Heartstealer (Women of Character) - By Grace Brannigan Page 0,3
body. Her glance at her brother seemed almost challenging.
Con shook hands with him. "Nice to meet you Sloan. As Jacie said, I wanted to make sure everything’s in order."
Sloan met the other man’s flint gray eyes. "I was under the impression you were the one handling this job."
"As I explained to your brother when we set this up, I have a commitment out of the country. Jacie is very capable of fulfilling the obligation."
"That’s right," she said, stepping closer to James. "I was trained by my brother. I’m confident you’ll be happy with my work."
James ran a hand through his already tousled red hair and smiled at Jacie. "The camera crew got several shots and they tell me they're looking good," he said. "I talked to the pilot and we won't need to do another jump today."
"Are you sure?" she asked. "That wasn't the best landing I've ever done. We can try a couple more."
"Actually, for the publicity pictures we're only using the shot from the plane and part of the freefall."
Sloan didn’t miss Jacie’s relief. She hadn't removed the knee brace and she seemed to be limping a bit. Was she worried they would release her from the job if she admitted she’d hurt herself? He frowned. Why take a chance on a jump if you’re not up to it? He clenched his teeth, not happy with the picture he was getting. This skydiving gig might not be his thing, but he certainly didn’t want to open the resort to any lawsuits.
"I have a good feeling about this publicity campaign," James said.
Jacie smiled. "I still think I'm getting the better bargain. A month-long stay at your ranch resort."
"One which I hope you’ll enjoy. Here comes a member of the local news bureau," James said. "They asked me if you’d do a short interview."
Jacie looked toward the approaching reporter. "Of course," she said. "That’s why we’re here, right? The more publicity the better."
Sloan watched a cameraman approach Jacie and her brother to position them for the impromptu interview. John Wilson, a local news reporter was there. Sloan had gone to school with John and now gave him a nod. "John, how are you doing?"
"Fine, Sloan. This place is really shaping up. You guys have done a great job." He turned his attention to Jacie and introduced himself. "Jacie, I’ve read the backgrounder on you. You’ve been on jumps all over the world. I’m curious why you’re here in this relatively quiet area of the Catskills."
Sloan watched her give John a brilliant smile, noted the effect it had on the other man as John’s usually reserved manner slipped a bit. Sloan wondered how often she used that smile to get her own way. It was the same one she’d given him.
"Look at this place!" she exclaimed, waving her hands to indicate the mountain ranges on three sides. "It’s gorgeous. People should know about Timber Falls and all it has to offer. Aerial Antics is here to help them do that. As an added bonus, I get to stay here for a month. How could I refuse such a lovely setup?"
With cynical detachment Sloan watched John fall under her spell and take a step closer to Jacie.
"Has there been much interest in the skydiving lessons?" John asked.
"The guests are excited," James said. "We've had some response too from local people as you can see by the crowd that showed up."
"Jacie, it’s obvious you enjoy jumping out of planes. Can you tell those of us who haven’t dared that, what it’s like? Is it really a thrill not to be missed?"
Sloan watched Jacie curiously as she closed her eyes and spoke softly. "When you jump the air catches you and whips you upward. It’s like catching your breath on a wild carnival ride. Your heart rate is accelerated and the adrenaline’s flowing. It’s an incredible feeling of freedom."
The words were heartfelt; her love of skydiving came through loud and clear.
"Your film "Escape from Angel Falls" last year was a box office hit, despite the turmoil the film company has since experienced. Would you consider doing stunts for another film?"
Sloan didn’t think that information was in the backgrounder. He saw a brief flash of anxiety on her face as she looked at her brother.
"That was a one-time thing," she said lightly. "Our specialty is film stunts, but usually my brothers handle those jobs. But who knows," she added, "I might consider doing another one if I’m asked."