Stormy Vows - Iris Johansen [143]
Jake was seated at the table as she walked into the room. He looked up, his dark eyes knowing. “You can't run away from it indefinitely, you know.”
Jane did not pretend to misunderstand him. “I know,” she replied, not looking at him as she seated herself opposite him at the table. “I just thought it would be easier to face after the first novelty had worn off. The fact that I've officially moved in with you will be old news by tomorrow.”
His lips thinned with anger. “I won't have you made uncomfortable. I'll fire the first man who raises so much as an eyebrow.”
Jane smiled wryly as she lifted the silver covers off the various dishes and helped herself to eggs, sausage, and toast. She was surprised that Jake didn't realize that speculation and rumors couldn't be stopped by merely ordering them to. Even though no overt mention or acknowledgment would be made of her new position, she would still be conscious that every man on the Sea Breeze knew that she was now Jake Dominic's latest toy. She could not deny even to herself that the thought chafed unbearably at her pride.
When they joined Kahlid and Lola for lunch in the lounge, it was even more awkward for her. Both Kahlid and Lola accepted her presence as a guest instead of an employee with casual aplomb. Jane wished she could rival their composure instead of feeling this agony of shyness and discomfort. She was almost silent through the long lunch, though some of her nervousness was abated by the fact that the attending steward was almost a stranger. She had been worried that Simon would be chosen as her replacement, and she didn't feel she could quite cope with that at the moment.
Jake seemed to feel no awkwardness, and he treated her with a curious blend of mocking indulgence and possessiveness. He ignored her shyness and saw to it that she was included in the conversation by simply changing the subject immediately whenever Lola or Kahlid made reference to something outside her experience.
Jane was touched by the arrogant protectiveness of his attitude, but it only added to her embarassment when she met Lola's amused eyes across the table. The older woman said nothing until Jake and Ahmet Kahlid excused themselves to wander over to the bar. Lola then quietly invited Jane to go for a walk on deck with her.
They were no sooner beyond the door than Lola started to chuckle. “I haven't enjoyed anything so much in years,” she drawled, her dark eyes dancing. “The sight of Jake Dominic in the role of shepherd to his lamb was absolutely priceless. That alone was worth the trip from Los Angeles.”
Jane gave her a sheepish grin and said wryly, “He did rather overdo it, didn't he? He wasn't exactly tactful to you and Kahlid in his support of me.”
“Jake can be the soul of diplomacy if it's called for,” Lola said shrewdly. “In this case it wasn't necessary. He knew that Ahmet and I would get the picture.”
“Lola, you've been very kind to me,” Jane said hesitantly. “I just wanted—”
Lola waved her imperiously to silence. “For God's sake, don't apologize,” she said cheerfully. “I would have had to be blind not to realize there was something in the air last night at dinner. Jake has never been known for his kindness to women, but he was completely unreasonable with you. Then, when he discovered Ahmet had gone to your cabin, he was like a madman.”
“How did he know that?” Jane asked curiously. It had not occurred to her to question Jake's sudden appearance in her cabin in the tumultuous events that had followed.
“I imagine he'd given orders that he be told if Ahmet was seen going anywhere near your cabin,” Lola replied with a shrug. “A steward came with a message for Jake shortly after Ahmet left the lounge. The ungrateful wretch didn't so much as say good night to me before he was