Random Elements

By Kate Donovan

Actress Nikki Gower loved portraying a kick-ass federal agent on her hit TV show, Trace Elements, and got an even bigger thrill when she was brought in to work a real case alongside sexy Special Agent Josh Saxon. When her show was unexpectedly canceled and she was given the chance to join the real FBI—and make her hot romance with Josh permanent—she knew it was destiny.
But there are other men in Nikki’s life determined to add a more permanent plot twist, including her predatory director, who gets the show un-canceled for six more episodes, and the shy stalker who sends her white roses and creepy but seemingly harmless poetry.

When Josh goes undercover in Miami and Nikki stays behind to shoot the remaining episodes in Hollywood, the conflicted actress is sure Josh’s new gang-related assignment is dangerous. Little does she know, she’s the one who might not survive Season Two.

As a special bonus, this book includes Episode Seven of the hit TV series Trace Elements. You can also read that and the show’s pilot episode online at the Beyond the Page website.

About the Author:

Kate Donovan is the author of the Gower & Saxon Books and the Play Makers series, including Play by Play, Playing for Keeps, and Play Date, in addition to numerous novels and novellas published in genres including fantasy, historical romance, legal thriller, romantic suspense, and young adult science fiction. Kate lives in California.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
• Release date: May 18, 2015
• ISBN: 9781940846538

Kate Donovan

Kate was born in Newark, Ohio, and lived there until age nine when her family moved to Barrington, Rhode Island. They moved again to California just in time for Kate to attend college in Berkeley, which is where she met her husband-to-be, Paul. Kate and Paul attended law school together and settled down in Sacramento to raise a family: son Paul Michl; daughter Amanda; Murphy the trusty (if tiny) watchdog; and Scooter the cat/hunter. They all live in Elk Grove now, and Kate divides her time between her day job as an attorney for the state of California and her writing. When she's not writing, she hangs out with her family in the vicinity of the TV, reads or cooks the many Mexican recipes handed down to her by her late mother-in-law. Kate loves to hear from readers. You can reach her by email at [e-mail]

Book preview

Prologue

Hollywood Squawk

Interview with Nikki Gower, a.k.a. Annika Trace

File under: Canceled TV shows, hot blondes, petulant writers

Squawk: Good evening, fellow gossipmongers, and welcome to our show. We’ve got a juicy one for you tonight, because—after weeks of rumors—it’s official. Newt Newton’s mega-hit TV show Trace Elements—all about a sexy FBI babe and the reclusive genius who can’t keep his mitts off her—will crash and burn after only one season.

Here to walk us through the facts and soothe our grief is superstar actress, the luscious Nikki Gower.

Nikki (waves): Hi, everyone.

Squawk: Come on, Nikki! Say it ain’t so.

Nikki (sighing): If only.

Squawk: So what’s the scoop? We’ve heard some crazy rumors. That Newt and the network execs literally came to blows? That you’re giving up your gig as a fake federal agent to join the real FBI? Some even say you and Cole Rayburn had a scorching love affair, and when you broke up you couldn’t face each other on the set. So what gives?

Nikki: You’re confusing Cole Rayburn, my hunky co-star, with Cole Ember, my fictional heartthrob. Cole Rayburn and I never dated. We’re just good friends, now and forever. And it’s true, I’m exploring some exciting opportunities in law enforcement, including with the Bureau. Which makes sense, since I went to law school with the idea of joining the FBI, but was sidetracked when Newt recruited me to play a fake agent named Annika Trace.

Squawk: And it was a huge success.

Nikki (nodding): He’s a genius, just like everyone says. He created the show. Built a cast from the ground up. Wrote every episode. And brought out the best in all of us. Trace Elements wouldn’t have existed without Newt Newton. Neither would my acting career.

Squawk: Doesn’t the network understand that?

Nikki: Absolutely. But Newt made them a promise that Annika Trace and Cole Ember would get together, romantically, by the end of Season One. In Season Two, doubts would pull them apart. And in Season Three—the final season—their love would conquer all, not just romantically but by finally tracking down Cole’s father, a criminal mastermind the FBI is desperate to apprehend.

