Free Provocative Peril by Annette Broadrick Page A

What's wrong with southern California?"
    "Too crowded, too many phones, too many people wanting script changes. I needed some time to myself."
    "Yet you call me to keep you company," she murmured with a slight chuckle in her voice.
    "That's the point, Selena. I want to choose my company. I'm very selective, as you know."
    "Only too well, my friend. I'm not sure how I rate. But Clay, you of all people know how limited my time is right now. It's your television series we're filming."
    "Huh-uh, not mine, honey. I only wrote the thing. Once the screen script is approved, I'm out of it." Clay could feel himself relaxing for the first time in days. Selena was good for him. He should have thought of her sooner.
    "How can you say that? Derringer Drake is your creation. The James Bond of the eighties—he's made you famous."
    "I only write about him. After that, he becomes somebody else's baby. Couldn't you get away for a couple of days?" His voice dropped. "I really would like to see you, honey. You could stay with me."
    There was a moment of startled silence. In a cautious tone, Selena asked, "Is this really Clay Kenniwick?"
    "Of course it is."
    "And you just invited me to stay with you?"
    The note of disbelief made him squirm. "All right, Selena, so we don't have that sort of relationship, but dammit, I need you."
    "Funny you've never needed me before, and we've known each other for almost a year."
    "Okay, so maybe I'm just cautious."
    "Hah! The only person I know with a more amorous reputation than you is Derringer Drake." A pause. "Or did you invent both?"
    Clay started to laugh. "My amorous reputation belongs to the writer, Kenneth Clay, and you're close, babe, darned close. Both are the figments of overactive imaginations. But, Selena, I really would like some company. I'd even get you a room, but there aren't any available. I can always get a roll-away if you'd come."
    There was a long silence, and only the hum of the wire echoed as he waited.
    "What's wrong, Clay? Can you tell me?"
    "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
    "Try me."
    "I'm scared to death I may be falling in love."
    He looked at the phone with disgust as peals of laughter rang over the line. "It isn't that funny, Selena."
    "Oh, but it is, Clay. The invincible one—the lordly 'love 'em and leave 'em' Kenneth Clay in love? That's got to be the funniest story I've heard."
    "Well, I was hoping you'd come up here and talk me out of it."
    "Talk you out of it? As far as I'm concerned, it couldn't happen to a nicer guy."
    "So you won't come," he responded glumly.
    "I didn't say that." She was still chuckling. "How can I possibly resist an offer like this?" she asked in a sultry voice that was becoming more famous with every television appearance she made. "If I can get through with my scenes early enough, I'll fly up on the weekend. Will that be soon enough?"
    Clay's smile was beatific. "Sounds perfect."
    "Will I get to meet this miracle worker who's managed to turn stone hearts to mush?"
    Clay sighed as his gaze lifted and fastened on the loft. "You'll do that, all right. She's staying here with me."
    "My God, Clay, how many women do you need at once? You know me better than that!"
    "It's nothing like that, Selena. You've been living in L.A. too long. It's all very innocent, which is why I desperately need a distraction."
    "Well, I could use the break, and it will be good to see you again. Believe it or not, you're one of the few men I can trust to be straight with me. I suppose that's why your offer threw me for a moment. That's just not you, Clay."
    "I know. I haven't felt like me since I got here. I was hoping you could talk some sense into me."
    "I'll do my best. I almost envy the woman who's managed to get your attention. She's very lucky."
    "Glad you think so. Maybe you can convince her of that. I don't seem to know where to start." "I'll see you in a few days, Clay. Hang in there." Clay slowly replaced the receiver. Selena was right. Without being aware of