Binding Gillian
In college, Brad Claybourne and Gillian York were soul mates. But their relationship could not survive the manipulations of a conniving woman, and ended in heartbreak.
Now Brad is a world-famous journalist and Gillian is an on-the-rise author. When her agent unwittingly sets Gillian up to be interviewed by Brad, Gillian vows that she will not allow old feelings to surface.
But Brad has other ideas. He intends to remind Gillian of how good they were together. All he will need is a little bit of holiday magic… and a few feet of rope.
Buy it now from Resplendence Publishing
Gillian put her napkin in her lap, then smoothed her hands over it. She got to the edges, gripped them tightly in her hands and pushed the napkin together, praying the panic she felt didn’t show on her face.
Brad looked cool as a cucumber, and Sandy talked a mile a minute, her excitement evident in her voice. And who could blame her? Scoring an interview with Brad was a huge plus in the Sandy column. Gillian wasn’t sure what it meant for her. Good publicity yes, but would viewers know she really wanted to tear his clothes off?
“How did you know I was here?”
“It’s been all over the papers, lots of book signings,” Brad said, pouring her a glass of wine. “Is Lambrusco still your favorite?”
“Yes.” She took the glass, swallowed a huge dose of it, then fought the urge to drain the glass and ask for a refill. She needed to get hold of herself before Sandy starting asking questions that Gillian didn’t want to answer.
“This is hugely exciting, I have to tell you.” Sandy took a dainty sip from her own glass. “Samson Books has believed in Gillian from word one, and they’re thrilled to know will be on your program. It will bring a great boost to her sales.”
“Well, Friends Forever is already in the Top Ten list,” Brad said, pulling out a newspaper. “The information was reported in a story today that promos tomorrow’s signing.”
Gillian stared at the paper as Sandy snatched it out of Brad’s hand. “Top Ten?”
“That’s right, Gilly, Top Ten. I’m proud of you.” He topped off her glass, his gaze holding hers while he worked. He set the bottle down, never breaking his gaze, or spilling a drop of the red liquid on the table. “I’ve ordered all your favorites. A spinach salad, ravioli, a cheese pizza, light on the sauce, and cannoli. I called ahead and had them make the cream filling with a touch of lemon, just for you.”
Gillian’s already rapid heartbeat sped up. He remembered her favorite foods. All of them.
The jerk. Please don’t be nice to me. Please don’t make me want you.
“Thanks.” She glanced at Sandy, who was engrossed in the article she was reading.
“You’re welcome.” He also glanced at Sandy, then looked back at Gillian, mouthing the words. “You look beautiful.”
Gillian brought her glass up to her mouth and swallowed the liquid inside in one gulp. It burned going down her throat and made her very light headed as it soaked into her body. She pushed the glass toward Brad, who refilled it.
“This is so great,” Sandy said, wiggling the paper. “I knew you were going places, Gillian, and this interview will push you there even faster. When are we doing it?”
“Tomorrow,” Brad said, smiling as the waitress set salads in front of all of them. She put a basket of steaming bread in the center of the table, then faded away.
“I can’t tomorrow,” Gillian said. “I’m leaving for home after the last book signing.”
“Nonsense,” Sandy turned a horrified look on her, giving her an expression that clearly said, don’t screw this up.
“I’ve already rescheduled your flight to later tomorrow night. The book signing is from eleven to one, and the interview is at two. That gives you plenty of time for the flight, which I changed to nine. It’s perfect, all the way around.”
“Great.” Gillian reached for the loaf of bread, pulling off a large hunk. Then she nibbled on it, her stomach suddenly not wanting to accept food.
“How are your parents?”
“Oh they’re just fine.” Every time Mom sees an interview you’ve done she calls me and says you’re on TV. Then she repeats the words I hate. ‘I just don’t know what happened there. He was such a nice young man, and look at him now. I bet he’s loaded. You should call him.’ “What about yours?”
“Retired and living in Galveston. They fight the hurricane season every year, but I think my Dad loves the thrill of it.”
“I could see that. Your Dad always was the active, wanting-to-be-on-the-spot type of guy.”
“Yes, he was, and is. They ask about you a lot. Mom says she’s read some of your books.”
Gillian’s eyebrows shot up, and she stared at him. He gave her an even smile. “I’ve read them all, but Mom’s only read the mysteries and the mainstream. She loved Forever Friends. I promised her I’d get you to sign a copy when I saw you tonight.”
“You two really have a history,” Sandy said. “I can’t believe you had this resource at your disposal, and you didn’t…”
“Exploit it?” Gillian turned to her. “I haven’t seen Brad in years. Ten years to be exact.” And one hundred and two days.
“And I’m doing the exploiting,” Brad said. “Gillian’s the hot writer right now, and lots of interviewers would jump at the chance to have her on their show. I’m the one who wants to exploit her to boost my ratings.”
“Well exploit away.” Sandy laughed, then jumped as if she’d been goosed. “Sorry, my cell phone. That’s my husband, I’m sure. I’ll be right back.”
She hurried from the table and Gillian trained a hard stare on Brad. “What are you doing? You can’t interview me. We were lovers.”
“It was the only way I could think of to get near you without you running.” He held up his glass. “And I can interview you, and it will be great.”
“It’s a conflict of interest.”
“Well, I suppose you could say that, because my main interest is to get you back into my life. But, the fact that I shouldn’t do it won’t stop me. I want you, Gillian. I miss you.”
She stared at him, dumbfounded. “You’re kidding me, right?”
“I didn’t sleep with her?”
“Excuse me?” She leaned toward him, clutching her wine glass in her hand, resisting the temptation to throw what little bit was left at the bottom in his face.
“Ramona, I didn’t sleep with her.”
“You’re about ten years too late with that little denial. I don’t believe you.” She picked up the bottle and refilled her own glass. “Besides, it doesn’t matter anymore.”
“It does matter. When you accused me of it, I was too angry to deny your statement. I was hurt that you would believe her lies. What’s the old saying, pride comes before the fall? Then, when I realized how much I missed you I tried to call, several times. You wouldn’t talk to me. After a few weeks your father told me to stop calling, so I did. I kept hoping your mom would answer the phone. She always liked me.”
“She still does.” She put down her glass and crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t believe you.”
“It’s the truth.”
Gillian noticed Sandy heading their way. Her agent stopped at a table, talking to a group of diners, and Gillian cleared her throat. “It was a long time ago, and it doesn’t matter anymore. It’s over and done with. Case closed.”
“No. It’s not closed. I want you back in my life, and I’m going to fight for you. I’m giving you fair warning.”
Buy it now from Resplendence Publishing