Squawk: So what happened?

Nikki (smiling): Newt happened. He’s a creative genius. And he decided the story needed more nuance, more conflict. So he ended Season One a bit differently. It killed me when I heard about it because I want Annika and Cole together more than anyone. But it’s Newt’s baby.

Squawk: Apparently the network doesn’t see it that way.

Nikki: I honestly thought they’d give in. But they feel an obligation to the viewers, which I respect. Newt respects it too, but he needs to stay true to his vision.

Squawk: So it’s over?

Nikki: Sadly, yes. The season finale—which airs in two weeks—will be the series finale.

Squawk: And you really won’t act anymore? Or is this just a brilliant publicity stunt?

Nikki: Don’t tempt me! (laughing) I’m so grateful to Newt and the network—and my fans—for this adventure. But now? I’m leaving fantasy behind once and for all. Wish me luck, won’t you?

Squawk: Just promise to visit us sometimes. We’ll be having Annika withdrawal for sure.

Squawk note: Reputable sources tell us Nikki Gower begins FBI training next month. We’ve also heard she’s dating a real-life agent. Apparently they met when she assisted the Bureau with a case. Sounds like he inspected more than the crime scene! Who could blame him? And who could blame us for secretly craving a Nikki-Cole reunion? At least on-screen. Wink, wink.

Chapter One

What does an ex-actress do with love letters from her ex-stalker?

Nikki Gower studied the strange assortment of items hidden in her lingerie drawer. Four white roses, dried out yet still eerily fragrant. Four ardent if awkward poems addressed to Special Agent Annika Trace. Four envelopes in which said gifts had arrived over the last couple of months.

Only three people knew about these letters besides Nikki. Her assistant, Jolene; the secret admirer himself; and Nikki’s director, Newt Newton. Newt had asked her to keep them quiet, and she had heartily agreed, dreading the publicity. And since the poor, pathetic fan sent them to the studio, not to her private residence, and had never made any other attempt to contact her, it had seemed like a safe approach.

Of course, if it had escalated, she would have called the police in a heartbeat.

Now?

She hesitated, then gathered up the letters and roses and tossed them through the open window into a garbage can she had positioned outside for this cleaning spree. Her life as Annika Trace was over, and the lovelorn fan had undoubtedly heard the news. Either he’d find someone else to worship from afar or, better still, find himself a real girlfriend.

Hey, said a gruff voice from behind her, and she turned to see Special Agent Josh Saxon—of the real FBI—looking hunky and frustrated.

His usual look.

Hey, handsome, she said, moving up to him, ready for action.

But he arched an eyebrow. You’re supposed to be packing. We leave at eight a.m., you know.

"I did pack. She gestured toward two small suitcases. Once I add my toothbrush to the carry-on in the morning, I’m good to go."

His gaze swept the room. "What about these photos? And books? And awards? You’re moving, Nikki. You need more than a toothbrush and a bikini. Even though I like the sound of that."

When his eyes warmed, she felt a familiar tingle. As much as he tried to be a hard-ass, he just loved sex too much. Which was fine by her. Their recent getaway in Aruba had been scintillating, even if they had both been recovering from serious injuries. And these last three weeks here at Nikki’s Southern California ranch? Making love. Riding horses. Closing down her acting career in preparation for training at Quantico. It had been a nonstop love-fest.

Five-plus weeks all together since the day they first met at the scene of a real-life kidnapping. They had squared off. Butted heads. Almost strangled each other.

But somehow they had learned to cooperate. Had gathered leads, nearly getting themselves killed in the process, before solving the case. And during it all they had fallen in love.

What a miracle.

The timing had been serendipitous, dovetailing with the abrupt cancellation of her TV show, Trace Elements, and presenting the perfect opportunity to begin a new life.

With Josh.

Smiling hopefully, she slipped her hands behind his neck. I have everything I need, Agent Saxon. The rest stays here. You promised we’d spend vacations with Sugarfoot and Blaze, right? So why pack up the ranch?

