His beard began waggling like he was working his jaw back and forth. His stare fixed on Jake, the tension transferring between them palatable. Then he darted his eyes to the side, lowered his face, and said, “Skyler, sir, my only intention was to help.”
Jake didn’t answer until she nudged him with her elbow. “Yeah, I saw that,” he offered, a coolness to his voice.
She felt Jake’s chest fall with an audible puff of his breath. What the hell?
The sky cracked again, and the catamaran knocked against the dock. Jake snuggled her close to him as he widened his stance. “ Rae -kale, this is Jaxton, our new wide receiver.” Then, boom, crack , drops of water launched from the sky into steely rain. The guys started scuttling toward the pier, whooping and hollering.
“Nice to meet you,” she screamed over the commotion as Jake tugged her toward the steps.
“Hold the rail,” Jake instructed, jumping onto the pier. Turning, he bent forward, literally jerking her by the waist over the step. Then he scooped her in his arms, water sluicing over them as if someone were standing above, throwing buckets from the sky. The guys ran toward the beach where the main restaurant stood, lights flickering inside.
Dwayne jogged by, yelling, “You guys joining us, Skyler?”
“Hell no, I have different plans,” Jake yelled, his pace easing into a strident walk as his arms held her firmly. She was grateful that they weren’t going out.
“Of course you do, pretty boy!” she heard Dwayne shout as he jogged ahead in the downpour.
“We’re here,” Jake said, lowering her from his arms under the awning of a bungalow. He fished in his back pocket to pull out the key card. As he opened the door, she took a step forward, but his hand shot up. “Wait,” he semi-ordered. She rolled her eyes just as he scooped her up in his arms and carried her in. Kicking the door closed, he made his way to a rustic meets modern bathroom with an oversized copper soaking tub next to the wall separating the bathroom from the bedroom, which also encased a see-through fireplace. The wall was made of what looked like reclaimed barn wood, and the flooring had the same rustic wood look, but as her feet touched down, she could feel the coolness of tile. She took in her image in the massive mirror framed by white-washed wood above the slate-gray stone vanity. Her long hair was wet and matted to her head, streaks of black mascara ran down her cheeks, her sweater hung wet off her arms, and her T-shirt was plastered to her body. Jake came up behind her, his black hair still wet, messed curls like a shiny mop on his head. He had taken off his sweatshirt. His T-shirt was dripping and stuck to his muscular chest, his jeans slung low on his hips. He reached up, easing the sweater off her shoulders. “We should jump in the shower, then get a hot bath. I’m having dinner delivered here in about twenty minutes.”
Her eyes snagged on his in the mirror. "Twenty minutes,” she hushed in a flirty voice. “That’s enough time…” Before she could get out the rest of her words, he caught her wrists, placing them on the edge of the counter.
She saw his eyes blazing in the reflection from behind her as he lifted her dress with one hand, pulling her wet panties down to her knees with the other. “You want this?” he growled.
She tossed him a smug smile in the mirror. "That’s why I’m here, Skyler. You know, waiting by your front door to see if I can get a piece of the great Jake Skyler,” she taunted.
“No one but you , Rakell McCarthy, gets a piece of me, no one but you. You are everything I want.” His voice was rough, sincerity bleeding from his tone as if he were taking a pledge.
Her attention peaked at the sound of his zipper, the shuffling of his jeans, and the pressure of his hand against the small of her back, urging her to bend forward more.
“Yes,” hissed out of her mouth. She’d never ached for someone the way she did for him. The tips of his fingers gathered the wet material of her cotton dress into his fist, bunching it around her waist, his cock pulsing against the crack of her ass like a live wire.
Bending so his face was next to hers, he murmured, “Look at how fucking hot you are. Is that yes, yes, Jake, just take me now? Because I need your rock-hard cock in my pussy right now?” in her ear, as his hand cupped her sex, one finger exploring her folds.
Her eyes found his. “Yes to all of that,” she said, thinking she looked like a worn-out rag doll. It felt so affirming to not always worry about being presentable, dressed to the satisfaction of some man, lingerie, dresses, hair perfectly coifed, presenting them with the image they had conjured of her. Just then, she felt him pierce her, gliding into her wetness, controlled at first, evaporating into an animal-like force, giving way to rapid, hard strokes.
