2 Queenie Baby - Out of Office Read Free Page A

Prescott when he'd been filming in Maryland. I sighed. That had been the one week in my career when I'd actually felt like a rock star. My time with Andre had been the cherry on top.
    "Andre was part of my Jack Daniel's summer," I tried to explain, using Mark's vernacular. "You know the same way that hoochie who interrupted us on your boat last week was part of your Jack Daniel's summer?" I replied, referring to a not-so-wonderful moment when I'd been in Mark's arms, and his past had come calling at the door in a mini-skirt and heels.
    "That doesn't make me feel any better," he grumbled. I watched as emotions played across his face with understanding and desire finally winning out over ego and anger.
    His eyes softened, and his lips tipped up at the corners. He reached for me and drew me towards him. "I really missed you."
    "I missed you, too," I whispered and nuzzled my face against his neck with a contented purr.
    His lips found mine, and for a few seconds the chaotic scene around us faded away. His hands tangled in my long hair and tugged my head back. He looked into my eyes.
    "No more making out with old boyfriends," he admonished. "That asshole stole my first kiss."
    "Yes, sir," I said meekly as he kissed me again.
    "No makin' lovey-dovey in my airport!" yelled the officer.
    Mark released me with a chuckle. "We'd better get to my hotel before we both get arrested."
    The limo door opened and Andre stepped out. I felt Mark tense as he approached us. Now that I was out of cuffs, I had a few words for Andre.
    "Where are those no-good producers, Roger and Phil?" I huffed.
    Andre pursed his lips, debating what to share. "They'll be in town tomorrow for the big concert this weekend."
    "They stole my song, Andre!" I cried, my voice cracking. "'The Rum Song' is mine, and you know it!"
    He nodded. "I do," he agreed.
    "I want to see Carlos," I insisted.
    "Not sure that's a good idea. Carlos makes Billy Prescott look stable," Andre said ruefully.
    "You really know how to pick employers." I folded my arms. "I don't care. Roger and Phil haven't returned my calls, so I'm going to Carlos."
    I was adamant. Billy Prescott had been a spoiled prima donna when I'd met him last summer, but he hadn't gotten the best of me and neither would Carlos Rodriguez.
    Andre hesitated, glancing around. The taxi driver had finally moved on, and a clean-up crew was taking care of the ruined guitar.
    "Don't make me follow you all over this island," I threatened. "You know I'm not letting this go."
    He sighed. "Give me a few hours. I'll see what I can do. Your number still the same?"
    I nodded. Mark groaned.
    "Sorry," I whispered to him.
    Andre chuckled and walked back to the limo.
    Mark gave me a sideways glance. "Just an old boyfriend, huh? You have that dreamy, faraway look like when I kiss you. Only I'm not kissing you."
    I flushed. Wow, I really needed to work on my poker face.
    "Andre was a fling last summer." I turned to him. "Nothing else. Believe me," I insisted.
    "Oh, I believe you when you say it's over," he replied. "But I don't think he thinks it's over. Not by a long shot."
    I watched the limo pull away and had a bad feeling he probably was right.
     
    *  *  *
     
    The clock in the dashboard of the rental car displayed 5:15 p.m. I stole a look at Mark's profile. He looked okay, but his hands were gripping the wheel a little too tightly. Our romantic getaway had not gotten off to the best start.
    I was sweaty and feeling like I'd been run over by a bus. I looked out the window as the car pulled up to a red light.
    "Hey!" I pointed out the window. "That guy's selling Coronas!"
    Mark stared out the window. "That must explain why everybody on the road drives like a maniac. They're all drunk."
    I rolled down the window.
    "What are you doing?"
    "Getting a beer." I waved the guy over.
    Mark raked his hands through his hair. "I'm not even sure that's legal, Diana."
    I made a face. "Do you really think he could just stand in the middle of the