Something flickered in his dark eyes, and she expected him to argue. To say she couldn’t move to the East Coast if her heart was on the west. But he was getting as turned on as she was, so he didn’t say anything at all, just growled and tackled her to the bed.

Do you have a warrant? she demanded laughingly. Then she winced as the sound of tires on gravel reached them through the open window.

Josh heard it too. And he was not pleased. Expecting someone?

No. I said good-bye to everyone last night.

Stay here. Whoever it is, I’ll get rid of them.

Josh! She jumped up, still smiling but alarmed. She knew how much he hated these Hollywood types. He had made that clear at the good-bye party with all her Trace Elements friends. Not that he had been unfriendly. More like an on-duty agent. Alert and suspicious.

Especially toward writer-director Newt Newton.

I’ll go with you, she insisted. "And we’ll both be charming. How’s that?"

I don’t do charming, he reminded her, but his eyes were twinkling as they walked down the short hallway to the kitchen.

You were pretty charming in Aruba, she said teasingly, but the words died on her lips when she saw who was standing on the other side of the screen door.

Newt.

Oh, no . . .

"What’s he doing here?" Josh muttered.

Be nice, she insisted in a whisper.

Newt grinned and pushed the door open. "Hey, lovebirds. I was afraid I’d find you in flagrante delicto."

Ten more seconds and you would have, Nikki assured him with a laugh. Then she reminded herself Josh was right. They had said good-bye the night before. So she continued more soberly, Is everything okay?

Better than okay. He stepped completely into the kitchen, his medium-height, barrel-chested body making the usual statement: he believed himself to be in complete charge of the situation. And because he was a famous director, not to mention a genius, he usually was.

But there were exceptions, a fact he seemed to acknowledge when he turned his confident eyes in Josh’s direction. Nice to see you again, Saxon.

Josh gave him a measured stare, clearly taking in the cargo shorts and flashy Hawaiian shirt. Then he said simply, Newt.

Two bulls, she decided in frustration. Both cocky. Both intent on getting their way. Both in love with her. Both dark-haired, but one was tall, built, and handsome while the other was stocky and impish.

In a Newt Newton script it could have been fun. In her kitchen?

Not so much.

She only hesitated a second before stepping up to her guest and giving him a hug. This is a nice surprise. What’s up?

I come bearing gifts, he assured her, embracing with one arm while lifting a manila envelope into view with his free hand. A script.

She sent Josh a warning smile, then told Newt, I’m out of showbiz, remember? Plus, that looks pretty thin for a script. Don’t tell me you’re hawking commercials these days.

You’re intrigued? That’s a good sign.

She’s just being polite, Josh assured him. Like she said, she’s out of the business.

Nikki felt a wave of frustration toward her handsome lover. Did he have to react this way every single time Newt stepped into a room?

Let’s all sit, she suggested, gesturing toward the kitchen table. Can I get you something, Newt? A beer maybe?

I’m not staying. I just wanted to see your face when you heard about this. He cocked a bushy eyebrow. "It’s a rewrite for the Season One finale of Trace Elements."

A rewrite? Her imagination danced. Let me guess. Cole won’t go to bed with Lizbeth after all? He’ll make love to Annika instead? Just like God intended?

That would take more than three pages, Newt said with a chuckle. But, yeah. At the last minute—just as Cole and Lizbeth are headed off to bed—the phone rings and it’s you. Or rather, Annika. Telling him she’s in trouble. So he ditches Lizbeth and rushes to your aid.

Oh, thank God, Nikki murmured. I hated seeing him end up with her.

We all did, Newt agreed.

She expected Josh to concur, if only to be civilized, but his tone was skeptical when he said, What’s the point? It’s still a cliffhanger with no follow-up. Why not just let it die a natural death? Plus, he added coolly, Nikki’s flying to D.C. tomorrow. She can’t re-tape the final episode. And she’s not under contract anymore. So it’s moot.

