"Uncomfortable? Why? Because of the sex scenes?" he asked, bewildered.
"Yes. Sex is a very private thing and some people don't want to be too open about it. Also, some people may think that what I write is based on my real sex life. If they find out I'm J.A. Nell, they might feel I've practically discussed my sexual activities with them because of what they've read. And since you're my boyfriend, you may not feel comfortable with it."
"Well, it doesn't bother me," he said, caressing a strand of hair off her forehead. "I think it's amazing you've written novels. I wouldn't even be able to write a ten-page story fit for reading, to save my life. And I must say, the one book you got me to read was really good. I already planned to read the other two. Besides, you're using a pen name. I love the idea of having a big secret," he said with a genuine smile.
"Thank you," she said with quiet sincerity.
Kane shifted suddenly and she found herself on her back, with his head poised between her legs.
"After our enactment, I want to know everything about J.A. Nell."
She moaned in response as he let loose his talented mouth on her clit. All thoughts of J.A. Nell flew out the window, replaced by the notion that Kane's expertise in bed surpassed anything she'd ever written.
~~~~~~~
Jasmine lay contentedly in Kane's arms. Sleep threatened to take over but she resisted. She'd just been thoroughly made love to and she wanted to revel in the afterglow.
There were twelve short days to go before she had to go back home. Yes, she would be coming back to Sydney two months after that but still, they would be apart for a long time. For the next few days, she was determined to simply enjoy being with him before they were forced apart by distance.
The tranquil silence was broken by Kane's ringing phone.
He stretched his arm towards the bedside table and reached for it.
When he held the screen up, she saw who the caller was. She held her breath as he answered the call.
"Hannah, what's up?"
Kane sat up on the bed at Hannah's response.
Her heart raced. What did she want?
"Calm down," Kane said soothingly. "It's just another bad dream."
She could hear the indistinct sound of an upset woman as Kane listened to Hannah, but she couldn't make out any of the words.
"Okay," Kane said with a loud exhale. "I'll be there soon."
"What's wrong?" she asked as she flicked the lamp switch on.
"She had another nightmare. She's pretty upset and said she's scared to be alone in such a big house. I have to go there and help her calm down."
She stared at Kane as mixed emotions whirled inside her. "Is she really that vulnerable?" she asked him gently. "A grown woman scared of a bad dream and of being alone in a house?"
"I know, but Jaz, she's just been through so much. I guess that's where her emotional frailty is coming from."
"I suppose so," she responded. Her compassionate nature was willing to see that viewpoint but her feminine instinct was telling her something wasn't right.
"I'm sorry about this, baby," Kane said. "I'll try and talk her into getting help from her other friends. I know I shouldn't encourage her to rely on me anymore."
She gave him a comforting smile. This wasn't easy for Kane, either. In fact, it was harder for him and he needed her understanding right now. "It's okay. When do you think you'll be back?"
He pressed his lips in a straight line. "I might have to stay there tonight. I want to talk to her about her other options once she's calmed down.
"Okay," she answered. "Do you think you should tell her about us? I know we said it wasn't a good idea before but it might help her have closure if she knew about me."
Kane pursed his lips. "Maybe. I'll have to play it by ear."
She nodded.
"Thank you for understanding." He kissed her softly on the lips before getting out of bed.
She hugged Kane's pillow to her chest as she watched him get dressed. When he was gone, she inhaled his scent and whispered into the darkness, "I love you."
CHAPTER TEN
Hannah heard the door unlock with a click. Kane had arrived.
"Hi," she said with a smile as she sat up from her reclining position from the couch, where she had been reading a magazine.
A thrill ran through her as she watched him sweep his eyes over her. Would he like the new nightie she wore? She was wearing a robe over it but she had tied it loosely so the sexy lingerie underneath would be apparent.
Her smile left her face when his expression darkened. He was angry.
"Well, you look all right to me. Great. I'll be off now," Kane said bitingly and turned on his heels.
"Wait!" She ran to him and clung to his arm. "I'm just so relieved you came. Please don't go. I need you."