He groaned in her ear, “Fucking hot little minx, you know what you do to me.” His hand groped beneath her dress, his fingers finding her hard nub, stroking it, as his dick moved in and out. “Don’t you?” he growled on a deep thrust. “Come, come now, because I’m going to…Fuck, so fucking good…” he groaned again, pinching her clit, then rubbing it as she shuddered, heat bursting from her pussy, sparking through her whole body.
Her moans filled the small room as her nervous system rode the roller coaster of sensation.
“Yes, let it go.” She heard his urge, his voice gruff. “You’re mine. I don’t want any other man’s hands on you.” His tone was edged with warning.
W hat the hell was that about ? shot to her frontal lobe. Her brain spiked at the threat in his voice. Or was she imagining that? Defensiveness charged her internal reaction. Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud knock on the bungalow door.
He shimmed his hips back, his softening penis slipping out of her, pulling his damp jeans up. “I’ll get that. Jump in the shower,” he said, disappearing through the bathroom door.
“Fucking bossy,” she mocked under her breath, irritation shifting her mood as she slipped into the shower. She wondered how the hell she could confront him without sinking the night. They had so little time together…three nights. Sunday would be eaten up with the team cookout and family-friendly activities, so really, they had tonight and tomorrow, then on Monday, season training started with the whole team. She’d be back on a plane headed to Austin. She craved a few days to reconnect and see Matt and Jonathon, who were planning to drive in from Houston. Both Caroline and Melissa had reached out to have lunch, as well. She walked out in one of the white fluffy hotel robes, gasping when she saw the blanket laid out in front of the fireplace, rimmed with flickering fake candles, a bottle of Champagne in a silver ice bucket, a meat and cheese board, a fruit platter with grapes, slices of watermelon, sliced apples, blueberries and strawberries. A vase brimming with white roses sat to the side. “Jake,” she murmured, taking in his grin.
“Come here,” he said, motioning to the small bench by the bed. You enjoy some Champagne, and I’ll take a quick shower. We have this…” He gestured to the spread before them. “But later, they’ll bring entrees.”
Between bites, they polished off a bottle of Chardonnay after the Champagne. He chuckled when she laid her head on his thigh, her lids heavy as he scooped her up and carried her to bed.
The following morning, the near-constant buzz of her phone woke her up. She shifted in the bed, her eyes fluttering open, blinking from the buttery light coating the room. She scanned the room, seeing Jake drinking coffee from a ceramic mug, reading one of the Louis L’Amour books she’d given him. “Anything exciting happening, cowboy?” Her voice creaked from the remnants of sleep.
Lowering the book, he gave her a sly, closed-mouth smile. “No, but we can make something exciting happen.”
Her hand shot up like a traffic cop. “No, no…not until I have coffee.” Her eyes dropped to the phone, squealing for attention on the bedside table.
“I’ll get your coffee,” he stated flatly as he watched her reach for it.
She felt his stare, his eyebrows furrowing. “Jake, you know I have to…” she said, her eyes flitting to her phone, distracted by all the texts from Ana.
Ana : Call me … Send
Ana : This is big … Send
Ana : This can’t wait … Send
Ana : Can you fly to Georgia … Send
“Of course,” he murmured, his tone lacking conviction as he placed the steaming coffee on the table beside the bed.
His eyes were cast downward as she looked up. “It’s Ana. I have to call her back,” she said, unable to contain the anxiety Ana’s messages always seemed to elicit in her.
She pushed on her name, accidentally hitting the speaker button. “Hi, Rakell, big news…Joseph and the casting director called yesterday evening. Wanda, the main casting director, loved you, so she sent your live audition tape to Joseph.” She heard Ana sip a quick intake of air, her words coming out fast, as if she were already jumping up and down. “He reviewed yours along with three others, and Wanda said, hands down, they think you are perfect. They want you to do a chemistry read with Joseph.”
Rakell’s eyes shot up, catching Jake’s intense stare as he mouthed “chemistry,” his shoulders tensing, rising just enough for her to notice. It struck her that she should take Ana off the speaker, but Jake stood and moved to the edge of the bed next to her, whispering, “Chemistry…what’s that?”