When Newt flashed a victorious smile, Nikki knew Josh had stepped into a trap.

She loved Newt—owed him the world really—but he could be such an ass. Especially where Nikki was concerned, because the clever director loved her to an unreasonable extent, and while he knew he could never have her—at least, not in the way he really wanted—it didn’t stop him from sabotaging every other guy who tried to get close to her.

We should sit, she repeated. And frankly, Josh is right. I’d love to keep Cole from jumping into bed with Lizbeth, but unless he seals the deal with Annika, the fans won’t be appeased.

Newt’s dark eyes twinkled. "You’re missing the point, beautiful. If you agree to this, the Season One finale won’t be the series finale. We’ll get those two crazy kids together after all."

She felt another, stronger burst of excitement. What do you mean?

His smile warmed. This little rewrite is just a prelude. You don’t even have a line in it. It’s just Cole and Lizbeth. They’re headed for the bedroom, then his cell rings, he takes the call, tells you he’s on his way, and leaves Lizzie standing there, thwarted.

Ooo . . . Nikki couldn’t help but purr. "I love it. After everything that bitch put me through? It’s classic."

I knew you’d like it.

Josh touched her arm. Pay attention, Nikk. He’s talking about a second season. Which is obviously impossible since you’re leaving in the morning.

She tried to pull her head out of the fog of revenge against Lizbeth, but her hatred of that fictional villainess was strong. Still, she managed to nod. Josh is right. We’ve wrapped everything up.

"So we’ll un-wrap it. Not for a full second season, though. Just six more episodes. Newt beamed triumphantly. Five one-hours, then a two-hour series finale where Annika and Cole find Cole’s father, fall into bed, and vow their undying love. Everything the most die-hard fan could wish for."

Nikki stared in wonder. And the network agreed to this?

Yep. Newt grinned. "Assuming you agree. Everyone else has signed on. But without you, it’s a no-go."

A lump in her throat prevented her from answering right away. But Josh had no such impediment as he drawled, Then it’s a no-go. Because she’ll be in training classes at Quantico.

Nikki gave him a sharp look. Shouldn’t we at least ask Matt? I mean, we’re talking three or four months, tops. Then the show ends for sure. And it ends the way it always should have.

Josh stared at her, and she knew he was stunned. She didn’t even blame him. His supervisor, Matt Moreno, had moved heaven and earth to get her into the training program. Josh himself had put his life on hold to accommodate this accelerated transition from actress to agent.

On the other hand: six episodes? A few short months to make things right between kick-ass agent Annika Trace and reclusive scientist Cole Ember? And on a more practical level, to aid the ongoing careers of her co-stars? To bring joy and closure to the fans?

And to Nikki.

If only Newt didn’t look so goddamned cocky. He loved sticking it to Josh, and she hated being party to that.

So she insisted loyally, I need to think it over, Newt. To discuss it with Josh and the Bureau. The show is important to me, but Josh and the FBI are my future.

She saw the flicker of surprise in Newt’s eyes, as though he hadn’t anticipated she might side with Josh on this. A rare miscalculation for sure.

We’ll be in touch, she added with a gentle smile.

Josh didn’t react, which was a good sign. Apparently he wasn’t sure whose side she was on anymore. And while she personally didn’t see this as an us-versus-them scenario, Josh and Newt clearly did, and couldn’t wait to prevail.

Newt’s jaw tightened. There’s a lot riding on this, babe. Cole’s career, for one thing. He can’t really claim the title of ‘ultimate romantic hero’ if he doesn’t bed the right heroine, can he? He’ll lose parts for sure. And Sonya could use some good news too, to be frank. Losing her best client so abruptly caught her off guard. So if you’re gonna let them down, do it fast.

The network canceled the show, Josh reminded him. "Because you deviated from the script. So don’t put it on Nikki."

Okay, okay, Nikki told them unhappily. Like I said, I need to think. And this isn’t helping.

Josh grimaced. Sorry, Nikk.

