Stormy Vows - Iris Johansen [27]
His face was surprisingly serious as he shook his head. “Despite Michael's suspicious nature, I'm not about to set off in pursuit of you, charming though you may be,” he said coolly. “I may be a thorough scoundrel and totally without scruples where women are concerned, but I place a great value on Michael's friendship.” His eyes were half closed, as he continued almost beneath his breath, “I have no problem getting mistresses, but I doubt if I could replace Michael.”
For a moment there was a curiously lonely and vulnerable look to his face, but it was quickly masked by cynicism. “So you see, you are in no danger where I'm concerned,” he went on lightly. “I'm such a bastard that I can't afford to throw away lightly the few friends I have.”
Brenna found herself suddenly liking this difficult, complex man. “I think you would make a very good friend,” she said gently.
Dominic's brows shot up in surprise. “I don't believe a woman has ever told me that before,” he said.
“I suppose they all just want you for your body?” Brenna said solemnly, her eyes twinkling.
“But of course,” he said mournfully. “The heartless creatures persist in ignoring my brilliant mind and tortured soul.” He pulled a face, and said melodramatically, “I'm only a sex object to them!”
Brenna chuckled, and they exchanged a glance that was suddenly free of tension. It was no wonder that he was such a heartbreaker, she thought in amusement. He moved from mood to mood with quicksilver rapidity, leaving one constantly off guard.
His black eyes were twinkling as he continued. “I'm really a closet virgin,” he confided outrageously. “Please be gentle with me.”
She shook her head, a slow smile curving her lips. “You're not at all what I expected, Mr. Dominic.”
“Jake,” he urged casually. “We're all on a first-name basis here.” He put his glass on the table, and taking off his dark blue sports jacket, dropped it carelessly on the couch. “You're not what I expected either, Brenna,” he said briskly. “Now, suppose you run along and get your script, and we'll get to work.”
She found Dominic meant just that. For the next two hours there was no vestige of the personal in his demeanor. His manner was quick and incisive as they went over the role. With lightning verbal strokes he filled in the background she would need to fully understand the character: motivation, Mary's interaction and relationships with the other characters, and her own role as a catalyst in the story line.
After the preliminary discussions were over, he had her read through the script, stopping her frequently to explain a point or correct her interpretation of a line. Then he had her go through it again without interruption, watching her with a quiet intensity that she found to be both soothing and stimulating.
When she had finished, he leaned back lazily on the couch and regarded her thoughtfully through half-closed lids.
“You have a quick, intelligent mind, Brenna,” he said quietly. “I rather think you're one of those people who never makes the same mistake twice.”
Brenna knew a swift rush of pleasure at his obvious approval. She could see why Jake was considered so exceptional. It was incredible that in such a short time he had accomplished so much. She not only felt she understood the character in depth, but he had mysteriously instilled in her both enthusiasm and confidence.
“Thank you, Jake,” she said sincerely. “You've made it very easy for me.”
“My pleasure, believe me,” he said with a grin. “Though Michael doesn't usually let his personal feelings influence his judgment, I confess that I was afraid you might be the horrible exception. I had visions of trying to mold an actress out of some stagestruck ingenue.” His face darkened. “God knows, we have had enough problems with this picture.”
“Mary Durney was supposed to be played by Tammy Silvers, wasn't she?” Brenna asked curiously. “I read that she won a Tony Award last year for Little Sins.”
Dominic nodded, his lips thin. “She had excellent credentials, and