Free Lady Boss by Jackie Collins Page B

‘I’ve got plans.’
    He feigned alarm. ‘What plans?’
    â€˜Lie back, Lennie, and don’t ask so many questions.’
    * * *
    In the morning they surfaced just before noon, automatically reaching for each other as if it were the most natural move in the world.
    Outside, the sun attempted to break through the closed shades, and a dog barked incessantly.
    They made love again, slowly, languorously, and when they were finally finished Lennie said, ‘What would the love of my life like to do today?’
    Lucky stretched and smiled. ‘Take a shower with you. Take a walk along the beach with you. And then come straight back to bed without passing go.’
    â€˜It sounds like the perfect day to me,’ he replied with a grin. ‘Only how about we cut out the shower and the walk?’
    â€˜Don’t you think we need the exercise?’ she asked innocently.
    â€˜I have exercises for you even Jane Fonda doesn’t know!’
    â€˜You do?’
    â€˜I’ll be your personal instructor.’
    â€˜Sounds good to me.’
    It wasn’t until later that they began to talk. Lennie had his usual list of complaints about the movie, and Lucky listened quietly, hugging to herself the knowledge that soon she was going to make everything OK.
    â€˜I write new dialogue, the asshole director says great – fantastic stuff, Lennie. And then he doesn’t want to shoot it. I go to the dailies – I give my suggestions – they ignore ’em. Jesus H. Christ, they’re getting my input for free – you’d think they’d run with it, right?’
    She nodded her agreement, stroking his back, lightly massaging his neck.
    He lay face down on the bed, completely relaxed for the first time in weeks. Lucky was the only woman in the world who was able to draw every bit of tension out of him and make him feel this good.
    â€˜We’ve got to think of a way to get you out of this contract,’ she said.
    He admitted defeat. ‘As usual you were right. I’m gonna talk to my lawyer.’
    â€˜Hold off until
Macho Man
is finished.
That’s
the time to make a move.’
    â€˜Yeah, I guess so. How come you’re always right?’
    She laughed. ‘’Cause I’m Gino’s daughter an’ he taught me good.’
    â€˜Pretty damn good.’
    â€˜
Very
good – and don’t you forget it, husband.’
    He rolled over and grabbed her in a hug. ‘So – the big question. When are you coming to Acapulco? I need you there like immediately.’
    Now came the crunch. She took a deep breath. ‘Uh, Lennie, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about Acapulco.’
    â€˜What?’ he asked suspiciously.
    â€˜Don’t get mad,’ she warned.
    â€˜What?’ he repeated more forcefully.
    She began the carefully rehearsed speech she’d planned. ‘There’s a huge business deal in Japan I have to take care of. If all goes as it should I’ll be out of there in a couple of weeks, and then I’ll stop off and see Bobby in London, maybe spend a few days at the office in New York. After that, I’m all yours.’
    His tone was bleak. ‘You’ve
got
to be kidding.’
    â€˜I’m not.’
    â€˜Lucky,’ he exclaimed vehemently, ‘you promised me Acapulco.’
    â€˜I’ll be there,’ she lied.
    â€˜When?’ he asked accusingly.
    â€˜As soon as I can.’
    Angrily he sat up. ‘I don’t fucking believe this.’
    â€˜I’m not exactly thrilled myself. But the Japanese are very particular when it comes to deal-making.’ She reached for a cigarette. ‘Oh, sure, I could send one of the heads of the company – but it’s me they want. Something to do with honour. The owner of their company will only deal with the owner of
our
company – and until Bobby and Brigette reach a legal age, that’s me. This is an enormous deal