Newt eyed her reproachfully. "I thought this would make you happy. If it makes things worse—romantically or career-wise—then don’t do it. It’s nothing to me. My future is solid. I was just thinking of the fans. And Cole Rayburn. And frankly, of you, because I thought you didn’t want things to end on a sour note. Tossing the manila envelope onto the kitchen table, he said, I’ll just leave this. Read it. Burn it. Whatever you want."

Wait! She grabbed his arm as he headed toward the door. I appreciate what you tried to do. And like I said, I’ll discuss it with Josh. And if there’s any way I can do it, I will. She smiled wistfully. I want Annika and Cole together more than anyone. So if we can make it work, we will.

That’s my girl. Once again, he waggled a bushy eyebrow. There’s a group-think at my house tonight. Seven p.m. sharp. You and me, Cole and Liz, and everyone’s agents. Saxon is invited, obviously, since Cole will bring Kelly. We all hope to see you there. But if not . . . ? He shrugged, as if to say she’d be breaking their hearts and ruining their careers.

Then he flashed an obnoxious look in Josh’s direction and disappeared through the screen door.

She watched him go then turned reluctantly to Josh, who was staring at her, his expression unreadable. So she said with a wince, Worst girlfriend ever?

Hardly. He chuckled. He’s just so fucking manipulative. But meanwhile . . . He reached for her arm and pulled her close. I get why this matters to you. I just thought you came to terms with it. But if you still want an acting career—

I don’t! She laughed at her own strident tone. I sound like I care, but I don’t. I just like the idea of closure. For the fans.

And for Annika and Cole? His eyes twinkled. "It’s hot, I’ll give you that. The sexy federal agent who can’t keep her hands off her boyfriend? No matter how much he pisses her off? I can get behind that for sure."

Mmm . . . She licked her lips. I know it’s crazy, but just thinking of them in bed makes me want to rip your clothes off.

Yeah, I know the feeling.

When he stared at her as though momentarily mesmerized, her entire body shuddered with anticipation. Was he going to plow her up against a wall? Drag her into bed and bury her in a passionate, possessive onslaught?

Or would playful Josh emerge? Pulling her down on top of himself, grinning up at her while she did all the work? She loved that Josh. Loved all those Joshes. After five shorts weeks, she had barely gotten to know them and still went wild when they kissed her.

But she wasn’t surprised when dominating, protective Josh won out. He half carried her to the bedroom, set her gently on the bed, and undressed her with passionate reverence before stretching over her, kissing her mouth, her nipples, her belly, his dark blue eyes blazing. He was the ultimate conquering hero, and she was his willing prize as he entered her and rocked her world, coaxing every ounce of anticipation and adoration she had to give.

Wild with excitement, she gasped his name, and he rewarded her with a mind-shattering orgasm. Only then—staring down at her—did he allow himself his own release.

He owned her. And she loved it.

Especially because she knew the truth. She owned him too at that moment.

• • •

As he so often did, Josh tried not to notice how pretty Nikki was. For one thing, it made him ridiculously proud, like a college kid who had scored with the hottest chick on campus. It also made him protective, which was odd considering how much he admired her independence. But mostly, he tried not to notice how attractive she was because it made him ache with love—an irrational, unfamiliar emotion that clashed with his self-image. He was a logical, methodical law enforcement officer. Except when he was with Nikki Gower.

To put it simply, she made him nuts. It had started the moment they met, and while he had tried to screen it out—to mock it as the smoke and mirrors of a Hollywood ingénue—he had fallen for it.

Hard.

What are you thinking? she asked, her voice still raw with satisfaction.

I’m thinking you’re usually pretty smart, he admitted. "Except around that guy."

And you’re usually rational. Except around that guy.

He nodded because it was true. He hated that asshole. Hated the way he had sucked everything sweet and decent out of Nikki’s life story and used it to create a character named Annika Trace. No detail was too big or too small. Or too painful. Nikki’s mom had been killed in a carjacking. So had Annika’s. Nikki had gone to law school to fight crime on her mom’s behalf. So had Annika. Nikki loved French fries. Nikki had a strained relationship with her dad. Nikki drove an Audi, feared hairpin turns on mountain highways, and had a weakness for dark-haired men with gruff voices and protective attitudes.