“Hi, Jake,” Ana boomed through the phone. “A chemistry read happens when they think someone is perfect for the part, but they want to do a live read with the actor playing opposite. Rakell, in this movie…as you know, there are a few males you would be…” Ana made a gruff, throat clearing sound. “Well, getting close to…but Joseph is the lead, and I am here to tell you that he can single-handedly put you on the map. He expects this one to be a blockbuster. You know the novel, How Easily They Fall , has sold millions worldwide, so they know they have an audience.”
Rakell wasn’t sure if Ana was talking to Jake or her. “Well, of course, I know the novel,” Rakell said tersely, then quickly added in a softer voice, “Jake doesn’t read stuff like that. He likes old Westerns.” She touched Jake’s arm.
“Books like what?” he said, a crease forming between his eyebrows.
Shit, she wished she could click off speakerphone. Jake did not need to hear the details of this film.
“This is a sexy, seductive film. A thriller, yes—one sultry, soul-zapping thriller,” Ana practically shouted over the phone, “and can you think of a better seductress than Rakell?” she asked, clearly rhetorically, not looking for an answer.
Jake stood. "No, no, I can’t,” he said blankly, turning away. "I'm getting another cup,” he mumbled, his tone defeated and twinged with irritation. She shook her head, taking Ana off the speaker.
Bringing the phone to her ear, she said, “So tell me the details.”
“Joseph wants to see if you’ll fly to Atlanta. He’s there scoping out locations and talking to business owners. As I said, he’s not only the lead actor but also producing and helping direct this one.” Rakell’s stomach jumped with anticipation, listening to the excitement booming from Ana’s voice. Ana usually proceeded cautiously, always providing a caveat for positive callbacks. She had explained to Rakell a million times—things have a way of going sideways in this business.
“Ana, when does Joseph want me there?” Rakell asked, trying not to mirror Ana’s enthusiasm, registering Jake’s serious expression.
“Monday, so you’d need to fly to Atlanta tomorrow. He wants to lock this up as soon as possible.” Rakell’s chest tightened. Tomorrow was Sunday, the team cookout with all the significant others and families. She could tell by how much Jake had talked about introducing her to everyone that he’d be disappointed. “They’d like to start shooting in six weeks. The reason I am so convinced that this is yours is my conversation with Joseph. He said you have a non-rehearsed sensualness that he doesn’t see in the others.” Rakell let out a breath, so glad she’d taken the phone off speaker. Ana continued, her words rushing out. “He asked me if you would be available to start in less than two months. I told him that we would clear your schedule for this role, and I didn’t want to jinx this, but he said, ‘Then clear her schedule.’ We loosely discussed financial compensation, but I think you will be pleased. The main thing here is your name at top billing. This is a lead role.”
“I know, I know,” Rakell replied, her eyes going to Jake. “I want this role, I do, but I can’t fly out tomorrow. It’s the Condors’ big cookout and I already promised Jake I’d be here and…” Her eyes locked with his, his face softening as he peered over his cup before taking a sip. She wasn’t used to thinking about how her life affected someone else or working around a lover’s plans. “I can change my flight Monday to Atlanta instead of Austin.”
Ana hesitated while Rakell sat in silence. “Honestly, Ana, if they think I’m the right fit, then twenty-four hours shouldn’t matter.” She caught Jake’s jaw loosen a bit as he nodded.
“Yes, you're right. I’ll call Joseph and make the plans. Rakell…” Rakell heard her draw in a breath. “You read the script. It’s an intensely sexual film. I know that can be difficult for new actresses, but we are not in a position to start scratching scenes off or asking for…”
“I get it, I know how to act…” Rakell fished around in her brain for the word that wouldn’t send alarm bells off in Jake’s head, “…suggestively,” she murmured, focusing her gaze downward, hoping he was distracted.
She heard Ana chuckle at the same time that Jake groaned and whispered, “Do you ever.” She looked up, narrowing her eyes at his sheepish smirk, his hands in the air as if to say, “What?”
“Okay, text me with details, Ana, including hotel, where I am…”
“That’s my job,” Ana snapped. “Give it everything, Rakell. This is it!” she punctuated before the phone went quiet. Rakell’s arm went limp, her phone cradled in the palm of her hand. She was processing everything, reasoning with herself. Of course, they want you to play a seductress, but it’s still a serious acting role. It will showcase your skills. Yes, and your body. But many famous actresses have done sex scenes, appeared topless or essentially nude, which didn’t detract from the performances they gave.