And so did Annika. Check, check, and check.

It was a mind-fuck, pure and simple. No wonder she had decided to walk away from it. To put Trace Elements, not to mention Newt Newton, behind her.

But they should have seen this coming. No way would Newt let her go without a battle. He loved his star to a perverted extent. And as crazy as it sounded, he undoubtedly loved Annika even more.

"He says it’s six more episodes, Josh told her quietly as they shifted onto their sides and gazed at each other’s faces. But that’s just the beginning. You see that, don’t you?"

Her forehead creased. He knew I was upset about the way things ended. And he knew the fans would hate it too. Is it so impossible to believe he’s trying to make things right?

The guy’s an a-hole. He’s doing it for himself, trust me.

She shrugged. "Like he said, he’s already famous. Losing Trace Elements is less than a hiccup in his career. But the fans invested tons of time and affection in it. And Cole—the actor, not the character—thought it would make him a superstar romantic hero, not the creep who slept with icky Lizbeth Scott when he could have had Annika Trace."

Josh eyed her intently. So you’re going to do it?

"Only if the FBI agrees I can enter a later training class. And of course, only if you’re okay with it. Because we made plans together. I respect that, Josh. I want to start a new life with you. But let’s face it. Her smile weakened. I hated that last episode. Cole in bed with Lizbeth? Ugh. It sounds silly to someone like you, but to me? They’re very real. Their romance is amazingly real. I want it to end right."

Yeah, he admitted. I get that part.

It’s not about my acting career. That was just a detour on my way to the FBI. It’s all about Annika and the fans at this point.

He wondered if she could possibly understand what he was thinking. He had no problem with her acting career. She had won the hearts of viewers with her talent and energy and charisma. It was awesome. It made him proud. And he would gladly work around it if it meant being her boyfriend. Her lover. The guy she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.

He had even looked into an assignment in Southern California. As much as he would hate leaving his Washington D.C. squad, especially because his current supervisor was also his best friend and the most amazing law enforcement agent he had ever met, he would do it for her.

And sure, dating a starlet would be tricky, but Josh would have made it work.

If only Newt wasn’t in the picture. Because Newt Newton didn’t care about the fans, or the show, or even about Nikki.

He only cared about the perverse world in which he made actors and actresses dance like puppets while he got his rocks off. Watching, manipulating, robbing them of both identity and will.

But Josh wasn’t about to say that out loud, so he settled for, If you agree to six more episodes, he’ll string you along. Make it eight. Ten. Twelve. Can’t you see how he’s loving this? Making the network squirm? Watching fans hyperventilate with online petitions and write-in campaigns? Waiting until the last minute to drag you back into the mix?

She looked at him for a long moment, then cocked her head to the side. And he knew he had gone too far. But all she said was, "I know you don’t like him. But Trace Elements is his baby. So let’s give him some credit, please? Anyway . . . She slid out of the bed on the far side, then smiled teasingly. I’m going to call your boss. Naked. Promise you’ll never tell him?"

Josh grinned. He’d have a heart attack if he knew. So . . . He cleared his throat. "Do you want me to make the call?"

No, thanks. She hesitated, then walked around to his side of the bed and leaned down to kiss his cheek, her wavy blonde hair brushing against his jaw. "We’re just gathering intel, right? If the FBI won’t put me in a later class. Or if Newt starts taking advantage. Or even if you and I decide to run away together. Then Trace Elements is history. I promise."

He pulled her back into the bed. Running away sounds good. Back to Aruba?

You read my mind. She snuggled against him, her eyes smoldering a deep, sapphire blue. Is it crazy I’m turned on again?

Yeah, crazy good, he assured her, kissing her ardently. And then, because she looked like a hell of a lot of fun, he rolled onto his back in a not-so-subtle invitation to take the lead.

• • •

Dressed in sandals, shorts and a lightweight tee, Nikki left the house through the kitchen door, as Newt had done, and wandered down the gravel driveway, past the combination four-car garage and barn, then over to the small paddock where her horses—Sugarfoot and Blaze—were escaping the heat under a scrub oak. One side benefit of more Trace Elements episodes would be spending a few extra months with them. Otherwise, she and Josh had planned on dropping them at the neighboring ranch on their way to the airport. The O’Neill stables were a second home to the horses, not just because she boarded them there for weeks on end, but because she had acquired both of them from Robert O’Neill, who still owned Sugarfoot’s mom and who had rescued Blaze from an abusive environment.

Hey, boys, she told the horses—one pale gold, one ebony—as she proffered an apple in each hand. While they munched, she took out her cell phone and queued up the number of Special Agent in Charge Matt Moreno.

Her pulse began to race. If he said no, that would be the end of it.

But if by some miracle the FBI went along with this . . .

She punched the number eagerly.

Moreno.

Hi, Matt. It’s Nikki Gower.

Hey, kid. We’re approaching zero hour, right? How does it feel?

It feels amazing. I still can’t believe I’ll be Agent Gower someday instead of fake Agent Trace. But there’s a new wrinkle if you have a minute to chat.

When Matt chuckled, she smiled fondly. He was Josh’s best friend but so different from him. Josh would have been dead silent for at least a few seconds after an opening like that, wondering what wrinkle was headed his way. Not that he was a pessimist.

Just cautious by nature. He called it methodical. Nikki called it gruff and she loved it about him. But for this moment in time, Matt’s attitude was easier to deal with.

Let’s hear it, the supervising agent urged her. There’s no wrinkle I can’t press.

She groaned at the joke. Remember how the show was canceled? And it was good news, bad news, right? Good for my new career, bad for the fans.

It was bad for Cole Ember, Matt corrected her. The poor guy put up with that wise-ass Annika for sixteen torturous episodes. Then he never gets laid?

Don’t you mean: never gets to live happily ever after with the woman of his dreams? She smiled with renewed excitement. "Newt and the network have come to some crazy agreement where he can write six more episodes and make Cole’s dreams come true. But for that they’d need me. On a time-limited basis, but it would mean I can’t make the upcoming class. And trust me, joining the FBI is my top priority. So if I can’t get bumped to a later class, then Cole’s just going to have to settle for sex with Lizbeth Scott."

When Matt was silent for a moment, she felt a twinge of regret. Maybe she should have approached this more formally. Or at least more seriously. But he had functioned as her go-between, mostly because he was the one who had lured her into the Ainsworth kidnapping case as a creative consultant in the first place. It had proven a brilliant strategy after a few false starts. Of course, it had almost gotten her killed, but all in all, it had been a rousing success for the victim, the Bureau, Nikki’s career, and Nikki’s love life.

You want to be in a later class? he asked finally. I’ll need to check, obviously, but my guess is: that’s not a problem.

She exhaled in relief. The last thing I want to do is take advantage, especially of you. I know you went to bat for me—

And the top brass salivated at the prospect. You’re the best free publicity we could get, and after that embezzlement mess last winter, we need the positive coverage. Not to mention how you showed your stuff during the Ainsworth case, so we know you can deliver. The Bureau only had one reservation about taking you on.

She moistened her lips, intrigued. The distraction of a former TV star?

"Hardly. They love that part. They just didn’t want your fans blaming them for the cancellation."

Seriously?

Yeah, so they’ll love this. Plus, a bunch of them watch the show and were personally bummed about the abrupt ending. So again, I’ll need to check. But I see this going smoothly.

That’s the best news. She caught herself and added, It’s not a done deal yet, so don’t give up my spot irrevocably. I should know more after tonight. About whether it’ll happen and what the timetable is.

Matt was quiet for a few seconds, then murmured, How’s the big guy taking it?

Pretty well. It’s a shock, but he gets why it matters to me. She laughed self-consciously. You know how he is. We had this worked out to the last detail. And we haven’t been apart since you threw us together last month. But still, he’s a pro, right?

Matt laughed. Don’t kid yourself. This is uncharted territory for him. Josh Saxon in love? He’s a total rookie.

She smiled as Sugarfoot nuzzled her shoulder. Then she reminded Matt, He had a serious girlfriend recently. That lawyer in San Diego. I know all about her, so don’t try and con me.

"If you think that was love, you don’t know the half of it. She was sweet. And great-looking. And they were a good match on paper. But it stressed him out. As opposed to you. You make him grin like an idiot. It’s hilarious."

Nikki sighed. Josh had told her how stressful that relationship had been, mostly because the lawyer lived on the West Coast while Josh lived on the East, necessitating constant planning and traveling and general dissension. He had mentioned it in the context of being glad Nikki would be moving into his condo in D.C. before she even began her training at Quantico.

No long-distance romance for them. Until now.

Forget about Rachel, Matt commanded. That redhead was a red herring.

She giggled. Thanks for the visual. And seriously, Matt, thanks for all the moral support.

My pleasure. Let’s touch base in the morning.

Leaning against the tree trunk, she surveyed her little ranch fondly. She had had such plans for it when she bought it more than a year ago, especially in terms of enlarging the main house, which was a utilitarian two-bedroom, two-bath. Yet somehow, it worked so well she hadn’t even refinished the scuffed wood floors. Josh’s addition of a basketball hoop over the garage door was the only improvement to date.

Because it’s perfect, she decided. Only one thing had been missing: a guy to share it with. Now with Josh in the picture, it was paradise. They rode the horses, swam in the long, narrow rectangular pool, did some target shooting with the rifles left behind by the previous owner, and made love day and night. And while he had hinted that it was crazy for her to keep this place once she moved to the East Coast, he hadn’t dared make an issue of it. And she knew why.

She could easily afford this place, even if she never used it again, thanks to the money that would pour in for years from Trace Elements. Even after donating fifty percent of her gross income from the show to a charity for crime victims, she had plenty left over. Enough to maintain the ranch and pay for their flights, first class, so they could visit it frequently. Enough to cover boarding the horses, which she paid on an annual basis so she could drop them off and pick them up at a moment’s notice. And enough to compensate the middle-aged couple who looked after the house and grounds for her. They came twice a month when she was there, more often when she was gone. In return she paid them a straight fifty thousand dollars a year, which worked for her as well as for them.

Did that drive Josh crazy, too? Probably, but again, it was Nikki’s money. So he just winced and changed the subject whenever his practical side tried to rear its handsome head.

At that moment, the kitchen door opened and he ambled into view, wearing jeans but shirtless and looking amazing. Tall and confident, with broad shoulders and long, lean muscles. She especially loved the scruffy beard and rumpled hair, so unlike the spit-and-polish agent she had met in D.C. This was Aruba Josh, only better, since his gunshot wound had healed to a pearlescent salmon instead of the angry red of the first few weeks.

Matt’s words tickled her ear: Josh Saxon in love.

Could it honestly be true? Josh had blurted it out a couple of times, usually during a particularly amorous climax. And Nikki had done the same. But mostly they had restrained themselves, not wanting to put unnecessary pressure on a fledgling relationship. There was already enough of that, wasn’t there? Events had propelled them along at a rapid pace given the timing of her show’s cancellation. If she really wanted to be an FBI agent, why not now? If she was really ready to leave Hollywood behind, why not move in with Josh now, since they were spending every waking minute together anyway? Sure it was quick, but it felt so right.

Neither of them was impulsive by nature. Take charge, sure. But reckless?

Never. Except with each other.

He walked up to her, patted Blaze’s neck, then arched an eyebrow at the phone in her hand. How’d it go?

Brace yourself.

Fuck. He grinned to show he was mostly kidding. I had a feeling. The show’s got some big fans at headquarters. Plus, Matt lives vicariously through Cole Ember’s sex life, so there’s that.

She touched his jaw. "You’re being such a